Who this is for: New players with little or no Underwater Hockey experience.
Goal of this level: Introduce the game, build confidence in the water, and develop the fundamental skills needed to enjoy playing Underwater Hockey.
Typical delivery: Three introductory coaching blocks completed over the player's first few sessions.
By the end of Level 1, players should be able to:
- Use their equipment confidently and safely
- Dive, recover, and move comfortably underwater
- Control and protect the puck
- Complete simple passes
- Understand the basic attacking and defensive principles
- Participate confidently in a game of Underwater Hockey
Development tracking: Coaches may observe Foundation Badge skills throughout Level 1. These badges help monitor player development without interrupting the learning experience.
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Player Questionnaire
Everything coaches should prepare before a player's first session, including the New Player Questionnaire, welcome information, equipment sizing, and arrival instructions.
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Block 1 – Play Your First Game
Learn how the game works, become comfortable with your equipment, move underwater confidently, and experience your first game of Underwater Hockey.
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Block 2 – Control the Puck
Develop body position, puck control, puck protection, passing, and underwater awareness while building confidence with the puck.
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Block 3 – Attacking & Defensive Principles
Learn the basic principles of attacking and defending, supporting teammates, maintaining possession, and protecting the goal during game play.
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Drill Library
Drills and activities that support the delivery of all Level 1 coaching blocks.
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Foundation Badges
Observable skills that can be assessed throughout Level 1 and continue into Level 2.
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Level 1 Exit Standards
The minimum knowledge and skills expected before progressing to Level 2.
- Get players playing Underwater Hockey as quickly as possible.
- Keep coaching simple, practical, and enjoyable.
- Build confidence before refining technique.
- Encourage learning through playing the game.
- Create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for every player.
Level 1 is about creating confident new players, not perfect players. By the end of the course, players should understand the basic flow of the game, feel comfortable using their equipment, contribute to their team, and be excited to continue their Underwater Hockey journey.