Street Hockey 101 - The Basics of the Game and the Equipment You'll Need

By Jon Wuebben

Street hockey continues to grow in popularity, as kids look for fun sports activities they can play with their friends. Although it has similarities to ice hockey, there are some differences. Also, there are specific types of equipment you’ll need to use. So, if you’re new to street hockey and have never played before, you may want to read the rest of this article so you can understand some basics of the game and what type of street hockey equipment you may need.

Types of Players

Goaltender: Most people realize that the goalie's primary task is to keep the puck out of their own net. They rarely leave the net. The only time they would is in an offensive situation where they would pass the puck to someone from their team to put it back in play.

Defensemen: In street hockey, there are right and left defensemen. These players do their best to stop players from the other team at their own blue line. Some of the strategies they use are: trying to break up passes, blocking shots, covering opposing forwards, and clearing the puck in front of their own goal. They also play from an offensive position, trying to get the puck to their forwards and follow the play into the attacking zone. They position themselves just inside their opponent's blue line at the "points” for maximum impact.

Center: The center is the person in the “center” of all the action. They are primarily responsible for leading the attack on the opposing team. They work with the wings, passing the puck, and creating a play to try and score. The center also tries to act in a defensive role, attempting to disrupt a play before it gets to far down the field.

Wings: In street hockey, there are right and left wings. As mentioned above, the wing works with the center to set up shots on the goal. They also try to break up plays by the other team and disrupt shot attempts.

Playing the Game of Street Hockey

• The center for each team does a “face-off” at the beginning of the game, in the center circle. (the dropping of the puck between one player from each team, to start or resume play.)
• Each team fights for the puck in face-off with a hockey stick, whoever gets the puck passes it to a teammate who is in good position.
• Whichever team member has the puck, they then look for another teammate who is in good position and passes the puck to this person to work it further down towards the goal or sometimes tries to put the puck in the goal directly, depending on position.
• When the puck is shot, the goalie attempts to block the puck from getting into the goal.
• If a player on either team makes a penalty, it is then followed by face-off in one of the four circles (not the center circle. The face-off circle depends on where the penalty happened, and which team has the puck.)
• When the puck is shot into the goal and the goalie misses it, it counts as one point.
• Like most sports, the team that scores the most points, wins the game.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Hockey Stick: You’ll definitely need one of these! Made of various materials. Try a themoplastic composite based stick for some great performance.

• Protective Equipment: You’ll want to have a hockey helmet, a pair of gloves, shin guards/leg guards and arm pads.

• Goalie Equipment: If you’re a goalie you’ll need a mask or helmet, goalie gloves, shin guards, goalie blocker pads, and a chest protector.

• Puck: Use one that is soft, hollow, and highly visible.

So, those are the basics. But reading about it isn’t a whole lot of fun. You got to get out there and play the game! Make sure you have the equipment you need so you can play your best. Street hockey can be an ultra competitive sport and you’ll be facing a tough challenge from the very first face off.

EPuck launched its site in 1999 to offer a totally new concept in what an online hockey equipment store could provide. They are designed to offer hockey players the information they need, when they need it so they can make a quick decision on their hockey gear and get back to the game.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Wuebben

Youth Hockey Equipment

By Kent Pinkerton

Kids and teenagers are as crazy about ice hockey as the adults are. The older one could definitely take on the numerous beatings, trips, bumps, and bruises of the game, but not the kids. That is why it is very important that these young hockey players be fully equipped with protective gear to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the game. It is a good thing that hockey equipment manufacturers are also making hockey equipment especially for younger players. Here are some of the protective gear (which is not required in professional hockey games) the kids need to play hockey.

The mouthpiece

Worn in other sports such as boxing, basketball, and wrestling, the mouthpiece is required in some youth hockey games to prevent damage to the lips and teeth. Since hard contact is common in the game, the teeth are potentially in danger and must always be protected.

The neck guard

A neck guards are also needed to prevent whiplash or other serious neck injuries from happening. It is usually made of ballistic reinforced nylon material.

The helmet

In hockey, wearing a helmet is mandatory because the head should always be protected. Wearing the wrong kind of helmet could lead to serious head injuries like concussion. When buying a helmet, here are some specifications you should look for:

1. Make sure you get the right size for your head. Get a helmet that is not too loose so it will not move too much. Do not buy a helmet that is too tight either because you have to keep the blood circulating to your head. Measure the circumference of your head about an inch above your eyebrows in order to get your size.

2. Check if the helmet has padding around it. It should also cup the back of your head, allowing it to comfortably grip your head while playing.

3. Get a helmet that has "tool-free" adjustments so that it would fit precisely on your head.

4. Young hockey players are required to wear helmets with visors or wire face masks. This is needed to protect their faces from unexpected flying pucks.

Hockey Equipment provides detailed information on Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment, Field Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey Equipment is affiliated with Hockey Tickets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Goalie Hockey Equipment

By Kent Pinkerton

Ice hockey is a very physical sport. Unlike soccer, basketball, or baseball, ice hockey is the only sport where fighting is a commonplace event in the game. Aside from the painful body checks, blocking high speed, hard pucks to prevent a goal is also part of the physical pains of the game. These pucks are heavy and hard objects that is why it is very important for the goaltender or the goalie to wear proper equipment.

What should the goaltender wear in order to prevent injuries happening? Here is a list of the items essential to a ice hockey goalie.

The Mask

A hockey goaltender needs a mask to protect his head from the puck. Early goaltender masks were made of fiber glass with holes for the eye, nose and mouth. This mask was made popular by the machete wielding madman, Jason, in the old Friday the 13th movies. Today, masks are not only made of fiber glass but also of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and other durable metals. The masks now have large cut outs on the eyes and nose and are covered by a steel or titanium cage.

The Skates

The skates of a goaltender are different from those of the other players. The blades are longer and wider allowing better mobility for the goaltender. The blade is shorter vertically so that the goaltender is closer to the ice. This type of skates is more durable than the conventional skates to prevent damage from direct hits from the hockey puck.

The Stick

Goaltenders also use a different kind of hockey stick. These sticks are wider than the usual in order to block pucks more effectively. The blade is around 8.9 cm wide and is commonly referred to as the paddle. These sticks were traditionally made out of wood, but due to technology, these stick are now made of composite materials which make them more durable.

The Blocker

The blocker is a piece of padding attached to the backhand side of the hand which holds the stick. It is also called the waffle because old models used to look like one. A goaltender is allowed to wear only one blocker.

Leg Padding

Goaltenders should also wear special leg padding. This padding resembles those that are usually worn in cricket and are ten to twelve inches wide and extend four to eight inches above the knee.

The Trapper

The trapper, catch glove, or catcher is worn on the free hand of the goaltender. It looks like your average baseball mitt but has a deeper pocket and is much more protective.

Hockey Equipment provides detailed information on Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment, Field Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey Equipment is affiliated with Hockey Tickets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Free Hockey Equipment

By Kent Pinkerton

Getting top of the line hockey gear and equipment will cost you a fortune. If you want the best, then you have to pay the price. Buying the best hockey stick will cost around $100 minimum. Though there are people who are fortunate enough to buy the best hockey sticks and skates, you still have a chance of getting these products for free.

Athletes and freebies

There are a number of hockey players who receive dozens of free stuff from equipment merchandisers. By endorsing certain brands of shoes, skates, sticks, gear, and other necessities, these players are given free merchandise by the manufacturers. They sign a contract stating that they have to be seen wearing the products every time they play for a period of time. Not only will they receive millions of dollars for the endorsement, they will also receive the latest products made by these manufacturers for free. What's more, they can also get free customized gears designed specifically for them. This may lead to the creation of an athlete's own product line.

Schools and sports clubs

Schools and sports clubs especially for the young have a great chance of getting hockey equipment for free. The sports officials can write to the manufacturers to sponsor their equipment for their hockey games and programs. They can also contact their state's hockey teams and ask them for equipment donations. Another way of getting free hockey equipment is by writing to your mayor or governor and ask for a sponsorship. You will never know if you will granted one unless you try.. In many cases, helping these schools and sports club will enhance their image in the public so they will most likely help out. Secondhand equipment is also not a bad choice, as long as it is still in good condition.

Hockey Equipment provides detailed information on Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Equipment, Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment, Field Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey Equipment is affiliated with Hockey Tickets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Street Hockey 101 - The Basics of the Game and the Equipment You'll Need

By Jon Wuebben

Street hockey continues to grow in popularity, as kids look for fun sports activities they can play with their friends. Although it has similarities to ice hockey, there are some differences. Also, there are specific types of equipment you’ll need to use. So, if you’re new to street hockey and have never played before, you may want to read the rest of this article so you can understand some basics of the game and what type of street hockey equipment you may need.

Types of Players

Goaltender: Most people realize that the goalie's primary task is to keep the puck out of their own net. They rarely leave the net. The only time they would is in an offensive situation where they would pass the puck to someone from their team to put it back in play.

Defensemen: In street hockey, there are right and left defensemen. These players do their best to stop players from the other team at their own blue line. Some of the strategies they use are: trying to break up passes, blocking shots, covering opposing forwards, and clearing the puck in front of their own goal. They also play from an offensive position, trying to get the puck to their forwards and follow the play into the attacking zone. They position themselves just inside their opponent's blue line at the "points” for maximum impact.

Center: The center is the person in the “center” of all the action. They are primarily responsible for leading the attack on the opposing team. They work with the wings, passing the puck, and creating a play to try and score. The center also tries to act in a defensive role, attempting to disrupt a play before it gets to far down the field.

Wings: In street hockey, there are right and left wings. As mentioned above, the wing works with the center to set up shots on the goal. They also try to break up plays by the other team and disrupt shot attempts.

Playing the Game of Street Hockey

• The center for each team does a “face-off” at the beginning of the game, in the center circle. (the dropping of the puck between one player from each team, to start or resume play.)
• Each team fights for the puck in face-off with a hockey stick, whoever gets the puck passes it to a teammate who is in good position.
• Whichever team member has the puck, they then look for another teammate who is in good position and passes the puck to this person to work it further down towards the goal or sometimes tries to put the puck in the goal directly, depending on position.
• When the puck is shot, the goalie attempts to block the puck from getting into the goal.
• If a player on either team makes a penalty, it is then followed by face-off in one of the four circles (not the center circle. The face-off circle depends on where the penalty happened, and which team has the puck.)
• When the puck is shot into the goal and the goalie misses it, it counts as one point.
• Like most sports, the team that scores the most points, wins the game.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Hockey Stick: You’ll definitely need one of these! Made of various materials. Try a themoplastic composite based stick for some great performance.

• Protective Equipment: You’ll want to have a hockey helmet, a pair of gloves, shin guards/leg guards and arm pads.

• Goalie Equipment: If you’re a goalie you’ll need a mask or helmet, goalie gloves, shin guards, goalie blocker pads, and a chest protector.

• Puck: Use one that is soft, hollow, and highly visible.

So, those are the basics. But reading about it isn’t a whole lot of fun. You got to get out there and play the game! Make sure you have the equipment you need so you can play your best. Street hockey can be an ultra competitive sport and you’ll be facing a tough challenge from the very first face off.

EPuck launched its site in 1999 to offer a totally new concept in what an online hockey equipment store could provide. They are designed to offer hockey players the information they need, when they need it so they can make a quick decision on their hockey gear and get back to the game.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Wuebben

Hockey Equipment

By Max Bellamy

Hockey equipment includes all the equipment, gear and clothing necessary for hockey players to have when playing the game of hockey. Earlier players used to wear a woolen turtleneck and a pair of boots. Now with increased technological advancements, hockey equipment and clothing have improved. These improvements have increased the speed and intensity of the game, as well as the safety of the players.

For a hockey match, the most basic thing required is an oval shaped ice rink. These rinks can be natural or constructed manually using huge freezers. The other equipment used by players includes pucks, skates and hockey sticks. Safety equipment like goalie masks, helmets, gloves and padding provide protection to the players.

Early ice hockey players would strap blades onto their boots to play the game. Nowadays, skates come in a one-piece design with permanently attached steel blades. Hockey sticks were originally made from wood, but today are made of carbon and Kevlar. Some players say the space age material gives more power to shots, while others think that it is fragile and expensive. The carved blade of the stick provides more power and lift to the shots .It was first developed in 1960 and is the standard design today. The puck is a flat and round piece of hard rubber used to score goals. It is frozen before play to prevent it from bouncing during play.

The game of hockey is very popular in North America, Canada and several European countries. With an increase in the popularity of the game and various professional teams, the demand for hockey equipment has also increased. Today, many people are buying it for personal us, but also because they can be collectible pieces of sports memorabilia.

From the days when players wore simple woolen sweaters, hockey equipment has come a long way. The designs of this equipment are always being updated, as well. The equipment manufacturers are witnessing increased sales, especially during hockey championships such as the Stanley Cup. With the increased popularity of the game, the demand is expected to grow even further.

Hockey provides detailed information on Hockey, Hockey Jerseys, Hockey Tickets, Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey is affiliated with Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy