A penalty stroke, sometimes known as a penalty flick, is the most severe penalty in field hockey. It is typically given when a foul prevents a goal from being scored or when a defender in the penalty circle commits an intentional infraction. When a penalty stroke is awarded, time in the match is stopped. The penalty shot is between any attacking player of choice and the defensive goalkeeper. The penalty shot is taken from the penalty spot, which is located 6.4 metres (7.0 yards) immediately in front of the goal.

Prior to taking the penalty shot, the goalie must be standing with both feet on the goal line and the attacker must be within playing distance of the ball. The attacker may play the ball at goal utilising a "push, flick, or scoop" technique after the umpire blows the whistle. The attacking player is not allowed to feint and may play the ball only once (there is no rebound); the goalie may not shift their feet until the ball has been played. If the ball completely crosses the goal line, a goal is scored. If not, there is a defensive 15-meter free hit and play continues. Any violation committed by an attacking player during the penalty stroke results in the same outcome; however, a defensive player's violation may force a retake of the penalty stroke if no goal has been scored.

The penalty stroke, which was given for purposefully blocking a certain goal, took the place of the penalty bully in 1963. The penalty area was then 7.3 metres (80 yards) from the goal. A deliberate foul in the circle might also result in a stroke in 1973. In 1974, the penalty area was moved to its present location. Prior to 2009, deliberate fouls committed during a penalty shot could potentially result in penalty goals.