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Hockey TipsSUPPLIES
- Players (approx. 12)
- Ice hockey rink or frozen skating pond/lake
- Brooms (1 per player)
- 1 Ball
- Shin/Knee/Elbow pads for each player
- Gloves (1 pair per player)
- Hockey helmets (1 for each player)
- Tennis shoes with rubber soles (1 pair for each player)
- 2 goal nets
- Timer
Overview
Broom hockey, also known as Broomball, is a fun and exciting sport played on ice that originated in Canada during the early 1900s. However, ice skating experience is not required since the game is played while wearing regular tennis shoes with rubber soles. The sport is an interesting combination of ice hockey and soccer. It can be played either indoors on ice rinks or outdoors in the winter on designated frozen skating ponds or lakes. Great for all ages, broom hockey offers up family-friendly fun guaranteed to produce a few laughs along the way. The truly serious broom hockey players can even set their sights on national and international competitions.
Prepare to Play
Step 1
Gather a group of friends or family who want to join in on the fun and divide everyone into two teams. Make sure that each team is equal in its number of players. Typical Broom Hockey teams consist of 6 players, but this number can be adjusted more or less. Assign each player a spot on the teams with each team having 1 goal guard, as well as a minimum of 2 defense players and 3 forward players.
Step 2
Make sure every player understands that the object of the game is to hit the ball into the opposing team's goal. The team with the most number of goals after the two game halves (approximately 15 to 18 minutes each) will be the winner of the game.
Step 3
Explain the basic rules of the game to every player. Physical contact or broom checking (using your broom to interfere with another player's broom) is not allowed. If a broom touches the ball above a player's shoulder level this is a minor penalty which is called "high broom" and results in 2 minutes time-out for that individual player.
Step 4
Provide each player with a broom. Regular household bristle brooms can be used, or professional "broomball" sticks can be purchased at an athletic equipment store.
Step 5
Have every player put on a hockey helmet (with the goalies wearing a goalie helmet with face guard) as well as shin, knee and elbow pads. Also make sure that each payer is wearing gloves with finger grips or hockey gloves, and tennis shoes with rubber soles. Professional broomball shoes are available for serious players.
Step 6
Arrange the goals on opposite ends of the rink (just like you would in ice hockey), assuring that the goals are in line with each other. While professional broomball goals are preferred, you can also utilize standard ice hockey goals.
Step 7
Don't forget the ball. You can buy a professional broomball at athletic equipment stores, or you can use a similar solid rubber ball that is approximately 6 inches in diameter.
Let the Games Begin
Step 1
Get situated on the ice. Decide which goal belongs to which team. Then have each team's goalie situate themselves in front of their team's goal. Place the ball in the center of the rink with all of the other players surrounding the ball making sure each team is standing facing the ball looking towards the opposite team's goal.
Step 2
Set the timer for the first half (approximately 15 to 18 minutes). On the count of 1-2-3 have someone signal a buzzer or shout "go." Upon hearing that, the game begins.
Step 3
Players will run around the rink trying to hit the ball with their broom in an attempt to get the ball across the ice and into the opposite team's goal. After a goal has been made place the ball back in the center of the rink and countdown again.
Step 4
Re-set the timer for the second half (approximately 15 to 18 minutes) after you have completed the first half. Continue playing the game as before.
Step 5
Win at broom hockey by being the team to score the most goals overall during the two halves.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Stretch before playing to help prevent injury.
In case of a tie each team will choose a team member to participate in a shootout where first goal wins.
Goalies may want to wear further protective gear, including shoulder pads.
Male players may want to wear a cup for protection.
Make the game even more fun by playing music while you play.
Recharge after the game by gathering at your favorite restaurant to eat and chat with your teammates.
- WARNING : Make sure everyone wears helmets for safety.
Remember that serious injury can occur from falling on ice, so use caution when maneuvering across the ice.
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