Hockey is one of the most gender equitable team sports and is fun, fast, safe and exciting. Multiple skills are developed whilst playing – physical competence (such as balance, co-ordination, agility and dexterity) and also wider personal skills (such as teamwork, communication, respect, discipline, fairness and pride). The aim is for every child to have fun whilst learning and developing these core skills.
Below are the three adapted hockey formats that some primary schools might offer during PE or as part of an after school club. Hockey Heroes, Quicksticks and In2Hockey have been designed so anyone can pick up a stick and play the game, regardless of previous hockey experience. The aim is to help encourage players of all ages and abilities to have fun, have a positive experience and enjoy being physically active.
Hockey Heroes is specially aimed at beginners aged 5 - 8 years. It not only focuses on helping children develop some physical hockey ‘superpowers’ such as dribbling, passing and goal scoring, but also places as much emphasis on character development superpowers including teamwork, communication, perseverance and respect. This will boost their confidence, and ensure a positive experience of physical activity and sport that will have a beneficial effect in the rest of their life.
Quicksticks is designed for 7-11 year olds. It is four-a-side, very easy to play and ensures lots of touches of the ball to provide as many opportunities to practise the skills players need to develop. Quicksticks can be played on any surface, and uses a larger, lighter and safer ball that is easier to control.
The In2Hockey format of the game has been designed specifically for those players aged 10 – 14 years, to give the best and most appropriate age related experience of the game. It can be introduced as a 6-a-side game without goalkeepers, or played as a 7-a-side game with goalkeepers. The 6-a-side version can be played on various surfaces and uses adapted equipment and simplified rules to make this possible.
Overall, In2Hockey aims to develop hockey skills and techniques and to provide a gradual progression into the 11-a-side game.
Competition Opportunities in Schools
A variety of competition formats are available to suit the level of the school and the players taking part.
The School Games is a programme designed to keep competitive sport at the heart of schools. At intra school level the formats can be to play some small sided matches or to try some hockey skills challenges within school as part of a hockey or school games themed festival. Further hockey specific School Games information can be found here.
Junior Hockey opportunities in Clubs
For players wishing to play hockey outside of school use our Find a Club page to search for local clubs. As every club is unique we recommend following up with them to discuss suitable options.