The third instalment of our ‘Get Involved’ series is on Hockey. This series is intended to help inspire, motivate and get more people involved in the world of sport!
Hockey is in some ways like football, the aim is to score a goal in the opposing team’s net but by using a hooked stick. With two teams of 11 that are divided into defence, midfield or attack, Hockey is usually played on a pitch of grass or artificial turf and the goals are designed to match the NHL 3.7 m x 21.1 m standard.
Regardless of your age, gender or ability there are different variations of the game which everyone can get involved in.
Field Hockey
The most common variant, Field Hockey is a popular game amongst males and females all over the globe. Men’s Field Hockey has been played at each Summer Olympic games since 1908, while womens since 1980. The game is played by two teams who try to manoeuvre a ball into the opponents goal by only using a hockey stick. To find a Field Hockey Club near you, click here!
Ice Hockey
With the same principals as Field Hockey except played on ice, Ice Hockey is a fast-paced, contact game played for a duration of 60 minutes. Perhaps Canada’s most popular game, Ice Hockey is an Olympic sport and there are more than a million players registered in leagues. Find your local Ice Hockey club here.
Roller Hockey
Derived from Ice Hockey, roller is a variation played by two teams consisting of four skaters and one goalie. All players use quad skates, whereas inline skates are used in Inline Hockey. Roller Hockey can be played on any dry surface – typically macadam or cement.
Wheelchair Hockey
One of the great advantages of disability Hockey is that it’s a team sport which can be practised by people with different degrees of disability. The aim of Wheelchair Hockey is just the same as any other variation: to get the ball into the opposing goal!
Adapted teams are made up of four outfield Hockey players and a goalkeeper, with two halves each lasting twenty minutes. A distinctive feature of Wheelchair Hockey is that the playing field is a similar size to an indoor football pitch. The goals are also lower than in traditional Hockey and have a double net to prevent the ball from bouncing.
Junior Hockey
For players between 16 and 21 years, Junior Hockey is a great place to start. With the same rules as traditional Hockey, this variation enables younger players to develop skills at a slower pace.
Hockey Health Benefits
If you’re getting into sport for your health, Hockey games provide the body with great benefits.
Enhanced Muscular Strength
Despite Hockey being a great way to burn calories it also helps enhance muscular strength. The buildup of muscle from Hockey helps improve bone strength whilst reducing the risk of injury. Hockey is a great sport for a healthier, happier and stronger body.
Full Body Workout
Yes that’s right, Hockey is the ultimate full body workout, so if losing weight is your reason for joining then it’s safe to say you’ll see fantastic results. Hockey develops the leg muscles whilst working on the triceps and shoulder muscles at the same time.
Develops Hand-Eye Coordination
A unique benefit, hockey helps improve the coordination between the hands and eyes. Because the game revolves around a stick it means your body needs to be in sync.
Team Work
Hockey is a sport that’s heavily reliant on team work. Hockey develops a great sense of camaraderie because everyone works towards one goal – achieving victory. Along with developing team work skills, Hockey boosts self-confidence because players naturally help each other.
Now you know all the ways in which you can get involved in Hockey. Mark Harrod Ltd supply a wide range of Hockey equipment which includes goals and training equipment. Visit our shop to browse!
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