What is Hockey & Where is it Played?

On hearing the word “hockey”, one immediately visualizes a curved stick and a ball game. Hockey has been prevalent over the ages with different forms of the game being played those days in lands far away from each other, be it Rome, Arabian countries, or the Persian Gulf. The modern-day game of hockey has evolved into a highly established form of team game with a number of national and international competitions being held in frequent intervals. Presently, the highest level of healthy competition in hockey is seen at the Olympic Games and the Hockey World Cup championships. Hockey variations include the well-known field hockey, ice hockey, roller hockey, and even hockey played on the road, called street hockey. A major difference in these different types of hockey is the platform on which it is played.
The Basics!
Typically, a game of hockey has two teams that compete with each other. A team at any point in time has 11 playing members with another additional five members of the team in the reserve. These reserve players can be asked to substitute players on the pitch while the game is on. Field Hockey is usually played on a grass turf though synthetically-constructed hockey grounds are also chosen as sites for competitive plays nowadays. The objective of each team would be to hit the ball with the stick and pass it through the net of the goal post situated in the opponent team’s end. For each successful strike at the goal, a score is awarded to the team.
Choosing a Hockey Stick
The hockey stick is an important hockey equipment for playing the game. A player must learn the nuances of handling the hockey stick skillfully. Actions of passing the ball, shooting the ball, preventing the ball to move, or pushing the ball forward must all necessarily be done only with the hockey stick in this game. Plenty of fouls take place as a result of this, especially with the hockey sticks clashing in a bid to control the movement of the ball.
Types of Hockey Sticks
Since a hockey stick is of utmost importance while playing the game, it is only natural to select one with great care. Hockey sticks vary in weight and are classified accordingly as light, medium, or heavy, while the length varies from 26 inches to 38 inches. The design of curve found in hockey sticks also differs in many instances. As for the material used, commonly hockey sticks are manufactured either in fiberglass, or one may choose a wooden one. Further, strengthening materials are added to the handles and curved areas to make the sticks resilient. Persons interested in buying a hockey stick might consider buying it online. Doing this way, one gets the advantage of viewing the various designs and getting first –hand information on features as well as pricing.
Player Protective Gear in Ice Hockey
Players involved in ice hockey need extra protection gear that include the shoulder pad, helmet, elbow pads, gloves for the hands, and various other protective armor as getting injured on ice can be dangerous.