Hockey

Hockey is one of the most gender equitable team sports and is fun, fast, safe, and exciting. The game is played 11 a-side with a goalkeeper but there are also many age-appropriate, small-sided versions of the game.
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What is hockey?

Hockey is an established part of School Games activity. Since 2010, it has been played competitively at both intra and inter-school events alongside county finals in both primary and secondary schools.

England Hockey is committed to developing hockey in schools and have a range of support and opportunities available including fun and engaging session ideas, a range of resources and equipment, adapted formats that are simpler and easy for anyone to deliver, and the Hockey Hub, a free online learning portal with a dedicated teacher section.

Adapted versions of the 11 a-side game give the best and most appropriate age-related experience of the game. The primary school version of the game using the Quicksticks format is 4 a-side, and the secondary version uses the 6 a-side, In2hockey version of the game. No goalkeepers are required, and games can be played on various surfaces as they use adapted equipment and simplified rules to make this possible.

Find out more about how to play hockey formats.

Equipment needed

  • Hockey balls
  • Hockey sticks
  • Goals
  • Bibs
  • Cone
  • Court space (e.g. a netball court)

Get involved

The School Games is inclusive to all young people and provides opportunities for everyone to get involved, either within school, against other local schools, or at county or regional level.

School Games Organisers

School Games Organisers (SGO) help schools coordinate appropriate competitive opportunities for all young people from Key Stage 2-4, to recruit, train and deploy a suitable workforce, and to support the development of club.

Sign up to find your local SGO

Quick and easy hockey activities

Be it 10-minute or lesson-length activities, we have a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities to encourage young people to stay active throughout the day.

See all resources