How to play Broomball – Sport Launches

Looking to learn how to play broomball?

In this article, I’ve explained the basics of playing broomball and the equipment you’ll need in the simplest way possible. Within just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to play this uncomplicated game. If you’re a fan of ice sports, it’s definitely worth learning how to play.

Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the rules of broomball as well.

What is broomball?

Broomball is a winter team sport that originated in Canada. Similar to ice hockey, roller hockey, and floorball, broomball is played on ice and snow, both indoors and outdoors depending on weather conditions.

This entertaining winter sport can be enjoyed as a recreational activity with family and friends, but there are also official competitions for enthusiasts of the sport to participate in.

Broomball is particularly popular in Canada, the United States, and Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland.

How to play broomball? Step by step

Broomball game begins with the formation of two teams, each consisting of 6 players.

Each broomball team consists of a goalie and five players. Typically, two of these players are defenders, while the remaining three are attackers with two forwards and one center.

Keep in mind: In broomball, the goalie must remain stationary throughout the game.

Once the broomball teams have been formed, they step onto the rink and take their positions at opposite ends. At the start of a broomball game, each team defends the area furthest from their bench during the first period. After the end of each period, they switch ends.

This switch in position ensures that both teams have an equal opportunity to play on both ends of the rink, thereby preventing any one team from having an unfair advantage over the other.

The broomball game always starts with a face-off. Each team has to choose the players that participate in the face-off. The player can be chosen by the team’s coach or captain.

Once these players are chosen, everyone on the rink prepares for the face-off. For the face-off, the referee drops the ball between the two players chosen by the teams in the center of the rink.

Players use the brooms to push the ball toward the opposing team’s part of the rink, trying to score points by getting the ball into the net.

Each player can hit the ball with the broom and may stop the ball with the foot. But it is not allowed to use the foot to advance the ball in any way.

Players use quick and agile movements to advance the ball toward the opposing team’s goal.

Players can also advance the ball by bouncing it by the walls of the rink.

Players should not use the broom to carry the ball. The ball must be pushed along the ice with the broom.

When hitting the ball, players must keep their broom below their waists. The broom head is not allowed to go above the player’s waist when striking the ball.

If a player hits the ball and the broom base or head passes above waist level, the referee can stop the game or substitute the player with another one. Then, a new face-off is held at the same spot where the player hit the ball wrong. If a substitute player is not available, the team will have to play with one less player for a period determined by the referee.

If one of the players commits a foul like tripping, hitting, or holding another player, the referee gives a penalty. At the same time, the other team earns a free shot at the goal.

The goalie of each team must stand up at all times and block the goals from being made by the opposing team’s players. The goalie can use the broom, feet, and body to stop the ball.

The goalie cannot leave this designated area during gameplay.

All players can communicate with each other during the game.

After a goal is made by one of the teams, the play stops for a reset.

A new face-off occurs at the center of the rink. This time, the team that scored has possession of the ball for the face-off.

The game starts again with both teams trying to score goals and defend against their opponents.

At the end of the game, the team who has scored the most goals wins the game. The game is made of two 20 to 30 minutes each.

If the clock has run out and the score is tied between the teams, the game goes into overtime.

The overtime period is played until one of the teams scores a goal. The team that scores first is declared the winner.

If neither team scores during the overtime period, then each team must choose some players to take penalty shots. The team that scores the most goals wins the game.

How to play broomball for seniors

Broomball isn’t just a sport for young people – people of all ages can play it. For example, seniors can have a great time playing broomball and socializing. However, seniors may be a bit worried and concerned about keeping up with such a fast-paced sport.

So, if you are a senior interested in this sport, then find out there are ways to enjoy it too!

Here’s how to play broomball for seniors:

First, I recommend consulting with a doctor to ensure that you are healthy and physically fit enough to play this sport. Ask the doctor to check the condition of your muscles and ligaments to avoid any potential injuries. If you’ve experienced injuries like meniscus rupture in the past, be sure to consult with your doctor before playing.
Wear additional protective equipment: You can always add extra pieces of protective equipment beyond what is generally required. There’s nothing unusual about it, and even kids prefer extra equipment to avoid injury or pain.
Play at your own pace: Yes! Play at a pace that makes you comfortable. Remember, you’re not playing in a high-level competitive tournament. You’re playing to have a great time with your friends or family.
Choose a lighter broom: The lighter the broom, the easier it is for you to handle. Look for a broom made of composite material because it is lighter than one made of wood.
Warm up before starting: Before starting the game, take the time to warm up your body. Do some stretching or dynamic exercises. This helps increase blood flow to the muscles and your range of motion while minimizing the risk of injury. Do not jump in the game with cold, stiff muscles. Cold muscles are more prone to injury than warm muscles.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during the game. You need water to stay focused and prevent cramping.
Take a break: Again, you do not have to strictly follow the rules. You can all agree to take breaks more often as needed.

Brommball Playing Tips and Strategies

Wear warm, comfortable clothes. It will help you stay comfortable and move easily.
Always use proper shoes. You need good traction on ice.
Communicate with your team before and during the game. In this way, everyone on the team will coordinate with each other.
Use the walls of the rink to your advantage to pass the ball.
If the team has more than 6 players, it is recommended to keep shifts short. This allows the team to maintain fresh legs on the ice, while also giving tired players a chance to catch their breath before returning to play.
Try to stay warm even when you are out of the ice rink. You perform better with warm muscles.
Be prepared to fall and get back up quickly.
Try not to get the team clustered around the ball. If one or two teammates are already fighting for the ball, then stay out of it. Your team will need you on another part of the rink, so place yourself strategically so that you are ready to receive the ball
Use your body. Using your body to block the ball can be a useful strategy, even if you are not the goalie. By positioning yourself between the ball and the goal, you can cover more space than you could with just your broom. While this technique is painful at times, it can be very rewarding to successfully prevent the opposing team from scoring a goal.
Try to anticipate the moves of the opposing team and disrupt their passing lanes. In this way, you’ll take a lot of pressure from your team’s goalie.
Do not clear the ball next to the goalie. Instead, try to clear the ball when you are out of your defensive zone. This is because if the ball hits the goalie, it could rebound into the goal and result in an “own goal”. This is not good. Why? Because the point goes to the opposing team. Be careful and do not create advantages for the other team.

What broomball equipment do you need to play?

The broomball equipment you need to play this team sport contains some specific tools.

The equipment list is not that short but also not that long. It is interesting that, despite being played on ice like ice hockey, you do not need ice skates – pretty crazy, right?

Keep reading to find out what equipment you need to play broomball.

Broomball stick/ Broom

The broom, also known as the broomball stick, is a crucial piece of equipment when playing broomball. It serves the same purpose as a hockey stick does for hockey. It has a length between 40 to 50 inches and contains the following elements:

Handle or shaft: The handle is the part with which the player handles the entire broomball stick. It is long, cylindrical, and made of wood or composite material such as aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
Head: The head is the part that comes in contact with the ball. Having a rectangular shape, it is usually made of rubber, plastic, or foam.
Butt end: This represents the end of the handle and is made of rubber, foam, or other materials. It offers more support to the player’s hand during the game. Also, it can be textured or grooved, which ensures an improved grip while preventing the player’s hand from slipping off.
Bristles: These are located at the bottom of the head. They are made of nylon or polyethylene and help to handle the ball on the ice.

Ball

To play broomball, you also need a specially designed ball. The broomball ball is made either of rubber or other synthetic materials.

The standard size of a broomball ball is 6 inches in diameter and weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. If you’re curious about its size compared with other balls’ sizes, check out our sports ball size chart.

The ball generally comes in colors like orange and blue.

Another thing to remember is that the indoor broomball ball is different from the outdoor one. The outdoor broomball ball has extra padding and a different texture or grip, while indoor balls do not.

Helmet

Next on the list is the helmet. The helmet is mandatory to wear when playing broomball. It protects the player’s head from possible injuries.

But what type of helmet can you wear?

There are two main options: a broomball helmet or a hockey helmet.

The broomball helmet is pretty similar to the standard hockey one. Both helmets are made of durable materials that provide excellent protection against falls and collisions during the game.

When choosing a helmet, comfort is key, and it should fit well on your head. Some players also opt to add a face shield for added protection.

Mouthguard

Broomball players can also choose to wear a mouthguard. While not mandatory like the helmet, it is highly recommended as it protects the mouth, teeth, and gums from the impact of falls or collisions.

Mouthguards come in different types, such as custom-fitted or boil-and-bite. Custom-fitted mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth for a comfortable and secure fit, while boil-and-bite mouthguards can be molded by placing them in boiling water and then biting down. You can choose whichever type you prefer. Some players may also opt to wear a boxing mouthguard for added protection.

Shoes

Although broomball is played on ice, you don’t need skates.

However, you need special shoes for broomball to play it.

But what’s so special about these shoes and what makes broomball shoes different from other shoes?

They are called broomball shoes and they are made to offer excellent traction and grip on the ice rink. The majority have a high-top cut because this style covers and protects the ankle better during movement on the rink.

What’s special about broomball shoes is the unique sole they have. Their sole is relatively thick and durable, which makes sense because it is designed to withstand rough surfaces. Also, they are waterproof, keeping the feet dry and comfortable at all times.

Just make sure to choose a pair of broomball shoes that fit your feet comfortably.

Gloves

Wearing gloves during broomball games is always a good idea. They protect your hands and fingers from cold and potential injuries. However, it ultimately depends on personal preference.

If you choose to wear gloves, it’s important to select a pair made from sturdy material and with some padding. However, be careful not to choose gloves with too much padding as it may affect your control and feel of the broom. I recommend you wear lacrosse or hockey gloves. If you prefer lighter padding, go for lacrosse gloves, if you feel good playing with thicker padding, you can choose hockey gloves.

Remember that finding the right fit is important. Gloves that are too loose or too tight can affect your performance.

Clothes

When it comes to clothing, you don’t need anything sophisticated or specifically designed for this sport. You can wear athletic clothes that make you feel comfortable and do not restrict your mobility. Clothing items such as athletic pants or sweatpants, layers, and a warm jacket are great for a broomball game.

Shin guards, elbow and knee pads

Shin guards, elbow, and knee pads are other additional pieces of protective equipment that some broomball players choose to wear. None of these are mandatory.

These protective elements are especially essential for the goalie. The goalie needs protection when blocking and stopping the goal with the body. This is why most goalies prefer to use shin guards, and elbow and knee pads. This equipment can absorb the impact of the shots and prevent bruises or injuries.

The total cost of the equipment

Table 1. The equipment needed to play broomball and their approximate costs
Item	Average price	Where to buy
Broomball stick	$30 – $50
Broomball ball	$10 – $20
Broomball helmet	$40 – $100
Broomball mouthguard	$10 – $30
Broomball shoes	$60 – $130
Broomball gloves	$20 – $60
Broomball shin guards	$20 – $50

On average, the equipment needed to play broomball costs between $250 and $300.

List of Popular Broomball Terms

Face-off: This is a technique used to start or restart a broomball game. During a face-off, the referee drops the ball between two opposing players at the center of the rink. The game restarts with a face-off each time a team scores a goal.
High-sticking: High-sticking is a term used to describe when a player raises their broom too high while attempting to hit the ball. In broomball, players are not allowed to raise their brooms above waist level. High-sticking is considered a dangerous play, as it can result in injury to players. If a player commits this foul, the referee will apply a penalty.
Bank-shot: This broomball technique involves using the walls of the rink to bounce the ball and advance it forward or make a pass to another player
Sudden-death: Sudden death or sudden-death format is a method used in broomball to determine the winning team in the event of a tied game during overtime. This format is implemented when the game ends in a tie and goes into overtime.

If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to use the comment form below. If everything is clear about how to play broomball, then put on your broomball shoes and get ready to have fun with this exciting game!

Enjoy!

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