How to Play Ball Hockey
Recreational sports provide millions of weekend warriors with fun, exercise and socializing. Unfortunately, for most community sponsored or rec league sports, there's an inherent cost. In the case of hockey, ice time, referees, possible travel and equipment all tally a rather large price tag. Ball hockey, AKA street or "dek" hockey, is an inexpensive alternative that, since there's no skating involved, nearly any able bodied person can play and usually play for free.
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Things You'll Need
- Sticks (quantity dependent on number of players) Plastic hockey ball (tennis balls can be used as well) Goal (hockey net or discarded barrel) Goalie (optional) Hockey gloves (optional) Shin guards (optional)
Instructions
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Determine the number of players and divide them into two evenly sided teams, usually 2-on-2, 4-on-4, or the traditional ice hockey 5-on-5. If not enough sticks are available, players can lend sticks during their rest time to "benched" players. Remove any debris from the playing court, if needed, and determine the center court line that divides the court into offensive and defensive zones.
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Set up goals (or nets with goalies) at the ends of both halves. Players face-off at the center line by setting the ball on the ground and tapping their sticks to either side of the ball three times before making an attempt at ball possession.
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In ball hockey, there is no "icing" as there is in ice hockey. However, simply shooting the ball into the opposing end with every possession is discouraged. Off-sides counts, so players with the ball must enter the attacking zone prior to any of their teammates or off-sides is called. That means the attacking team must surrender the ball to its opponent.
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As with ice or roller hockey, players shoot on goal and the goalie attempts to block the ball. If the goalie covers the ball, the attacking team retreats to its defensive zone as the opposing team converts to attacking. If using a "barrel" goal, play simply continues as no player can cover the ball legally. If a team scores, one goal is awarded and the teams face off at the center line once again. Since it's uncommon to have a time clock, teams usually play to a pre-determined goal count (such as first team to five goals wins). At the end of the game, players can be re-distributed to form new teams and play can continue.
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Tips & Warnings
The ball has a tendency to sting on some shots, so goalies are encouraged to wear appropriate protection. Some urban areas have restrictions on ball hockey play. Always adhere to any posted signs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mike Halford
Comments
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way cool
