Street Hockey Basics: Gear, Rules, and Easy Drills

Street hockey is the perfect way to get a quick game going without needing an ice rink. All you need is a flat surface, a few friends, and the right gear. Whether you’re a kid with a busted skate or an adult looking for a casual workout, these tips will get you playing fast.

Essential Gear for Street Hockey

The first thing to sort out is equipment. You don’t need a full‑blown hockey kit, but a few items will make the game safer and more fun.

Stick: A lightweight street‑hockey stick works best. Look for a composite shaft and a low‑kick blade – it gives good control on pavement and won’t break easily.

Ball or Puck: Most street games use a plastic ball because it rolls smoother on concrete. If you prefer a puck, choose a rubber one designed for street play; it won’t bounce like an ice puck.

Protective Gear: A pair of shin guards and a mouthguard are a must. Helmets are optional for casual games, but if you’re playing fast or with kids it’s a good idea.

Footwear: Sneakers with good grip are fine. Avoid shoes with a smooth sole; they slip and can cause injuries.

Once you have these basics, you’re ready to set up a quick rink. Mark the goals with cones, trash cans, or even a pair of shoes. A simple tape line for the center circle works well too.

Basic Rules and Safe Play

Street hockey keeps the spirit of ice hockey but trims down the complexity. Here are the rules most groups follow:

1. Team Size: Two to five players per side is common. Fewer players mean more space to move and less chance of collisions.

2. No Checking: Physical contact is limited to stick checks. Any body contact should be avoided unless everyone agrees to a more aggressive style.

3. Off‑side and Icing: Most casual games skip these rules. You can simply reset the ball at the nearest goal if it goes out of bounds.

4. Goalkeeping: Any player can act as goalie, but you can also play without one for a faster pace. If you use a goalie, a larger net or a taped area works.

5. Time Keeping: Play three periods of 10‑12 minutes, or set a timer for a straight 30‑minute session. Keep scoring simple – each goal counts as one point.

Safety tips: always check the playing surface for cracks, stones, or wet spots before you start. Encourage players to stay aware of their surroundings, especially if you’re near traffic.

Now that you’ve got gear and rules sorted, try a few drills to sharpen skills.

Drill 1 – Quick Pass: Form a circle of four players. Pass the ball around as fast as you can without it touching the ground. Add a defender in the middle to make it trickier.

Drill 2 – Shooting Accuracy: Place three targets (like cones or small bins) inside the goal area. Take turns shooting from different distances and try to hit each target.

Drill 3 – One‑Timer: Have a teammate slap the ball to you from the blue line. Shoot it directly on the bounce. This builds reflexes and prepares you for fast game situations.

Practice these drills a few times a week and you’ll see improvement in puck handling, passing speed, and shooting accuracy. The best part is you can do them on a driveway, a park path, or even a schoolyard.

Street hockey is all about having fun, staying active, and connecting with friends. Grab a stick, set up a makeshift rink, and get moving. The game is simple, the barriers are low, and the memories last forever.