Walking Hockey Rules Explained

Walking Hockey follows the rules of standard field hockey with a small set of adaptations that bring the pace down to walking speed and reduce the physical intensity of the game. This guide covers the core principles shared by most Walking Hockey sessions.

The core principle: no running

Players must walk at all times — at least one foot in contact with the pitch when moving. This is the defining adaptation that makes the game accessible to players managing reduced mobility or recovering from injury, while keeping the stick skills and teamwork of hockey fully intact.

Ball and stick height

To reduce injury risk, the ball must be kept below knee height and the stick kept below waist height throughout play. If the ball is accidentally lifted higher than this, it must be allowed to drop back to the pitch before play continues.

Pushing and slapping only

Hard hitting of the ball isn’t permitted — play is restricted to pushing or slapping the ball instead, which keeps the pace controlled and reduces the risk of injury from a fast-moving ball.

No physical contact

As with other walking sports, physical contact between players isn’t permitted, keeping the game safe and accessible for players of all fitness levels.

What happens if a player runs or lifts the ball too high?

Most clubs take a relaxed, coaching-led approach to infringements rather than stopping the game harshly. A first instance of running, or accidentally lifting the ball above knee height, is typically met with a quick verbal reminder from whoever is running the session, since these things happen naturally in the flow of play. Persistent infringements may result in a free hit being awarded to the opposing team, similar in principle to how standard hockey handles rule breaches. Because most Walking Hockey is recreational and social rather than competitive, the overall emphasis tends to be on keeping the game safe, fair, and enjoyable rather than strict, formal officiating.

Team sizes and pitch

Walking Hockey is typically played on a smaller pitch than the standard 11-a-side game, often with teams of four to six players a side, and frequently without goalkeepers — which keeps scoring chances high and the game moving.

Rules can vary by club

Because Walking Hockey has grown through many different clubs and hockey associations independently, small variations in team size, pitch size, and specific enforcement exist from one session to the next. Social sessions are often self-umpired, with players expected to play fairly. Always check with your specific club before your first game.

Find a session

Ready to try it for yourself? Find a Walking Hockey session near you and check their specific rules when you arrive. Find Walking Hockey Near You

FAQ

Is there an official Walking Hockey rulebook?

Not a single official one — Walking Hockey has grown through many independent clubs and hockey associations, each developing broadly similar guidelines around the same time. The core principles (walking pace, low ball and stick, no hard hitting, no contact) are consistent almost everywhere, but exact team sizes, pitch dimensions, and enforcement can vary from club to club, so it’s worth checking with your specific session before your first game.

Can you use a goalkeeper in Walking Hockey?

This varies by club — many Walking Hockey sessions are played without a dedicated goalkeeper, which keeps scoring chances high and the game flowing, while some formats do include one. Check with your specific session to see which format they use.

Why is the ball kept below knee height?

Keeping the ball below knee height and the stick below waist height is a core safety adaptation that significantly reduces the risk of injury from a fast-moving or accidentally lifted ball. If the ball does go higher than this, most clubs simply allow it to drop back down before play continues, rather than treating it as a serious infringement.

What’s the difference between pushing and hitting?

A push keeps the stick in contact with the ball as it’s played, giving a controlled, lower-power pass, whereas a hit involves striking the ball with a swinging motion for greater power and speed. Walking Hockey generally restricts play to pushing and slapping rather than hard hitting, which keeps the pace controlled and reduces injury risk from a fast-travelling ball.

More Walking Hockey Guides

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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 – Rules

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