Underwater Hockey Octopush – A Sport Like No Other

March 22, 2026

If you are a fan of team sports and underwater adventures, underwater hockey Octopush might just be the sport for you. Few games combine the intensity of ice hockey with the thrill of freediving. Imagine gliding through the water with fins, chasing a puck on the pool floor – it’s a unique sensation. For novices the game may seem strange at first, but many players say it becomes addictive and fun as soon as they get the hang of it.

Underwater hockey Octopush is an exhilarating aquatic sport unlike anything on land. Think of hockey played on the bottom of a swimming pool, with players wearing snorkels, masks and fins to propel a weighted puck along the pool floor toward the opponent’s goal. Early enthusiasts even nicknamed it “snorkel hockey” for fun, but the names stuck.

The sport (often simply called underwater hockey or its British name Octopush) demands teamwork, speed and breath-control. It blends elements of snorkeling, hockey and freediving into a fast-paced game that is growing in popularity worldwide. This unique mix creates a sport like no other, challenging players to master both swimming endurance and puck-control skills. Whether you call it underwater hockey or Octopush, search terms like octopush underwater hockey or Octopush sport underwater hockey all point to this same thrilling pool game.

History and Origins

Underwater hockey (Octopush) was invented in 1954 by Alan Blake of the Southsea Sub-Aqua Club in Portsmouth, England. Blake and fellow divers first played this new game using a small paddle (the “pusher”) and a lead puck in their indoor pool. The name “Octopush” came from the original team size (eight players, octo- for eight) and the concept of pushing the puck. The sport spread quickly: by the late 1950s spear fishermen in Durban, South Africa had adopted a version of it, and in the 1960s Australian diver Norm Leibeck introduced Octopush to Canada (1962) and Australia (1966).

The first national championships were held in the 1970s, and by 1980 the first official Underwater Hockey World Championship took place in Canada. The sport continued to grow globally through the late 20th century. Today, underwater hockey is played in dozens of countries on all inhabited continents, overseen internationally by the CMAS World Underwater Federation.

Key milestones in underwater hockey history:

1954: First game played in Portsmouth, UK (called Octopush).
1955: First local Octopush tournament in England.
1956–58: Underwater hockey spreads to South Africa (Durban divers).
1962: Octopush introduced in Canada by Norm Leibeck.
1966: Underwater hockey introduced in Australia.
1975: First Australian Underwater Hockey Championship.
1980: First official Underwater Hockey World Championship held (Canada).
2000s–present: Global expansion continues. Underwater hockey is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and included in multi-sport events like the World Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

How Underwater Hockey (Octopush) Is Played

Underwater hockey is played in a standard swimming pool (typically 25m × 15m, depth 2–3m). Two teams of up to 10 players each (6 in play, 4 substitutes) compete to push a heavy puck into the opposing team’s goal. Each goal is a metal trough 3m wide placed on the pool bottom.

Gameplay: Each match starts with teams at opposite ends. On the referee’s signal, players dive and sprint to the puck placed at the center bottom. Players must hold their breath underwater – they surface to breathe between possessions. There are no goalies; instead, teams defend as a unit in front of the goal. Players use short pusher sticks (about 25–30 cm long) attached to a glove to maneuver the puck. The puck itself weighs around 1.1–1.5 kg so it stays on the pool floor as players knock it around.
Objective: Score by pushing the puck completely into the opponent’s goal using only the stick. The puck can’t be carried by hand or fin; it must be moved with the stick. Any contact with the puck by other body parts (like kicking it) is not allowed in play.
Team Size & Roles: Six players from each team are in the water, with up to four substitutes rotating freely (on-the-fly changes). Players often specialize as attackers or defenders, but roles switch fluidly. Teams are mixed-gender and matches have men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions.
Match Duration: A typical game consists of two halves (often 15 minutes each) with a short halftime break. Tied games may go to extra time or shootouts in tournament play.
Fouls and Conduct: Underwater hockey is a limited-contact sport. Pushing or impeding opponents without the puck is not allowed. Dangerous behavior (e.g., holding or sinking an opponent) results in penalties. Sticks must fit within regulations (a 300×100 mm box) and are used only for the puck, not for hitting players.

Substitution is similar to ice hockey: players swap at designated areas without stopping play. Referees (usually two on the deck) monitor the match, while in major events additional underwater officials may watch for player safety. The continuous nature of play and limited visibility make communication and quick decision-making essential.

Equipment and Gear

Underwater hockey requires specialized gear for safety and performance:

Mask & Snorkel: A low-volume dive mask and snorkel let players see underwater and breathe at the surface. The snorkel typically has a splash guard.
Fins (Flippers): Long freediving fins provide the power and speed to swim quickly between dives. Leg strength is crucial for fast propulsion.
Pusher Stick (Octopush Stick): A short handheld stick (25–30 cm) with a curved end used to push or flick the puck.
Protective Glove: A thick glove on the stick hand shields it from impacts with the puck and other players. Glove colors usually match or contrast the puck color for visibility.
Water Polo Cap: Ear-protected swim caps (like water polo caps) protect the ears and indicate team affiliation (caps are often red vs. white for teams).
Underwater Hockey Puck: A heavy, plastic-coated lead puck weighs about 1.1–1.5 kg. Its weight keeps it on the pool floor without bouncing.
Mouthguard or Nose Clip (optional): Some players use a mouthguard or nose clip for extra protection, though they are not strictly required.

Beginners usually use their own mask, snorkel, fins and borrow a stick and puck from the club. As skills progress, players may invest in custom gear: higher-quality fins, low-volume masks (for easier clearing), or padded gloves designed for hockey.

Typical game setup: Two 3-meter goals at the pool ends, puck at center on the bottom. Teams line up on the pool edges. On the whistle, everyone dives in. This “drop” kickstarts the action.

Underwater hockey (Octopush) players diving to reach the puck on the pool bottom. Underwater hockey matches begin with a fast “drop” – a whistle sends all players diving head-first to fight for the puck at center. Quick underwater sprints, deft stick control, and frequent surfacing to breathe define the game. Teams must coordinate roles: some players battle for the puck, while others stay back to defend or catch a breath. In this image, two opponents from opposite teams race toward the puck, illustrating the sport’s fast-paced underwater action.

Basic Rules of Underwater Hockey

Scoring: A goal counts only if the puck is pushed fully into the opponent’s goal trough with the stick. Defenders can block shots with their bodies, but any body contact that directs the puck (like kicking it) does not count.
Breathing: Players breathe through their snorkels at the surface. No scuba tanks are allowed. Matches involve a cycle of diving, playing for a few seconds, then surfacing for air. Efficient breathing gives a big advantage.
Contact: Only limited contact is allowed. Players may push against an opponent who is competing for the puck, but grabbing or sinking opponents is illegal and results in penalties. Rough play is minimized by strict rule enforcement.
Substitution: Substitutions happen in a marked box area. Teams often rotate fresh players “on the fly,” ensuring that six active players are always in the water. This rotation keeps the pace high.
Refereeing: Typically two referees on the deck observe play. For major events, additional safety officials may be in wetsuits underwater to assist. Referees use whistles and hand signals; play can be stopped briefly for goals or fouls.

The result is a fluid, continuous game. Players rely on honed reflexes and team strategy: every possession underwater is a chance to score before needing air again.

Unique Challenges and Thrills

Underwater hockey stands out for combining diverse athletic skills in a submerged environment:

Breath Control: Each dive lasts only seconds. Players must time their breath holds: too short, and they surface too often; too long, and they risk blacking out. Good underwater hockey players train their apnea (breath-hold) and learn to maximize time under with calm breathing.
Swimming Fitness: Powerful leg kicks are key. Intense fin-swimming under anaerobic conditions builds cardio endurance. Quick sprints to the puck require explosive leg power, and players quickly develop strong calves, quads, and glutes.
Coordination: Maneuvering a puck with a small stick underwater requires precise timing. With limited visibility and no teammates shouting, players use peripheral vision and feel. Hand-eye coordination and stick control under the mask become second nature.
Three-Dimensional Tactics: The pool introduces depth. Teams coordinate both horizontal and vertical movement. For example, one player might “float” near the surface ready to sub in, while others battle on the bottom. Formations can resemble those in water polo or ice hockey, but every player also has to manage rising to breathe.
High Intensity: Underwater hockey is often described as having the intensity of a contact sport (like rugby) in a non-contact setting. Physical tussles over the puck are common. Shots can be powerful; when a puck smacks into the goal, the clink of metal goal frames echoes underwater. Every play is a burst of adrenaline.

Fans of the game note the thrill of racing to the puck and the satisfaction of a well-placed flick-shot. Underwater hockey is physically demanding, but also strategic: teams execute set plays and adapt on the fly. The mix of speed, strategy and breathless underwater bursts makes it a sport unlike any other on the planet.

Underwater Hockey Around the World

Underwater hockey’s global community is tightly connected yet diverse:

CMAS (World Underwater Federation): The international governing body sets the official rules and sanctions international competitions. CMAS organizes World Championships and supports regional events.
National Associations: Many countries have their own underwater hockey federations (e.g. British Octopush Assoc., USA Underwater Hockey, Australian Underwater Hockey Federation). These bodies organize national leagues, tournaments and training.
Continental Championships: Asia/Oceania, Europe/Africa, and Pan-American championships are held regularly. These serve as qualifiers and high-level contests. For example, in 2025 the first CMAS Asia/Oceania Championship is scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Europe/Africa teams will meet in a championship in Dordrecht, Netherlands.
World Championships: This premier event is held roughly every two years (since 1980). National teams from 15–20+ countries compete in elite and age-group divisions. Recent men’s and women’s titles have often been claimed by New Zealand, Colombia, Australia and France.
World Games & Multi-Sport Events: Underwater hockey has featured in multi-sport competitions. It debuted at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, exposing the sport to a larger audience. It is also included in the World Games, which helps with Olympic recognition efforts.
Regional and University Tournaments: Beyond official championships, many regions host local tournaments. For example, the Asian Underwater Hockey Cup, Europe’s Celtic Cup, and college championships in North America. These events foster grassroots growth and community.

The Singapore women’s team holds a flag at the 8th Asian Underwater Hockey Cup 2024 medal ceremony. Events like the Asian Underwater Hockey Cup show how underwater hockey spans the globe. Teams from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas come together to compete. In 2024 Singapore hosted its first Asian Cup (with teams from several nations), and in 2025 continental qualifiers in Malaysia and the Netherlands will set the stage for the next World Championship. These international gatherings highlight the sport’s rapid growth and enthusiastic community.

Players and fans connect through local clubs and online forums. Most clubs are very welcoming: beginners often join in with no prior experience, learning the game alongside veterans. Clubs often run “try it” sessions for newcomers. Underwater hockey tends to be inclusive: junior, masters (40+), men’s and women’s divisions allow people of almost any age or fitness level to participate. For example, some tournaments include a seniors’ division. Since teams are typically mixed-gender, the sport has a very social, community-driven atmosphere.

Looking ahead, 2025 will feature major qualifiers. The first CMAS Asia/Oceania championship is scheduled for August 2025 in Malaysia, and the Europe/Africa championship will take place in the Netherlands. These intercontinental tournaments will decide slots for the next World Championship, planned for 2026. With events like these, underwater hockey remains in an exciting growth phase.

Getting Started: Training and Tips

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to begin learning underwater hockey Octopush:

Find a Local Club: Search for underwater hockey or diving clubs in your area. Many scuba, snorkeling or swimming clubs offer introductory sessions. Your first visit will cover basic diving and puck drills. Don’t be shy – these communities usually welcome all skill levels and often provide loaner gear.
Build Swimming Fitness: Being a strong swimmer helps tremendously. Practice swimming laps with fins, and try treading water. Work on basic breath-hold drills (like seeing how long you can hold your breath while floating at the surface). These exercises will make the game more comfortable.
Master Snorkel Skills: Practice breathing through a snorkel while face-down. Learn to take quick, deep breaths at the surface between dives. Also practice clearing water from your snorkel (blow sharply) and clearing your mask (exhale out of your nose) – these skills are often used in-game if water splashes up.
Basic Drills: Your first practice will focus on duck-diving (entering the water for a short depth), pushing the puck straight with the stick, and simple passing drills. You’ll learn to move the puck on the bottom without letting it touch your hands. Early sessions often simulate a smaller game (e.g. 3 vs 3) so you can touch the puck more.
Cross-Training: Freediving and breath-hold exercises can boost performance. Many players practice static or dynamic apnea training (holding their breath while doing controlled swims) to increase lung efficiency. Swimming drills with fins and snorkel outside of games also help improve your fin speed.
Conditioning: Work on your leg and core strength. Exercises like squats and lunges help with powerful kicks. General cardio (running, cycling, swimming) also improves stamina. Regular conditioning means you’ll tire less quickly during games.
Gear: To start, any comfortable snorkel, mask and fins will do. Clubs often have spare sticks, pucks, and gloves. As you progress, investing in a low-volume mask (easier to clear), long freediving fins (more power) or a padded glove tailored for hockey can give advantages, but they aren’t required at the beginning.
Watch and Learn: Watching match videos (many are online) helps you understand movement and tactics. Notice how experienced players dive and angle their bodies, how they pass along walls, and how they time their surfacing. Even simply following underwater hockey hashtags or pages on social media can give you a feel for the game.

Many beginners wonder about breathing underwater – remember, even top players surface frequently. On your first day, just focus on getting comfortable with diving and swimming with fins. Coaches often tell new players: “take whatever air you need to feel in control.” As your skills grow, you’ll learn to extend your underwater time.

Beginner Tips

Practice scuba diving skills: Start by getting comfortable breathing through a snorkel and clearing your mask underwater. Good diving technique helps you reach the puck faster.
Use short, powerful kicks: When diving for the puck, push off hard with your legs. Lengthen your body and look at the puck through your mask, using brief bursts of fin kicks.
Stay low at first: If you’re not confident diving deep, play initially near the surface or mid-depth. Catch passes from deeper players. Gradually work your way closer to the bottom as you improve.
Learn the “flip dive”: A quick somersault dive from the surface (feet-first flip) can be effective to reach the puck on the drop. Ask an instructor to teach you this safe technique.
Communicate underwater: Since you can’t shout underwater, point or wave to alert teammates. A light tap on a shoulder can signal “pass the puck!” or “I’m here!”
Rotate regularly: Don’t hang onto the game for too long. Pop up for air when you need it. Good teams alternate players rapidly so everyone stays fresh.
Watch experienced players: View matches or practice sessions to see how advanced players move and use their sticks. Mimicking their movements will speed your progress.

Practice often involves modified drills: for example, 4 vs 4 scrimmages or circle-passing exercises to build coordination. One tip coaches give is to rotate players frequently – even during practice, everyone takes turns diving, resting, and coming back in. This keeps your energy up and makes each touch count.

Health Benefits of Underwater Hockey

Beyond fun, underwater hockey (Octopush) is a tremendous workout:

Cardiovascular Fitness: Constant swimming and sprinting underwater raise your heart rate. The breath-hold aspect also trains your body to use oxygen efficiently. A regular player will find that, over time, everyday activities feel easier.
Muscle Strength: Powerful leg kicks build strong quads, calves and glutes. Your core stays engaged to stabilize underwater. Pushing off walls and maneuvering the puck strengthens arms and shoulders. Because you’re moving against water resistance, every move doubles as strength training.
Lung Capacity: Frequent breath-hold diving can improve lung power. As you practice, your lungs and diaphragm adapt – many players report being able to hold their breath longer after months of play. This benefit even helps with activities like freediving and swimming.
Coordination and Reflexes: Underwater hockey demands quick reactions. Grabbing a moving puck, dodging opponents, and synchronizing with teammates sharpen reflexes. The sport’s unique environment (reduced visibility, shifting currents) also hones spatial awareness.
Mental Focus and Teamwork: Underwater hockey requires concentration: you must focus on the game plan even while regulating your breathing. The need to dive, surface, watch and communicate builds mental toughness. Moreover, the team-oriented nature fosters camaraderie, which is great for stress relief and social bonding.
Low Impact: Since the water supports your body, underwater hockey is gentler on joints than many land sports. You get an intense workout with a lower risk of impact injuries, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.

Overall, this sport offers a full-body workout while improving your breathing and cardiovascular health. Players often find themselves in noticeably better shape, with stronger legs, lungs, and core after just a few months of regular play.

Playing Tactics and Strategies

Underwater hockey Octopush requires careful strategy and positioning. Teams often use formations and plays familiar to other stick-and-ball sports. Common tactics include:

Face-off (Drop) Play: Teams practice a variety of dives to sprint toward the puck at the start of play. Some players perform head-first dives to claim the puck immediately, while others angle in from the sides to receive a quick pass. Timing the dive (feet first vs. head first) can make a difference.
Puck Control & Passing: Skilled players flick the puck with their stick. A common move is a diagonal flick-shot – quickly switching the stick from one hand to the other to surprise the defense. Passing along the bottom or off the walls keeps the puck moving even when defenders close in. Good teams use short, accurate passes and wall-bounce passes to maneuver around opponents.
Offensive Formation: A typical formation might be 3 players forward and 3 back. In attack, forwards spread out near the goal to receive passes. They rotate positions (cycle) to create openings, similar to cycling in ice hockey. Sometimes teams use a “pinch-and-chase” strategy where one player goes for the puck and others position to receive.
Defensive Setup: Without a goalie, teams usually have at least two players stationed in front of the goalmouth (a “stacked defense”), with others ready to pressure the puck-carrier. Communication is key: underwater hand signals or touches help defenders know when to drop back. After regaining possession, a common defensive move is to swipe the puck up the side wall to a waiting teammate for a counterattack.
Rotations and Subbing: Effective teams manage breath and stamina by rotating players often. A common practice is rotating in pairs or trios: one player surfaces for air while another takes their place. This “on-the-fly” swapping keeps the team fresh and maintains pressure.
Common Plays: Offensively, some teams execute a quick breakout after the drop, where the puck is swiftly passed to an oncoming wing for a fast shot. Other plays involve banking the puck off walls to change direction. Defensively, spreading out to cover passing lanes is crucial.

Teams drill these strategies regularly. For example, small-sided games (3 vs 3) or round-robin passing drills help players get comfortable with moving and passing. High-level teams analyze opponents’ tendencies: for instance, New Zealand often uses aggressive pressure, while Colombia is known for patient passing. Learning from watching top matches can give new players ideas on positioning and teamwork.

These strategic elements make underwater hockey very engaging. It’s not just pure swimming – it’s thinking several plays ahead, much like basketball or soccer, but in a pool.

Top Nations and Clubs

Several countries have strong underwater hockey programs:

New Zealand: A world leader in both men’s and women’s divisions, known for fast, aggressive play. NZ teams often reach podiums at World Championships.
Colombia: A rising powerhouse; has won multiple world titles. Colombian teams emphasize precise passing and cohesive teamwork. Their success has fueled interest across South America.
Australia: The sport’s second home, with extensive grassroots participation. Australia regularly hosts national and Oceania championships and fields competitive national teams in all divisions.
Europe: Great Britain (origin of Octopush) and France have robust leagues. Italy, Spain and Turkey also have competitive national teams. These countries frequently contest the European Championships and often finish high in international standings.
Asia & Africa: Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan field active teams in Asia. South Africa, an early adopter, still competes strongly in world events. Emerging nations like the Philippines and Indonesia have rapidly grown after exposure in events like the Southeast Asian Games.
North America: In Canada, underwater hockey thrives from coast to coast (Vancouver to Halifax). Canada even hosted early world championships. The USA has hundreds of players across about 26 states and holds yearly nationals, though it has yet to dominate at the world level.

Each of these nations runs local clubs and leagues. For example, the UK’s “Nautilus” is an annual national tournament drawing many teams, while the USA holds multi-city competitions culminating in national finals. Clubs are often based out of university pools, scuba centers, or community centers.

For example, at a recent world championship, over 17 countries participated, with New Zealand, Colombia, Turkey, France and Australia typically in the top rankings. Many players also cross-train in related water sports; it’s not uncommon to see scuba divers, freedivers or even water polo athletes giving Octopush a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What equipment do I need for underwater hockey Octopush?

A: Basic gear includes a mask, snorkel, fins, a protective glove, and a water polo cap with ear guards. The unique items are the short stick (pusher) and weighted puck, which are usually provided by clubs for practice. Beginners can often borrow sticks and pucks from their club.

Q: How do players breathe while playing?

A: Players surface to breathe through their snorkel as needed. They typically dive for short intervals (often 10–30 seconds), then quickly take a breath at the surface. Mastering fast inhalations and relaxed exhalations allows players to maximize their underwater time.

Q: Do you have to hold your breath a long time to play?

A: No, very long breath-holds aren’t required. Beginner players usually stay submerged only a few seconds each dive. It’s more important to be in the right position under the puck than to stay down longer. As you practice, you’ll get better at timing your dives.

Q: Is underwater hockey safe or dangerous?

A: With proper rules and safety, it’s quite safe. Contact is limited, and protective gear (ear guards, gloves) helps prevent injuries. Referees are trained to stop play for dangerous situations. As with any sport, beginners should learn under supervision and have basic swim skills before participating.

Q: Can kids and novices play underwater hockey?

A: Yes! Junior players (around age 10+) often join under guidance, usually with a parent or coach in the pool at first. Many clubs have youth programs. New players just need to be comfortable swimming and snorkeling. The sport’s inclusive community helps new members learn the ropes.

Q: Is underwater hockey (Octopush) an Olympic sport?

A: Not currently. Underwater hockey is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) but has not been part of the Olympic Games. It does appear in multi-sport events like The World Games and the Southeast Asian Games, which helps grow its profile.

Q: How are matches officiated?

A: Usually two referees watch from the pool deck, using whistles and signals to call fouls and goals. At bigger tournaments, additional “safety referees” in wet suits may observe from underwater to assist with player safety. The ref team watches closely because underwater play is fast and out of sight.

Q: What is the toughest part for new players?

A: Many beginners find the coordination of breath-holding with skill execution the hardest at first. Controlling the puck and understanding tactics underwater (with limited visibility) can also be challenging. However, coaches emphasize that frequent practice quickly builds comfort, and simple game play is practiced from day one.

Q: Can I use my existing snorkel gear?

A: Absolutely. Beginners often start with any comfortable snorkel, mask and fins they have. Clubs usually provide sticks and pucks. Over time, you might get specialized gear (longer freediving fins, streamlined masks, custom gloves) to improve performance. But to start, basic gear works fine.

Q: Where can I find underwater hockey resources?

A: The CMAS (World Underwater Federation) site has official rules and event info. National organizations (like USA Underwater Hockey, British Octopush Association, Australian Underwater Hockey Federation) have starter guides and club directories. YouTube hosts many match videos to watch. Social media hashtags like #UnderwaterHockey or #Octopush connect you to a global community of players sharing tips and clips.

Conclusion

Underwater hockey (Octopush) offers a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and fun. In short, it’s a full-body aquatic workout with a vibrant community behind it. The challenges of breath control, fins-swimming and teamwork make it rewarding for both beginners and veterans. The sport’s inclusivity (mixed teams, all ages) means anyone can get involved. Whether you enjoy hockey, scuba, or just trying new sports, underwater hockey is a thrilling twist on things you already love.

If you enjoy adventure sports, dive into a local pool or club and give it a shot – you might find a new passion. Spread the word to friends who love sports, and share the excitement. Tag your underwater hockey moments on social media with #UnderwaterHockey or #Octopush to join the community conversation. Thanks for diving in with us – happy hockeying beneath the waves, and grab your gear and join the fun!

Share your experiences and questions about underwater hockey (Octopush) below, or tag a friend who loves sports to spread the word! Post your underwater hockey moments on social media with hashtags #UnderwaterHockey or #Octopush to join the community conversation. Thanks for diving in with us—happy hockeying beneath the waves! Grab your gear and join the fun!