Hurling is an outdoor team sport where players use a wooden axe-shaped stick called a hurley to hit a small ball down a large field, with the intention of hitting the ball between the opponents' goalposts or into the opponents' goal.

Hurling is an insanely old sport where only the manliest of men use sticks called hurleys to bat a small ball around rectangular field. Points are scored for hitting the ball above or below the goal, while a goaltender defends. Players are allowed to tackle, but can't trip, push or pull. Players must also use the hurley to carry the ball or retrieve it from the ground. The team with the most points at the end of a 60-70 minute game is the winner.

Score more points than the opposing team by hitting the sliotar at the goal with a hurley.

Hurling is played on a 130-meter by 80-meter rectangular pitch, with goals on opposite ends. Goals consist of two posts connected by a crossbar, with a net extending from the crossbar tot the ground. Teams consist of 24-30 players. Games last from 60-70 minutes, depending on the type of league. Players may not pick the sliotar up from the ground or throw it. Players also cannot go more than three steps with the ball in hand. Tackling is allowed, but jersey pulling, pushing and tripping are illegal. One point is scored when the sliotar goes over the goal's crossbar. Three points are scored when the sliotar goes under the crossbar, into the net. A goalkeeper is allowed to defend the goal from the opposition's attempts. The team with the most points at the end of play is the winner.

Hurling is the oldest sport in Ireland, having been played on the island for over 2000 years. Surprisingly, the first standardized set of rules w as written as recently as 1879. The Gaelic Athletic Association was founded in 1884 as a governing body for hurling and other native Irish sports. In the 20th century the sport saw a great deal of organization, culminating with the formation of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship. Today, hurling is the second most popular sport in Ireland.

Goals (2)
Helmet
Hurley
Sliotar

Hurling is an extremely fast-paced, physical game. As such, the chance of injury is high. Common injuries include concussions, torn ligaments and pulled muscles.

Hurling requires players to have a great deal of speed and strength. Various forms of aerobic exercise should accompany specialized running drills and weight training. Players must also be proficient in using a hurley to control and hit the sliotar. This can be only be perfected through practice.

Hurley - wooden axe-shaped stick used to hit a small ball

Pitch - playing field

Side Pull - type of tackle where two players running for the ball collide at the shoulders and swing the hurley to win

Sliotar - Irish word meaning "ball"

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