General Ball Hockey Thread

[YMCMBYOLO]

So I'm currently working on my one-timer slapper technique, apparently my friend says that it's different from my regular standing slapshot technique. He says it looks a bit like I'm playing baseball. I too find that I'm gripping my stick too hard with the objective of hitting the ball full-on. When I watch videos of slapshot technique, they emphasize hitting somewhat behind the ball and applying downward pressure to flex the stick, before releasing the shot. Anyone with some experience willing to give me some pointers and correct my baseball philosophy?

Lean into the shot more and have your bottom hand down more. If you have a baseball swing, then your hand is too high, I believe.

 

[BobHo]

Lean into the shot more and have your bottom hand down more. If you have a baseball swing, then your hand is too high, I believe.

Alrighty then! My bottom hand is near the middle, I don't think that's the problem.. Should I slap the ground more?

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Looks like I'm going to have to play in some snow/rain for tonights game. Should make things interesting.

 

[iFishyHD]

If i'm picturing it correctly it seems like alot of tape. Send a pic

Not really. I always forget to come down to this part of the boards. If I remember tomorrow I should post a pic.

 

[Marotte Marauder]

I've always found it necessary to really focus on turning the bottom hand over and follow through low, especially if not using a water filled ball.

 

[iFishyHD]

Raining really hard here at 4:30. Hopefully the Dek will be nice at my 8:45 practice (although we normally just scrimmage anyway, we share a half Dek if not). I find small, quick strides are the best when it is rainy.

 

[iFishyHD]

The games over. Final 1-6. Weather was terrible, although I never fell myself. My team got absolutely pounded, we couldn't forecheck or backcheck, didn't get good chances. Our defense wasn't bad, but we had a little trouble getting it out of our on zone. I assisted on the one and only goal for the team, kicked it up to my foot and made a nice pass through the defense and set up a guy going to the goal. I play with this guy that says he only plays Center, but he is terrible on FO's and doesn't backcheck like a true center. Our best defenseman was also out, he should be back in a week. He played forward last week and we seemed to have some chemistry. Monday is the real deal, hopefully no rain.

 

[Analyzer*]

I play goalie twice a week in a co-ed ball hockey league. It's not too competitive, but it is a lot of fun. One tip to tell your D - challenge the point shooters. Either be prepared to block the shots with your shins or get a stick on the ball. If the point shooters get a free look at the net, some of those guys can put a wicked curve on the ball. Also, have your D cheat a little towards the shooters' forehand. A lot of guys will sprint down the side, turn their back to the goal, then move towards the middle and snap a forehand. I try to tell my D to play the forehand. I can stop a backhand much easier.

I play a standup style, rather than b-fly. For the other ball hockey goalies, any tips on shoes that will protect the toes? I've taken a couple low stingers off the toes and man that hurts.

I find it's more that the orange balls can't handle high speeds, or somewhat high speeds.

It's annoying when you wire a shot and it curves randomly away from the net.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

The games over. Final 1-6. Weather was terrible, although I never fell myself. My team got absolutely pounded, we couldn't forecheck or backcheck, didn't get good chances. Our defense wasn't bad, but we had a little trouble getting it out of our on zone. I assisted on the one and only goal for the team, kicked it up to my foot and made a nice pass through the defense and set up a guy going to the goal. I play with this guy that says he only plays Center, but he is terrible on FO's and doesn't backcheck like a true center. Our best defenseman was also out, he should be back in a week. He played forward last week and we seemed to have some chemistry. Monday is the real deal, hopefully no rain.

I kind of have the same thing happening on my team. We've been pounded twice now. Our forechecking and backchecking is lacking. Our defense is average as long as you don't ask them to do too much. Our major problem is getting it in the offensive zone and then keeping pressure on the other team. Usually for us its one shot and then that's it. One of our guys that plays center is pretty good at face-offs. The problem is that's his only strength. He doesn't backcheck and often takes too long of shifts which screws up the other lines.

 

[iFishyHD]

I kind of have the same thing happening on my team. We've been pounded twice now. Our forechecking and backchecking is lacking. Our defense is average as long as you don't ask them to do too much. Our major problem is getting it in the offensive zone and then keeping pressure on the other team. Usually for us its one shot and then that's it. One of our guys that plays center is pretty good at face-offs. The problem is that's his only strength. He doesn't backcheck and often takes too long of shifts which screws up the other lines.

Same. Our forechecking is decent, but we normally only get one shot unless our defenseman pinches. Which they should, but they don't really like too. I normally play LW, and the center stands right above me while I guard the point and pinch if needed. He should guard between the slots. We were missing a player last night. Probably our best defenseman, but he played forward last game and we clicked. We have a new player who doesn't understand boardplay very well, so that doesn't help breaking out of our zone. When I play center I try to think defense first. I like to get a strong breakout then get going quick the other way and get a good shot, then have somebody grab the rebound. We don't control the lengths of our shifts, but that would be the last straw for me before I really don't wanna play with that guy. We also didn't have our starting goalie in, but the backup wasn't terrible. I really think this team could go far. But a close 4-3 win, and a 6-1 lost really worries me.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Same. Our forechecking is decent, but we normally only get one shot unless our defenseman pinches. Which they should, but they don't really like too. I normally play LW, and the center stands right above me while I guard the point and pinch if needed. He should guard between the slots. We were missing a player last night. Probably our best defenseman, but he played forward last game and we clicked. We have a new player who doesn't understand boardplay very well, so that doesn't help breaking out of our zone. When I play center I try to think defense first. I like to get a strong breakout then get going quick the other way and get a good shot, then have somebody grab the rebound. We don't control the lengths of our shifts, but that would be the last straw for me before I really don't wanna play with that guy. We also didn't have our starting goalie in, but the backup wasn't terrible. I really think this team could go far. But a close 4-3 win, and a 6-1 lost really worries me.

I'm kind of torn about the defense on our team pinching. We don't have a lot of speed on the backend. The problem in the defensive zone is that we collapse hard. Which isn't good because as soon as we get the ball we have no where to go with it. I try to stay up high in the slot and stick check or tie up anybody that sneaks into the slot. Usually I end up covering the two defenders and the high slot because everyone else is down so low in the zone.

 

[iFishyHD]

I'm kind of torn about the defense on our team pinching. We don't have a lot of speed on the backend. The problem in the defensive zone is that we collapse hard. Which isn't good because as soon as we get the ball we have no where to go with it. I try to stay up high in the slot and stick check or tie up anybody that sneaks into the slot. Usually I end up covering the two defenders and the high slot because everyone else is down so low in the zone.

I would like to see them pinch up, we have some decent to good speed. We have no breakout because whenever the defenseman gets the ball behind the net, nobody is in position. The RW doesn't watch the boards and is to close to the middle line, while the center stands right in front of me and makes me the odd man out. I normally then take his responsibility and pinches. Almost like he mirrors me. It is very awkward to say the least .

 

[CarlWinslow]

I think most ball hockey leagues use floating blue lines. I know all the ones here do. So as a result, I find that the easiest way to transition to offense is have a few guys who can really lug the ball and disperse them throughout the lineup.

With the floating rule, you just need guys who can consistently gain that blue line with either chip plays or dekes. Once the line is gained the zone opens up and its easy to find the point and get set up. If you can't gain that line though you are in trouble.

If you don't have those luggers, you have to pressure the opposing defensemen enough to make them turn it over with a bad pass, dump etc.

 

[HockeyThoughts]

Played ball hockey for years and I've just recently started to see some big progression in my game.

Some notes:
-I wear basketball shoes. They have amazing ankle support, hard padding in the toe area and great grip for the type of floor we run on. I don't play basketball either but trust me you'll love these.

-I don't tape the blade, I tape a knob and the middle of the shaft for grip. I'll post some pics after.

-I wear knee pads, shin pads and soccer socks. Trust me, once you take a nice wack on your shins in the corner, or your breaking out of the zone before some desperate player blatantly trips you causing you to land hard on your knees.. You'll thank me.

-I also wear mouth guard and jock.. When I remember. Not completely necessary all the time but it's always nice to have more protection.

-I use a two piece stick, composite shaft and wood blade (mostly ABS). I will practice a lot stick handling and shooting on my net in the garage so my stick gets a fair bit of wear on pavement. I have two composite sticks as well but I've gotten very used to the feel of wood against the ball plus the different weight distribution

-I am hardly a dangler (I'm actually a super mobile hardnosed two-way defenseman the majority of the time) but I use an incredibly short stick. Only comes up to below the chin-adam apples area. I have pretty long arms and my feet are always moving so my pokecheck is surprisingly lethal. I have great defensive positioning and defensive stickwork and with a little time and space I can release a nice shot. My creativity is likely my weakness, when playing forward, leading the rush having one on one offensive plays is what I struggle with.

If you have any questions at all about ball hockey or wanna discuss the game quote me or PM me. I play three times a week in the Mississauga and Oakville area, last summer Brampton too.

 

[CarlWinslow]

Played ball hockey for years and I've just recently started to see some big progression in my game.

Some notes:
-I wear basketball shoes. They have amazing ankle support, hard padding in the toe area and great grip for the type of floor we run on. I don't play basketball either but trust me you'll love these.

-I don't tape the blade, I tape a knob and the middle of the shaft for grip. I'll post some pics after.

-I wear knee pads, shin pads and soccer socks. Trust me, once you take a nice wack on your shins in the corner, or your breaking out of the zone before some desperate player blatantly trips you causing you to land hard on your knees.. You'll thank me.

-I also wear mouth guard and jock.. When I remember. Not completely necessary all the time but it's always nice to have more protection.

-I use a two piece stick, composite shaft and wood blade (mostly ABS). I will practice a lot stick handling and shooting on my net in the garage so my stick gets a fair bit of wear on pavement. I have two composite sticks as well but I've gotten very used to the feel of wood against the ball plus the different weight distribution

-I am hardly a dangler (I'm actually a super mobile hardnosed two-way defenseman the majority of the time) but I use an incredibly short stick. Only comes up to below the chin-adam apples area. I have pretty long arms and my feet are always moving so my pokecheck is surprisingly lethal. I have great defensive positioning and defensive stickwork and with a little time and space I can release a nice shot. My creativity is likely my weakness, when playing forward, leading the rush having one on one offensive plays is what I struggle with.

If you have any questions at all about ball hockey or wanna discuss the game quote me or PM me. I play three times a week in the Mississauga and Oakville area, last summer Brampton too.

Me too. I once switched to a typical running shoe for a game just as a test. First toe shot I took, the basketball shoes were put back on.

 

[iFishyHD]

Looking like I might have to play goalie this Saturday. Any tips? I play baseball if that matters or helps with tips.

 

[nightfighter]

Looking like I might have to play goalie this Saturday. Any tips? I play baseball if that matters or helps with tips.

I've played goalie my entire 6/7 year ball hockey career. One thing I've seen is that baseball catchers seem to make a pretty quick transition. The key thing is to not overthink. Don't worry about playing a specific style (butterfly vs standup vs hybrid). Just try and get in front of the shots and keep your hands active. Try to catch and corral shots that come into you. If you're able to do that you'll negate alot of second chance scoring opportunities.

Of course there is a massive library of literature on goaltending that can't really be covered in a single post or even a thread, but this should be all you need to hold your own. Welcome to the whacky yet fun world of hockey goaltending!

 

[DCDM]

Didn't even know this board existed.

But I've tried to play ball hockey at school regularly throughout the semesters, and I'm gonna be registering for a summer league. I'm really not very good (I really need to work on controlling the ball while moving) but my shot is decent and I can make a good pass when I have space.

Tried playing goalie once, it was horrible. Never again.

Anyways, yeah, not sure what else to post lol. Hello.

 

[iFishyHD]

I've played goalie my entire 6/7 year ball hockey career. One thing I've seen is that baseball catchers seem to make a pretty quick transition. The key thing is to not overthink. Don't worry about playing a specific style (butterfly vs standup vs hybrid). Just try and get in front of the shots and keep your hands active. Try to catch and corral shots that come into you. If you're able to do that you'll negate alot of second chance scoring opportunities.

Of course there is a massive library of literature on goaltending that can't really be covered in a single post or even a thread, but this should be all you need to hold your own. Welcome to the whacky yet fun world of hockey goaltending!

I played goalie a couple times a long time ago...like 7 or 8 years ago. I don't normally catch in baseball, but thanks for the tips.

Dumb question, but in ball hockey, do you guys wear a cup as goalie? Any chance I take one to the nuts?

 

[nightfighter]

I played goalie a couple times a long time ago...like 7 or 8 years ago. I don't normally catch in baseball, but thanks for the tips.

Dumb question, but in ball hockey, do you guys wear a cup as goalie? Any chance I take one to the nuts?

You should definitely wear a cup. You don't always take a shot there but it does happen. All it takes is one. Plus you dont want your play to suffer because you're afraid of getting hurt on every shot.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Didn't even know this board existed.

But I've tried to play ball hockey at school regularly throughout the semesters, and I'm gonna be registering for a summer league. I'm really not very good (I really need to work on controlling the ball while moving) but my shot is decent and I can make a good pass when I have space.

Tried playing goalie once, it was horrible. Never again.

Anyways, yeah, not sure what else to post lol. Hello.

Welcome! I created the thread because I was starting ball hockey and wanted to talk to others about it. As far as I knew there wasn't a thread like this yet. I know some people either can't afford ice hockey or have chosen to play ball hockey because its what they prefer. I have the same problem you do. I can't control the ball on my stick while moving.

I played goalie a couple times a long time ago...like 7 or 8 years ago. I don't normally catch in baseball, but thanks for the tips.

Dumb question, but in ball hockey, do you guys wear a cup as goalie? Any chance I take one to the nuts?

If your playing with the standard hard orange ball in ball hockey then I would advise a cup. When I played net I always wore one. Also the ball isn't the only threat. I've noticed that since the ball bounces more then the puck and there's usually more rebounds in ball hockey, more players are taking swings at the ball when it's above the floor which could easily mean your taking a full swing to the family jewels. Not a fun experience.

That's my elbow after I was on a breakaway in my last game and I was tripped up. We were down 5-1, I got past the defender and it was me and the goalie. Before I knew it I was tripped up and I went down hard. I was going full tilt down the rink too. My stick was about 2 feet away from me and my elbow was embedded with the floor pattern. I didn't get a penalty shot and my team was told we were lucky that we were given a powerplay. I was pissed and didn't get to play on the PP. I probably couldn't have done anything since my hands were numb. I really want to go hard at this team we're playing tonight.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Weird game where we lost 8-2. Closer then the score indicates. Our team has a problem about talking to the refs and our goalie is possibly being suspended for a game.

 

[IHaveNoCreativity]

What exactly is Dek hockey ?

 

[nightfighter]

What exactly is Dek hockey ?

Same thing as ball hockey but referencing the type of surface they play on (sport court usually).

 

[17of26]

Same thing as ball hockey but referencing the type of surface they play on (sport court usually).

I live in the Boston area, and it's always been called Dek Hockey here regardless of the surface. I always understood the term to mean organized street hockey played in rink of some kind.

According to Wikipedia, Dek Hockey and Ball Hockey actually have different rules:

Dek Hockey rules stipulate the following:

- The center line is considered the offsides line.
- You are not allowed to raise your stick above the shoulder at any time except when in the act of shooting or moving around another player while running.
- You cannot close your hand around the ball.
- Official rink dimensions are a minimum of 160 feet in length by 80 feet in width.

Ball Hockey rules stipulate the following:

- Offside is determined by a "floating blue line". The concept can be difficult to understand for non-hockey enthusiasts, but the simplest explanation is as follows: When the ball crosses the blue line, the attacking team is onside. They have the entire zone up to the center line with which to work the ball around and still be considered onside. Once the ball crosses the center red line the attacking team's players must clear the defending team's blue line and have the ball enter past the blue line to be considered onside again.
- You can raise your stick above the shoulder to call for a pass.
- You can close your hand around the ball provided that you bring the ball straight down to your feet and do not change the direction you are moving in.
- International rink dimensions are the same as international ice hockey rinks 197 ft × 98.4 ft.
- North American rink dimensions are the same as North American ice hockey rinks 200 ft × 85 ft.