Floor Hockey Stations
Students rotate through four floor hockey stations: stick handling, partner passing, shooting and a 2-vs-2 mini game, using light sticks and a plastic ball. It builds stick control, eye–hand coordination and safe use of equipment.
How to play
- Hand out sticks, demonstrate the grip (both hands, dominant hand lower) and the stick-below-the-knee rule, then split the class into four groups of 6 (2 min).
- Station 1, Stick handling: dribble the ball in a figure eight around two sticks laid on the floor, keeping it close (4 min).
- Station 2, Partner passing: pass to a partner 15 feet away, stopping the ball before passing back (4 min).
- Station 3, Shooting: shoot along the floor into a goal made of two sticks laid 6 feet apart against the wall (4 min).
- Station 4, Mini game: 2-vs-2 or 3-vs-3 with small goals made of sticks; rotate stations clockwise every 4 minutes at the whistle.
- Collect sticks and balls and ask which station felt hardest (2 min).
Rules
- Keep the stick below the knee at all times, including when shooting.
- No hitting sticks, legs or bodies; play only the ball.
- Carry the stick blade down when moving between stations.
- Stop and put the stick down when the whistle blows.
Variations
Easier
Play at walking pace with a larger ball and shorter passing distance.
Standard
Twenty minutes rotating through four stations, 4 minutes each.
Harder
Time the stick handling station or add a defender in the shooting station.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use a shorter stick and stay in the passing station or play goalie in the mini game.
- Attention needs: post a picture card at each station showing what to do.
- Coordination difficulties: use a larger, slower ball and allow stopping it with the foot.
Learning goals
- Learn basic floor hockey skills: dribbling, passing and shooting.
- Improve eye–hand coordination and body control.
- Use equipment safely and responsibly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hockey sticks: 26
- light ball: 8
Teacher tip
The stick-below-the-knee rule is non-negotiable; a quick sit-out for high sticks keeps everyone safe. Set up all stations before class so rotations take seconds.
PatioLab has "Floor Hockey Stations" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Elementary
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring. They work on throwing accuracy and matching force to distance.
Adapted Beach Handball
An adapted beach handball game with a soft ball: no dribbling, three steps with the ball, and double points for spectacular goals such as jump or spin shots. It develops throwing, passing and team play in a fun, safe way.
Adapted Volleyball
A simplified volleyball game with a soft foam ball where students may catch and toss the ball before learning to hit it, keeping rallies going over the net. It develops striking, teamwork, and court positioning without the fear of a hard ball.
Aerobics Stations
Students rotate through five aerobics stations to upbeat music, doing step-ups, jumping jacks, high knees, skipping and dance moves. The activity builds cardiovascular endurance and coordination at each student's own intensity.
Agility Ladder Circuit
Small groups rotate through agility ladders laid on the blacktop, practicing footwork patterns from one foot per square to lateral and in-out steps. It develops quick feet, rhythm, coordination and agility.
Animal Kingdom Circuit
Each station represents an animal, and students move like it: frog jumps, bear walks, crab walks and kangaroo hops. The circuit works the whole body, builds strength and coordination, and encourages creativity.