In addition to being one of the most popular sports played in the UK, hockey is one of the best for health, fitness and wellbeing. Here’s why:

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Cardio workout

Hockey is a great cardio workout. Due to the nature of the game, the body is required to react quickly at a moment’s notice. The fast running is interspersed with slower rest periods, with this type of high-intensity exercise great for burning calories and supporting weight loss.

Muscle strength

Hockey requires all-over body strength, so playing it regularly will build up the muscles, improve an athlete’s overall performance, and pump oxygen around the body. This helps with breathing control and keeping the blood healthy.

Coordination and balance

Hockey relies on players being able to react quickly and make decisions quickly. It also requires agility, balance and great coordination. Players need to be able to run with the ball and pass it accurately. Being able to manage these skills is essential for any hockey player.

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Teamwork

Hockey is a team sport that involves 11 players on the pitch and a team of coaches, support staff and reserve players. Good teamwork gets results and promotes success. For teams that want to work on their skills, a field hockey drill from a provider such as https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Hockey/ can really boost team spirit and performance. Drills are available for all levels of the sport.

Endurance

Due to the nature of the game, hockey players will develop endurance skills and stamina. These will be useful both on and off the pitch.

Mental fitness

All exercise increases the endorphins in the body, which can help with mental fitness. Decision making can be enhanced and anxiety can be helped by exercise, which can benefit both an athlete’s professional and personal life.

Alex Danson, who was captain of the Olympic gold medal-winning women’s team, is currently recovering from a head injury. This was not caused while playing hockey but in a freak accident while on holiday.

Communication skills

Hockey players need to understand each other and use communication skills other than talking. These can include head movements, eye contact, and other gestures.

Speed

Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires running quickly and reacting quickly. The ability to play this fast-paced game will benefit all areas of a player’s life.