Pool Noodle Hockey

A fast and furious 1-on-1 indoor hockey game where players are paired by height and called into the center to score goals using pool noodles.

📍 Location 🏠 Indoor
📐 Space Medium space
Setup 5 min
🎯 Play time 20 min
👥 Group size 6–33 players
🎒 Age group Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers, All

Equipment Required

Balls 2 x Half pool noodles (used as hockey sticks) 1 x Soft, lightweight ball (soccer ball size) 2 x Benches (placed at opposite ends of the hall to serve as goals)

How to Play

The Setup: Place a bench at each end of the hall to act as the goals. The ball starts in the exact center of the room.

Pairing Up: Line up all the Cubs/Scouts in a single line from shortest to tallest.

Numbering: Count them off in pairs. The first two (shortest) are Number 1, the next two are Number 2, and so on. This ensures fair, evenly-heighted matchups.

The Sidelines: Divide the pairs into two teams. Team A lines up along one side wall of the hall, and Team B lines up along the opposite wall.

The Call: The Leader calls out a number (e.g., “Number 5!”). The two players assigned that number run to the center and pick up a pool noodle.

The Face-off: Before hitting the ball, the two players must tap their noodles on the floor, then against each other’s noodle, repeating this three times while chanting “Hockey 1, Hockey 2, Hockey 3!”. The Match: After the third tap, the ball is live. Players try to hit the ball into their opponent’s bench. To score, the ball must roll under the front of the bench. All other Cubs must remain on the sidelines, cheering not interfering.

Time Limit: Each round lasts until a goal is scored, or until the maximum time limit of 90 seconds is reached. Players then return the noodles to the center and head back to the sidelines.

Leader Tips

Safety first! Scan the hall before playing to check for hazards. If you have benches against the walls or at the goal ends, ensure players have enough room to slow down so they don't run into them during intense match play.

Scout Skills & Values

Teamwork Physical Activity