Hockey is a team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of six players each, who use sticks to hit a puck or ball with the objective of scoring goals. The game is played on a rectangular rink with a goal at each end. In ice hockey, players skate on ice, while field hockey is played on grass or artificial turf.
The primary objective in both variations is to score by getting the puck or ball into the opposing team’s goal. Hockey involves strategic teamwork, skillful stickhandling, precise passing, and quick skating or running.
Ice hockey is known for its fast pace and physicality, often featuring body checking and fighting, while field hockey is characterized by its use of a small ball and more continuous play with less emphasis on physical contact. Various leagues and tournaments exist globally for both types, including professional leagues like the NHL for ice hockey and various international competitions like the Hockey World Cup for field hockey.
Overall, hockey emphasizes skill, speed, and strategy, making it a popular sport in many countries around the world.