Quick answer
Floorball is a great sport for girls: the ball is light, contact is limited, and the game is played by girls and women at all levels across Europe. To get started, find a club with a girls' or mixed beginner group, choose a stick of the right length and practise ball control, passing and shooting at home. Look for a supportive team culture, and remember that skills, not gender, decide how fast a player improves.
Key takeaways
- Girls and boys use the same equipment, rules and drills. Stick length depends on height, not gender.
- Many clubs offer girls' teams as well as mixed groups. Visit both types and choose where your daughter feels comfortable.
- Friends and atmosphere often matter more than results for girls' long-term participation. Social belonging keeps players in the sport.
- Home practice builds confidence quickly, especially for players who joined later than teammates.
- Role models and playing with friends help. Encourage watching games together.
- Support, not pressure: effort and enjoyment first, results later.
Why is floorball a good choice for girls?
I have coached girls' teams and mixed groups, and the reasons girls enjoy floorball are the same as for boys: you can start without special skills, the game is fast and everyone gets to touch the ball. The ball weighs about 23 g, the sport is played indoors on a smooth floor, and the physical contact is limited by rules, for example the stick must stay below waist height and the ball is not played above knee height. Floorball is played in many European countries, among them Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Norway and Germany, and girls' and women's competitions exist in many of them. Ask your local club or federation what is available near you.
Girls' team or mixed team?
Both can work. The best choice is the one where your daughter feels welcome and gets plenty of ball time. This table helps you compare.
| Question | Girls' group | Mixed group |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Often easier for shy beginners to feel at home | Can be energetic, with more variety in styles of play |
| Availability | Depends on the club and region | More common for younger ages |
| Level of play | Matched to girls' competitions | Depends on the group; ask about levels |
| Ball time | Check how many players share each session | Check that everyone gets equal involvement |
| Best for | Players who want a team of friends | Players who have friends in the group, or want to play with siblings |
Visit a session before you choose, and watch for how coaches treat every child. The floorball parent's guide explains what to look for in a club.
What equipment does a girl need?
The equipment is the same as for any player. Choose a stick that is the correct length (in shoes, the end reaches roughly to the navel or a few centimetres below), a softer shaft for lighter players and a comfortable grip. See how to choose a floorball stick and the kids' stick size chart. Add indoor shoes with good grip and clothes that allow free movement. Some clubs also recommend protective eyewear or other items, so ask your club.
How can she build skills and confidence at home?
Home practice is the fastest way to catch up with teammates and grow in confidence. Short sessions of 20–30 minutes, three times a week, are enough. In my experience, players who practise alone before they play in front of others are more willing to try new moves in games.
| Week | Focus | Session (25 min) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Ball control | Figure eight 3 x 30 s, slalom 4 rounds, free touches |
| 3–4 | Passing and receiving | Wall passing 3 x 20, receive and turn 3 x 8 |
| 5–6 | Shooting | Target shots from 3 m, 4 sets of 10, track hits |
| 7–8 | Combined | Receive, turn, shoot circuit, 1v1 with a friend |
- Figure eight (3 minutes). Two markers, 60 cm apart. 30 seconds of dribbling, 20 seconds of rest, 3 rounds. Cue: "Wrists, not whole arms."
- Wall passing (5 minutes). From 2 m, aim for 20 passes in a row. Cue: "Soft hands." Watch for: stick above waist height.
- Target shooting (8 minutes). 4 sets of 10 shots at targets from 3 m. Write down hits.
Better Floorball is a Swedish brand with its own products, designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability. The tiles, passers, stickhandling trainer and shooting targets are Made in Europe.
| Product | Price | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Floorball Passing Kit Tiles (15 tiles and Passer) | €239 | Smooth surface and passing partner in one |
| Extreme Floorball Stickhandling Trainer | €69 | Ball control challenges |
| Extreme Floorball Shooting Targets | €34 | Aim and confidence in shooting |
| Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack | €79 | A starter surface |
| Extreme Backstop Net 5x2,5 m | €129 | A safe place to shoot |
The kit includes 15 tiles (1.6 m²) and a Passer. See the passing and stickhandling collection for other options.
Coach Erik's tip: Encourage her to try every position and role. A defender who tries a forward role may find a new favourite, and a player who is confident in all roles is much harder to stop.
How can parents and coaches support girls in floorball?
- Offer role models. Watch a girls' or women's game together, live or on TV, and talk about what you liked.
- Ask about the team. Friendships keep players in the sport. Take interest in who she enjoys playing with.
- Praise skills. Comment on passes, movement and effort rather than appearance.
- Respect her pace. Some players want to compete early, others prefer games for fun first.
- Handle setbacks calmly. After a bad game, listen first. See building confidence and keeping kids motivated.
If the club environment is not positive, talk to the coach or club leaders, or look for another group. Every young player deserves a respectful team.
Common mistakes
- Assuming girls need different drills. Fix: use the same age-appropriate drills as everyone else, and adjust only to the individual player.
- Waiting for confidence before starting. Fix: start with home practice and small steps. Confidence follows competence.
- Choosing a stick by "girls' sizes". Fix: choose by height and the navel rule, not gender.
- Judging a club only by results. Fix: look at atmosphere, coaching style and ball time.
- Pushing too hard. Fix: set small personal goals and celebrate effort.
- Skipping safety. Fix: teach stick below waist height and use a net behind every shot.
FAQ
Is floorball a good sport for girls?
Yes. It is easy to start, played indoors with a light plastic ball, and has limited contact thanks to rules such as keeping the stick below waist height. Girls' and women's competitions exist in many European countries.
Should my daughter join a girls' team or a mixed team?
Either can work. Visit sessions at both and choose the group where she feels welcome and gets plenty of ball time. Ask your club about the options in your area.
Do girls need special floorball equipment?
No. Girls use the same sticks and balls as everyone else. Choose the stick by height, with the end reaching roughly to the navel or a few centimetres below in shoes, and a softer shaft for lighter players.
How can my daughter improve quickly?
Short home sessions of 20–30 minutes, three times a week, with ball control, wall passing and target shooting. A smooth surface, a passer and targets make it easier, and a net keeps it safe.
How do I keep my daughter motivated in floorball?
Focus on friendship, fun and personal progress. Let her choose some activities, praise effort and offer to practise together. Short breaks are fine.
Is floorball safe for girls?
Floorball is a limited-contact sport with clear safety rules. Teach the stick below waist height and ball below knee height rules, use indoor shoes and protect any shooting zone with a net. Ask your club about recommended protective gear.
Summary
Floorball suits girls of all ages: it is easy to start, fun and social. Choose a welcoming team, use properly sized equipment, build skills with short home sessions and support her with encouragement rather than pressure. Visit the Youth Floorball hub for more guides, and follow us on Instagram @better_floorball.
