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Octopush (also called Underwater hockey ) is an exciting non-contact sport in which two teams compete in a swimming pool to manoeuvre a puck sliding across the bottom of the pool into the opponent's goal with a short stick.
Popularity
The sport was invented in 1954 and first played by a group of free divers from Southsea, England; who wanted to stay in shape over the winter season. The sport is now officially played in many countries around the world.
Location
Octopush is a swimming pool game, now played around the world by Free divers, scuba divers and snorkelers.
Age
There is no age restriction in Octopush, although teams in common with other competitive sports are separated by age and experiance.
Ability
The ability to dive competently is essential before attempting to play Octopush, however Octopush is a great way to improve your diving experiance and technique.
Description
Before the start of play the puck is placed in the middle of the pool, and the players wait in the water, touching the wall above the goals they are defending. At the start-of-play signal, teams are free to swim anywhere in the play area and try to score by sending the puck in the opponents' goal. Play continues until (a) a goal is scored, and players return to their wall to start a new point, or (b) a break in play is signaled by a referee (due to a foul, a time-out, or the end of play).
Dedication
The original rules called for teams of eight players (hence, octo-), a bat reminiscent of a tiny shuffleboard stick, called a pusher (hence, the -push), an uncoated lead puck called a squid, and a goal known as a cuttle but soon thereafter a gully. Under the modern rules, two teams of up to ten players compete, with six players on each team in play at once. Substitution happens continually from a substitution area.
Potential
Octopush is an exciting and addictive game played at the bottom of a pool. Once an entertaining way of keeping diving fit, now a recognised sport with recognised inter club, national and inter national competitions.
Closely
Related Activities
Scuba diving, snorkeling, free diving, deep diving, swimming, underwater exploration and under water sports such as Underwater orienteering; Underwater rugby; Underwater photography.
Cost
Team costs involve club fees and pool hire. individuals costs vary depending largely on whether you are free diving, snorkeling or scuba diving. Scuba equipment being the most expensive.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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