Bandy is a form of hockey that mixes elements of field hockey and ice hockey. Two, eleven-player teams use wooden sticks to advance a ball up a large sheet of ice, with the intention of putting the ball into the opposing team's goal.

Bandy is a sport similar to ice hockey where players use sticks to hit a ball into their opponent's goal. The sticks used are similar in shape to those used in field hockey. The playing surface in bandy is much larger than in ice hockey, usually equaling that of a soccer field. Rule infractions result in free shots taken by the opposition. The team with the most goals at the end of two 45-minute halves is the winner.

Score more goals by the opposition by using a stick to shoot a ball into a goal.

Bandy is played on a large sheet of ice, usually measuring 45-65 by 90-100 meters. Teams consist of ten players and a goalkeeper, who is the only player allowed to touch the ball with hands or arms. Matches consist of two 45-minute halves. Like in soccer, the clock runs continuously. The referee is allowed to make allowances for time lost through significant stoppages. Players may advance the ball on the ice, using any part of the body besides the hands or arms. Rule infractions like hitting an opponent's skates with the stick, result in change of possession calls, free strokes and penalty shots. The team with the most goals at the end of regulation is the winner.

Bandy is said to have originated in 18th century Russia as a form of field hockey on ice, and developed in a similar fashion to modern ice hockey. The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) was founded in 1955 to serve as the sport's official governing body. The first world championship was held in 1957, and has been held biannually since 1961. The Bandy World Cup, held annually, is the largest bandy tournament in the world. Today bandy is played in many nations around the world, including Russia, Sweden, Norway, the United States and Canada.

Ball
Goals (2)
Helmet
Skates
Stick

Injuries that occur in bandy are usually limited to muscle and ligament pulls, sprains and tears. Nonetheless, helmets and proper padding should be worn at all times.

Success in bandy hinges on a player's speed, endurance and abilities with a stick. Large amounts of time performing skating drills is necessary for speed and endurance, while stick proficiency can be attained through dribbling and shooting drills.

Free Stroke - awarded to a fouled team following an illegal action by the opposition, or as a result of the ball leaving the area of play

Goal Throw - action taken when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line without a goal having been scored and having last been touched by an attacker

Penalty Shot - awarded to a fouled team following an infringement by the opposition located in the penalty area

Stroke-Off - action taken by a team following a goal by the opposing team or to begin each period of play

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy