Hockey Hazbeans - Stockport Walking Hockey

Lunch at Pear Mill Vintage Tea Rooms after the final hockey session of the year.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas & peaceful New Year

The last walking hockey before Christmas is Tuesday 21st December & we will be back Tuesday 4th January 22.

Walking Hockey, more than a game!

As well as the many health benefits associated with most forms of physical activity; keeping fit and active, weight loss, preventing and managing many chronic illnesses, there are also numerous social benefits that come with playing Walking Hockey. Taking time to socialise, meeting new and like minded people, building confidence and generally looking after your mental health are all part and parcel of taking part in this version of the game.

Walking Hockey, more than a game!
It keeps your body active, but it is also good for your mind. People who face medical conditions and problems on a daily basis forget about them while they are on the pitch. It's also a good way to combat loneliness and isolation because there's a very sociable aspect to the sport.

Fancy a walk? A bit of sport ? Meet new people? Get a bit fitter? No previous experience necessary. Invest 28 seconds now 👆👆👆& get in touch 😃

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Thinking about trying Walking Hockey?
We have some spare sticks available but if you want to buy your own, the following is a useful guide.

Player Height. Stick Length
Below 4 ft. 30 inch
4ft - 4ft 7in. 32 inch
4ft '7in - 5ft. 34 inch
5ft - 5ft 4in. 36 inch
5ft 4in - 6ft 2in 36.5 inch
6ft 2in - 6ft 5in. 37.5 inch

Walking Hockey

Walking Hockey was only developed in early 2017, but it’s really catching on around the world – mainly because it’s so easy for anyone to play, even if you’ve got no experience with the game at all. It’s played on a much smaller pitch then regular hockey (approximately 23x20 meters) and has very small goals and a larger ball. Teams are only four to six a-side, and no goalkeepers means there’s lots of opportunity to score. The rules are so simple, there’s also no need for umpires.

A great way to get fitter, have some fun & make new friends.
Tuesday 11.30 - 12.30 at Brinnington Leisure Centre.
Usually followed by a leisurely drink/lunch at Pear Mill Vintage Tea Rooms.

The Rules of Walking Hockey

“The rules are the appropriate rules of 11-a-side field hockey except for the following…”

All players are restricted to walking, meaning that when in motion at least one foot must be touching the pitch at all times.
The ball must stay below knee height.
The stick must remain below waist height.
Only pushing or slapping of the ball is allowed.
There will be no hitting of the ball.
There will be no physical contact.
In Low-level/recreational competitions and social sessions there is leniency on feet and back of stick use until people become comfortable with the game.
If the ball gets accidentally raised (squeezed) it must drop to the pitch before it can be played.
Player numbers and pitch dimensions

As a guideline this is a five -a-side game.
However, team size can be varied to allow as many people as possible to get an enjoyable experience. For example, if you have 16 players it is better to play two 4-a-side matches than one 8- a- side match. This allows more touches of the ball.

There is no goal keeper.
There is no option to play with a kicking back.
The format can be single-gender or mixed.
If mixed, at least 2 players of each gender must be on the pitch at all times.
The playing area will measure 23m wide by 27.5m long. Again, this can be varied to meet the number of players or the available space.
Scoring

At each end, there will be a ‘Scoring Zone’ 8m from the baseline of the pitch and running across the full width of the pitch. Goals may only be scored from within this zone. The normal rules affecting play in an 11-a-side pitch ‘D’ apply in this zone unless otherwise stated.
Shots cannot be lifted and only count if they cross the goal line below knee height.
Restarts, corners and free-hits

In the case of any free-hit or restart being awarded, all players should be at least 3 meters away from the ball carrier.
Defenders caught within 3 meters are not allowed to interfere with play until the ball has travelled 3 meters.
The ball must be moved 3 meters before a shot is taken. In the event of a free hit within 3 metres of the Scoring Zone the ball must move 3 metres before it can enter the Scoring Zone.
Clearance – (equivalent of a ‘16’ hit) – If the ball has travelled over the baseline and was last hit by the attacking team, play restarts with the defending team in possession on the Scoring Zone line, in-line with where the ball went out of play.
Corner – (equivalent of a long corner) – If the ball has been unintentionally hit over the baseline by the defending team, play restarts with the attacking team in possession on the Scoring Zone line in-line with where the ball went out of play.
The ball must be moved 3 meters before it can enter the Scoring Zone.
Penalty corners and Penalty Flicks will be replaced by a ‘Challenge’
Challenges

The procedure for a Challenge is as follows:
Time and play is stopped.
One attacking ball carrier starts with the ball 1 metre outside the Scoring Zone line, on the challenge marker.
One defending player is permitted.
The defender starts 2 meters inside the Scoring Zone line, on the challenge marker. As soon as the ball has been played by the attacking player, the defending player is permitted to move. The defender still plays as an outfield player and can only use their stick to play the ball.
All other players must position themselves on the half way line.
When the attacker and defender are in place, the whistle is blown.
As soon as the attacker plays the ball, all players are permitted to re-engage, attempt to play the ball, and open play resumes as normal.
If an intentional foul is committed:
By the attacker, then the defence are awarded a free hit.
By the appointed defender, then the Challenge will be re-set.
Duration

Match duration can be flexible to suit circumstances

The standard recommendation for game time is 24 minutes. This can be split as either:
Two halves of 12 minutes, with a 4 minute half time break (Total = 28 minutes)
Four quarters of six minutes, with a 1 minute tactical quarter break and a 4 minute half time break (Total = 30 minutes)
For tournament structures, to fit in more games, the following can be used:

Two halves of 6 minutes, with a 3 minute half time break (Total = 15 minutes)

A leisurely drink at Pear Mill Vintage Tea Rooms after our exertions at hockey.

Why not come along on Tuesday morning