Let me be clear right from the start—underwater hockey is one of the toughest sports you’ll ever try. It challenges not just your physical strength but also your mental endurance. You have to swim fast, hold your breath, and make split-second decisions—all while battling for a puck at the bottom of a pool.
I remember the first time I played. I thought I was a decent swimmer, but within minutes, I was gasping for air, legs burning, completely out of sync with my teammates. I realized then—this sport is a whole different beast.
So, is underwater hockey hard? Yes. But that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding.
Read: Popularity of Underwater Hockey
What Makes Underwater Hockey So Challenging?
1. Breath Control: The Ultimate Test
Unlike other sports where you can breathe freely, underwater hockey demands that you control your breath. Most players can hold their breath for 10-20 seconds per dive, but staying down longer than your opponents gives you an edge.
“If you surface too often, you’ll always be one step behind.” – John Kirkland, World Champion Underwater Hockey Player
The best players train their lung capacity like freedivers, practicing controlled breath-holding exercises to increase their endurance.
2. Constant Movement Without Rest
There’s no standing still in underwater hockey. You’re always kicking, diving, pushing, or chasing the puck. This makes it an intense full-body workout.
| Body Part | How It’s Used in Underwater Hockey |
|---|---|
| Legs | Power from fins for swimming speed |
| Arms | Controlling the puck, passing, shooting |
| Core | Balance and quick turns underwater |
| Lungs | Holding breath during intense plays |
3. Limited Vision and Communication
Since you’re underwater, you can’t talk to your teammates. Hand signals and eye contact are your only tools. Plus, visibility is limited due to water turbulence and splashing. You have to rely on intuition and experience to anticipate plays.
4. Mastering the Stick and Puck Control
Most people struggle with handling the puck underwater. Unlike regular hockey, you can’t just hit the puck with full force. Instead, you use small, controlled movements with a short wooden or plastic stick to maneuver the puck along the pool floor.
5. Physical Contact and Strategy
Underwater hockey is a non-contact sport, but that doesn’t mean you won’t experience intense physical battles. Defenders block, forwards push, and everyone fights for control of the puck. Strength, positioning, and timing matter.
Is Underwater Hockey Harder Than Other Sports?
Underwater hockey is often compared to swimming, water polo, and ice hockey. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Sport | Challenges | Difficulty Level (1-10) |
| Swimming | Endurance & technique | 7 |
| Water Polo | Strength, teamwork, endurance | 8 |
| Ice Hockey | Speed, contact, puck control | 9 |
| Underwater Hockey | Breath control, teamwork, speed, puck handling | 10 |
The breath-holding aspect alone makes it harder than most traditional sports.
How to Overcome the Challenges of Underwater Hockey
1. Train Your Breath-Holding Skills
- Practice CO₂ tables (a freediving technique) to increase your lung efficiency.
- Learn to exhale slowly underwater to extend breath-hold time.
- Stay calm. Panic burns oxygen faster.
2. Improve Your Underwater Agility
- Work on your quick turns and acceleration.
- Use resistance bands or swim with extra weight to build strength.
- Train with high-intensity interval swimming to simulate game conditions.
3. Enhance Stick and Puck Control
- Do dryland stick drills to develop wrist strength.
- Watch pro players to learn flicking techniques.
- Play small-sided games to practice close control.
4. Master Team Communication
- Develop eye contact signals with teammates.
- Learn how to read movement patterns to anticipate passes.
- Trust your instincts—good players don’t hesitate.
The Mental Challenge: Why Most Beginners Quit
Many new players quit because they can’t handle the breathing difficulty. It’s not about being the fastest swimmer or the strongest player; it’s about staying composed under pressure.
I almost quit after my first tournament. My legs cramped, my lungs burned, and I felt lost in the water. But once I adapted to the rhythm of the game, I realized the secret—it’s about timing, not just strength.
FAQs About Underwater Hockey
1. How fit do you need to be for underwater hockey?
A basic level of swimming fitness is required, but the sport will build endurance over time. Even beginners can improve quickly with practice.
2. Do you have to be a great swimmer?
Not necessarily. Strong legs and good breath control matter more than perfect swim technique.
3. Is underwater hockey dangerous?
It’s very safe with the right equipment and training. Minor injuries like bumps and scrapes are common, but serious injuries are rare.
Read also: What to Wear Underwater Hockey: Essential Clothing Gear Revealed
4. What’s the hardest part of learning underwater hockey?
Most beginners struggle with breath-holding and puck control. It takes time to get used to playing without air.
5. Can anyone play underwater hockey?
Yes! Players of all ages and fitness levels can start. Many clubs have training programs for beginners.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Underwater Hockey
Yes, underwater hockey is hard—really hard. But that’s what makes it so addictive. Every game pushes your limits, improves your endurance, and teaches you new skills.
If you’re looking for a sport that challenges your body and mind, underwater hockey is worth trying. The struggle makes the victory even sweeter.
So, are you ready to take the plunge? Let me know if you’ve ever tried it or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
