Picking the right Hockey Stick
Stick Length
Quite often, new hockey players will be unaware that the stick they need comes in different lengths from about 28" to 38" long. As a rule, the length of the stick will be from the floor to your hip bone, but ultimately it will come down to how comfortable you feel with your stick.
Hockey sticks range in length so you can choose a field hockey stick based on either your height or your comfort level. The stick length can affect your game and how comfortable you feel on the pitch. For instance, a stick that is too long for you may feel awkward and therefore difficult to manoeuvre, and may limit your agility on the field. On the other hand, a stick that's too short may not let you get enough power behind your shots and passes, limiting your range on the field. So select the length that you can control comfortably.
There are two standard methods for finding the appropriate stick length for your body; the European & U.S. method which is the more commonly used, and also the Dutch method.
US method:
Dutch method:
Quite often, new hockey players will be unaware that the stick they need comes in different lengths from about 28" to 38" long. As a rule, the length of the stick will be from the floor to your hip bone, but ultimately it will come down to how comfortable you feel with your stick.
Hockey sticks range in length so you can choose a field hockey stick based on either your height or your comfort level. The stick length can affect your game and how comfortable you feel on the pitch. For instance, a stick that is too long for you may feel awkward and therefore difficult to manoeuvre, and may limit your agility on the field. On the other hand, a stick that's too short may not let you get enough power behind your shots and passes, limiting your range on the field. So select the length that you can control comfortably.
There are two standard methods for finding the appropriate stick length for your body; the European & U.S. method which is the more commonly used, and also the Dutch method.
US method:
- Place the toe of the stick on the ground and the top straight up against your hip. The ideal stick should end at your waist.
Dutch method:
- Hold the head of the stick in your armpit. The ideal stick should end near the centre of your kneecap.
Of course, it's not just the length of stick that you have to consider, but also the weight and curve of the stick. This is something that you shouldn't worry too much about if you're a beginner, as you will probably try a few sticks before you find the one you like.
Weight
Hockey sticks mostly come in four weights, ultra-light, light, medium and heavy. Choosing which one is right for you will generally depend on how it feels to you. However, there are a few things to consider.
Composition
Field hockey sticks were once all made out of wood, but those days are no longer. While you can still find solid wood sticks out there, most modern and higher-level sticks are composite, or made of a combination of materials. Varying levels of composites alter the performance, weight, power, and stiffness of a stick, as well as its price. So to make sure you're getting the right stick for your skill level and needs, it's important to know what each material offers, and what it is designed for:
Carbon:
Curve/Bow
The curve or bow of a stick should also play a part in your decision. Sticks with a more pronounced bow, ie. low bows and extreme-low bows, will tend to suit players who drag-flick, use 3D skills more regularly or use aerial passing techniques. Whereas a shallower bow like the classic will give more power and control.
Extreme Low Bow:
Weight
Hockey sticks mostly come in four weights, ultra-light, light, medium and heavy. Choosing which one is right for you will generally depend on how it feels to you. However, there are a few things to consider.
- Lighter sticks are good for quick ball control and are generally used by strikers needing that deft touch in the D.
- Medium sticks are a good all-round stick, combining power with the ability to have a better ball control. These will generally be used by midfielders who will need to combine defence and attack into their game.
- Heavy sticks will probably take a bit more punishment than most and give you a lot more power on your hits. These are good for defenders, offering a robust blocking quality as well as strong hit-outs.
Composition
Field hockey sticks were once all made out of wood, but those days are no longer. While you can still find solid wood sticks out there, most modern and higher-level sticks are composite, or made of a combination of materials. Varying levels of composites alter the performance, weight, power, and stiffness of a stick, as well as its price. So to make sure you're getting the right stick for your skill level and needs, it's important to know what each material offers, and what it is designed for:
Carbon:
- Designed for stiffness and rigidity, greater carbon content in a stick gives it harder hits and more power.
- Carbon content can run as high as 90% of a stick's make-up, although even a 50% carbon stick is still going to give you elite-level power.
- Carbon-heavy sticks are inherently less-forgiving than other materials, and require greater skill to manoeuvre and wield. They also tend to be a little heavier than other sticks.
- Sticks with more carbon content are recommended for advanced and elite-level players.
- Found in almost every composite field hockey stick on the market, in some level, fiberglass adds durability, power, and feel to a stick.
- Similar in nature to carbon, but more economical, fiberglass delivers the feel of a high-end, high-performance stick without the high price tag.
- Fiberglass sticks also tend to be lighter and less rigid than carbon-heavy sticks, making them more forgiving and better designed for young, new, or developing players.
- Meant to dampen and absorb vibrations sent through the stick when striking and receiving balls, aramid is a great balancing material found in many field hockey sticks.
- Modern wooden sticks still exist, although most are wrapped in fiberglass to add strength and power.
- Known for their natural feel and solid control, as well as their lower price tag, modern wooden sticks are great for young and developing players.
Curve/Bow
The curve or bow of a stick should also play a part in your decision. Sticks with a more pronounced bow, ie. low bows and extreme-low bows, will tend to suit players who drag-flick, use 3D skills more regularly or use aerial passing techniques. Whereas a shallower bow like the classic will give more power and control.
Extreme Low Bow:
- 24.75mm is ideal for drag flicking, aerial and sweeping skills. Elite players will utilize the stick shape to increase speed and accuracy for those specialized skills.
- 24mm is popular for every position on the field. The shape increases ball control and makes aerial skills easier without affecting hitting technique.
- 22mm is our standard curve that maximizes control and power.