Underwater hockey is a unique and thrilling sport that is played at the bottom of a swimming pool. It is also known as octopush, as players use short sticks to push a puck across the pool floor to score goals. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of six players. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team.
Underwater hockey is a fast-paced game that requires a combination of skill, strength, and endurance. Players wear fins, masks, snorkels, and gloves, and carry a stick that is around 12 inches in length. The puck used in underwater hockey is made of lead, which allows it to sink to the bottom of the pool.
The game starts with a “faceoff” in the center of the pool, where the puck is placed between two players from opposing teams. The players then try to push the puck towards the opposing team’s goal. The game is played in two halves, with each half lasting around 15 to 20 minutes.
One of the unique aspects of underwater hockey is that players must hold their breath while playing. This means that players must have strong lung capacity and be able to stay underwater for extended periods of time. It also means that the game requires a lot of physical exertion, as players must constantly swim up and down the pool while holding their breath.
Underwater hockey is a sport that is popular all around the world, and there are many international competitions and tournaments held each year. The game requires a lot of teamwork and strategy, as players must work together to move the puck down the pool and score goals.
In addition to being a fun and exciting sport to play, underwater hockey is also a great form of exercise. It provides a full-body workout and can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. It is also a low-impact sport, which means that it is less likely to cause injuries than some other sports.
Overall, underwater hockey is a unique and exciting sport that offers a great workout and a lot of fun. If you are looking for a new and challenging sport to try, underwater hockey may be just what you are looking for.