British Octopush Association
what is Octopush
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What is Octopush? a perspective from Slough

Octopush is underwater hockey and is the supreme aerobic game. It was invented in the early 1950s by sub-aqua divers in Southsea who got bored just swimming up and down pool lanes to get fit. Now the game has spread to much of the English speaking world, and also to France. Underwater hockey is fast, furious, and fun ... and you can join in.

 

How do you play?

Players wear the basic equipment of a mask, snorkel, fins, and water polo hat. They hold a small stick, about the size of a spatula, in a gloved hand. The idea of the game is to use the stick to push the two kilogramme puck into the opposing team's goal, which consists of a two metre tray at the opposing end of a 25 metre pool.

 

Why is it the supreme aerobic game?

All other sports allow the participants to breathe as they play. But in underwater hockey, players breate through their snorkels on the top of the water before diving down to do battle with their opponents. Some players can stay down for a long time indeed, but the real skill of the game is judging when to dive. It can take just a few seconds to tackle an opponent and pass the puck to a colleague, and then return to the surface for a well-earned breath!

 

How many play?

There are 10 people in a team, but only six are allowed in the water at one time. This results in fast substitutions which resemble tag wrestling. The idea is to work quickly, and then get out to recover. This increases the speed and exhilaration of the game.

 

Can women play too?

Yes. Women have a slight disadvantage compared to men, because they are not as strong. But they usually make up for this by being much more skilful. Women can play in a mixed team, and in a single-sex side.

 

Who can play underwater hockey?

Just about anyone who can swim. It is easy to learn to use a mask and snorkel. This is a stark contrast to sub-aqua diving, which can take many months to master.

 

Why should I learn?

Many doctors agree that swimming is an excellent past-time. The problem is that lane swimming is terminally boring. Underwater hockey, however, keeps your mind alert - and your body fit! Many tall people find that underwater hockey is the best way of avoiding back problems.

 

Why should I play with Slough?

We are patient, friendly people who enjoy sport! Slough is the premier underwater hockey side in the Thames Valley, and one of the top ten clubs in Britain. We have players of all ages and abilities, and the more competitive newcomers could find themselves in the main side within months. Social events are an important part of club activities.

 

When do you play?

Slough Underwater Hockey Club is based at the Centre Pool, behind Farnham Road, Slough. The juniors play from 5pm on Sundays, and the adults take over from 6pm.

 

How much does it cost?

The pool fee for a 60 minute session is just £6.00 (but is cheaper if you set up a standing order). Your equipment should cost less than £100, and last many years. The first session is free to newcomers, and we'll loan you kit to get started. If you want to get fitter, underwater hockey is an exciting and cost effective way of staying healthy - no matter how old or young you are

another perspective
Octopush is a lively game played best described as underwater hockey. Two teams swim towards plastic covered metal puck (using basic snorkeling equipment - no SCUBA gear!) and try to push it and pass it around their opponents using wooden bats. The goal is between the center lines at the opposite end of the pool.
Octopush was invented in in 1954, by a British scuba diver to keep his fellow divers fit over the winter months. It originally had 8 players on each team, hence the name Octopush, but teams now comprise 6 players with up to 4 substitutes. In practice we often play with 3 or 4 per side.

The teams are identified by their bat colours (and hat colours if we have enough hats of each colour to do that).

It is a non-contact sport and it is always best to pass the puck before being tackled rather than ending up trying to push the puck against an opponent. Good players can flick the puck over 3m (you need to push with your whole body as well as your arm and try to flick it at the same time. Some players twist their bat slightly to lift the back of the puck off the bottom).

It isn't really a spectator sport as it is quite difficult to see what is happening underwater without the luxury of a glass sided-pool, although games have appeared on TV.

Octopush is played competitively in thirty countries worldwide and while the British cling tenaciously to the Octopush name, most countries prefer to call it underwater hockey.
Since most pools slope from the shallow end to the deep end it can be argued that one team has an advantage. In practice this isn't as great as you might think but it is wise to swap sides at half time.

(Note: I would like to thank the SunStar Sub Aqua Club for this information)