Hockey involves whacking a ball with a stick, the idea being to get the ball into your opposition's goal. This is an immensely popular sport the world over amongst men and women: it is considered the second most popular team sport worldwide. In the 1800s, it was "the only proper team sport for women"

This fast, attractive sport, although teeming with strategy and tactics at the advanced level, is easy to get into for beginners. A hockey stick and some shin pads, and you're in business.

Hitting a ball really hard is good for stress relief, lots of running is great for physical fitness, and you gain the added pleasure of working as part of a team, always good for the soul.

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