What is Floorball?

Originating in Sweden in the 1970's, it has become one of the fastest-growing team sports globally. Floorball is a dynamic, high-speed, and low-contact indoor team sport with significant ties to traditional ice hockey, but played with its own set of equipment, tactics and various rules making it unique and exciting! 

The Game

Players: A match is typically played with five field players and one goalkeeper per side (5v5). Teams can sub players on-the-fly, creating fast, non-stop action.

The Court: The game is played on a standard indoor gym floor and is contained by a low, rounded barrier, or rink, which keeps the ball in continuous play.

Duration: Official games consist of three 20-minute periods with effective time (the clock stops during stoppages), ensuring a fast pace throughout.

Equipment & Safety

One of floorball’s main appeals is its emphasis on safety and accessibility:
 

Stick: Extremely lightweight & made of plastic or carbon fibre. The stick must be kept below the knee at all times

Ball: A lightweight, hollow, plastic ball (often compared to a wiffle ball). It can reach high speeds but is soft and safe.

Goalkeeper: The goaltender wears light padding but plays without a stick. They block shots with their body and hands, while playing on their knees.

Safety: Body checking and stick checking are strictly prohibited. The rules are intentionally designed to maximize skill & speed while minimising the risk of injury.

 

A Sport of Skill, Not Strength

Because body contact and raising the stick high are prohibited, floorball stresses quick passing, speed, tactical movement, and superior stickhandling over brute force. It is widely recognized as a top off-ice training tool for ice hockey players, as it significantly develops puck control and agility.


Resources:

For a more in-depth view of the sport, check out our "Floorball 101 Handbook"