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A stick is one piece of equipment you can't do
without when you play , but don't feel you have to rush out and buy
one straight away the club would have one you could borrow to start
off with.
If possible make sure you try a few out
so you can decide what suits you best.
They can
cost up to £200 but you needn't spend more than about £10 if you're
a beginner.
To find the right length hockey stick
hold the stick against the outside of your leg. It should come
up to your hip bone.
Remember you may not have
finished growing yet, so don't pick one that could be 2 small for
you in a few months time. |
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While selecting the right stick is eventually a
matter of personal preference, there are some factors to consider
when making your stick selection.
Balance & Weight
Get a "feel" for the stick. It should be well
balanced and feel comfortable in your hands. Depending on your
preference, the weight may be evenly distributed throughout
the length of the stick or concentrated in the stick's toe or head.
The weight in the toe should not be so much as to limit your stick
speed when playing the ball.
Hockey sticks range in weight from light (18 oz. to19 oz.), to
medium (19-22 oz), to heavy (22 oz to FIH maximum 25.9 oz [737
grams]). Most players will use a stick in the medium range.
Generally, forwards prefer a lighter stick for quick manoeuvring in
the circle while defenders often choose a heavier stick for powerful
clearing hits and to prevent attackers from casually "pushing" the
stick aside.
Length of Stick
Hockey sticks range in length from 26 & 28-inch
youth sticks to 38-inch sticks for taller and more experienced
players.
While the length of the stick is often determined by height, players
often select the longest stick they can handle comfortably.
The chart below shows the general guideline for
choosing the appropriate length stick.
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Up to 4' |
4'-4'3 |
4'4-4'6 |
4'7-5' |
5'1-5'3 |
5'4-5'6 |
5'7-5'8 |
5'9 + |
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26" |
28" |
32" |
34" |
35" |
36" |
37" |
38" |
Toe Length
The "toe" or "head" of the stick may also vary
depending on your position or style of play.
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Shorti
The "shorti toe" features a one-piece head to allow quick
manoeuvrability around the ball. |
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Midi
The "midi toe" features an increased hook surface and
slightly longer length to allow a larger hitting and
stopping area to facilitate receiving, flicking and reverse
stick play. |
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Hook
A "hook toe" hooks up to provide the maximum surface for
receiving and a larger sweet spot for hitting. |
Flexibility & Stiffness
A flexible stick that absorbs shock is often the
stick of choice for beginning or novice players. Flexible sticks
tend to be more durable than their stiffer counterparts.
Advanced players may apt for a stiffer stick for
increased power
Manufacturers may add a variety of reinforcing
materials to the stick to add strength and durability or promote
either stiffness or flexibility. Fully composite and fibreglass
sticks are legal at the collegiate and high school level, and
revised international definitions of the stick at the international
level allow the stick to "be made of or contain wood or any material
other than metal or metallic components, provided it is fit for the
purpose of playing hockey and is no risk to health."
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Fiberglas: A basic material reinforcing the handle.
Fiberglas adds strength and durability. Fiberglas
reinforcement also helps to prevent wear.
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Carbon (or graphite): One of the most effective
stiffening materials. The added stiffness in the handle allows
for increased hitting power for experienced players. However, in
cold temperatures, a stick with carbon tends to transmit the
shock from the head, through the shaft up to hands. Players
should consider playing conditions, such as temperature when
selecting a stick.
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Kevlar® (or Aramide): Adds strength to the handle while
dampening the vibration to the hands. The more Kevlar in the
stick, the less shock is felt, yet the fibres still allow for
flexibility and a smooth "feel" of the ball when hitting and
receiving.
Kevlar is a manmade organic fibre produced by DuPont used in a
wide variety of applications such as bullet-proof vests, tires,
fibre optic cables and sporting goods.
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Dyneema®: Added over the stiffening and strengthening
materials at the base of the shaft for impact resistance.
Dyneema is a polyethylene fibre characterized by its high impact
strength and high energy absorption qualities.
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