Sports and Recreation – Your Guide to Hockey Skills and Game Types
Welcome to the Sports and Recreation hub of Bromley Hockey Club. Whether you’re a beginner trying to lift the puck or a curious fan wanting to know which hockey games exist, you’ve landed in the right spot. We’ll keep it simple, give you useful advice, and skip the fluff.
How to Lift the Puck
First off, a lifted puck can be a game‑changer. Grab your stick like you’d hold a pizza slice – firm but relaxed. Put the puck on the back edge of the blade; that’s your launch pad. When you’re ready, roll your wrists forward while giving a quick upward flick. Think of a catapult, just without the messy projectile. Practice this motion a few times with a stationary puck before trying it in a match. You’ll notice the puck rising higher each time you get the wrist snap right.
Common mistakes? Over‑gripping the stick or trying to lift with your arms. Both waste energy and keep the puck low. Keep your elbows close to your body and let the wrist do the work. A short drill: place a line of cones about a meter apart, lift the puck over each one, and move forward. This builds control and confidence.
Different Types of Hockey Games
Hockey isn’t just ice and sticks. Here’s a quick rundown of the main variations you might run into:
- Ice Hockey – The classic fast‑paced game played on a frozen rink. It’s the most televised and has the biggest fan base.
- Field Hockey – Played on grass or artificial turf with a small, hard ball. It’s big in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Roller Hockey – Uses quad or inline skates on a smooth surface. The rules blend ice and field styles.
- Street Hockey – Takes the game to any flat pavement. You can play with just a stick, a ball or a puck, and improvised goals.
- Underwater Hockey – A niche sport where players push a puck along the pool bottom using a small stick. It’s surprisingly intense.
Each version demands slightly different skills. Ice hockey relies on skating speed, while field hockey emphasizes quick footwork and stick handling. Roller and street hockey are great ways to keep playing when the weather won’t cooperate, and underwater hockey adds a whole new level of stamina.
If you’re new to the sport, start with the version that’s easiest to access locally. Bromley offers field and indoor hockey sessions, plus occasional street matches on community courts. Trying more than one style can improve your overall game sense – the hand‑eye coordination from field hockey helps with puck lifts, and the balance from roller hockey aids your skating on ice.
Ready to practice? Grab a stick, find a flat surface, and try the puck‑lift drill we mentioned earlier. Then, pick a game type you’re curious about and watch a short YouTube clip or visit a local club session. The more you see and do, the faster you’ll pick up the nuances.
At Bromley Hockey Club, we love helping players discover new skills and game formats. Join a training session, ask a coach about the puck‑lift technique, or sign up for a trial field hockey class. The community is friendly, and you’ll find plenty of mates ready to chat about the best ways to lift a puck or which hockey game suits you best.
So, whether you’re aiming to flick the puck over a defender or simply want to know how many ways you can play hockey, the answers are right here. Get out there, try the drills, and enjoy the variety the sport offers. See you on the field, rink, or any surface you choose!
