100 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Underwater Hockey

 

Basics

1. What is underwater hockey? A non-contact team sport played underwater with a puck, sticks, snorkels, and fins.
2. How is it played? Teams push a weighted puck along the pool floor into the opponent’s goal.
3. Objective? Score goals by sliding the puck into the opponent’s 3-meter-wide trough.
4. Played where? In swimming pools (typically 25m x 15m).
5. Players per team? 6 players in the water, up to 10 substitutes.
6. Game duration? Two 10–15-minute halves.
7. Scoring? Goals count when the puck fully crosses the goal line.
8. Olympic sport? No, but recognized by the CMAS (World Underwater Federation).
9. Age groups? All ages, from juniors to masters (40+).
10. Contact sport? Non-contact, but incidental contact occurs.

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History

1. Invented when? 1954 in England.
2. Invented by? Alan Blake (diving enthusiast).
3. Original name? Octopush.
4. Evolution? Streamlined rules, lighter gear, global adoption.
5. First played in? United Kingdom.

        RULES

1. Game start? Puck placed in the center; teams race to retrieve it.
2. Common fouls? Obstruction, illegal puck handling, excessive contact.
3. Penalties? Free pushes, temporary suspensions, or penalty shots.
4. Scoring from anywhere? Yes, but goals must be on the pool floor.
5. Offside? No offside rules.
6. Timeouts? Rare; substitutions are "rolling" (during play).
7. Referees? 2–3 referees (in-water and deck-based).
8. Tie? Overtime or sudden-death periods.
9. Handling puck? No—only sticks can touch the puck.
10. Game end? Timer or reaching a score limit
11. Equipment
12. Equipment needed? Mask, snorkel, fins, glove, stick, protective cap.
13. Diving mask? For underwater visibility.
14. Snorkel features? Purge valve, flexible tube.
15. Fins? Short, stiff fins for agility.
16. Gloves? Protect hands and improve grip.
17. Puck material? Lead or plastic-coated lead (1.3–1.5kg).
18. Protective caps? Shield ears from puck/stick impacts.
19. Stick? Short (25–35cm), curved, one-handed.
20. Weight belts? Counteract buoyancy for better diving.
21. Wetsuit? Optional; often worn for warmth.
22. Knee pads? Allowed but not common.
23. Stick dimensions? ~30cm long, 10cm wide.
24. Puck weight? ~1.3kg.
25. Mandatory gear? Mask, snorkel, fins, stick, cap, glove.
26. Bright puck? Enhances visibility underwater.

      GAME PLAY

1. Positions? Forwards, midfielders, defenders.
2. Advance puck? Pushing, flicking, or passing with the stick.
3. Communication? Hand signals, tapping the pool floor.
4. Face-offs? After stoppages; players start 3m apart.
5. Strategies? Pressing, zone defense, counterattacks.
6. Substitutions? Unlimited rolling substitutions.
7. Lift puck? Yes, but it must settle before scoring.
8. Blocking? Positioning between opponent and puck.
9. Roles? Forwards attack; defenders protect the goal.
10. Speed? Critical for transitions and puck retrieval.
11. Control puck? Stickhandling or shielding with the body.
12. Responsibilities? Maintain positioning, support teammates.
13. Passing? Short, precise pushes due to water resistance.
14. Teamwork? Essential for successful plays.
15. Retrieve puck? Diving and swimming to the bottom.
16. Health & Safety
17. Risks? Ear barotrauma, bruises, fatigue.
18. Fitness? Requires stamina, breath control, and strength.
19. Ear issues? Equalize pressure, avoid rapid depth changes.
20. Equalization? Valsalva maneuver (pinch nose and blow).
21. Breath-holding? Hyperventilation before diving (carefully!).
22. Injuries? Minor cuts, ear injuries, muscle strains.
23. Check gear? Regularly for wear and tear.
24. Asthma? Possible with medical approval.
25. Safety gear? Caps, mouthguards, gloves.
26. Emergencies? Lifeguards on standby; players trained in first aid.

      

1. Major tournaments? World Championships, Commonwealth Championships.
2. First Worlds? 1980 in Canada.
3. Dominant countries? France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
4. U.S. tournaments? Yes, national and regional events.
5. Team structure? Club-based with national teams for international events.
6. Join competitions? Contact local clubs or national federations.
7. CMAS role? Governs international rules and events.
8. Awards? Medals, MVP titles, Fair Play awards.
9. Youth comps? Junior divisions in many countries.
10. Find clubs? Online directories or national governing bodies.

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Training

1. Underwater skills? Practice diving, puck control, and breath-holding.
2. Breath-holding? Static apnea training, CO₂ tolerance drills.
3. Leg strength? Squats, flutter kicks, fin-specific drills.
4. Team drills? Passing sequences, defensive formations.
5. Stick handling? Solo puck drills and obstacle courses.
6. Endurance? Interval swimming and underwater laps.
7. Flexibility? Reduces cramping and improves fin efficiency.
8. Training frequency? 3–5 times weekly for competitive players.
9. Mental prep? Visualization, teamwork focus.
10. Underwater swimming? Practice streamlined gliding and turns.
11. Differences from Other Sports
12. Ice hockey? Played underwater; no skates, smaller teams.
13. Field hockey? Underwater environment, shorter sticks.
14. Water polo? No ball; played on the pool floor.
15. Other underwater sports? Combines snorkeling and hockey strategy.
16. Unique? Only sport played entirely submerged.
17. Fun Facts & Trivia
18. Nicknames? Octopush, UWH.
19. Popularity? Played in ~40 countries.
20. Media? Featured in documentaries and niche sports shows.
21. Unusual aspect? Players often upside-down during play.
22. Mixed-gender teams? Common in recreational leagues.
23. Famous players? Few celebrities; community-driven sport.
24. Strange location? Played in high-altitude pools (e.g., Bolivia).
25. Obstacles? No; pool floor is flat.
26. Cultural significance? Promotes teamwork and underwater skills.
27. Why try it? Fun, unique, and great for fitness!