Octopush: A Simple Guide to Starting Floor Hockey

If you’ve heard the word “octopush” and wondered what it is, you’re in the right place. Octopush is just another name for floor hockey – a fast‑moving game you can play indoors with a stick, a ball and a few friends. It’s cheap, easy to set up and works great in a school gym, community hall or your local club’s basement.

Because the game needs almost no equipment, a lot of people use it to keep their hockey skills sharp when the weather isn’t suitable for ice or turf. Below you’ll find everything you need to get started, from the basic rules to the gear you’ll need and a few tips to improve your play quickly.

What is Octopush?

Octopush is essentially hockey played on a smooth floor, usually a gym surface or a marked wooden board. The name comes from the original UK brand that marketed the game in the 1970s, but today it’s just a generic term for the sport. Players use a short stick – similar to a field hockey stick but lighter – and a hard plastic ball about the size of a baseball.

The objective is simple: get the ball into the opponent’s goal more times than they get it into yours. You can pass, dribble, and shoot just like in regular hockey, but there’s no off‑side rule and the playing area is smaller, so the game is faster and more chaotic.

Getting Started: Gear and Rules

First, grab the basics. A standard octopush stick costs around £10‑£15 and is made of lightweight wood or plastic. The ball is a hollow plastic sphere, often bright orange for visibility. You’ll also want a pair of indoor shoes with good grip and, if you’re playing on a hard surface, knee pads to protect yourself from falls.

Mark the playing area with tape or a temporary line. A common size is about 12 m by 8 m, with small goals at each end – you can use cones, folded chairs or a simple net. The game usually runs in two halves of 10‑15 minutes, with a short break in between.

Here’s a quick rule rundown:

• Only the stick may touch the ball – no hands or feet.
• Goalies can use their hands but must stay inside the goal area.
• After a goal, the non‑scoring team restarts from the centre.
• Physical contact is limited – push‑checking is allowed, but tripping or hitting is not.

These rules keep the game safe and fast‑paced. If you’re playing with a club like Lipson Lions, they might have slight variations, so always check the local rule sheet before you start.

Now that you have the gear and know the rules, it’s time for a few practical tips.

Tips to Play Better Fast

1. Master the basic push. The easiest way to move the ball is a short, firm push with the flat side of the stick. Keep the stick low to the ground and use your wrist to flick the ball when you need a quick pass.

2. Keep your eyes on the ball. It’s tempting to watch opponents, but tracking the ball gives you better control and helps you anticipate passes.

3. Use angles. Because the space is tight, cutting the ball across the rink creates space for you and your teammates. Practice swinging the ball from one side to the other – it confuses defenders.

4. Guard your goal. Even if you’re not a dedicated goalie, staying near your net and blocking shots can turn the tide of the match.

5. Stay moving. Octopush rewards players who keep shifting their position. It makes it harder for opponents to mark you and opens up passing lanes.

Play a few warm‑up rounds with friends, focus on these basics, and you’ll notice a big jump in confidence. Most clubs, including Lipson Lions, hold regular octopush nights, so you can practice in a friendly setting and meet other players.

Bottom line: octopush is a cheap, fast, and social way to keep your hockey skills sharp. Grab a stick, set up a small rink, and get the ball rolling. You’ll be scoring goals and having fun before you know it.