Hockey

Hockey is a field event played between two teams comprising of eleven players each. The game is played with hockey sticks and a ball.

History and Development of Hockey

There is no clear record of the origin of hockey, but records show that the people of ancient Greece, Romans and Persians played the game as at 541 BC. Modern hockey started in 1876 AD when a new set of rules and regulations was formed in 1887.

– In 1900, the International Federation of Hockey formed in England.

– In 1901, hockey was introduced to USA

– In 1952, the first major international hockey competition held.

Basic Skills and Techniques Used in Hockey

The following are the basic skills and techniques used in hockey:

(i) The dribble/dribbling

(ii) The drive/hit/hitting

(iii) The stopping

(iv) The passing

(v) The Scooping

(vi) The flick

(vii) The goal keeping

(viii) The tackling.

(ix) The push

(x) The bully/centre pass

Facilities Used in Hockey Game

Facilities used in hockey game are as follows:

(i) The hockey pitch

(ii) The goal posts

(iii) The side boards

(iv) The back boards

(v) The nets

(vi) The flag posts.

Equipment Used in Hockey

Equipment used in hockey are as follows:

(i) The hockey sticks

(ii) The hockey balls

(iii) The pads

(iv) The gloves

(v) The studded shoes

(vi) The knee caps

(vii) the groin protectors

(viii) The shin guards

(ix) The face mask

(x) The chest pad

(xi) The kickers.

EVALUATION

1. Trace the history of hockey by filling the following:

(i) The first three nations that played hockey and when?

(ii) When did the modern hockey started and where?

(iii) The date of the first international hockey competition.

Rules and Regulations in Hockey

The following are the rules and regulations in hockey game:

(i) A team consists of 11 players while a squad is made up of 16 players. 22 players play the game at a time.

(2) The game is started by a centre pass.

(3) Goals can be scored from within the striking circle.

(4) Players jerseys are numbered front and back.

(5) No player is allowed to play without stick.

(6) The ball must not be deliberately kicked by a player.

(7) All player must be at their own half of the pitch during the centre pass.

Officials in Hockey and their Duties

Officials in hockey games are:

(i) Two umpires, one for each half of the field.

(ii) Two assistant umpires.

(iii) The Referee.

Duties of the Two Umpires

The two umpires in hockey perform the following duties:

(i) They give final verdict (decision).

(ii) Inspect the equipment for eligibility.

(iii) Conduct toss for the choice of ends.

(iv) Blow the whistles to indicate any foul.

(v) Authorised to disqualify any player for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Duties of the Assistant Umpires

The assistant umpires in hockey have the following duties:

(i) Assist the umpires.

(ii) Indicate with the flags when the ball is out.

(iii) Indicate any other infringements.

NOTE: Students are expected draw hockey stick and hockey pitch with necessary labels and dimensions under the guidance of subject teacher.

EVALUATION

1. State five (5) rules and regulations in hockey.

2. Mention five (5) duties of the two umpires in hockey.