Getting Started With Walking Hockey

Never played hockey before, or it’s been years since you last picked up a stick? Walking Hockey is built to welcome both — here’s exactly what to expect before your first session, and it has a reputation as one of the friendliest walking sports to try.

What to wear

Comfortable sports clothing and trainers suitable for the pitch surface — no specialist kit required. Most clubs provide sticks and balls, so there’s usually nothing to buy before trying it out. Check with your specific club if you’re unsure.

What actually happens in a first session

Most Walking Hockey sessions follow a similar shape:

A gentle warm-up
A walkthrough of the walking rule and ball/stick height restrictions, especially for newcomers
Simple drills practising passing and stick control
Small-sided games putting it all together, often without goalkeepers

Sessions are typically an hour, and most clubs are happy for newcomers to simply watch first if that feels more comfortable.

What happens after your first session?

If you enjoy your first taster session, most clubs make it easy to keep coming back — typically just a small pay-as-you-go drop-in fee with no long-term commitment required. Many new players are pleasantly surprised at how quickly their stick control improves, since the walking pace gives far more time to think through each pass than the full-speed game ever would. It’s also worth asking your session organiser whether the club takes part in any local festivals or friendly matches against other Walking Hockey clubs — many groups do, and given how social the sport tends to be, these are often some of the most enjoyable parts of getting involved.

Do I need any hockey experience?

No. Walking Hockey sessions welcome complete beginners alongside former players, and coaches typically talk newcomers through the basics before play starts.

Cost

Most sessions charge a small drop-in fee, commonly in the £3–£8 range, with no membership required to try it out. Check with your local session for their specific arrangement.

Is it safe if I have a health condition or injury history?

Walking Hockey’s no-running, no-contact format significantly reduces injury risk compared to full-paced hockey, and many players use it specifically as a way to stay active despite an injury or long-term condition. As with any new physical activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Ready to try it?

The best way to know if Walking Hockey is for you is simply to turn up to a session — most clubs welcome first-timers to watch or join in without any commitment. Find Walking Hockey Near You · Learn the full rules · Read about the benefits

FAQ

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

This depends on the individual club — some sessions are genuinely drop-in with no need to contact anyone beforehand, while others prefer new players to message ahead so the organiser knows to expect you and can introduce you to the group on arrival. Check your chosen club’s listing on our directory for their specific arrangement.

What if I don’t know anyone at the session?

Walking Hockey clubs are known for being particularly welcoming to newcomers, and most organisers make a point of introducing new players to the group as soon as they arrive. The sport’s strong social reputation means many players specifically mention how friendly and low-pressure their first session felt.

Is there a minimum fitness level required?

No — sessions are deliberately designed to be accessible at whatever pace and fitness level you’re starting from, and coaches are used to working with a wide range of abilities within the same session. You can build up gradually and take breaks whenever you need to.

How long before I feel confident playing?

Most newcomers report feeling genuinely comfortable with the basics — stick control, passing, and positioning — within their first two or three sessions. Because the pace is slower than full-paced hockey, there’s naturally more time to think through each play, which tends to help new players settle in faster than jumping straight into the full-speed game.

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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

Walking Hockey – Getting Started

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