Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Floorball

Easily described as ice hockey on a smooth wooden indoor court, floorball has similar traits except for its non-contact with the odd shoulder barge permitted.

Understanding the basic rules is essential for appreciating how floorball is played.

Never heard of floorball? Read on to discover why this game is rapidly growing in popularity.

Introduction to floorball

Floorball is a versatile indoor team sport that’s quickly gaining popularity across the world. Often described as a fast-paced cousin of ice hockey, floorball is played indoors with a light ball and plastic sticks, making it accessible and exciting for players of all ages.

With its emphasis on speed, teamwork, and fun, floorball is a fantastic way to develop new skills, stay active, and enjoy the thrill of a dynamic team sport. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new game to try, floorball offers an exciting experience that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Aim of floorball

Floorball has two opposing teams, both with five players and a goalkeeper.

The game is played indoors with a plastic ball and sticks, very similar to ice hockey. Floorball matches are played in three twenty-minute periods.

The objective for each floorball player is to score as many goals within the three twenty-minute periods as possible.

A brief history of floorball

Floorball’s origins date back to 1970 in Gothenburg, Sweden, as an activity for school students to play after school. The schoolyard game developed and spread across the Nordic nations.

Floorball is represented by the International Floorball Federation (IFF).

Worldwide participation

Floorball is played in more than 80 countries, with its roots and strongest following in Europe—especially in Sweden, Finland, and the Czechia.

The sport is rapidly gaining popularity in other regions, including Asia, North America, and South America, as more players and fans discover its appeal.

The International Floorball Federation (IFF) oversees the sport globally, with over 60 member countries participating in various competitions. Floorball has also been featured as a demonstration sport at major international events, including Special Olympics competitions, helping to introduce the game to new audiences and promote its inclusive spirit.

As floorball continues to grow, it’s becoming a truly global sport played and enjoyed by people around the world.

Top-level competitions

At the highest level, floorball features several prestigious competitions that bring together the world’s best teams and players.

The Champions Cup is the premier international tournament for club teams, showcasing top talent and fierce competition from around the globe.

National teams compete in the World Floorball Championships, a flagship event that highlights the skills and strategies of the sport’s elite athletes.

Other major tournaments include the European Championships and the Asia-Pacific Championships, each offering a stage for teams to compete and demonstrate their abilities.

These events not only celebrate the sport’s growth but also inspire new generations of players to reach the top of their game.

Equipment in floorball

Floorball is pretty simple when it comes to equipment. The floorball stick is the most vital component for outfield players to play the game. Goalkeepers have additional protective gear.

Small goals are sometimes used in informal games or for younger players, providing a suitable target size for smaller rinks and age-specific matches.

Floorball sticks

Harder floorball sticks are designed for more competitive play, enabling quicker passes and more powerful shots on goal. Softer sticks are better for learning the game as they are lighter, making skill development easier.

Stick blades are curved and are used to strike the plastic ball across the floor. Unlike hockey, players are permitted to use both sides of the blade to hit the ball.

Stick’s grips are designed with a textured feel to enhance the hold of the stick, especially during fast and competitive play.

Goalkeepers’ equipment

Goalkeepers wear helmets during games and uniquely designed shirts with padded trousers. Typically, a goalkeeper will use gloves and knee pads for protection from hard-struck balls.

Goalkeepers can have more padding if they prefer, yet the more they have their movement is restricted to make saves. Less padding, more mobility, yet the increased risk of injury.

Rules and playing floorball

Floorball team positions

A floorball match is played with five outfield players and a goalkeeper. Interestingly to note, goalkeepers may be replaced for an additional field player if the coach seeks more attacking options. For attacking play, this can be highly advantageous with the extra outfield player.

However, the caveat is that if a team has no goalkeeper, then defensive duties can be harder to keep the ball out. Outfield players can block the shot but are not permitted to touch it with their hands as goalkeepers can.

Usually teams are comprised of the following:

• Goalkeeper
• Two defenders (left and right defenders)
• Centre
• Two attackers (left and right attackers/wings)

For junior players, there are often specific safety requirements, such as the mandatory use of eye protection and equipment designed for younger participants. Floorball is played by both men and women, with dedicated leagues and competitions for women to promote gender inclusivity.

Alongside the goalkeeper, the defender’s task is to disrupt attacking plays and pass the ball to the centre and wings. The centre provides backup to the defence and aids in creating attacking plays. The centre is required to do a tremendous amount of running in the game. Attackers, or wings, are ultimately responsible for attacking plays and strong, powerful shots to score the team’s goals.

Playing floorball

Individual substitutions occur as per other team sports, although typically due to an injury or player exhaustion. Unlike other team sports, it is not uncommon to see the entire team line-up substituted in floorball, and this can happen at any time in the game.

Players participate in structured training and practice sessions to prepare for matches and improve their skills. Consistent practice and dedicated training are essential for developing the skills and physical conditioning needed to perform well in floorball.

Floorball has a stop clock, much like futsal and unlike football where the game’s clock is continuous.

The game’s clock is stopped when the following occurs:

• goals are scored
• time-outs are called
• if the ball is not in play
• in case a penalty is awarded.

Between each twenty-minute period, there is an intermission of ten minutes where teams change ends. Regarding time-outs, teams are permitted one time-out lasting 30-seconds. In floorball, the two referees hold equal authority, unlike in football where the referee’s judgement is paramount.

Rules of floorball

During a floorball match, it is compulsory for players to place at least one foot on the ground at all times when receiving the ball. In other words, players are not permitted to jump in floorball. Additionally, players are not allowed to go down on two knees to block shots or make passes – except the goalkeeper, if a team has one on the court.

When players pass the ball to each other, the ball must be received by the stick below knee level. Should contact be made above knee level, a two-minute penalty is applied.

When players strike the ball towards the goal, the stick must remain below waist level; otherwise, another two-minute penalty is applied.

Funny enough, players can ‘kick’ the ball to other players and run behind the goals like ice hockey.

Disrupting opponents from receiving the ball when not in their possession is known as checking and is forbidden in floorball. What is permitted is ‘should-to-shoulder’ contact when players are in possession of the ball.

Other two-minute penalties are awarded when players push others who don’t have the ball or lift the opponent’s sticks. Moreover, any stick infringements lead to another penalty.

Game time strategies

During game time, floorball players must rely on a mix of skill, strategy, and teamwork to outplay their opponents and score goals. With three periods of fast-paced action, teams need to maintain possession of the ball, create scoring opportunities, and defend their own net with precision.

The goalkeeper is a key player, responsible for stopping shots and organising the defence, while coaches develop tactics and make crucial decisions to give their team an edge.

Success in floorball comes from working together, adapting to the flow of the match, and staying focused under pressure.

The sport’s dynamic nature makes every game exciting and challenging, pushing players to continually improve and compete at their best.

Committing fouls in floorball

When players commit fouls, or when referees deem the ball is unplayable, then play resumes with either a face-off or a free hit. Free-hits are comparable to a free kick in football – taken where the last moment of play was occurring and then the ball was deemed playable.

Face-offs are when players begin a game, the ball is not playable, and the referees could not determine who had the advantage of a free-hit, the ball is damaged, player injury or a failed penalty shot.

How to bet on floorball: know the game

With this guide to floorball, you should have enough to get started watching your first match with confidence. If you can follow the fast-paced play, you’ll find yourself hooked on speed-style matches filled with technical skill and goal-scoring entertainment.

Floorball is typically played indoors, featuring two teams of five field players plus a goalkeeper. The game is played over three 20-minute periods, with short shifts and fast transitions that make it especially exciting to watch. Think of it as ice hockey without the skates—or the bruises—but with just as much energy.

There are several forms of floorball, including 3-on-3 formats, adaptations for Special Olympics, and versions tailored for athletes with unique rules and team sizes. These forms are often featured in special competitions and help make the sport accessible to a wider range of players.

What makes floorball worth following:

• High-scoring games that maintain momentum throughout
• Quick substitutions and flowing play similar to hockey or futsal
• Team-focused tactics including set plays and power-play opportunities
• International popularity in countries like Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, and the Czechia
• World’s largest tournaments such as the Czech Open, which attract global attention and significant betting interest

If you’re just starting out, explore betting tipsters who specialise in team sports or niche markets. Seasoned bettors can also benefit from using arbitrage betting software to identify the best available odds across sportsbooks. A successful bet requires understanding the teams, players, and the specific form of floorball being played.

Whether you’re watching for athleticism or tactical depth, floorball offers a fun, fast, and growing sport to enjoy year-round.