Indoor Hockey
Indoor field hockey, or indoor hockey, is an indoor variant of “traditional” outdoor field hockey. It is not to be confused with other indoor hockey variants such as rink hockey or floorball, which are not related to regular hockey.
It is traditionally and mainly played as a pastime by outdoor field hockey players during the off-season, when outdoor pitches are frozen or, alternatively, when conditions are too hot for outdoor play. It is an excellent way to improve fitness and stick skills because of its intensity and the smaller space it is played in.
Indoor hockey differs from outdoor hockey in a number of ways. There are fewer players in an indoor hockey team with teams comprising a maximum of 12 players with only six, including the goalkeeper, allowed on the pitch at any one time and up to six substitutes. The field of play is much smaller, a hard surface in a sports hall or similar venue, with boards along the sidelines that prevent the ball from going out of play at the side.
Indoor hockey competitions are run at local, national and international levels. At national level, Hockey Australia runs Australian Championships in indoor hockey at Under 15, Under 18, Under 21 and senior open age-groups.
For more information about the availability of indoor hockey in your state or territory contact your local state/territory association.