Thinking of trying Floorball - thoughts/tips?

[Sureshot]

Moved back to the UK recently, and I'm feeling the desire to play something hockey-related again. Ice and inline are way too inconvenient for me in my new circumstances, but I noticed there's a casual floorball team really close by to me that would work with my schedule. So I was considering giving it a shot.

Anyone have any particular thoughts on floorball vs ice/inline? (apart from the obvious differences).

Anyone gone from one/both to the other?

I noticed equipment/protection is pretty minimal, and everywhere seems to suggest it's a lot harder to get injured. True? Is any protection still advised? I have a reasonable memory of getting whacked in the face with a Unihock stick when I was a kid...

Any other equipment/training advice?

Really, I'm about 80% certain on going for it, but just wanted to give any evangelists the chance to wax about their sport.

Cheers in advance.

 

[SnipesMalloy]

I've never played floor ball, don't really know much about it too be honest. But I say go for it! Why not!? Its physical activity, it seems somewhat related to hockey.

This fellow says it improves his hockey dangles, which are already on an insane level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r34HO2SsVds

 

[Sureshot]

I did try it last week as it happens, and it was a lot of fun! The ball is going to take a bit of getting used to - completely different experience than an ice or inline puck.

 

[Meuracas]

Definitely worth trying! It's really popular over here and while it's a totally different sport I believe it still keeps you in shape and helps get better at deking, passing and all of that stuff.

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

Wish this would catch on in Canada. I'd love to be a floorball goalie.

 

[WSD]

I've been playing floorball for a few years in Canada now (lower Ontario area), if you have the opportunity to try it I highly recommend it!

Personally I'm biased towards ice hockey because I'm Canadian, but I absolutely love floorball as a way to train for ice hockey and keep in shape. A lot of the basic skills like shooting, passing and stick handling are the same just with a much shorter stick and a whiffle ball.

it takes a few games to get used to the feel of the ball and also the rules of the game. Some of the rules make you seriously scratch your head if you have played hockey in any fashion your entire life but once you get used to the change its amazing.

As for the equipment, there is no required equipment because the rules are structured to avoid any unnecessary roughness or recklessness. you can't slash, stick lift, check or play the ball above your knees without it resulting in a penalty or free hit so the odds of someone taking your eye out with the stick are slim to none. The only injuries you may sustain are from all the running or blocking a shot with your face, however if you are worried about protecting your eyes you can wear goggles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHkDe8z1cK4

I'm not sure how to imbed videos but there's the link to the hardest floorball slap shot, guy managed to hit 205 km/h which is ridiculous with a whiffle ball.

 

[greyraven8]

Played pickup floorball last season one night a week at a high school gym; season ended early when numbers started to go down in the new year.

First thing you'll likely notice is the sticks are a lot shorter.

Compared to hockey floorball plays to a lot of my weakness, especially when playing with a mostly younger group - lots of running, no stick checking, etc. You'll definitely get your exercise.

Played goal a couple times - feels a lot different when playing on your knees with no stick, blocker or catcher.

I had a pretty good time trying it out.

 

[Meuracas]

The only injuries you may sustain are from all the running or blocking a shot with your face, however if you are worried about protecting your eyes you can wear goggles.

Got to agree with everything except the injuries part - even though bodychecks are not allowed, you might sometimes get bumped over the boards by some idiot.

Another type of injuries I've seen throughout the years quite a lot are ankle sprains and snapping the achilles tendon - I believe these mainly occur due to fast turns and whatnot, so if you've had problems with your ankles before, you might want to wear some ankle supports or something.