Underwater hockey

Underwater Hockey

Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, is a globally played limited-contact sport in which two teams compete to maneuver a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team's goal using a small stick. The sport is played entirely underwater, requiring players to hold their breath while diving to the pool floor.

History

Underwater hockey was invented in 1954 by Alan Blake, a member of the Southsea Sub-Aqua Club in England. Originally called "Octopush," the game was created to keep club members active during the winter months when open-water diving was less feasible. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread to other countries, leading to the establishment of national and international competitions.

Gameplay

The game is played with two teams, each consisting of six players in the water at any one time. Players wear fins, masks, snorkels, and protective gloves. The objective is to use a short stick, approximately 30 cm in length, to push or flick a lead puck weighing around 1.3 kg into the opposing team's goal.

Equipment

• Puck: Made of lead and coated with plastic, the puck is designed to glide smoothly across the pool floor.
• Stick: A small stick, often made of wood or plastic, used to maneuver the puck.
• Fins: Players wear fins to enhance their swimming speed and agility.
• Mask and Snorkel: Essential for visibility and breathing while at the surface.
• Gloves: Worn to protect the hands from the puck and other players' sticks.

Rules

The game is played in two halves, each lasting 15 minutes, with a short break in between. The pool is typically 25 meters long and 15 meters wide, with a depth ranging from 2 to 4 meters. Goals are located at each end of the pool, and the puck must be pushed into the goal to score.

Fouls are called for dangerous play, such as striking an opponent with the stick or obstructing a player without the puck. Penalties can result in free pucks or players being sent to the penalty box.

Competitions

Underwater hockey is played at both amateur and professional levels, with national and international tournaments held regularly. The sport is governed by the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), which organizes the World Championships every two years.

Related Pages

• Underwater sports
• World Underwater Federation
• Finswimming

Gallery

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  Two players competing for the puck.

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  A game in progress at Coertzenburg.

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  Underwater hockey playing area.

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  Players in action.

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  Annotated diagram of a player.

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  A player preparing to dive.

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  Swimming fins used in the sport.

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  Close-up of fin grips.

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  Dimensions of an underwater hockey stick.

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  Equipment used in underwater hockey.

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  A player striking the puck.

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  Historical image of Octopush.

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