How to Set Up a Street Hockey Game

Street hockey has been around for quite some time. It may have fallen under the disguise as floor hockey, ball hockey, or even roller hockey. The names and speed of these games might be a little different but overall the methodology is the same. The facets to starting an effective street hockey game involve venue, team size, and equipment.

Venue

Find a place to setup your street hockey game can be relatively easy. The best area for selecting the game site will be a quiet parking lot or tennis court. Another suitable close to ho me location for having a street hockey game will be on a quiet cul de sac or dead-end street. Try and avoid establishing your game on a busy street or populated area such as occupied basketball courts or parking lots with bustling activity. You do not want to make the mistake of infringing upon others space or damaging nearby vehicles.

Team Size

A street hockey game can involve teams anywhere between one to six individuals. One on one floor hockey can be quite exhausting and it is recommended teams consist of at least four to six players on each side. The format will consist of offense (wingers and center), defense, and one goalie. The most common format is that of an ice hockey team which consists of goalie, two defensemen, two wingers, and a center. If there are more than six people to each side, arrange for player substitutions or line changes.

Equipment

Street hockey does not require quite the large and expensive amount of equipment as compared with ice hockey. Street hockey requires use of wooden or plastic sticks. A typical street hockey stick will have a wooden shaft with plastic blade which will withstand the wear and tear of the hard cement or asphalt surface. The "puck' is usually represented by a durable no bounce ball or a bright colored plastic puck. The players will not require any special padded equipment other than maybe some shin guards and possible a cup for the goalie. Equipment is held to a minimum with street hockey since checking is not allowed. Special caution should be taken with high sticks, tripping, and getting hit with the ball. Some people will take these risks into consideration and use plastic goggles or safety glasses and added padding for insurance. Players should wear loose clothing and gym shoes.

If you want to have nets in as your goals you will need to go to a sporting goods store and purchase one. A cheaper alternative will be going to a used sporting goods store and picking one up for a reduced price. You can save even more money by using small safety cones or even an extra pair of boots.

The Game

The game begins with players facing off at the center court. The opposing centers will tap the ground then each other's sticks and say "one". They will then repeat the process two more times saying "two" and "three" respectively. After the third tapping of the stick the ball or puck is put into play and the game has begun. Team should agree before the game to establish running clock that track three periods of fifteen minutes. If the game ends in regulation as a tie, then the game will be decided by sudden death overtime.