Hockey

No matter what sport you play, you would need to make sure that you have the best equipment to meet your needs, and this is also applicable to your footwear. So, when you are out on the field ready to play hockey, you want to feel confident that your shoes will keep you protected and comfortable throughout the match. But with a wide range of brands and types available it can be quite overwhelming when shopping for field hockey shoes, so within this article we are going to explore the options available to give you some guidance when investing in a new pair. Within this article we discuss:

• How field hockey shoes are designed
• Protective aspect of the shoes
• Importance of the right boot
• Examples of boots on the market

Field hockey is most certainly a sport which is growing in popularity and participation year on year. We can see why the sport has captured the attention of many as the team make ups are very diverse for example there are games and clubs which are specifically aimed at adults, women, men and children to ensure that everyone can feel included when pursuing field hockey as a hobby.

Along with this, another reason why field hockey is popular to practice is that there are only two main items of equipment which are the ball and the hockey stick. When you own these you are able to practice confidently at home in the garden to hone your skills prior to your training session or recreationally for fun with family and friends. There are a number of places in which you can practice once you have your own equipment such as your garden, school or a specialised sports training ground. Depending on how you want to progress with field hockey, there are a number of avenues when it comes to your training. Within this article we have listed and discussed eight popular field hockey training drills which will help you improve your stamina, control and hit when playing the game. Each of these activities are fun and useful for all skill levels.

The World Cup is right around the corner—yes! That’s right, it’s just not the one you might think! While 2018 also saw the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup for association football played out on the world stage in Russia, it will also see the recurrence of some of the sporting world's other major tournaments. One of those will be the Women's Hockey World Cup, slated to take place this year between 21 July and 5 August. It’s no ice hockey tournament, either — it's the raw power and sheer finesse you can only find on display in the world of field hockey. 

Founded in 1974 and operated by the International Hockey Federation, the Women's Hockey World Cup falls in between runnings of the Summer Olympics and, as with other World Cups, takes place every four years. Originally only 12 teams competed for the top spot and the bragging rights of "world champion" in women's field hockey, but 2018 marks a change. The FIH chose to give the competition a big boost, increasing the number of teams to 16 in the hopes of introducing more variance and competition into the event. With the games scheduled to begin in London and the first match practically right around the corner, now is a good time to get up to speed on what's happening. What should you know about this World Cup?

A refresher on the rules of field hockey

Not up to date on how field hockey works? Though its popularity has grown, it isn't necessarily one of the world's most-watched sports. Let's quickly break down the basics of the rules for those that need a refresher course.

A regulation game occurs over two halves, each35 minutes in length. Two teams take to the pitch, which may be turf but is also frequently an indoor court with a hard surface, with tenplayers to a side plus goalkeepers. Like a typical ice hockey game, the object is to score by moving the ball into the opponent's net. However, there are some key differences regardingball handling that set this apart from other for

 

Field hockey is a game characterised by intense bursts of speed, the sudden development of explosive plays, and patient, careful, strategic teamwork. All these elements must come together to create a game that flows smoothly from start to end. While the strikers battle against the defenders over control of the ball and who will be able to go on the attack, there is another player of far greater importance to the final outcome: the goalie.

Just as in football and ice hockey, the goalkeeper plays perhaps the most vital role on the team: ensuring the opposing team never has the opportunity to score a goal. That's easier said than done, but before you can take up your position in front of the net to guard it with vigilance, you'll need the right gear.

As a special member of the team, the goalkeeper gets some different equipment, and your kit will necessarily have some variations away from those of your teammates. Are you planning to suit up and start trying your skills as a defender in this exciting game? You'll need to know what should go on your shopping list first. Here's everything you need to build up the essential field hockey goalkeeper's kit.

Choosing a helmet to keep your head safe

The helmet is one of the most essential items in your entire kit, and it's not difficult to see why. No one wants to take a blow to the head, especially not in the context of field hockey. To help protect against concussions and other head injuries, a helmet that fits properly should be one of your top priorities. The crucial piece of information that will help you select the ideal helmet is the circumference of your head. This measurement will allow you to select a helmet of appropriate size. Ensure that the protective bars on the helmet preserve enough of your vision to let you make the important plays.

When fitting a helmet, choose one that leaves no large gaps between your skull and the protective elements of the helmet.

6th November 2017. Hockey is an intense and exciting sport whether one plays it on a field of lush grass or inside a chilly ice skating rink. It's surprisingly physical, too, demanding fitness in a variety of areas. Unlike in sports like American football, association football, and even rugby, success in hockey is all about one's ability to manipulate the stick in your hand and the ball on the field. It's easier said than done, and it requires a lot of practice to hone your skills before you can even think about scoring a goal. What if you aren't very familiar with the sport at all, though? Whether you know ice hockey but not field hockey or you're brand new to the sport, taking a comprehensive overview of the subject can help spark your interest. Where did this sport come from originally? The exact origins are hard to trace, but it seems that even the Ancient Greeks played a game with some similarities to today's hockey. Even the word "hockey" itself has an unknown origin; we don't know how we came up with the term! However, we do know that by the 1800s, the sport was gaining popularity in Britain, often considered the real birthplace of the sport. Students at public schools played field hockey regularly, and by the end of the century, the sport was well-established enough to merit the formation of hockey associations. The game even made a few early appearances at the Olympics in 1908 and 1920. It wasn't until the late 20s that it became a permanent Olympic fixture, though, after players worldwide banded together to form the first real governing bodies. The history of the sport aside, how do you play? The rules are simple on the surface but hide depth and complexity below. With 11 players on each side of the pitch, it's an often hectic and very chaotic game, especially at higher levels. As the ball soars from one end of the field to the other, it's anyone's game

22nd June 2017. For children and adults alike, field hockey is a fun, exciting, and physically demanding sport. As a game with small periods of inactivity punctuated by rapid bursts, it's not unlike football or even its cousin, ice hockey, in some respects. However, field hockey is a unique pastime, and it brings with it many similarly unique challenges. Whether you enjoy playing the game yourself or you have a child who wants to practice the sport, you'll always need to start with the basics: equipment. The good news is that unless you intend to play the goalie, there isn't much special gear you need. You will need a stick, though ? and that's the most important part. A professional field hockey player can feel as though the stick is merely an extension of their body. Anyone who has watched a practised drag flick or a goal scored with finesse knows that good stick control is essential. With the wrong stick, you can feel awkward or even unable to control the ball. So, what should you look for next time you head to the athletics store? Let's break down the various components of the field hockey stick and discuss what you should know. By the end, you should have a good sense of which stick will be right for you.

Know the jargon before you go shopping

Before we start, do you understand the names of the various parts of the stick? There can be a lot of technical terminology thrown around, especially by veteran players. A quick refresher on what's what can help you understand what to look for as we discuss sticks. For example, the wrapped upper portion of the stick is often called the grip or handle by players. It can also be called the shaft, however, and shaft length

6th February 2017. Who says that you need an ice skating rink and cold temperatures to be able to play hockey? With field hockey, the limitations and equipment costs for ice hockey disappear. Whether you're just getting started with enjoying this fast-paced game or you're looking for ways to improve, training for field hockey is imperative. While ice hockey is a very physical game, movement is much easier due to the smooth, slick surface of the ice. In field hockey, it's all about physical endurance, strong cardiovascular fitness, and the ability to keep on sprinting down the field. Naturally, that's quite a lot of strenuous effort! If you want to find success on the field hockey pitch, you'll need to be adequately prepared to face the challenges every game will throw at you. To that end, it's crucial to develop a training regimen that will help you hone the skills you'll want to use on the field. From practising drills that boost your agility and improve your footwork, to endurance exercises for developing energy reserves, there's lots you can do to improve. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ways to train and develop your skills in field hockey.

 

Develop quickness and endurance with sprints

 

Sprinting is one of the best ways to develop the types of muscle fibres which give you access to quick bursts of energy and speed. It's about more than just running as fast as you can in a straight line, though. There are many possible approaches to sprints a field hockey player might take. Let's consider a few of the ones you might want to try incorporating into your routine. First, if you're working out alone, try the "T-run." In this setup, lay down four cones so they create the shape of the letter T. They should be spaced out with approximately 5 to 10 yards between each of them. Beginning at the bottom of the "T,"

 

For as long as humans have been organizing themselves into communities, sports have been a part of our lifestyle. From the ancient Aztec ball courts to modern basketball courts and football pitches, we love to gather together and participate in games that test our strength, speed, and skills. Sports aren't just for the spectator, though; they're an essential and excellent way to encourage physical fitness and teamwork. That is why you will often find a wide variety of sports in schools. Encouraging children to find a sport they like and stick with might not always yield an all-star player, but it will create opportunities for valuable life lessons. Community sports leagues are a great way to accomplish this, as well.

So which sports should you encourage your children to join? There are many from which to choose. Naturally, allowing your child's personal likes and dislikes to play a part in the choice is important. However, it's also a smart idea to consider the pros and cons of many different activities. How much physical activity is involved? Which sport is likely to help the most in building character, confidence, and cooperation abilities? More "solo" sports such as tennis and swimming are excellent for increasing physical activity, but for a well-balanced approach, consider something different. Sports like football, basketball, and rugby are good options, but for a fun all around experience, why not take a closer look at the sport of field hockey?

 

What is field hockey? How is it played?

 

 

First, it can be helpful to understand exactly what the sport is and how it's played to see its strong suits. If you have any familiarity with ice hockey, then much of this is likely to be familiar to you. If you're new to the entire concept, though, and you're curious about its suitability for both boys and girls, a quick rundown will be helpful. Here are the key

Whether you are trying to decide which sport is right for you or your kids, hockey might not be one of the first athletic pursuits to jump to your mind. However, in terms of both fitness and fun, not many sports can rival hockey. Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing hockey? Whether to get in better shape or just to enjoy yourself.

Fitness: Hockey is great cardiovascular exercise.

The cardio benefits of playing field hockey are enormous. Because of the start-stop nature of the game, you might believe that hockey doesn't have the same cardiovascular benefits of simply going for an extended, non-stop run. However, the fact that hockey players are required to alternate periods of high-intensity running with periods of rest actually delivers better cardiovascular exercise than a non-stop workout. When you repeat alternate intense bursts of exercise with brief moments of rest, you are doing what is called interval training. Long-distance runners do interval work to increase their speed and stamina. On the hockey field, this interval-based exercise results in great cardiovascular exercise with incredible calorie-burning benefits.

 

Fun: The teamwork facet is terrific.

Because hockey is so fast-paced, teams need to learn how to communicate and collaborate like one living, breathing organism in order to succeed. The slightest lapse of concentration can result in a turnover and a goal for the other team. While this factor makes hockey a high-pressure sport, it also adds to the rewarding nature of the game. There are few sports where players have to rely on their teammates as much as they do in hockey. This teamwork facet and the elements of both verbal and non-verbal communication help build near-familial bonds of friendship between players and adds to the drive and fun of the