Hockey for Beginners
Hockey in New Zealand
Interested in the game of hockey? Find out about hockey in New Zealand, including rules, gear, training and our national team, the Black Sticks.
Hockey in New Zealand
The first hockey club in New Zealand was formed in 1895 in Kaiapoi, on the outer edges of Christchurch. As it is today, NZ hockey was played by both men and women.
Today, the game is run by Hockey New Zealand, which oversees 32 regional associations and hosts more than 35 national age group and secondary school representative tournaments nationwide.
The biggest events on the hockey calendar annually are:
- National Masters Tournament - the largest Masters event in the country
- National Hockey League - the NHL is Hockey New Zealand's major domestic competition and takes place at venues throughout New Zealand over four weeks in September and October.
Get the latest hockey news, coverage and updates online, so you can keep up with the play in New Zealand hockey.
Who are The Black Sticks?
At the very top of their game in New Zealand, our national hockey team, The Black Sticks, have both men's and women's teams playing at a competitive level internationally. Competitions include Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and the Hockey World Cup. In competition, our top hockey players join those from more than 117 other countries.
What are the rules for hockey?
Wondering how to play this fast-paced winter sport? Here are the basic hockey rules you'll need to know:
The game is played on a rectangular field (91.4 x 55 metres), divided into four equal quarters lengthwise. At each end of the field, there is a semicircle: you must be within this area to shoot a goal. A goal is scored when the ball lands over the back line and between the goal posts, which measure 2.14 metres in height and are 3.66 metres apart.
A game of hockey is played between two teams, each with eleven players. Up to five substitutes can be used during the game. A team captain must be on the field at all times; he or she will be involved with any disputes over possession of the ball. Two umpires are also present - they control the game and each watches over half of the field.
The duration of a game varies: junior games have two 20 minute halves; intermediate/secondary games have two 25 or 30 minute halves; and international games have 2 halves of 35 minutes.
The game begins when a pass is made by the starting team from the centre of the field - this hit must be made to a team member within their own half. Members of the opposing team must remain at least five metres from the ball. If the ball leaves the marked field area, the team which did not hit it out will restart play by hitting the ball from the side line.
Players are not allowed to hit the ball with the back of the stick - they must use the flat side of the stick only. The stick must not be raised above shoulder height and the ball must not be hit in a way that could endanger other players. Obstruction is ruled if a player blocks the opposition with their body or their stick.
Can I play hockey?
Yes, people of all ages and fitness levels can play hockey! To get involved in hockey in New Zealand - at junior, senior or professional level - simply get in touch with your regional hockey club. Visit their website to see what they offer and then get in touch by phone or email to express your interest. There are a wide range of hockey teams and clubs nationwide, including regional, high school, university, inline and ice hockey clubs. There are hockey teams playing from one end of New Zealand to the other, including:
What skills and equipment do I need to play hockey?
To play, you'll need basic fitness and good co-ordination skills - as ball control is probably the most important aspect of the game. You'll need to be able to dribble the ball while running, weave between players and keep contact with the ball while under attack from members of the opposition.
To train, you will need to build and maintain your levels of overall fitness, flexibility and strength (both upper and lower body). This can be achieved through cardio and weight training at a gym, specifically exercises to increase the strength of your legs, abdominal muscles and arms. Hockey-specific training will also be needed - including ball control (hitting the ball and stopping it with full control), sweeping, weaving, defending and attacking, sprinting and manoeuvring with ease.
As for hockey gear, you'll initially need the basics: a hockey stick (ranging from $20 to $200) and ball, as well as safety gear, including a mouth guard and shin guards.
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand hockey in the NZS.com directory.
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