Types of hockey worth knowing about: from puck to inline

Hockey is more than a game, it is a story on the ice, where legends did not just pave their way to victories, but wrote a chronicle that lives on to this day. Championships, duels, undefeated teams and moments that take your breath away. From the USSR to the NHL, players wrote the history of the sport, and hockey legends continue to inspire new generations to great achievements.

Great hockey players that the whole world is talking about

Soviet hockey is the era of true legends, such as Vladislav Tretiak and Valeri Kharlamov, who made the USSR a formidable power. Athletes inspired and instilled faith in millions of people, proving that perseverance and teamwork can work wonders.

Vladislav Tretiak: the impenetrable wall of Soviet hockey

Vladislav Tretiak became a symbol of the titanium wall on the goal, his reactions and technique amazed and aroused admiration all over the world. This legendary goalie played a vital role in the victories of the USSR national team at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. He became a three-time Olympic champion and a ten-time world champion, which makes him one of the most titled goalies in history. Tretiak had not only excellent physical training, but also psychological stability, which allowed him to cope with pressure in the most crucial moments of matches. His technique, constant work on himself and incredible dedication made him an idol of millions and an inspiration for future generations of goalies.

Valeri Kharlamov: the art of speed and skill

Valeri Kharlamov, with his incredible speed and skills, demonstrated incredible technique on the ice. His game was distinguished by unique ease, grace and at the same time high efficiency. Kharlamov became a real star due to his ability to break through the opponent’s defense, find unexpected solutions and finish attacks with magnificent goals. One of the most memorable moments of his career was the USSR-Canada series of matches in 1972: Kharlamov showed Canadian professionals that the European school of hockey was in no way inferior to the North American one. His dribbling, ability to beat opponents and score from the most difficult positions made him a terror for any team.

Hockey Stars: Legends of the NHL and Canada

Canada is the birthplace of hockey, and the legends here have become symbols of the most sincere and honest sport. Wayne Gretzky, who is called “The Great One”, and Mark Messier, with his leadership qualities, are icons whose names are still heard today.

Wayne Gretzky: The Greatest of the Greats

Wayne Gretzky became a true hockey legend not only because of his records, but also because of how he changed the game itself. His contribution is difficult to overestimate: Gretzky set 61 NHL records, many of which still stand. The most famous of them is 92 goals scored in one season, as well as 215 points, which seems like an unattainable level of skill. Gretzky was not only a brilliant scorer, but also an excellent playmaker, whose ability to read the period amazed both opponents and fans.

Mark Messier: A Leader and a Fighter on the Ice

Gretzky’s teammate and captain, Mark Messier, is known for his forward skills and incredible work ethic. Messier was not only a great player, but also a man who inspired his team to win even in the most difficult situations. He won the Stanley Cup six times, and two of those titles were won while he was captain – a rare achievement in the world of ice and sticks. Messier was known for his tough style and ability to lead both on and off the ice. It was thanks to his determination and confidence that the New York Rangers were able to win the Stanley Cup in 1994, their first in 54 years.

Hockey achievements and records that are not forgotten

When it comes to the significance of achievements, it is worth remembering the victory of the USSR team at the 1980 Olympics, when the entire country united under the banner of hockey triumph. This moment went down in history as one of the most impressive achievements, symbolizing not only skill but also the unity of the people.

A significant event was the series of matches between the USSR and Canada in 1972. This hockey marathon became a real diplomatic confrontation, turning sports into a means of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Such achievements show that sports can be a force that unites people and nations, and this is what makes them so significant.

Championships, duels, undefeated teams and moments that take your breath away. From the USSR to the NHL, players wrote the history of hockey, and legends continue to inspire new generations to great achievements.

Hockey records that have not been broken to this day

Despite rapid development, there are records that have remained unbeaten. One of these is Wayne Gretzky’s 92 goals scored in a season – a result that seems almost impossible for modern players. This record stands as a monument to perseverance, talent and skill, inspiring a new generation of hockey players to strive for the ideal. Also, the record for the number of points scored in a career, which is again held by Gretzky, is still unbroken. This is a real challenge for future generations who dream of writing their names in the history of sports.

Hockey Legends – Inspiration for Generations

The best representatives of the ice battles continue to inspire us not only with their achievements, but also with their passion, diligence and love for the game. Hockey legends show that it is possible to remain relevant and beloved even after decades. Let their stories inspire a new generation of hockey players to even greater accomplishments. After all, it’s more than a game, it’s a legacy that unites us and teaches us to strive for the best.

Ball hockey is a dynamic and exciting winter sport that combines elements of ice hockey and football. The game is played on the ice by two teams of 11 players, whose aim is to score as many goals as possible into the opponent’s goal. In this article, we will look at the rules of ball hockey in detail.

The basic rules of ball hockey

The format, also known as ‘bendi’, originated more than a century ago in Scandinavia and Russia. The current set of rules developed as early as the 19th century, when the game on frozen rivers and lakes became increasingly popular. Initially, the rules of ball hockey were very different – there were no clear field boundaries and the number of players could vary depending on the mood of the participants and the size of the lake. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was decided to standardise the rules in order to make the game more organised and entertaining.

One of the most important changes in the history of ball hockey was the introduction of a limit of 11 players per team and the establishment of clear rules for the order of throw-ins and penalties. Today, the rules dictate specific pitch sizes, the use of sticks and the application of penalties and free kicks, creating a balance between speed and strategy.

Pitch sizes and equipment – where and with what to play

Ball hockey requires a specially equipped ice rink, which according to the rules is 90-110 metres long and 45-65 metres wide. This huge surface allows athletes to develop very high speed and outwit their opponents with strategic manoeuvres. The hockey pitch is divided into several zones: The centre line divides the pitch into two halves, while the goal is a semi-circular area with a radius of 17 metres, where the most exciting moments take place.

The equipment is another important component. The hockey stick in Bendi is different from the usual hockey stick. It has a curved end, which helps to control the ball better. The stick is made of light but strong wood, which makes it easy to manoeuvre. The ball itself weighs around 60 grams and is made of luminous plastic so that it is easy to see on the ice.

Referees and penalties – how to referee a game correctly

When it comes to refereeing, every detail counts, as the game is played at breakneck speed and any mistake can cost a team victory.

Refereeing rules for ball hockey

The work of the referee requires the utmost attention and a high reaction speed. The rules in ball hockey include several important points such as enforcing the rules in the goal area, monitoring fouls and awarding penalties and free kicks. The game is officiated by three referees, the head referee and two assistant referees, who each have their own duties and areas of control on the pitch:

• Offside control;
• Awarding of free kicks;
• Time control;
• counting fouls;
• Maintaining order in the goal area;
• Deciding controversial situations.

The head referee monitors the overall dynamics of the game, while the side referees help to control offside positions and offences on the flanks. This division of duties keeps the pace of hockey high while ensuring fairness and compliance with the rules.

Penalty kicks and free kicks: Rules and technique

Penalty kicks in ball hockey are awarded in situations where a team has infringed the rules in its defence zone. The player taking the penalty kick is 12 metres from the goal and only the goalkeeper can attempt to stop the ball. The execution technique requires clarity and strength – the ball must be steered as close as possible to the corner of the goal so that the goalkeeper has no time to react.

Free kicks in ball hockey are taken when the offence has been committed in another part of the pitch. The players of the team awarded the free kick are close to the ball, while the defenders must be no closer than 5 metres away. The technique involves three important steps:

1. The stick should be at a 45-degree angle to the ice to ensure optimal contact with the ball and to be able to control it even at high speeds. The correct angle helps to reduce vibrations and maintain balance on impact, which is particularly important in tense moments of the game.
2. Aiming – the player carefully assesses the formation of the defenders, analyses their possible actions and chooses the best direction for a pass or a shot to minimise the risk of being intercepted. It is important to consider not only the opponent’s current position, but also their speed and direction of movement in order to anticipate where a space will open up.
3. Powerful and accurate shooting – it is not only important to shoot the ball, but also to direct it in a way that creates a favourable position for the team, whether to continue the attack or to create a potentially dangerous moment. The shot should be taken with all players in position to maximise the chances of a successful moment and allow for a subsequent pass or direct approach to goal.

Tactics and strategy: How to win?

Winning in ball hockey is not just about luck, it is also about hard work, strategy, adherence to the rules and the ability to see the field one step ahead. Every hockey player, every pass, every manoeuvre is important here.

Basic tactics in ball hockey

Depending on the strength of the opponent and the style of play, teams use different strategies. One of the most popular is the ‘counter-attacking style’, in which the athletes focus on defence and then quickly switch to attack in order to exploit the opponent’s mistakes. This tactic makes it possible to optimise the use of space on the hockey pitch and change the pace of play quickly.

Another effective strategy is ‘attacking from the wings’. Players on the edges of the field often have more freedom of action and can create dangerous moments for the opponent. The Russian team Yenisei Krasnoyarsk, for example, has repeatedly demonstrated its mastery of this tactic, giving it a numerical advantage in attack.

Conclusion

Ball hockey is very interesting, also due to well thought-out rules. Study the peculiarities of the sport discipline in more depth if you want to learn to play well.