What is Quicksticks?
Quicksticks is a 4 a-side introductory game of hockey, designed especially for 7-11 year olds to play. It can be played on any surface, and uses a larger, lighter and safer ball. The game is designed in a way that makes it easy for teachers and coaches to deliver, even if they have little or no prior knowledge of hockey.
The field of play is the size of a standard netball court and a team consists of six players; four of which are on the field of play at any one time, with the remaining two team members encouraged to take on leadership roles such as umpiring and managing. It is suggested that the leadership roles are rotated among the team at the end of each playing period.
The game of Quicksticks is played in three periods, with games lasting for up to 30 minutes for 11 year olds and just over 20 minutes for 7-8 year olds.
Supported by 49 illustrated Challenge Cards which introduce the game gradually and a full Curriculum Resource which includes six-weeks worth of lesson plans for the whole Key Stage 2 curriculum, Quicksticks can be played or taught by anyone! The general philosophy is to have fun whilst learning and developing core skills.
Six reasons to get into Quicksticks:
A range of equipment has been designed specifically for Quicksticks, including a larger, lighter and safer ball, and different sized sticks all featuring teaching aids on the artwork.
2. Cost Effective
No goalkeeper equipment or hockey goals are required. Existing hockey sticks and balls can be used where necessary (although the specialist equipment helps significantly to aid delivery).
No sophisticated facilities are required as it can be played on a variety of surfaces including playgrounds, netball courts, artificial grass turf, grass or in sports halls!
4. Easy to Deliver
Educational resources include 49 illustrated Challenge Cards, the rules of Quicksticks and a Curriculum resource which gives six weeks of lesson/session plans for years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to save teachers or coaches time and energy in writing their own!
It is enjoyable to play for players of both genders and all hockey abilities. No goalkeepers are required and it offers all players full involvement and increased playing time.
Smaller teams and simpler rules make the game of hockey more exciting by reducing stoppages, minimising danger; and maximising ball contact and involvement. Players are also given a chance to have a go at managing and umpiring.