About Octopush

Octo-what??

Octopush or Underwater Hockey as it is more commonly known is played at the bottom of a swimming pool. There are normally six players on either side, male or female. The Format the game is 15 minutes long with a minute break at half time when the teams change ends. The idea is to flick or push the puck along the bottom of the pool, whilst holding your breath, to a team member moving towards the other team's goal. Once out of breath you surface to recover and get ready to go down and help your team mates. To move the puck you use a Pusher (a wooden or plastic bat of about 30cms in length).

Bit of history

Underwater hockey began in the 1950s right here in good old Portsmouth. It is now an extremely popular sport. It was started in Eastney Pool in 54, invented by Navy Divers in the winter who were bored with swimming up and down to keep their fitness up. The sport is played up and down the country and across the globe. Some of the other countries that play include New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa, France, Holland, Belgium and Colombia.

But I'm not a strong swimmer...

Underwater Hockey is a great sport for all ages, shapes and sizes. It is a sport that does not cause the injuries from running, stopping suddenly or being run into! It is a sport that is continually growing and it is very addictive. Every time you get in the pool against a different team it's a new challenge. You have to overcome your opponent by either outmanoeuvring them or mesmerising them with your puck control but don’t forget to breathe! Teamwork and anticipation are essential skills that develop with time.

So why play at Portsmouth?

We are a very social club, always doing something. From pub crawls to paint ball, we do some mad stuff throughout the year, and things you probably wouldn't have though about doing like going to the Dog Track, a fun and potentially lucrative night out. Or cycling on the Isle of Wight, and of course a nice pub lunch, makes a really nice day out.

After every training session we meet at a little pub for a few drinks and even some free food every now and again! On a Wednesday we always go purple down the union!

Matches and Tournaments

The Student National Tournament occurs once a year and is hosted by different universities each time. We also play against other local teams and south coast teams such as Totton and IOW to name two as well as playing other universities. Some members also get involved with other tournaments such as Nautilus.