Bails are a type of equipment used in various sports, particularly in cricket and hockey. In cricket, bails are small wooden pieces that sit on top of the stumps, which are three vertical posts. Their primary function is to indicate when the wicket has been broken, signaling that a batsman is out. In hockey, bails refer to the small, round objects used in the game of field hockey to score goals. Players aim to hit the ball into the opponent's net, and the bails help define the goal area. Both uses of bails are essential for the rules and gameplay of their respective sports.