Just a Few Reasons to Start a Floorball Program

As hockey’s off-season gradually nears, I’ve been planting some seeds concerning floorball. With that, I’ve already published a few related posts, while readers can expect more as the springtime nears. My hope, quite obviously, is to excite numerous coaches, parents and even older players to consider either starting, working in or supporting a floorball league.

Up front, with its roots known to be in Sweden, this fast-paced, and pretty exciting sport has more recently been growing in popularity among youth hockey folks across North America. And, here are just some important reasons why young players should consider participating in a floorball league…

  1. Skill development: Floorball is a great way for hockey players to develop and refine their skills, as it requires quick thinking, agility, and hand-eye coordination. The smaller playing surface and lighter stick also help players improve their stickhandling and shot accuracy.
  2. Conditioning: Floorball is a high-intensity sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and helps players develop endurance, speed, and agility.
  3. Fun and enjoyment: Floorball is a fun, dynamic sport that is easy to pick up and play. With its fast-paced action and non-contact rules, it’s a great way for youth hockey players to enjoy their sport while staying safe on the ice. And I’ll suggest that it’s also a great mental distraction from the rigors of ice hockey.
  4. Improved stickhandling and shooting: Floorball’s smaller playing surface and lighter stick require players to be precise and quick with their stickhandling and shooting. This improves these skills and translates well to the ice when players return to hockey.
  5. Increased teamwork and communication: Floorball is a sport that relies on teamwork and communication. Players must work together to advance the ball down the court and score goals, which helps develop these important skills and encourages players to develop better relationships with their teammates.
  6. Good for all levels: Floorball is a sport that is accessible to players of all levels, from beginner to advanced. It allows players to develop their skills at their own pace and provides a fun, supportive environment for players to improve.
  7. Off-ice training: Floorball can be played indoors or outdoors and can provide a great alternative to traditional off-ice training. It’s a fun way to stay in shape and work on your skills when you can’t get on the ice.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why youth hockey players should consider participating in a floorball league, and thus at least as many reasons why coaches and parents should support that sport. From skill development to teamwork and communication, floorball offers a wide range of benefits for young players.

Whether you’re involved with a beginner or an advanced player, floorball is a fun and exciting way for him or her to stay active and improve his or her hockey skills.

4 Comments

  1. Daniel Cox on February 8, 2023 at 10:59 am

    This is a fantastic article and on point with all 7 statements! My wife and I own a Floorball Franchise in Halifax Nova Scotia Canada, and we absolutely love it.

    • coachchic on February 8, 2023 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks so much for that, Daniel! I’m sold on Floorball — both as a sport in its own right, and as a terrific cross-trainer for hockey players.

      I plan on doing additional posts on this topic, in hopes more hockey folks see Floorball as you and I obviously do. And, if you have any ideas, please send them my way.

      Dennis C

      PS: Please note Anthony’s and my exchange down below.

  2. Anthony on February 8, 2023 at 8:29 am

    Great article! Floorball is one of those ‘hidden treasure’ type sports that offers so many transferable physical and mental skills for hockey players. Sometimes it may even be better than the burnout associated with year round hockey playing IMO

    • coachchic on February 8, 2023 at 12:33 pm

      Thanks a bunch for that, Anthony! And I especially like the way you phrased that all — with floorball being one of those hidden treasures, and about the way both physical and mental skills transfer so well to hockey. As for “burnout”, hmmmmmmm… I’ve never liked that term, but I do know what you mean, while I prefer to say that it’s a great mental distraction and great active relation after the rigors of a long hockey season.

      Dennis C

      PS: Please note Daniel’s and my exchange on this topic just above. And I invite you to also make suggestions for future posts.

Leave a Comment