BB Fact Sheet – Recreation - Hockey

Why Hockey?

• Take up Hockey again or as a new sport to improve your fitness and overall health.

• Hockey improves your hand-eye coordination and tactical thinking.

• It’s a friendly game – a great way to expand your social circle.

• Whether you want to play socially or competitively, Hockey has opportunities at any level - as a beginner, social player, competition, and masters.

Baby Boomers and Hockey

• As one of the few sports that can be played throughout a lifespan, hockey in Australia boasts players as young as five, through to veterans of 81 years of age.

• Hockey is for all ages. It can be a fast-paced game or a slow one – you can set the speed to your own fitness level and mobility. Hockey Australia encourages people over thirty-five to join in with their Hockey Seniors campaign.

• Hockey can providing a good workout. At some levels, it is played on a half pitch to reduce the need to cover large distances, so it can be a great part of your Preventative Health strategy.

Getting started

• This is a team game – while you can practice on your own, you need to join a club get the most out of the sport, and mix with other players. If you fancy a bit of competition, there is opportunity at a loocal, State and National level with Seniors, Masters and Veterans levels.

• Hockey improves not only your mobility and coordination, but also your tactical thinking. It can help you to read people better and build on your social skills.

• Don’t put it off, start now! All you need is a hockey stick, some sports shoes and you’re ready to begin. Most clubs will have loan gear for beginners, so you may not even need a stick at first.

• Do you know someone who plays? Ask them to introduce you to a club, or to show you a few moves. If you don’t, it’s easy to find a club – look at the Australian Hockey sites or the Find a Club link below, or ask at your local community centre or sporting club.

Hockey Australia - (03) 9555 1500

Australia  - http://www.hockey.org.au/

NSW        - http://www.hockeynsw.com.au/

QLD        - http://www.hockeyqld.com.au/

               
VIC         - http://www.hockeyvictoria.org.au/              

WA         - http://www.hockeywa.org.au/2006.cfm

             
SA         - http://www.hockeysa.com.au/

SA Clubs- http://www.hockeysa.com.au/index.php?id=185

TAS        - http://www.hockeytas.org.au/index.php

NT          - http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=4-2647-0-0-0 

ACT        - http://www.hockeyact.org.au/

Find a Club Near You - http://www.hockey.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=103

National Events Calendars - http://www.hockey.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=107 

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This article was created by Elisabeth Watkins for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's website for Baby Boomers. Babyboomers.com.au is an online resource to help people find information and services on health, money, travel and recreation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual recreation or medical advice. Please see an independent advisor or your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

Copyright 2009 Babyboomers Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved.