How about starting a new family tradition this year: family boot hockey! Anyone can play this game, and teens especially love it.
We have made it a Christmas tradition in our family. No matter how cold or snowy the weather, we play.
But you don’t need ice to play.
You could play in the road, on a public rink, or on any flat-ish surface. And if you’re in a warm climate, try playing in an open field.
Rules of the Game
The rules are simple: you divide into two teams. As in hockey or soccer, one team tries to hit the ball at (or into) one goal, and the other team goes the opposite direction to hit the ball at the opposite goal. When a team succeeds in getting the ball to hit any front surface of the goal, they score a point. The first team to 5 points wins. Then reshuffle the teams and play again.
None of the intricate rules of hockey apply, like offsides or icing.
Not even boundaries apply!
So, you do have an established playing field, but if the ball goes out of bounds, you chase after it and keep playing. Time doesn’t stop until a goal is scored. And no time clock is required anyway.
Tip for choosing teams: everyone has a hockey stick they call their own. Next, throw the sticks down randomly in the center of the rink or field. Have someone close their eyes and toss half the sticks right and half left. Each player finds their stick, and the teams are chosen!
How to Make the Goals for Family Boot Hockey
If you want, you could always purchase some ready-made small nets to use as your goals.
But if you’re game, you can create a couple goals out of wood pieces that may be sitting in your garage gathering dust.
Our two goals are unequal: one is longer but shorter; the other is less wide and taller.
Here are the dimensions of goal number 1:
That’s 40 inches long.
And 9 inches high.
And a small piece on the back for stability.
Now, the dimensions of goal number 2, the longer one:
This one is 52 1/2 inches long.
And 7 inches tall.
Width at the top is 3 inches.
For the ball, get yourself a regulation boot hockey ball.
DON’T use a puck.
It’s too hard and dangerous in a family play situation.
I hope boot hockey becomes a new tradition in your family. If you want to try a new twist on this game, see my post on broomball.
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