Did You Catch the Jaffa Super 6s Finals in Late January? It’s one of the most exciting events on the hockey calendar to watch. The ball moves faster, the space is smaller, and wall rebounds add an interesting twist that field hockey lacks.
It’s just one of the many hockey spin-offs that exist, and each one is fascinating in its own way. This got us wondering—how did field hockey come into existence?
Every sport has variations, and hockey is no exception. The different styles of hockey require distinct skills from players, making the game even more intriguing.
Types of Hockey
Field Hockey
Field hockey was originally played on grass, but today, astroturf is the standard playing surface. It is the world’s third-most-popular sport, despite receiving significantly less media coverage than cricket and soccer, which rank second and first, respectively.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is Canada’s official national winter sport, but it is also widely popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in countries accustomed to icy conditions. These include Belarus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Sledge Hockey
Sledge hockey evolved from ice hockey and is played by both able-bodied and disabled athletes. Players sit on a sledge to compete in a game that follows the same basic principles as ice hockey.
Roller Hockey
Not every region has the luxury of natural ice rinks in winter. Roller hockey serves as an alternative, played on inline or quad skates. It is particularly popular in Latin America.
Bandy
Bandy is Russia’s official national sport and is a hybrid of ice hockey and field hockey. It features the same number of players as field hockey but is played on ice like ice hockey. However, instead of a puck, bandy uses a ball, and the playing surface is much larger than a standard ice hockey rink.
Ringette
Ringette is a fast-paced sport primarily played by women in North America. It takes place on a standard ice hockey rink, but the unique rules and rink layout make the game even faster, relying heavily on strategy, fluid skating, and high-level skill.
Street/Ball Hockey
Street hockey originated as a casual adaptation of ice hockey, played on paved roads when rinks weren’t accessible. Over time, it has evolved into an official sport with its own world championship series.
Indoor Hockey
Indoor hockey is similar to field hockey but played on a much smaller, enclosed surface. This makes the game faster, more controlled, and allows for rebounds off the sideboards. Many field hockey players participate in indoor hockey to improve their stick-handling skills and vision on the field.
Shinty
Shinty is a unique sport played primarily in Scotland, incorporating elements of field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. It is most commonly played by communities in the Scottish Highlands.
Where Did Hockey Originate?
Given the numerous games that incorporate elements of modern hockey, pinpointing the sport’s exact origins is challenging. Hockey-like games have appeared throughout history, but it is difficult to determine which one directly influenced the modern version.
The ancient Egyptians played a game similar to hockey nearly 4,000 years ago, using a semicircle-shaped puck made from papyrus fibers and leather. Similar games were played in Ethiopia around 1000 BC, Iran around 2000 BC, and in various regions of China and Mongolia. These early games may have been the first forms of hockey—or they may have simply emerged independently due to the sport’s simplicity. All that was needed was a stick and an object to use as a ball or puck, which could be anything from papyrus fibers to a stone.
The Celtic Connection
It is widely accepted that modern field hockey originated in England in the mid-18th century, though this is still debated. Some argue that modern hockey is a direct descendant of the Indian game Khido Khundi, a sport deeply rooted in Indian culture. A film of the same name depicts the lives of Indian hockey players, reinforcing hockey’s status as the country’s national sport.
In England, public schools helped popularize hockey, and it spread throughout the British Empire. Interestingly, Charles Darwin, the famous scientist, frequently wrote about sports he played in Shrewsbury, England. He referred to a game called "hocky," which was not a specific variation of the sport but rather an early spelling. At the time, hockey did not have an official name, and some believe the term derived from the cork used as a ball. The UK’s version of hockey likely evolved from Celtic sports such as hurley, hurling, bandy, shinty, or shinny—games with origins tracing back nearly 1,500 years.
What About Ice Hockey?
Canadians often claim ice hockey as their own invention. Canadian-born James Creighton was the first to organize an official ice hockey game in Canada. While Canada may have been the first to formalize ice hockey, paintings from the 17th century depict people playing similar games on ice. This suggests that even modern ice hockey may have European origins—sorry, Canada!
A Global Sport with Endless Variations
Hockey is an intense and exhilarating sport, enjoyed in various forms across the globe. While its precise origins remain uncertain, we’re grateful for the evolution of the game into what it is today. With so many variations, there’s a version of hockey for everyone.
However, some versions of hockey pose a higher risk of injury due to fast passes, speeding balls, and flying pucks. To stay protected while playing, invest in a high-quality mouthguard. Shop OPRO’s mouthguards online today and stay safe while enjoying the game.