English
ICE HOCKEY, FIELD HOCKEY, FLOORBALL - DIFFERENCES IN DISCIPLINES AND EQUIPMENT
2023-02-03
Hockey is primarily associated with the ice rink, but variations of it can also be played on grass and on the floor. Ice hockey, field hockey and floorball are similar in terms of the rules of the game, but differ in terms of the equipment used. What exactly do they consist of? What do you need to practice them? We explain.
ICE HOCKEY - BASIC RULES AND EQUIPMENT
Ice hockey is a sport that dates back to its roots in the early 15th century. Initially practiced on frozen bodies of water, today there are professional ice rinks of certain dimensions. Canada is considered the cradle of ice hockey, where the first official game was played. To this day, the sport is still extremely popular there. And as many as 68 countries in the world are affiliated with the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF.
The goal of ice hockey is to score points by putting the puck into the goal. The puck made of natural rubber is moved over the ice surface with a special stick, and the players move on skates. Protectors are also an important piece of equipment for any hockey player. This is because it is a discipline in which body attacks are allowed. However, it is good to know that the list of forbidden actions is quite long, and for each offense the player must leave the ice for a certain period of time and sit on the penalty bench. During this time, the team plays in a weakened state.
A field hockey team consists of as many as 22 players (including two goalkeepers), although a maximum of six players from one team, including one goalkeeper, can be on the field at one time. An ice hockey match lasts 60 minutes and is divided into 3 parts - periods lasting 20 minutes each. Also, the rink is divided into three sections delineated by blue lines. The goals are located at opposite ends of the ice field. They are 1.22 meters high and 1.83 meters wide and must be properly made - they usually have a steel or aluminium frame and a highly resistant plastic net.
FIELD HOCKEY - HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ICE HOCKEY?
Field hockey has also lived to see its "summer" variety. No ice is needed for field hockey. All that is needed is a grass field measuring 91.40 × 55 meters, with two goals 2.14 meters high and 3.66 meters wide. The match lasts a total of 75 minutes (two halves of 35 minutes each and a 5-minute break). The teams are made up of 11 players each plus five substitutes. Instead of a puck, a ball with a diameter of 7-7.5 cm is used. Players have wooden sticks with a flattened, curved tip, with which they can pass the ball or direct it into the opponent's goal. What's important, the ball cannot be touched by any part of the body.
Field field hockey equipmen is not complicated, but it should be made in a certain way. Among other things, its weather resistance is important. In addition, mechanical strength is key, as balls are not infrequently hit with great force. Therefore, the goals are most often made of steel or aluminium profiles, and the nets for them are made of versatile polypropylene.
FLOORBALL - AN INDOOR VARIATION OF FIELD HOCKEY
Another sport derived from ice hockey is floorball. The rules of the game are similar in this case. The gameplay is very dynamic, although a little less contact. Matches are played in periods of 20 minutes each, with 6 players from each team on the field at a time - just like ice hockey. Instead of a puck, there is a plastic ball with a diameter of 72 mm and a weight of just 23 g. To achieve such a low weight, holes are made in it - exactly 22 with a diameter of 10 mm each. Floorball sticks are similar in shape to those used on the ice, but are also much lighter. They are made of plastic or lightweight carbon fiber, and the characteristic "blade" has an openwork style. The ball is played primarily with a stick. It is possible to play with the leg, but only once.
The biggest difference, of course, is the playing field. Floorball is played indoors, on a hard surface. The sport is less contact, so players do not need special protectors (usually only the goalkeeper is wearing them). Of course, floorball also does not require skating, so it is excellent even for complete amateurs who are looking for a dynamic sport full of healthy competition.
ICE HOCKEY, FIELD HOCKEY, FLOORBALL - IDEAL SPORTS EQUIPMENT
In each of the disciplines described above, the necessary equipment is quite simple. It includes primarily:
• goals including nets,
• sticks,
• puck or balls.
In addition, players may need protectors. Ice skates are also essential when playing on ice. For a game of floorball or field hockey, comfortable sportswear and footwear that matches the surface are usually sufficient. A safe play requires the use of quality equipment, which you will stock in our store. We offer proven equipment for each of the three varieties of field hockey - feel free to shop!