Quick answer
Floorball is a fast, inclusive indoor team sport played with a light plastic ball and a short stick, which makes it a good choice for children from about 6 years old. As a parent, your job is to help your child find enjoyment, get the right basic equipment, arrive on time, and support them without coaching from the side. Most of what matters comes down to a correctly sized stick, a safe place to play and a calm attitude after matches.
Key takeaways
- Floorball is low-cost to start. A correctly sized stick, indoor shoes, comfortable clothes and a ball are enough for the first season.
- The stick should reach roughly to your child's navel or a few centimetres below when they stand in their shoes. Too long is the most common mistake.
- Children develop fastest with lots of ball touches, so a little practice at home goes a long way.
- Be a supporter, not a second coach. Let the coach coach, and keep your feedback after matches positive and short.
- Safety rules are simple and built in: the stick stays below waist height and the ball is played at knee height or lower.
- Think long term. Fun, friends and regular movement matter more than results at age 8.
What is floorball and why do children love it?
Floorball is an indoor team sport. Each team plays with five outfield players and a goalkeeper. A match for adults runs 3 x 20 minutes, while youth games are usually shorter. Players use a light stick with a plastic blade and a hollow plastic ball (72 mm across, 26 holes, about 23 g). Because the ball is so light, children can shoot, pass and move without the fear that comes with a heavier ball. The goalkeeper plays without a stick, and the goal measures 160 x 115 cm.
The sport is popular in Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Latvia, Norway, Germany and many other countries. It is simple to start: you need a hall, a stick, a ball and a few friends. Children love the speed and the fact that everyone gets involved in almost every attack. Many clubs also run beginner-friendly groups where the focus is on games and fun rather than formal training.
If your child has just discovered the sport, our guide on getting started with floorball covers the first sessions, and what age to start explains why 6–8 is a good window for many children.
What equipment does your child need?
You do not need much. The table below lists the basics and what to look for. For a full checklist see the floorball equipment list for kids.
| Item | What to look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stick | Length to navel or a few cm below, soft flex for lighter children | Maximum total length is 114 cm; most children use shorter sticks |
| Indoor shoes | Non-marking sole, good grip, snug fit | Running shoes with some grip often work for beginners |
| Clothing | Breathable shirt, shorts or trousers that allow free movement | Your club may provide a team shirt |
| Ball | Standard floorball ball, 72 mm | Have a few for home practice |
| Water bottle and bag | Labelled with your child's name | Keeps sessions simple |
Eye protection and other protective equipment depend on your league and age group, so ask your club what is required instead of buying extras you may not need. Sticks differ in flex, which is given in millimetres: a lower number means a stiffer shaft, and lighter or younger children usually do better with a softer one. Stick length is covered in detail in the stick size chart for kids.
How do you hold the stick and what does "blade on the left side" mean?
Parents often ask whether their child is left-handed or right-handed in floorball. That question creates confusion, so coaches describe the grip by the side of the body where the blade is. If the blade is on your child's left side, that is a left-side grip. Let your child try both and pick the one that feels natural. It can take a few weeks to settle, and it is fine if they change in the early months. Forcing a choice rarely helps.
How does floorball work for beginners?
Basic safety rules apply in all games. The stick must stay below waist height in the backswing and follow-through. The ball must not be played above knee height with the stick. Players may not jump to play the ball, and the head is not allowed to play the ball. The goalkeeper plays without a stick. When there is a free hit or a hit-in, the opponent has to stand 3 m away.
Younger players often start with small games like 3v3 or 4v4 on a smaller floor. These have fewer players, so every child touches the ball often. As players grow, the format moves toward 5v5 on a larger area. A full rink is 40 x 20 m with 50 cm boards, but most children's matches use a smaller area.
How can you help at home without pushing?
The children who improve fastest are usually those who handle the ball outside team sessions. That does not mean extra pressure. Ten minutes of stickhandling in a hallway, with a game or challenge, builds the touch that team training cannot always provide. A smooth surface is the key. Interlocking floor tiles protect the floor, give the ball a true roll and wear the blade less than rough concrete or carpet.
For a first setup, I suggest the Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack (€79), which covers about 0.9 m², or the 15-Pack (€139) at around 1.6 m² if you have more room. Add the Extreme Floorball Stickhandling Trainer (€69) for obstacle drills in a space the size of a doormat. When your child wants to shoot, a Extreme Floorball Goal (€149) and a Backstop Net (€129) protect your windows and garden. A pack of balls such as the Floorball 50-Pack (€89) saves collecting after every shot.
Better Floorball is a Swedish brand. It sells its own products without middlemen to keep prices low, and everything is designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability. The tiles and the stickhandling trainer are also Made in Europe. You can find a full guide in setting up home floorball training: a parent's guide.
A simple ten-minute home routine
- Warm-up (2 minutes). Jumping jacks, arm circles, light jog on the spot.
- Ball control (4 minutes). Move the ball side to side in front of the body, 30 seconds on, 15 seconds rest, 4 rounds. Cue: head up when you can.
- Challenge (3 minutes). How many clean touches can you do in 60 seconds? Write the score on a sheet on the fridge and try to beat it each week.
- Free play (1 minute). Let your child try any trick they want.
Coach Erik's tip: Make home practice a game and let your child choose. Ten happy minutes on a Tuesday are worth more than a serious 40-minute session that ends in tears. Most children I coach stay in the sport longest when they feel it is theirs.
How should you behave at matches and training?
Parents set the mood. Children notice what happens on the sideline, and a calm, positive parent makes the whole experience better. Here is what works.
- Cheer for effort and teamwork. "Great pass!" is better than "Shoot!".
- Leave the instructions to the coach. Two voices give conflicting messages.
- Respect the referee. Young referees are learning too, and your child watches how you react.
- Keep the car ride short and kind. Ask "Did you have fun?" before "What went wrong?". For ideas, see how to support your child in floorball.
What does a typical season look like for families?
Seasons vary by country and club. In Sweden, the main season runs from autumn to spring. Younger groups often train once or twice a week and play friendly games or small tournaments. As children get older, they move into formal leagues. Costs, travel and time grow with age, so it helps to know what to expect. We break down costs in how much does floorball cost and give tips for tournament days in the tournaments and cups guide.
| Stage | Typical age | What it looks like | Parent focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter group | 6–8 | Games and play, 45–60 min, once or twice a week | Get there on time, bring a smile |
| Development | 9–12 | Regular training, small tournaments | Support effort, handle logistics |
| Competitive youth | 13+ | League games, more travel | Balance school, sleep and sport |
Balancing school with training matters more as children age. We look at it in balancing school and floorball.
Common mistakes
- Buying a stick that is too long. It makes control harder and encourages bad habits. Fix: measure to the navel or a few centimetres below, with shoes on.
- Coaching from the sideline. It confuses the child. Fix: cheer, and save feedback for a calm moment.
- Comparing children. It damages confidence. Fix: compare your child only to their own progress.
- Pushing early specialisation. Fix: let your child try other sports and positions.
- Overbuying equipment. Fix: start with the basics and add items when your child asks for them.
- Making home practice a chore. Fix: keep it short, playful and the child's choice.
FAQ
At what age can my child start floorball?
Many clubs welcome children from about 6 years old in games-based starter groups. The key is that sessions are playful and short. If your child is younger or unsure, start with home play and join a group when they feel ready.
What size stick does my child need?
Stand your child in their shoes with the stick upright. The end of the stick should reach roughly to the navel or a few centimetres below. The maximum stick length in the rules is 114 cm, but most children use shorter sticks. Choose a softer flex for lighter children.
Is floorball safe for children?
Floorball is a non-contact sport played with a light ball, and the rules help to keep it safe: the stick stays below waist height and the ball may not be played above knee height with the stick. Children should wear suitable indoor shoes and warm up before play. Ask your club about any protective equipment required.
How much does it cost to start?
The cost depends on the club and country, but the equipment is modest: a stick, indoor shoes, a ball and sports clothes. Club fees vary a lot, so ask the club directly. See our cost guide for a budgeting table.
How can my child practise at home?
Ten minutes of stickhandling on a smooth surface is a good start. Add a challenge like counting clean touches in 60 seconds. As your child improves, a goal with a backstop net lets them shoot safely.
What should I say after a match?
Start with something positive and specific, such as "I liked how you kept looking for a pass". Ask what your child enjoyed before offering opinions. Many children want a quiet drive home, and that is fine.
Summary
For parents, floorball is a chance to give children a fun, active sport with low entry costs. Start with the right stick length, indoor shoes and a ball. Add short, playful practice at home, stay positive on the sideline and let the coach coach. Over the seasons, your calm support will matter more than any piece of equipment. For more parent resources visit the Floorball Parents hub. Follow us on Instagram @better_floorball for ideas you can try at home.
