Have you ever wanted to play hockey but don’t have access to ice or a proper hockey rink? Well, there’s a unique alternative that you may not have considered: hockey with brooms. Yes, you read that right. With just a broom and a ball, you can experience the thrill of this popular sport in a whole new way.
Forget about needing expensive equipment or a dedicated ice surface. Hockey with brooms is a fun and accessible option for anyone who loves the game. It is a great way to stay active and hone your hockey skills and offers a chance for creative improvisation on the traditional rules and techniques.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of hockey with brooms, from how it originated to the different variations you can try. So grab your broom and prepare for a thrilling hockey game like you’ve never played before.
What is hockey with brooms?
Broom hockey offers a unique and exciting twist to the traditional game of hockey. Although it’s a favorite among children and college-aged individuals, adults can also enjoy the thrill. Whether planning a weekend activity or celebrating a birthday, broom hockey and pizza make for a fun and memorable time.
To set the stage for a lively game of broom hockey, find a suitable venue. Options like a recreational center, basketball court, hockey rink, or even a spacious gymnasium with a hard floor are perfect.
Here’s how to organize a game of broom hockey:
1. Assemble Participants Gather a group of six or more people for a balanced team setup.
2. Prepare the Court. Mark the middle starting point on the court by measuring and using painter’s tape for easy removal. Place cones at the desired goal positions. Adjust goal distances based on participants’ age and skill level—closer goals for kids and a bit more challenging spacing for adults.
3. Set Game Duration Decide on the duration of each half. A common choice is fifteen minutes per half, but feel free to extend it if your group prefers longer gameplay.
4. Form Teams Create two teams with an equal number of players. Aim for at least three players on each team.
5. Distribute Brooms Provide each team member with a broom.
6. Assign Positions Select one goalie, one defensive player, and one offensive player for each team. If there are more than three players on a team, let the rest choose between defense or offense.
7. Start the Game by placing the ball at the center point and shouting, “Go!” The objective is to score points using your broom to hit the tennis ball to the opposing team’s goal. Return to the center point after a goal or at the start of each new play.
8. Determine the Winner Calculate the total points earned by each team throughout both halves. The team with the higher combined score emerges as the winner.
Broom hockey offers a fantastic blend of competitive gameplay and lighthearted fun. Everyone can join in the excitement regardless of age, making it an ideal choice for various social gatherings. And after the game, why not reward yourselves with some well-deserved pizza to cap off the enjoyment?
Also Read: When was the Premier League Founded
What is the difference between broom hockey and broomball?
| Aspect | Broom Hockey | Broomball |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Players use regular hockey sticks. | Players use specialized broomball sticks. |
| Playing Surface | Typically played on ice or indoor rink. | Typically played on ice or indoor rink. |
| Ball/Puck | Uses a hockey puck for gameplay. | Uses a rubber ball for gameplay. |
| Footwear | Players usually wear regular shoes. | Players wear rubber-soled broomball shoes. |
| Rules | Gameplay rules similar to ice hockey. | Gameplay rules designed for broomball. |
| Scoring | It can be intense, resembling ice hockey. | It’s generally less intense than ice hockey. |
| Contact | Physical contact is typically allowed. | Limited physical contact is allowed. |
| Game Intensity | It may have regional variations in rules. | Scored by hitting the ball into the opponent’s goal. |
| Stick Handling | Requires hockey stick handling skills. | Requires specific broomball stick skills. |
| Popularity | Less commonly known and played. | More commonly known and played. |
| Global Variations | It may have smaller player base. | Rules are relatively standardized. |
| Community Involvement | It may have a smaller player base. | Often played recreationally in communities. |
How do you play broom hockey?
Broom hockey is a fun and casual game that mimics ice hockey but is typically played on a hard floor or gymnasium surface rather than on ice. Here’s a basic guide on how to play broom hockey:
Objective: Broom hockey aims to score goals by hitting a ball into the opposing team’s goal using brooms or sticks, while following simplified rules inspired by ice hockey.
Equipment:
- Brooms or sticks: Players use regular brooms or sticks (like those used for sweeping) to hit the ball.
- Ball: Use a soft ball, such as a tennis ball or a foam ball. This reduces the risk of injury on a non-ice surface.
- Goals: Set up goals at each end of the playing area. These can be marked using cones or other suitable markers.
Gameplay:
- Team Formation: Divide players into two teams with an even number of participants on each team. It’s ideal to have at least three players on each team.
- Positioning: Assign players to positions within their teams:
- Offense: These players focus on trying to score goals by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
- Defense: These players aim to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking shots and gaining ball control.
- Goalie: One player from each team can take on the role of goalie. The goalie’s primary responsibility is to defend the goal and block shots.
- Starting the Game: Place the ball at the center of the playing area. Have the players line up at their respective sides.
- Playing the Game: Players use the brooms or sticks to hit the ball, passing it among teammates and attempting to score goals. Players are not allowed to use their hands to touch the ball.
- Scoring: A goal is scored when a player successfully hits the ball into the opposing team’s goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
- Time and Duration: Decide on the duration of the game halves. Common options are 15 to 20 minutes per half. After the first half, teams switch ends of the playing area.
- Rules: The rules of broom hockey can be flexible and adapted to the players’ preferences. Generally, avoid overly aggressive play to ensure everyone’s safety on the non-ice surface.
- Winning: The team with the most goals wins at the end of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you play broomball with regular hockey sticks?
No, broomball is played with specially designed broomball sticks. These sticks are shorter and have a wider head than regular hockey sticks, allowing players to control the rubber broomball ball more effectively.
2. Can you wear regular ice skates for broomball?
Yes, you can wear regular ice skates for broomball. However, some players prefer to wear rubber-soled shoes or tennis shoes for better traction on the ice surface. The choice of footwear ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort.
3. Is broomball similar to ice hockey?
Broomball shares similarities with ice hockey, such as the use of an ice hockey rink and a rubber ball. However, the gameplay and rules differ. Broomball does not involve skating as fast as in ice hockey and is played with broomball sticks instead of ice hockey sticks.
4. Are there penalties in broomball?
Yes, just like in ice hockey, there are penalties in broomball. Some common penalties include slashing, high sticking (raising the broomball stick above waist height), tripping, and body checking. Penalties result in players being temporarily removed from the game.
5. Can broomball be played without ice?
Broomball can also be played on other suitable surfaces, such as gym floors or even grass. The game adapts to the available surface, and the rules may be slightly modified to accommodate the change. However, the thrill of playing broomball on ice adds an extra dimension to the game.
Conclusion
Broomball is an exciting and fun activity that shares similarities with ice hockey but has its unique set of rules and equipment. Whether playing on ice or alternative surfaces, broomball offers a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators alike.
