Hockey

Hockey is in some ways like football. It's an 11 a-side team game, where the aim is to score a goal in the opposing team's net.

An Overview of Hockey

Each player passes a small hard ball around the pitch with a hooked stick.
A match is 70 minutes, with two halves, and the winner is the team which scores the most goals.

There are also variations to the traditional 11-a-side game these include:

Rush Hockey is an 5 or 6-a-side indoor version of hockey

Quicksticks is a four-a-side version of the game adapted for 7-11 year olds

Zone Hockey is a five-a-side adaptation of the sport that for young wheelchair users to participate alongside able-bodied players.

Improves fitness and stamina
Improves co-ordination
The sport can be mentally stimulating, will improve your fitness and your hand-eye co-ordination.

Dependent on the club and coach, starting playing can cost from as little as £2 per session but 'taster' sessions may be free.

Hockey clubs are supportive of beginners, and are likely to help out with equipment and advice.

A t-shirt, shorts and socks, as well as some robust trainers with a sound sole grip will get you started

For a beginner, clubs will be able to supply basic equipment, including sticks and balls, but in time, buying a good stick which suits you will prove a sound investment
Similarly some padded gloves, to avoid getting your knuckles cracked now and again and a mouth guard is no bad idea
A goalkeeper, will eventually need a mask, body padding and leg pads