Do You Need Special Equipment for Ball Hockey?
Not officially. But if you want to stay fast, safe, and in the game, gear matters.
Ball hockey might look like a casual run around a gym or a court, but once the pace picks up, and trust me, it does your body will thank you for making smart choices with your equipment.
Here’s what I recommend after years of playing and seeing what works (and what fails).
1. Shoes Matter More Than You Think
You’re running. Hard. For long shifts. On gritty surfaces.
Bad shoes = blisters, rolled ankles, and lost speed.
I’ve seen players use:
- Nike runners for agility
- Asics or HOKA for pure running comfort
- Basketball shoes for ankle support (my personal choice)
I use lightweight high-top basketball shoes: comfortable, grippy, and protective without dragging me down.
Bottom line:
Choose something that grips well, absorbs shock, and fits snug. Your feet are doing all the skating here.
2. Shin Guards: Non-Negotiable
Ball hockey is full of hacks, slashes, and accidental sticks.
I’ve seen:
- Soccer shin guards
- Full ice hockey shin guards
- Nothing at all (not smart)
I’ve tried them all — Gel Pro, Knapper, basic foam ones.
The one I trust most now?
CCM Ball Hockey Shin Guards — full coverage, breathable, and built for this sport.
If the guard fully covers your shin, you’re good. I’ll break down pros and cons of each type in another post, but for now, don’t skip shin protection.
3. Gloves: Forget Looking Cool, Protect Your Hands
You’d be surprised what I’ve seen:
- Garden gloves
- Lacrosse gloves
- Golf gloves
- Bare hands
I get it. You want feel and control. But one slash and your hand’s toast.
My pick?
Knapper AK7s — perfect balance between lacrosse flexibility and hockey protection.
Any ice hockey gloves will work, but these are lighter, ventilated, and protect the thumb well.
4. Jock or Jill: Yes, Every Time
This one’s not optional.
I’ve watched at least three or four guys get stretchered off after a ball hit them down low.
Every one of them came back — and guess what? They all wore a jock after that.
You don’t want to learn this the hard way.
5. Eye Protection: Don’t Lose Your Vision Over a Game
I’ve taken balls off the cheekbone.
I’ve been hit near the eye — and once directly in it.
The only reason I can still see clearly is because I had a visor on.
At minimum, wear safety glasses — even squash goggles are better than nothing.
If you’re too proud to wear a helmet at pickup, fine.
But don’t risk your sight. One deflection is all it takes.
Bonus: Helmet or No Helmet?
League play? Most require it.
Pickup? Up to you.
If you’re not wearing one, at least have goggles.
If you are wearing one, a half visor or cage with sweat-wicking padding helps you stay cool and protected.
Final Word
Ball hockey doesn’t demand a lot. But it rewards the players who gear up smart.
You don’t need top-tier gear to start. But the right gear helps you:
- Stay healthy
- Play longer
- Move faster
- Focus on the game, not the pain
Want to ball out and survive the slashes? Protect your body the right way.