Floor Hockey Study Guide Playing Area The playing area has a center line, usually the mid court line of the basketball court. Center circle is the mid court jump circle. Play always starts in this circle and resumes from this point after goals, roughing fouls or misconduct fouls with the offended team given possession. The goal box is a restraining line marked with tape in front of the goal. The Team Each team consists of six players. One goalie who may use his/her hands, stick or feet to stop the puck. One center who is the only player allowed moving full court and who leads offensive play and is often referred to as the rover. Two defensive players who cannot go past the center line into the offensive area and whose responsibility it is to keep the puck out their defensive half of the court. Two forwards who work with the center on offensive play and who cannot go past the center line into their defensive area. The Game A coin flip determines which team gets the puck first. Play cannot start until a whistle is blown or the ref says “play”. Penalty for starting before whistle is loss of possession. Center must start play from the center circle with a pass. There is no scoring from the center circle unless first touched by another offensive or defensive player. If play is started with a shot on the goal, the puck is returned to center circle with other team gaining possession. All players must be outside the restraining circle with defensive players in an upright position. There are no time outs. If the puck becomes unplayable, the ref will designate the closest team player to put it in play or declare a face off. If playing two games in one gym, the team that hits the puck out of bounds will give it to other team. The Play When any player accumulates two fouls for roughing or five for misconduct, he/she is out for the duration of the game. Free substitution is allowed. A player entering the game as a substitute should use the stick of the player being replaced. Changed of goalies can only take place when the clock is stopped. Change of position between guards and forwards can only take place when the puck is dead and the clock is stopped. Scoring A goal is scored anytime the puck touches or crosses the goal line or is above the goal line. Under no circumstances will a goal be counted on a foul with offensive players in the crease (goalies box). Goal will not count when puck hits off the front frame of the goal and ricochets out. The team behind gets the puck after a score unless the score is tied then alternate possession. Goal Keeping The goalie may use either hands or stick to clear puck away from the goal. It is a foul for the goalie to throw the puck. The goalie has three seconds to play the puck once he/she has gained control or possession. When the goalie has been pulled in the last minute of play to add offensive strength, any defensive player may cover the goalie box otherwise only the goalie can be in the goalies box. Penalty: Loss of Possession. Start play at the center circle.
Roughing Fouls : Result in Penalty shot and 2 minutes in Penalty Box (2 roughing fouls in 1 game result in removal from rest of game/class) ● Slashing­When an opponent is hit with the stick and in the judgment of the referee, the player is not trying to play the puck. ● Contact with an opposing player with the stick above the waist. ● Contact with the goalie while in the goalie box. ● Pushing. ● Unnecessary blocking with the body. Tripping or hooking with the stick. Misconduct Penalty
● Anytime play is deliberately stopped by holding or placing foot on puck. Players may not deliberately leave feet to block puck (slide). ● Guards or forwards across the center line. ● Anytime players are in the goalie box (crease). Hitting the puck with your hand is allowed as long as you play it immediately. Techniques of Play ­Keep hands separated to 8 to 12 inches apart. Right handed players should have the right hand lower. ­Shots may be scored forehand or backhand. ­Emphasize control and direction of puck, not distance or speed. ­Stick must be carried low at all times in readiness to intercept shots of opponents, to pass to teammates, ect.. ­Get in close, control the puck with the stick blade; pass to a teammate if they are in a better position to score. ­Keep your eye on the puck. Follow it. Stay as close as possible. ­ Follow all shots­Rebound shots are important. ­Wrist action is most important. A flicking motion is best for speed and accuracy. Hands, wrist, and forearm action control the stick most effectively.