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Walking Hockey

Walking Hockey

Walking Hockey brings the sport back within reach for players who love hockey but can no longer manage the running and physical pace of the full game. It’s hockey, just walking — the stick skills, the teamwork, and the social side all stay exactly the same.

What is Walking Hockey?

Walking Hockey adapts standard field hockey by requiring players to walk rather than run, with the ball kept below knee height and the stick kept low, and with pushing or slapping replacing hard hitting. Games are typically played on a smaller pitch with smaller teams than the traditional 11-a-side game, often without goalkeepers, which keeps the pace manageable and gives everyone plenty of chances to score.

Sessions welcome complete beginners as readily as former players looking for a way to keep playing.

The history of hockey

Stick-and-ball games date back thousands of years, with depictions found in ancient Egyptian and Greek art, but the modern sport of field hockey as it’s played today was codified in England in the 19th century, with the Hockey Association formed in London in 1886 to standardise the rules.

Walking Hockey is a recent adaptation, developed by hockey clubs and associations to make the sport accessible again to players managing reduced mobility or returning from injury. As with most walking sports, it grew from independent grassroots initiatives rather than a single documented founder or founding date.

Who is Walking Hockey for?

Walking Hockey has found a strong following among older adults, but it welcomes players of any age and fitness level. It’s a genuine fit for:

  • Former players who want to keep playing without the running and physical intensity of the full-paced game
  • Complete beginners curious about hockey without the pace of a fast match
  • Anyone managing a long-term health condition, recovering from surgery, or returning to activity after injury
  • Players looking for a highly social, team-based activity — Walking Hockey has a strong reputation for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere

Why try Walking Hockey?

Walking Hockey keeps everything that makes hockey enjoyable — the stick skills, the quick decision-making, the satisfaction of a well-worked passing move — without the running and physical intensity that eventually pushes many players away from the full-paced game. It’s also earned a genuine reputation as one of the friendliest walking sports around: sessions are typically small, welcoming, and social by design, which is a big part of why so many players who try it once keep coming back. For former players, it’s a real route back onto the pitch; for complete beginners, the slower pace makes learning the stick skills far less daunting than jumping straight into the full-speed game.

The benefits, briefly

Walking Hockey builds fitness through sustained low-impact movement, keeps stick skills and coordination sharp, and offers real social connection through regular team sessions. Read the full breakdown of Walking Hockey’s benefits

The rules, in brief

The core adaptations are straightforward: players walk at all times, the ball stays below knee height, the stick stays low, and pushing or slapping replaces hard hitting, with no physical contact allowed. Read the full rules guide

Getting started

New to Walking Hockey? Find out what to expect, what to bring, and how a first session usually runs. Read the getting started guide

Find a session

Ready to find your local session? Search our directory of Walking Hockey clubs across the UK — updated regularly, free to browse, no signup required. Find Walking Hockey Near You

Browse Walking Hockey by Session Type

Looking for something specific? Browse our Walking Hockey directory by session type:

FAQ

Do I need to have played hockey before?

No. Walking Hockey sessions are specifically designed to welcome complete beginners alongside former players. Coaches typically spend the first part of any new player’s session talking through basic stick control, the ball and stick height rules, and general positioning before any real game play starts, so you won’t be expected to arrive with existing skills.

What age do I need to be?

Most sessions are open to any adult, regardless of age. Walking Hockey has grown particularly popular with players in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, but clubs generally welcome younger adults too, especially those managing an injury or returning to the sport after time away from full-paced hockey.

Is Walking Hockey safe if I have joint or mobility concerns?

The no-running, no-contact format, combined with the requirement to keep the ball and stick low, significantly reduces the physical strain and injury risk associated with full-paced hockey. Many players specifically take up Walking Hockey to manage existing joint issues or as part of a gradual return to activity, though as with any new activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Do I need my own stick?

Most clubs provide sticks and balls for newcomers trying a session for the first time, so there’s usually nothing to buy before you know whether you enjoy it. If you decide to stick with it, your club can advise on getting your own equipment when you’re ready.

How do I find a club near me?

Search our directory of Walking Hockey sessions at walkingsports.com/walking-hockey/ to find clubs and sessions in your area, filterable by location, alongside all our other walking sports listings.

More Walking Hockey Guides

Explore other walking sports

Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

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