How to Play Underwater Hockey

People play underwater hockey much the same way as real hockey, except that you are underwater instead of on ice. Playing underwater changes the whole mechanics of the game. Maneuvering, positioning and even shooting the puck all become very different when you perform these tasks underwater. If you're ready for a challenge, take a deep breath, dive in and start playing underwater hockey.

Things You'll Need

  • Swimming pool
  • Bathing suit
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • Mask
  • Protective glove
  • Headgear
  • 12-inch hockey stick
  • Puck (3 lb. lead disk)
  • Goals (3 meters in length, can be formed metal trays with backing, a length or rope or PVC pipe)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Form two teams of six players each, with up to four substitutes on each team. Each player puts on a bathing suit, fins, snorkel, mask, a protective glove and headgear. Each player also gets a 12-inch hockey stick. One team uses white sticks, the other black.

    • 2

      Place the puck in the middle of the playing area. Line up each team on either side, touching the pool wall above their goals. At the signal, players dive in and try to gain possession of the puck.

    • 3

      Score by shooting the puck into the opponent's goal. The puck slides along the bottom of the pool with the hockey stick. Pass the puck to other players by placing the stick against the puck and flicking your wrist.

    • 4

      Play zones. Have three forward players and three back defensive players. The forwards pass the puck and attempt to score. The back defensive players block the opposing forwards to try to prevent them from scoring. They also can take away the puck and gain possession. Unlike ice hockey, there are no goalkeepers.

    • 5

      Restart play after each goal. Players once again line up over their goals, and someone places the puck the middle. Rotate substitutes as needed, but any player not involved in play must be outside the playing area, either inside or outside the pool.

    • 6

      Divide the game into two 5-to-10 minute halves, with a short interval between halves. At the tournament level, halves are 15 minutes each.