Hockey is a sport that’s been around for centuries and continues to grow in popularity around the world. Similar to football and baseball, the sport requires teams of four to eight players to work together to launch a puck into a net or goal. Unlike other sports, however, hockey rewards physical aggression and speed over finesse and strategy.
Despite its obvious physical demands, the sport still manages to attract a wide audience. One of the reasons for this is the ability of the average person to get into hockey simply by buying a hockey net. The purpose of this guide is to help beginners understand the basics of hockey, including how to make a plywood hockey net that can be used for practice or for a game.
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What Is A Hockey Net?
Hockey nets are often described as “no-frills” because they don’t come with all the fancy trappings of a traditional hockey arena. This sort of description is perfectly appropriate, because a hockey net doesn’t need to impress anyone. It simply needs to keep the puck away from the player.
A hockey net is basically a structure constructed of wood or metal that’s been bent into the form of a cross. The four arms of the crosspiece are usually a few inches long, and the entire assembly is held together with metal hardware or pegs. This shape allows the puck to be stopped almost instantly by the rigid sides of the net, minimizing risk of injury to the player.
Why Are Hockey Nets Important?
A major drawback to playing with a ball is that you can’t do it outside. There have been efforts to set up mini hockey rinks in the neighborhood, but having a real hockey rink is the best. It allows you to practice your shots, develop your skating skills, and even play some games if you get bored of practicing alone.
Having a hockey net around the house also makes it much easier for the whole family to get involved. You can play different games together, such as goalie versus goalie, or competition between teams. This is a great way to encourage the kids to get involved in something healthy and invigorating.
How Do You Set Up A Hockey Net?
The first step towards setting up a hockey net is securing a space for it. To save money, you can buy a smaller one that will still do the trick. A small garage will do just fine. You then need to figure out a way to block off an area in the garage big enough for the net. A hockey net takes up a lot of space and can be a real safety hazard if it isn’t properly blocked off. This is why it’s important to purchase a smaller one in the first place.
Another important point to make is that the location of the hockey net is crucial. You want to put it in a place where you can see the puck clearly when it’s launched, so that you can ensure it makes it into the net. If you’re lucky enough to have a full garage, placing the hockey net against a wall will give you the best visibility while also keeping it out of the way so that it doesn’t get damaged.
Do You Need Special Equipment To Play Hockey?
There are certain items of specialized equipment that can be used in hockey. One of the most important things is skates. While you don’t necessarily need expensive skates to play hockey, you will need to purchase them in order to enjoy the sport. It’s also worth noting that hockey skates come in different sizes and styles, so make sure you purchase a pair that will fit you perfectly. This is especially important if you’ve never tried on athletic shoes before, as they can often feel a little bit tight when they’re first worn. This is why it’s best to purchase a size larger than what you usually wear.
Another critical piece of equipment is a helmet. Just like with your athletic shoes, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a hockey helmet. It is however, worth noting that a good helmet can dramatically improve your experience on the ice. One excellent option is the Bauerfeind UHC9300 Ice Helmet, which provides high levels of protection for your head while also allowing you to feel the breeze on your cheeks.
What Other Sports Equipment Do You Need?
Besides your skates and helmet, you will also need some other sports equipment to play hockey. This will vary depending on where you play, but you will need items such as gloves, elbow pads, and shin pads. If you participate in organized hockey games often, then you will also need a mask to protect your head from getting injured by flying pucks or elbow strikes from opposing players.
Practice makes perfect, and just like anything else in life, practice makes perfect in hockey too. There are plenty of ways to get quick practice in without needing any specialized equipment other than a hockey net and some ice. You can practice against the wall, practice with a ball, or even practice while riding a bike. Any sort of mobility work will definitely increase your skills and eventually lead to improved fitness levels and better hockey games.