Usually played on a rink of specially prepared ice, hockey is a sport that’s known for its physical contact. The game has a number of rules and can be played with only 20 players. The goal is to score goals by hitting a puck into the opponent’s goal. The team with the most goals wins. During a game, teams may have two goaltenders, three forwards, and five defensemen on the ice. During the game, the teams switch sides at the end of each period.
The game is divided into three main parts, the defending zone, the attacking zone, and the neutral zone. In each area, the opposing center takes a set position over a face-off circle. Players cannot move in front of the crease or encroach on hash marks, small lines perpendicular to the face-off circles.
The puck, which weighs six ounces, is a heavy object. It’s made of vulcanized rubber and is about three inches in diameter. It can be hit by the foot, the stick, or another player’s body part. In defending zone, hand passes are permitted. However, in attacking zone, hand passes are forbidden. It’s also illegal to stop the ball with your body. Whenever the puck crosses the goal line, the goal is scored.
The hockey puck weighs about six ounces and is three inches in diameter. It can be hit with a stick or foot and deflected off any surface on the rink. It’s also possible for it to deflect off another player.
Hockey is played on a rink that’s 200 feet by 85 feet. The rink is divided into three sections, each separated by a blue line. The middle section, called the neutral zone, is located in the middle of the rink. The defending and attacking zones have two end-zone face-off circles. The goal is located in the defensive zone.
During the game, the referee wears a red armband. A linesman assists the referee. The referee makes the final decisions. The game usually lasts about two and a half hours, with 15 minute breaks. If the game has a tie, it is played to overtime until one team scores. It is possible to make substitutions at any time during the game.
The hockey stick is a long, narrow stick that can be made of wood or composite material. The length of the blade is up to twelve and a half inches. The weight of the stick depends on the width and materials used to make the blade. A composite stick is lighter and better for fast shots. However, a wood stick is heavier and more durable. It’s possible to make a hockey stick out of fiber reinforced plastic, an epoxy resin and carbon fiber. The best sticks are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer.
The rink is divided into three main sections, the defending zone, the attacking zone, the neutral zone, and the goal. Each zone has a goal crease, a half circle surrounding the goal. The defending zone is behind the goal and is where the puck is placed. The attacking zone is to the side of the goal.
