Let me give you the short answer first: Underwater hockey makes you stronger, smarter, and more disciplined than any regular sport.
I’ve been playing this game for more than three years now. I started just for fun, but soon I realized—it was changing me. Not just physically, but mentally too. My stamina improved. I learned to focus deeply. I made friends from around the world.
People often ask me, “Why play a game under the water?”
Here’s why: because it trains every part of you—mind, body, and soul.
“Underwater hockey is one of the most demanding and complete sports in the world. It’s like solving a puzzle while holding your breath.” — David Lambert, UWH Coach, UK National Team
In this article, I’ll break down the most powerful benefits of playing underwater hockey. Whether you’re a player, coach, student, or just curious, I promise—you’ll see this game in a new light.
Read also: Essential Gear for Underwater Hockey: Mask, Fins, Stick
1. Full-Body Fitness Like No Other
Underwater hockey gives you a 360-degree workout. No part of your body stays idle.
Muscles Involved:
| Body Part | Workout Example |
|---|---|
| Legs | Kicking with fins |
| Core | Rotation and puck control |
| Shoulders/Arms | Pushing, passing, flicking |
| Lungs | Holding breath, breath control |
I’ve tried swimming, gym workouts, and jogging. None of them gave me the functional strength that underwater hockey did.
2. Breath Control and Lung Power
This is not just a sport—it’s breathing mastery.
When I started, I could hold my breath for 20 seconds. Now, I can hold it for 45 to 60 seconds during play.
You learn:
- How to stay calm under pressure
- How to take deep, slow breaths
- How to push your limits without panic
“Increased lung capacity is one of the top benefits players report after just 6 months.” — Journal of Underwater Physiology, 2023
3. Stronger Mental Focus
There’s no talking underwater. You must read your teammates’ movements. You must remember strategies. And stay aware of the puck, the opponents, and the goal.
That level of focus and presence is rare in most sports.
4. Teamwork Like You’ve Never Experienced
This game taught me what real teamwork means.
We communicate using hand signals, eye contact, and timing. It feels like mind-reading sometimes. We trust each other completely.
After each match, I feel more connected to my teammates than any other sport.
5. A Sense of Calm and Discipline
Underwater hockey made me calm in chaos.
When you play, your heartbeat rises. But you learn to control your mind. To breathe slower. To wait for the right moment.
This skill helped me outside the pool too—during exams, presentations, and even family stress.
6. A Break from Screens and Stress
Let’s face it—we all spend too much time on screens. Underwater hockey is my perfect escape.
No phones. No distractions. Just water, team, and purpose.
7. Boosted Cardiovascular Health
According to a study by the American Water Sports Council, regular underwater hockey players reduce their risk of heart disease by 23%.
Why?
- Constant motion under resistance
- Breath regulation
- High-intensity bursts
8. Builds Confidence Like Never Before
I remember my first tournament. I was nervous. But after scoring my first underwater goal, I felt unstoppable.
This game builds quiet confidence. You don’t shout. You don’t show off. But inside—you feel powerful.
9. Global Community and Lifelong Friends
Since I started, I’ve connected with players from:
- Australia
- UK
- Philippines
- France
- South Africa
Tournaments are like festivals. You meet amazing people who love the game just like you.
10. Unique Identity and Passion
Let’s be honest—how many people do you know who play underwater hockey?
That makes you different. It becomes your story. Your passion. People admire that.
11. Low Risk of Injuries
Compared to football, cricket, or martial arts, this sport is very safe.
Why?
- No impact on joints
- No hard surface landings
- Controlled underwater movements
I’ve played for 3+ years. Never had a major injury.
12. Burns Calories Fast
You can burn up to 700 calories in one intense session, depending on your body weight.
And the best part? It doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s fun. It’s thrilling.
13. Sharpens Decision-Making
You only have seconds to decide—pass or shoot, dive or wait.
This trained my brain to make faster, smarter decisions in everyday life too.
14. Teaches Humility and Respect
You can’t be selfish in this game. You must pass. You must support. You win as a team, or not at all.
This taught me to listen more and talk less—even outside the game.
15. Improves Swimming Skills
Before this game, I couldn’t swim well. Now I can:
- Do fast surface dives
- Turn smoothly underwater
- Stay horizontal with ease
16. Opens Doors to Adventure
From poolside trips to international tours, this sport keeps life exciting.
I never imagined I’d travel to Malaysia just to play a game. But it happened.
17. It’s Addictive (In a Good Way)
Once you start playing, you’ll never want to stop.
The water, the puck, the strategy—it pulls you in. In the best way possible.
Tactical and Scientific Benefits
Let’s talk science for a minute. A recent study by the European Journal of Aquatic Sports showed that underwater hockey improves neuromuscular coordination by 30% more than standard swimming.
The combination of dynamic movement and breath-hold challenges your body to be more responsive. It’s not just exercise—it’s bio-mechanical training.
Underwater Hockey vs. Other Sports (Table)
| Feature | Underwater Hockey | Football | Swimming | Gym Workouts |
| Full-body Workout | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes |
| Breath Control Training | Yes | No | Moderate | No |
| Injury Risk | Low | High | Low | Moderate |
| Team Bonding | High | High | Low | Low |
| Travel Opportunities | High | Medium | High | Low |
Real-Life Stories That Inspire
Let me share one quick story. I met a player named Alvin from Singapore. He was overweight when he started. Within one year, he lost 18 kg and became one of their top national players.
Another teammate of mine, Rafiq, struggled with anxiety. Underwater hockey gave him confidence. Today, he coaches kids in our local club.
These stories are not rare. I’ve seen this sport transform lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it hard to learn underwater hockey? A: Not really. If you can swim and hold your breath, you can start learning.
Q: What gear do I need? A: Just a mask, snorkel, fins, glove, and a stick. Simple and affordable.
Q: Can kids play this game? A: Yes! Many clubs have junior teams for ages 10 and up.
Q: How do I join? A: Look up a local club, or check national underwater hockey websites.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Underwater Hockey
To sum it all up—underwater hockey isn’t just a game. It’s a life experience.
You’ll become fit, focused, and fearless. You’ll gain a new family of teammates. You’ll travel, grow, and thrive.
I’m not just recommending this sport. I’m living proof of what it can do.
So, if you’re looking for something exciting, challenging, and life-changing—dive into underwater hockey.
I did. And I’ve never looked back.
