Floor hockey, a fast-paced and engaging sport, has been a staple in physical education programs across the globe. However, its adaptation for students with disabilities opens up a new realm of possibilities, fostering inclusivity and promoting the benefits of physical activity for all. Adapted physical education (APE) plays a crucial role in ensuring that students with varying abilities have equal opportunities to participate in sports, and adapted floor hockey is a shining example of this commitment in action.
Innovations in Adapted Hockey Equipment
1.Noise Making Puck: Designed to be inclusive for visually impaired players, the noise-making puck allows all students to follow the game through sound, ensuring that everyone can stay engaged and participate fully.
Adapted puck w sound for #hockey using a pool dive ring some floor tape and a beeper box. I will add some different colored tape to improve the contrast. #adaptedPE pic.twitter.com/WyFK59Qops
— Alex Bocian (@AlBocian) October 4, 2019
2. PVC Wheelchair Attachment Sticks: These attachments make it possible for wheelchair users to play floor hockey, ensuring that mobility limitations don’t prevent students from enjoying the game. The PVC material offers durability and flexibility, making the sport accessible to a wider range of abilities.
Thanks @morgera10 for the idea! We modified Ss chair so he could participate today while classmates worked on #hockey stick handling in #physed #adaptedpe #elempe Was able to insert the cue tip sticks into 1” pipe and fasten to the base of his chair. Big Smiles pic.twitter.com/IPqSbzzbGz
— Jeremy Anderson (@FreedomHawksPE) January 13, 2020
Just because they are in wheel chairs doesn’t mean they cant participate. Double stick-ed or sliding noodle pusher =floor hockey with weak/no upper arm/limb strength with a beach ball. #adaptedpe #physed pic.twitter.com/BtbjezMk8c
— Jen Heebink (@JenHeebink) January 9, 2018
3. Switch Adapted Hockey Sticks: For students with limited grip strength or arm mobility, switch adapted hockey sticks provide an alternative way to play. By using simple button or switch controls, players can actively participate in the game, showcasing the power of adaptive technology in sports.
Here’s one idea for a switch adapted hockey stick 🏒 This was a wobble grasp switch attached to the stick handle. The adapted hockey stick was built from a broken hockey stick (I love other people’s garbage 😆) that I added PVC to #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/3wEh7GEYKH
— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) May 1, 2023
Another switch activated hockey stick 🏒 This flexible switch has become a new fav of mine. It requires very little pressure to activate & by adding backing & velcro it can turn anything into a switch 😍 we worked on grasping the stick handle to activate #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/W1U74aJgOs
— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) May 3, 2023
4. Switch Adapted Table Top Hockey: This adaptation allows students who may not participate in traditional floor hockey to experience the thrill of the game in a tabletop format. It’s an excellent way for students with severe mobility restrictions to engage in competitive play.
Some ideas for switch adapted table top games in #AdaptedPE
1. Bowling 🎳
2. Soccer ⚽️
3. Ice hockey 🏒 pic.twitter.com/PRwJa3GKXh
— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) December 3, 2023
5. Crutch Hockey Stick Mod: By modifying hockey sticks to attach to crutches, students who use crutches for mobility can seamlessly join in the game. This modification ensures that the sport is more inclusive and adaptable to individual needs.
Loved collaborating with this student to turn one of his crutches into a hockey stick. This is taped on, but would love to see a clip on version made, designed and made with with a 3D printer? #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/IVAy69Xeib
— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) February 16, 2022
6. Table Top Resistance Band Hockey Shooter: This innovative adaptation allows students to shoot a hockey puck using resistance bands, making the sport accessible for those with limited arm strength. It’s a fun and engaging way to include everyone in the action.
Version of table hockey for students with lower mobility. This worked well and all of my students really enjoyed doing it! One change I would suggest…If the student is in a chair use a table that has the legs on the sides (not fold up). #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/rX2Wuqo83n
— Rachel Bekius (@BekiusRachel) February 24, 2021
7. Double Clamp for Stick Attachment on Chair: This tool enables students who use wheelchairs to attach a hockey stick directly to their chair, offering a stable and effective way to play. It’s a testament to the adaptability and inclusiveness of adapted physical education.
Thank you @LonviewAPE for the clamp suggestion that enabled an #AdaptedPE 5th grader to do this with a hockey stick today. pic.twitter.com/LCS5xnLmDH
— Brad (@BHunterinBmore) October 18, 2023
8. Tethered Hockey Stick and Enlarged Pucks
A novel adaptation, the tethered hockey stick, is designed for players who benefit from having their stick connected to them, ensuring it’s always within reach and improving control during play. Paired with enlarged pucks, which in this innovative approach use pieces from a giant Connect 4 set, this equipment modification makes the game more accessible and enjoyable for players with coordination or mobility challenges. These adaptations simplify puck handling and enhance the overall gameplay experience, making adapted floor hockey even more inclusive.
Hockey Dribbling Obstacle Course 🥅 🏒 plus modified stick for #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/DKFO0WFZdL
— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) February 15, 2023
9. Various Adapted Sticks: Offering a range of adapted sticks ensures that every student can find an option that meets their individual needs, emphasizing the importance of personalized adaptations in inclusive physical education.
We’ve started up floor hockey here in MN!😁 Pro Tip: Have MANY options for students to find success and give time for students to see what they like the best. #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/JR9EaJrFJV
— Justin Lund (@MrJustinLund) January 5, 2024
Check out the before and after of this adapted hockey stick. It can be used in a wheelchair as well as stander. The handles give the option to be held or rested in the lap. (Thanks dad for doing all the work) #aacpsawesome #adaptedpe @AACountySchools @AACPSHPED pic.twitter.com/DY2ZCe7f4e
— Ms.B (@PE_withMsB) November 23, 2021
The Impact of Adapted Floor Hockey
Adapted floor hockey exemplifies the essence of adapted physical education by modifying traditional sports to meet the diverse needs of students. It not only promotes physical health but also enhances social skills, teamwork, and self-esteem among participants. By focusing on what students can do, rather than their limitations, adapted floor hockey champions the idea that every student has the right to play, compete, and enjoy the benefits of sports.
This sport serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion in physical education. It underscores the need for innovative equipment and teaching strategies that cater to the unique abilities of each student. As adapted physical education continues to evolve, sports like adapted floor hockey will remain at the forefront, proving that with the right adaptations, everyone can participate and excel.
Conclusion
Adapted floor hockey in physical education is more than just a game; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable sporting world. As we continue to develop and implement adaptive sports equipment and strategies, we are reminded of the transformative power of adapted physical education. It’s a field that not only changes the way we play sports but also how we perceive ability and inclusion in every aspect of life.