Hockey

Hockey (also known as field hockey internationally) is a team-based sport played in two 35-minute halves with 10 players on the field and one player in the goals at any one time, with a short break at half-time.

The game is played at a fast pace, with short bursts of high intensity sprints along with dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting for goal, which requires a combination of endurance, strength, speed, agility and skill. During a game, energy expenditure can be as high as 60-80kJ/minute, with midfielders at the higher end of the range. High energy requirements, coupled with fluid loss and injuries (from flying balls and/or sticks) makes well-established nutrition and hydration strategies a must for optimal performance.

Training is physically demanding, which sets up large energy and carbohydrate requirements.  Hockey is not a professional sport, and most players have full-time jobs or study to commit to, on top of training and match schedules. This creates a very busy lifestyle, and good nutrition habits can take a back seat, especially if the athlete lacks the skills to shop and cook. Takeaways can be a trap, but learning how to choose better takeaways, reading food labels and learning how to cook and prepare ahead can make a difference both on and off the field by aiding recovery and reduce fatigue. 

Keep your game up to speed! Click here to  download the Hockey fact sheet (390KB)

Authors: Deborah Kerr, Sports Dietitian (WA) and Daniela Manche, Sports Dietitian (VIC)