Hockey

What is hockey?

Hockey is one of many sports in which two teams compete by trying to maneuver a ball, or a hard, round, rubber or heavy plastic disc called a puck, into the opponent's net or goal, using a hockey stick.

Hockey is not only a sport but can also become an occupation. Today some people play and train for hockey in hopes for it become their career.

It is seen as an honour to go to the Olympics and represent your country, A male and female team from most countries get a chance to do this. At the last winter Olympics Canada was lucky to have both the female and male hockey teams bring home  gold metals.

RULES OF THE GAME

•       The ball is moved towards the goal by use of the stick, using only the flat left-hand side.

•       If you are caught using the round side of your stick it will result in a penalty.

•       If the ball is hit into your feet or the other teams, it will result into a free hit.

•       The ball is not allowed to hit your foot.

To score: 

•       A goal is scored each time the puck goes past the goal line of the opposing team's net.

•       A goal does not count if it is purposely kicked in by the foot, thrown in by the hand, or hit in by a high stick.

•       A goal accidentally deflected off of a player does count.

HISTORY

•       The sport is said to be the oldest team sport in history.  The game’s roots can date back to 4,000 years ago. 

•       It was known as the “ball and stick” game

•       Other countries call the sport,  “hockey.”

•       In 1850, hockey became a popular sport in English schools.

•       Men’s Field Hockey Clubs started to form in England

•       The sport was originally considered too dangerous of a sport for women.  It became socially acceptable because women were allowed to play croquette and lawn tennis. 

•       By 1887 the first Women’s Field hockey club was formed in England.

•       In 1901, Field Hockey was introduced to Americans at Harvard University.

•       Started in the Olympics in 1908.  The International Hockey Federation was formed.  By the early 1970’s, 72 countries belonged to the federation.

•       Today, there are 19,000 players, coaches, officials and fans who are members of U.S. Field Hockey Association.

3.Different Types Of Hockey

Ø  Field hockey

Ø  Ice hockey

Ø  Roller hockey (inline and quad)

Ø  Street hockey

Field hockey is played on gravel, natural grass, sand-based or water-based artificial turf, with a small, hard ball. The game is popular among both males and females in many parts of the world, particularly in Europea, Asia, Australia, and South Africa.

•       You are only allowed to have 11 players on the field including the goalie.

There are normally 4 forwards, 3 Midfielders, and 3 Defenders.

Ice hockey is played on a large flat area of ice, using a three inch diameter rubber disc called a puck. This puck is often frozen before high-level games to decrease the amount of bouncing and friction on the ice.

Ice Hockey is played all over North America, Europe and in many other countries around the world. It is the most popular sport in Canada, Finland, the Czech Republic, and in Sweden.

Ice Hockey
equipment

•          Six players from each team are allowed on the ice at one time. This includes one goalie, two defenders, and three forwards.

Roller hockey is a form of hockey played on a dry surface using skates with wheels. There is traditional "Roller Hockey," played with quad roller skates, and "Inline Hockey," played with inline skates. Combined, roller hockey is played in nearly 60 countries worldwide. We can find 2 examples of hockey

Quad roller hockey

Inline hockey

Street hockey (also known as Road hockey, deck hockey, ground hockey, or ball hockey) is a type of hockey played usually on an outdoor surface with or without skates.