Introduction to Underwater Hockey

The British Navy invented underwater hockey in the 1950s to keep divers fit and help them work underwater. The sport quickly spread, now played in 20+ countries.

How To Play

Playing Field

Played in a 25m x 15m pool, 1.8–3m deep.

Game Duration

15-min halves, 3-min half time, 1 time out per team/half.

Team Structure

12 players per team, 6 in the water at once, 4 interchanges.

Pool Layout

Starting the Game

Start at pool ends, race for the puck at the buzzer. Score by pushing puck into the goal tray.

Team Configurations

Usually 3 forwards (strike, 2 wings) and 3 backs (2 halves, 1 full back).

The Puck

Lead core, plastic coated, 1.5kg.

Players

Player Gear

  • Fins
  • Mask & Snorkel
  • Latex glove
  • 25cm wooden stick (bat)

Top players can flick the puck over 3m off the bottom. Gloves protect hands, sticks have straight and curved edges for flicks/hooks.

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Rules & Penalties

Non-contact, no offsides, no interfering with free hand, no puck on glove. 2 in-water referees, one deck ref. Penalties: free puck, player ejection (1-2 min or full game), penalty goals.

Competitions

Club, national, and world titles. Worlds every 2 years (April/May). Tri-Nations in off years (Aus/NZ/SA). Teams: U18, U21, Open, Masters.

Competition

Why Play?

Safe for all ages and sizes, minimal impact, few injuries, always interesting. 3D gameplay and teamwork mean you’ll always be learning.

The game is 3D—your only limit is your imagination.

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