Hockey is a popular game around the world. Players in special outfits and hockey shoes try to strike a ball with a stick in opponents’ goal. This article explores the history of the game, the basic rules and the necessary gear.

The present variant of the game originated in Great Britain in the middle of the 19th century. Initially it was developed for cricketers as an indoor substitute for cooler months. The first official club opened its doors in 1861; it was called the Blackheath Football and Hockey Club. Later the new rules and game regulations were introduced by the Teddington Club. One of the innovations was a ball; before that the game was played with a rubber cube. In the course of time players started to wear hockey shoes, which provided a better grip with the field. Gradually the game won acclaim throughout the British Empire and was introduced to other countries.

Today hockey is played by two teams with a maximum of eleven players each. Teams cannot consist of more players otherwise time is stopped and the game is restarted. Besides, the team with more than the permitted number of players may receive a penalty. Teams can have goalkeepers who need to wear clothes in different colours and special protective equipment: headgear, leg guards, kickers, etc. Hockey can also be played without goalkeepers; this way all players wear the same clothes and quality hockey shoes without protective gear. Each team should have a captain who represents the team and controls the behaviour of other players. Captains are responsible for substitutions of players and should check whether these are carried out in the right way. Captains wear special arm-bands or other items on arms or shoulders indicating their rank on the field.

All players wear uniform outfits, which provide full freedom of movement. For greater protection and a better grip with the stick, players are allowed to wear gloves which come in the natural size of their hands. Additionally players need good arch support and foot stabilisation, which are ensured by special hockey shoes. Hockey footwear reminds regular sports shoes but features a number of properties, which make it qualify for this sport. First, it’s lightweight and doesn’t influence players’ speed of movement. Second, outsoles feature special inserts for shock absorption, forefoot propulsion and better traction. Third, sports shoes need to have proper ventilation, which is ensured by mesh openings. Fourth, there are special toecaps for better forefoot protection. Fifth, shoes can feature additional details, which might enhance players’ performance. Some models come with zipped elastic lace covers for additional instep support. Some have high grip rubber outsoles developed for this game. There are hockey shoes with moulded heel counters and heel outriggers for additional support, a better side cut grip and deceleration on the wet ground. These are only a few hockey footwear features players can benefit from on the pitch.

Hockey is an enjoyable sport to both play and watch; that’s why it remains so popular among professional players and amateurs. Besides, in Great Britain it’s a family oriented sport which can unite all members of the family on the pitch.