How to play Floorball
Floorball is officially played by two teams consisting of five field players and a goalkeeper in the rink at one time. The idea of the game is to score more goals than the opposite team within the limits of the rules.
In general the gameplay is very similar to ice hockey, though vs hockey it is less physical and requires a lot less equipment. The only equipment needed to get the game started is sticks for all players, a ball and two goals.
The game time is 3 x 20 minutes and the team with the most goals wins. Time is stopped for goals, penalties, and timeouts. Substitutions may occur at any time.
For a more detailed description of the game and how to plan a gym lesson, please have a look at our Floorball guide: Getting started and Planning Lessons.
Variations of the game
Floorball is very flexible. If playing for recreational purposes or with younger players, the time and number of periods can be reduced.
Depending on the court, the team size may also be reduced to three or four field players. The game may also be played without a goalkeeper, but smaller goals than the official goal size are recommended.
Floorball fundamentals
On our Youtube-channel you can find videos explaining the fundamentals of floorball, with the basic techniques:
- Dribbling & Stick Handling - learn how to hold a floorball stick and how to handle the ball.
- Passing - learn the passing techniques in floorball.
- Shooting - become a sharp shooter with the different shooting techniques in floorball.
You can also watch how to easily organize a game.
Floorball drills and exercises
If you are setting up a class or a floorball program, or want some inspiration for practices with your floorball team you can also visit our floorball drills and exercises playlist on our YouTube-channel.
Some of the drills and exercises can easily be adapted to practice at home.