The Great Game of Floor Hockey

By Ron Damon

Anyone who has ever participated in an elementary school gym class probably has some memory of playing floor hockey. This sport allowed both boys and girls the chance to play hockey without having to worry about learning how to skate. Today it’s reaching well beyond the confines of school curriculum and there are leagues for this fun and faced paced competitive activity in many cities.

For someone familiar with ice hockey it doesn’t differ much. Not everyone has the chance or the interest to learn how to skate. Many children live in warm climates where ice is a scarcity. For them the closest they get to hockey is watching an NHL game on television. With floor hockey, though they can go through the paces of a game without having to strap on a pair of skates.

When it’s played as part of physical education class the only equipment used is generally a stick and a ball or rubber puck. This is because there are understood and strictly enforced rules of no contact. However, if it’s a league of floor hockey those rules change and in light of that more safety equipment is required.

A helmet is really a must for any child interested in this sport. They may see it as overkill since they are only playing on a floor, but serious injuries can happen when one child is body checked by another. If the league insists on every floor hockey player wearing a helmet, it’s not even a question that a child will raise.

Knee and elbow pads are a great idea as well. Just as with something like rollerblading or traditional skating, kids can fall forward pretty easily when they lose their footing. This is true in sports including soccer and floor hockey as well. A good set of safety pads under the child’s clothing can really reduce the number of bumps and bruises they’ll sustain.

You can’t play without a stick. Some kids who are already playing the game on ice will be inclined to bring in that stick for playing floor hockey. There are actually sticks just made for playing the game in this setting. It’s a good idea to purchase a stick that is a good fit for the child now. Some parents think they can save a few dollars by buying a bit larger stick that their son or daughter will grow into. This isn’t a good idea as it can present a safety problem for both the child using the stick to play floor hockey with and the other players. If it’s too big for them to easily handle it, it’s not the right stick for them.

http://yoursportspageonline.com
For more on Floor Hockey or any other sports such as baseball, bowling, fishing, basketball, running and much more visit us today!

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

Hockey Sticks - Choose the Right Stick to Improve Your Game

By Johan Friedman

Hockey sticks come in different sizes, compositions, and materials. Choosing the best combination is vital to staying comfortable throughout the game without sacrificing performance. Here are some of important factors to consider when buying a hockey stick:

Size

Hockey sticks come in junior and senior sizes. Junior hockey sticks are about 46 to 54 inches long, while senior hockey sticks measure 56 to 62 inches. The slanted end usually extends 10 to 15 centimeters from the shaft. Generally, shorter sticks offer better control, but longer ones make more powerful hits.

Stiffness

The shaft also has different flex or stiffness levels, classified as medium, stiff and extra stiff. Forward players usually prefer more flexible shafts, while defensemen can play better with stiff shafts. If you're a beginner, start with a medium shaft and move to stiffer ones as you get better.

Lie

The lie is the angle between the shaft and the blade. This is measured with the numbers 4 to 8; the smaller the lie number, the wider the angle. Use a lower lie stick if you prefer to skate close to the ground with the puck in front.

Materials

Wood. Wooden hockey sticks are usually stiff and heavy, so they are best for strong players. They also tend to break more easily.

Fiberglass. These hockey sticks have a wooden core with a fiberglass coating, making them a lot heavier than other composites. They are the cheapest but least durable, making them ideal for practice but not for actual games.

Aluminum. Aluminum sticks have an aluminum shaft with replaceable blades. They are lighter than fiberglass and wood but heavier than Kevlar and titanium. They are ideal for those with various blade preferences.

Graphite. Graphite hockey sticks can be made of pure graphite, have a wooden core and graphite coating, or a composite of graphite and Kevlar. They are more expensive than fiberglass and aluminum, and are relatively lightweight and durable.

Kevlar. Kevlar is made from aramid fibers, either pure or mixed with graphite. They are light and highly durable, but they are the most expensive.

Titanium. Titanium sticks cost about the same as Kevlar. They are lightweight and highly durable, and usually have replaceable blades that can also be installed with torches.

More information

Picky Guide has a complete guide to hockey sticks. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

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

The Great Game of Floor Hockey

By Ron Damon

Anyone who has ever participated in an elementary school gym class probably has some memory of playing floor hockey. This sport allowed both boys and girls the chance to play hockey without having to worry about learning how to skate. Today it’s reaching well beyond the confines of school curriculum and there are leagues for this fun and faced paced competitive activity in many cities.

For someone familiar with ice hockey it doesn’t differ much. Not everyone has the chance or the interest to learn how to skate. Many children live in warm climates where ice is a scarcity. For them the closest they get to hockey is watching an NHL game on television. With floor hockey, though they can go through the paces of a game without having to strap on a pair of skates.

When it’s played as part of physical education class the only equipment used is generally a stick and a ball or rubber puck. This is because there are understood and strictly enforced rules of no contact. However, if it’s a league of floor hockey those rules change and in light of that more safety equipment is required.

A helmet is really a must for any child interested in this sport. They may see it as overkill since they are only playing on a floor, but serious injuries can happen when one child is body checked by another. If the league insists on every floor hockey player wearing a helmet, it’s not even a question that a child will raise.

Knee and elbow pads are a great idea as well. Just as with something like rollerblading or traditional skating, kids can fall forward pretty easily when they lose their footing. This is true in sports including soccer and floor hockey as well. A good set of safety pads under the child’s clothing can really reduce the number of bumps and bruises they’ll sustain.

You can’t play without a stick. Some kids who are already playing the game on ice will be inclined to bring in that stick for playing floor hockey. There are actually sticks just made for playing the game in this setting. It’s a good idea to purchase a stick that is a good fit for the child now. Some parents think they can save a few dollars by buying a bit larger stick that their son or daughter will grow into. This isn’t a good idea as it can present a safety problem for both the child using the stick to play floor hockey with and the other players. If it’s too big for them to easily handle it, it’s not the right stick for them.

http://yoursportspageonline.com
For more on Floor Hockey or any other sports such as baseball, bowling, fishing, basketball, running and much more visit us today!

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

Why Wear An Oakley Hockey Visor?

By Andrew Tudhope

Hockey is a competitive sport that entertains millions from the moment when the puck first drops at an NHL game. Magical moments on the ice may include the almost elegant glide towards a goal to an awesome save during the last seconds of a game. However, there are also the not so triumphant events that take place on the ice when streaks of red begin to stain the arena. At times, a hockey puck can soar through the air and not land on the ice or score a goal, but instead, make brutal contact with the face of a player. The result of this could be a shattered cheekbone, torn eyelid, or broken nose. Whatever the potential physical damage, a simple protective hockey visor could prevented an unfortunate trip to the emergency room.

A hockey visor or shield is a piece of equipment that is fastened to the front of a hockey helmet to decrease the chances of injury occurring to the face of a ice hockey player... or referee. Depending on the model, a hockey visor may cover the upper half of the face or provide full-face protection. While there are many hockey players in the NHL that protest making hockey visors a mandatory requirement (including a host of veteran superstars), the AHL has already made it a rule amongst their players.

When it comes to sports, most eye-related injuries are known to occur in hockey with an estimated 40% attributed to the game. There are many advantages to wearing a protective visor then, as many hockey players are sustaining serious eye injuries during game play. In the worst cases, the injury is debilitating, sometimes preventing a player from engaging in a competitive game of hockey for the rest of his or her life. Besides the obvious health benefits that hockey visors provide, the materials used in the construction of such protective equipment can sometimes give an enhanced line of sight: much better than the usual wire cages, which can cause visual disruptions in certain areas.

Hockey visors not only increase the protection of players on the professional circuit, but also aid amateur and recreational players in staying safe: visors are especially important to maintain health and safety for today's youth as well. Without a hockey visor, the face is open to an assortment of injuries that could very well be prevented through the use of proper face protection.

In the world of hockey visors, there is a collection of brands to choose from, but when it comes to selecting the highest quality with better features, the Oakley Hockey Visor puts the competition to shame. The unique craftsmanship of an Oakley Hockey Visor stands as the only visor to meet and exceed the ANSI Z87.1 standard for optical clarity, which is a demanding task to accomplish. The range of vision that players enjoy with an Oakley Visor for hockey is quite outstanding and totally free of distortion.

The Oakley Hockey Visor also goes beyond the ANSI Z87.1 standard for impact resistance: players can take comfort and pleasure in the knowledge that they are wearing shatterproof protection each time they soar across the ice. With an Oakley Hockey Visor, eagle-eye precision is enhanced through the top-notch visual clarity delivered through the patented XYZ Optics. Additional benefits associated with an Oakley Hockey Visor include anti-fog properties, scratch resistance, UV light protection, impressive durability, and non-fading or peeling decals.

Whenever you get out onto the ice be sure that you have the right protection... particularly on your face.

Andrew Tudhope writes for a number of sports sites on the benefits of protective wear. His recent articles include reviews about Oakley Visors, such as the Oakley Hockey Visor and Oakley Football Helmet Visor.

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

Hockey Wrist Guards Help Prevent Injury

By Ilse Hagen

Hockey is an aggressive game that puts you at risk of serious injuries, such as sprains and dislocations. The wrist is especially vulnerable because it is heavily used throughout the game – in maneuvering the stick, hitting the puck, and controlling angles and directions. Even minor injuries such as sprains can take weeks to recover fully. Fortunately, such injuries can easily be prevented by using hockey wrist guards.

What are hockey wrist guards?

Hockey wrist guards are used to control wrist movement, absorb sweat, and aid in the handling and movement of the hockey stick. They also serve as a shock absorber when the player falls and lands on his wrist. Hockey wrist guards can be designed to cover only the wrist or include part of the hand. The latter provides added safety for the hand, which is also prone to minor injuries like cuts, scratches, and bruises.

What materials are the best wrist guards made of?

Your hockey wrist guard should provide both protection and comfort. When choosing a wrist guard, make sure it is made from light, breathable material. The inner fabric should wick away moisture and prevent sweat from building up on your hand. This will keep your hands dry and comfortable throughout the game, allowing you to better control the stick and concentrate on the game. Make sure it is thick enough to absorb impact, but not too thick that it feels heavy and reduces your feel of the stick. Some hockey wrist guards have gel fillings for providing added comfort and protection.

Important buying tips

Picky Guide has a complete guide to hockey wristguards. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

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