Field hockey at the 1964 Summer Olympics Field hockey at the 1964 Summer Olympics Field hockey at the 1964 Summer Olympics was a sport open only to men. 15 teams played in the field hockey competition. The preliminary round was conducted by breaking the 15 teams into two groups of 7 and 8 teams. The groups then played a round-robin tournament with each team playing the other teams in the group once. 2 points were awarded for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 for a loss. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semifinals while the third and fourth played in
Field hockey each period, as well as after goals are scored, play is started with a pass from the centre of the field. All players must start in their defensive half (apart from the player making the pass), but the ball may be played in any direction along the floor. Each team starts with the ball in one half, and the team that conceded the goal has possession for the restart. Teams trade sides at halftime. Field players may only play the ball with the face of the stick. If the back side of the stick is used, it is a penalty