It’s time to stop talking and start playing! Whether you are a professional hockey player looking for a new challenge, a backyard hockey player looking for ways to improve your game, or just someone who wants to give it a try, this article will teach you the basics of making a hockey. You will learn everything from where to buy the equipment to what positions you should play depending on your build.
Table of Contents
Equipment
There are a few essential items you will need to get started. First and foremost is the equipment you will use to play hockey. You will need skates, hockey sticks, and protective gear. When choosing your skates, make sure to get the right size and fit for your feet. Next, you will need to consider the materials used in the construction of the skates. You will want to invest in a pair of ice skates if you live in a cold climate or a pair of roller skates if you live in a place with a heavy snowfall. Aside from the material used in the construction of the skates, you will also need to look at the weight of the pair. Generally speaking, the heavier the better. This is because it takes more energy to move the blades around. Another essential piece of gear is the helmet. This is also a vital part of protecting your head during a collision or fall. Most hockey helmets are either hard, or have a combination of padding and a hard outer shell. There are also different levels of safety built into the design of a hockey helmet. While some are just good for keeping the chin down, others also have an internal earflapper or a whistle. In some instances, the padding is even constructed in a way that gives the illusion of a third eye (or eye ball) above the wearer’s head! If you live in a place where the weather is cold, then you will also need to consider purchasing a pair of warm-up or workout gloves. These are similar to the ones used in skiing or driving a car, but they are designed for playing hockey. Like the skates, the size and fit of the gloves are crucial to the performance of your hands while playing.
Storage
One of the most essential elements to keep track of while making a hockey is the storage space. You will need a place to put all the equipment when you are not using it. This will generally mean either storing it in your garage or other areas of your home, or leaving it out on the lawn. If you decide to store it on the lawn, make sure you pick a spot where it will not be damaged by the weather elements (such as sun, wind, or rain). In the winter, storing ice hockey equipment on the lawn can be dangerous as it may freeze with prolonged exposure to the elements. In this case it is better to store it inside your garage or the attic of your home. Attics tend to keep things clean and safe, and make a good storage space for all sorts of equipment.
Rules
Just because you made the decision to play hockey does not mean you have to have all the rules straight away. In reality, the more you know, the better you will be at playing the game. Before starting to play, it is good to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of hockey. It is also a good idea to look into the other sports that are similar to hockey, and try to learn the rules and techniques used in those games. In some instances, some of the rules could be applied to hockey, but in many cases, the rules are unique to the game of hockey. Some of the basic rules of hockey are:
- Two teams of four, each taking a turn at fore-court hockey.
- A neutral referee between the two teams.
- Play begins with a drop-shot.
- Three minutes of play for each goal scored.
- Use your hands to keep your stick on the ice while you are skating.
- No standing or sitting on the ice.
- Carry the puck to the other end of the rink before shooting it.
- Take your time with the puck on your stick—no rushing.
- Use your head instead of your hands to pass the puck (otherwise it is a foul).
- Use your teammates to your advantage—take advantage of your opponent’s mistakes.
- No hitting the goalie.
- When in doubt, ask for help from the ref or your coach.
- Take care of your equipment and store it in a safe and clean place.
- Maintain good sportsmanship at all times.
More Information
If you want to learn more about hockey, there are several places you can look online. The American Hockey League (AHL) has an informative website complete with information on how to play the game, and even has a blog where you can learn about hockey in general! The league also runs an instructional YouTube channel where you can find all sorts of helpful videos.
As for books, there are several good hockey titles available on Amazon. Some of the recommended books include: