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's floor.

History

Underwater hockey was invented in 1954 by Alan Blake, a member of the Southsea Sub-Aqua Club in Portsmouth, England. Originally called "Octopush," the game was created to keep club members active during the winter months when open-water diving was less appealing. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread internationally, with the first world championship held in 1980.

Gameplay

Equipment

Players use a variety of specialized equipment to play underwater hockey. Each player wears a mask, snorkel, fins, and a protective glove. The stick, or "pusher," is approximately 30 cm long and is used to push the puck along the pool bottom.

Annotated diagram of a player

The puck is made of lead or similar material, coated with plastic to protect the pool surface. It weighs around 1.3 kg and is designed to glide smoothly across the pool floor.

Swimming fins used in the sport

Playing Area

The game is played in a swimming pool with a depth ranging from 2 to 4 meters. The playing area is typically 25 meters long and 15 meters wide, with goals at each end.

Underwater hockey playing area

Rules

Each team consists of six players in the water at any one time, with up to four substitutes. The game is played in two halves, each lasting 15 minutes, with a short break in between. Players must hold their breath while diving to the bottom of the pool to play the puck, surfacing to breathe as needed.

The objective is to score goals by pushing the puck into the opposing team's goal. Players use their sticks to pass, dribble, and shoot the puck, while also defending their own goal.

Techniques

Underwater hockey requires a combination of swimming skills, breath control, and teamwork. Players must be adept at maneuvering underwater, using their fins for propulsion and their sticks for controlling the puck.

Players in action

Breath Control

Breath control is a critical skill in underwater hockey. Players must manage their air supply effectively, timing their dives and surfacing to maximize their time on the bottom.

A player preparing to dive

Teamwork

Successful teams communicate effectively, using hand signals and body language to coordinate plays and strategies. Teamwork is essential for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Competitions

Underwater hockey is played at both amateur and professional levels, with clubs and leagues established worldwide. The sport is governed internationally by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), which organizes world championships and other international competitions.

A game in progress at Coertzenburg

Related pages

• Underwater rugby
• Underwater football
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving