Hoolie in the hydro refers to the sport of underwater hockey, which is played in swimming pools. Underwater hockey is an exciting sport that combines elements of hockey, rugby, soccer, and swimming. Players use a stick to pass and shoot a sunken puck into goals at the bottom of a pool while holding their breath.
What is Underwater Hockey?
Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, is a competitive sport played in swimming pools. Two teams of six players use short wooden sticks to maneuver a small puck across the pool bottom and into the opposing team’s goal. Players wear snorkeling masks, fins, and gloves to play the game underwater while holding their breath.
The game originated in England in 1954 and has grown into an international sport played in over 30 countries. The governing body for the sport is the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). International underwater hockey tournaments are held biennially.
Underwater Hockey Rules and Equipment
An underwater hockey game takes place in a swimming pool between 3-4 meters deep. Each team has six players in the water plus up to ten substitute players on deck. Teams can freely substitute players any time during the match.
The puck used in underwater hockey is usually made of lead or similar material that allows it to sink to the bottom quickly. It measures about 80-100mm in diameter and 30-40mm thick.
Players use a short wooden stick around 30cm long to maneuver the puck. The sticks have a blade at one end to push or lift the puck and are weighted at the other end for stability.
Underwater Hockey Equipment |
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Mask |
Snorkel |
Gloves |
Stick |
Weighted belt |
Fin swim fins |
The goals are positioned on the pool bottom at each end. They are 3 meters wide with a rectangular back panel 1m high.
Games consist of two 15 minute halves with a brief halftime interval to switch ends. The team scoring the most goals by the end wins. Ties are settled by overtime or a penalty shootout.
Underwater Hockey Rules
Some of the basic rules of underwater hockey include:
– Players must pass the puck with their stick, no kicking or heading allowed.
– Puck must stay in contact with stick during shots on goal.
– Players cannot pull away an opponent’s stick. Stick infractions result in a change of possession.
– Players must surface to the pool wall to take a breath, no swimming allowed while playing.
– The puck can be played off the side walls and bottom, but not taken out of the water.
– Physical contact is illegal, resulting in a turnover or penalty.
Gameplay and Strategy
Underwater hockey is an intense sport requiring excellent breath control, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Here is an overview of gameplay and strategy:
Positions
Teams normally consist of three forwards, two defenders, and a goalkeeper. Forwards focus on attacking and passing. Defenders work to block shots and win possession. The goalie guards the net. Teams switch positions frequently however depending on match situations.
Underwater Hockey Positions |
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Forwards – 3 players |
Defenders – 2 players |
Goalkeeper |
Gameplay
At the start of a match, six players from each team line up along their pool wall. When the referee signals the start, they all swim fast towards the center to gain initial possession of the puck sitting on the bottom.
Teams then attempt to maneuver the puck down the pool bottom into shooting position. Players make short passes back and forth to get around defenders. Shooting range is about 5 meters from the goal.
Play continues with multiple breath hold dives. Players surface briefly at the wall to breathe, then dive back down. Possession changes rapidly as players vie for the puck. Play stops when the puck leaves the pool or a foul is committed.
Strategies
Teams employ various tactics and strategies to gain an edge:
– Quick puck movement – Rapid passing can get the puck downfield and past defenders before they can react.
– Defensive positioning – Blocking passing lanes and sealing off the goal area limits opponents’ chances.
– Draws and counterattacks – A feigned attack can draw defenders out of position for a counterattack.
– Pressuring – Harassing the puck holder forces mistakes.
– Outnumbering – Bringing more players into the play overwhelms defenders.
– Set plays – Planned moves and formations during restarts and power plays can lead to shots on goal.
Breath Control
Excellent breath control skills are essential in underwater hockey. Experienced players can hold their breath underwater for 1-2 minutes while engaging in strenuous activity. Some techniques players use to extend their underwater time include:
– Hyperventilating with deep breathing before submerging. This allows more oxygen storage in the lungs.
– Relaxed breathing between efforts underwater to recover oxygen levels.
– Coordinating breathing cycles with teammates. Players breathe at different times to keep someone downfield.
– Streamlining by holding still to conserve oxygen when not directly involved in play.
Tournaments and World Championships
International competition in underwater hockey began in the late 1970s. Tournaments are held at regional, national, and international levels.
World Championships
The CMAS World Underwater Hockey Championships are held every two years. The competition brings together club teams from over 20 countries.
Recent and upcoming championships:
Year | Location |
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2018 | Sheffield, England |
2019 | Brisbane, Australia |
2021 | Guayaquil, Ecuador |
2023 | Montreal, Canada |
The most successful teams have come from Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, and Columbia. Canada, Ecuador, and the United States are emerging forces.
Regional Competitions
All major underwater hockey countries also hold national championships annually to select teams for international tournaments.
Regional club leagues and cups also take place, such as the Euro Cup in Europe, the South American Club Championship, and the African Underwater Hockey Club Championship. These help promote the development of the sport.
Origins and History
The original concept for an underwater sport similar to hockey is credited to Alan Blake, founding member of the newly formed Southsea Sub-Aqua Club in England in the 1950s.
He envisioned an aquatic game played with weighted sticks and a sunken disk for club members to keep up their underwater skills during the cold winter months. The sport eventually evolved into underwater hockey.
The First Games
The first ever recorded underwater hockey match took place in England in 1954 between the Dover and Southsea sub aqua clubs. These initial games had 4 players per team and used a lead-filled bicycle pump as a puck.
Refinements to the equipment and rules quickly developed. By the end of 1954, matches between established clubs were being played.
Global Spread
Over the following decades, underwater hockey grew steadily as an international sport. Key developments include:
– 1960s – First national championships held in England.
– Early 1970s – Introduction to the Netherlands, France, Canada and South Africa.
– 1974 – First international tournament in Canada with teams from 4 countries.
– Late 1970s – World Championships begin.
– 1980s – Widespread development in Asia, Australia, North and South America.
– 1993 – CMAS World Underwater Federation assumes governance.
Standardized Rules
While originally played under various rules, standardized regulations were formally codified by CMAS in 1993. This allowed true international competition.
The revised rules introduced 6 player teams, reduced puck size, limited player substitutions, and removed time penalties. This increased the pace and continuity of the game.
Benefits of Playing
Underwater hockey provides participants with many benefits beyond the enjoyment of competition and team play.
Fitness
The sport improves cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and breath control. The constant swimming and treading water provide an intensive workout.
Water Comfort
Regular training builds comfort being submerged and working underwater for extended periods. This aids SCUBA diving and lifesaving skills.
Teamwork
Cooperation and communication skills are essential during matches. Players learn to work together towards common objectives.
Mental Discipline
Maintaining composure, tactical awareness, and focus during breath hold diving is challenging. The sport develops mental toughness and concentration.
Social
Team practices, travel to competitions, and time in the water build lasting bonds between players and clubs. Underwater hockey creates a fun, active social environment.
Getting Started
New players looking to get into underwater hockey should first locate their nearest club. Most towns and cities have at least one team. Local universities often host clubs as well.
Some tips for getting started:
– Enquire at the campus aquatic center or local dive shops for club contacts.
– Search online for a local underwater hockey Facebook page or website.
– Check the CMAS country federation website for affiliated clubs.
– Contact national or regional governing bodies for club details.
Beginners should sign up for a learn-to-play program or introductory training sessions at a club. Basic skills like puck handling, passing, treading water, and breath hold techniques can be picked up quickly with instruction. New players are typically loaned the needed gear to start.
After completing initial training, players can join the club to participate in practices, scrimmages and play recreational matches to hone skills. When ready, they may progress into competitive play at tournaments.
Conclusion
Underwater hockey is an exciting and challenging team sport that combines hockey skills and breath hold diving. Originating in England in the 1950s, it has developed into an international competition played around the world.
Players utilize a short stick to maneuver a sinking puck across a pool bottom into goals while holding their breath. Matches require excellent fitness, swimming ability, and apnea skills. Tactics and team play akin to hockey are used to win.
The sport provides great exercise, mental discipline, water confidence and social connections. With clubs and competitions worldwide, underwater hockey offers an amazing opportunity for aquatic adventure and fun.