Floorball is a floor hockey sport with five players and a goalkeeper on each team. It is played with sticks and a hollow plastic ball with holes.
Other names for the sport include grindų riedulys (Lithuania), innebandy (Sweden, Norway), saalihoki (Estonia), salibandy (Finland), unihockey (Germany), and unihokej (Poland).
A relatively new game, Floorball originated in Sweden in the late 1960s. Originally designed as a recreational activity for schoolchildren, the game quickly gained popularity due to its accessibility and minimal equipment requirements. By the 1980s, floorball had evolved into a competitive sport with the establishment of official rules and the formation of the International Floorball Federation (IFF) in 1986. The sport has grown considerably, with organized leagues and tournaments held worldwide.
Floorball is played on an indoor rectangular court, typically measuring 40 meters by 20 meters, with rounded corners. Each team consists of six players, including a goalkeeper. The objective is to score goals by hitting a lightweight plastic ball into the opposing team's net using a specialized stick. The game is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with intermissions in between.
Players must navigate the court, passing the ball and attempting to outmaneuver their opponents. Unlike ice hockey, floorball is a non-contact sport, which reduces the risk of injuries and makes it suitable for players of all skill levels and ages.
Essential equipment for floorball includes the sticks, which are similar to those used in ice hockey, made of composite materials, and designed for optimal control and maneuverability. They vary in length to accommodate players of different heights. The ball is hollow, made of plastic, and features 26 holes to reduce air resistance, allowing for faster play. Goalkeepers wear padded clothing, gloves, and a helmet with a face cage for protection. Unlike field players, they don't use sticks. The playing surface is typically made of wood or synthetic materials, providing a smooth and fast-paced environment.
The rules of floorball are designed to promote fair play and safety. Physical contact is minimized, with body checking and high sticking strictly prohibited. Players keep their sticks below waist level when playing the ball and avoid lifting the ball above knee height. Infractions result in penalties ranging from minor (2 minutes) to major (5 minutes) and match penalties for severe violations. The game begins with a face-off at the center of the court, and subsequent face-offs occur after goals or stoppages in play.
Floorball can be played in various formats, including standard (the traditional 5-on-5 format with goalkeepers, small-sided (adapted for smaller spaces, often played 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 without goalkeepers, or mixed (co-ed teams with both male and female players).
Floorball has seen significant growth in popularity, particularly in Europe, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The sport has also gained traction in Asia, with countries like Singapore and Japan developing strong floorball communities.
Although floorball is significantly more popular in Europe and Asia than in the United States and Canada, where it is still in the early stages of growth.
The IFF's efforts to promote floorball globally have led to its inclusion in multi-sport events such as the World Games. Additionally, the sport's accessibility and low cost have contributed to its spread in schools and recreational centers worldwide.
Topics related to the sport of floorball, by whatever name, are appropriate for this part of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Located in Singapore, the Big Blue Floorball School is a premier training institution dedicated to promoting the sport of floorball and helping players of all levels improve their skills. Established in 2020, the site offers a wide range of programs, from beginner classes to advanced training for competitive players. The school provides off-court training, such as strength and conditioning, alongside on-court sessions, and a premium athletic court. Its curriculum and a blog are included.
https://www.bigbluesports.com.sg/
This initiative is dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of floorball in the United States. It provides high-quality equipment, including sticks, balls, and goals, suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Floorball 4 All offers guides, drills, and exercises to help players and coaches get started in the game, including an overview of its gameplay, its fundamentals, rules, and other resources, such as an online shopping area with sets and other equipment.
https://www.floorball4all.com/
FAL is the national sporting organization for floorball in Australia. It provides updates on teams, events, and membership options. FAL also supports the sport's development through various initiatives and partnerships, raising funds to support the Australian Men's Floorball Team's participation in the World Floorball Championships, as the sport is not currently funded by Sport Australia. Upcoming events, registration, policies, documentation, and contacts are posted.
https://www.floorballaustralia.org.au/
Stylized FloorballToday, this is an online platform dedicated to the sport of floorball. It includes information on the sport, including articles on tactics, guides, strategies, and the latest news in the floorball community. The site also covers major events like the World Floorball Championships, player analyses, and updates on the sport's growth worldwide. Other resources include partner content, podcasts, a Pro section for patrons, and reviews of floorball products.
https://floorballtoday.com/
North American Floorball League
The NAFL is a semi-professional floorball league in North America, consisting of five teams across the United States. Founded in 2020, it is the first elite-level floorball league in North America. It plays in what is typically the off-season of most upper-tier floorball leagues worldwide. Its teams are the Aviators of Ohio, the Fort Worth Jaguars, the Fresno Force, the Minnesota Growlers, the Seattle Sockeyes, and the Texas 39ers. Photos, schedules, and standings are posted.
https://nafloorball.com/
The UKFF is the official governing body for floorball in the United Kingdom. The UKFF organizes competitive leagues, referee courses, and national teams, along with working to popularize and promote the sport. Its senior competitions are conducted under the International Floorball Federation's guidelines. Its rules, regulations, and resources are highlighted, along with the English Floorball League, University Floorball League, and Junior Floorball League. Contacts are included.
https://ukff.org/
United States Floorball Association
The USFbA is the highest governing body for floorball in the United States. It is a self-governed organization recognized by both state and federal governments. Divided into fourteen regional branches, the organization has been a member of the International Floorball Federation (IFF) since 1993. The organization provides an overview and history of floorball in the United States and sets forth its national teams, tournaments, sponsorships, memberships, and contacts.
https://www.usafloorball.org/
