Do you wonder which size hockey stick you should buy? Here is an explanation to help you find out which hockey stick is perfect for you!
When it comes to the size of hockey sticks, different things play a roll, like:
- Stick length
- Weight
- Material
- Position
Stick length
The length of the stick is related to your position on the field, but also to your own length. The longer the stick, the wider the reach on the field. But it always should remain handy. Because a stick that’s too long will hinder your technique. To find an ideal combination is what should work. For the youth sticks start at 18 inches. Adults can choose up to a maximum of 38,5 inches. If you make sure a stick never rises above the belly button, you will always be fine.
A stick is approximately 91 cm. There are three classifications (1 inch = 2,54 cm):
- Youth hockey sticks are 27 to 35 inches (69 – 89 cm).
- Adult hockey sticks are 36 to 38 inches (91-97 cm).
- Toy hockey sticks vary from 21 to 26 inches (53 – 66 cm).
Do not buy a stick to “grow into”. A little too short is better than a little too long. With a stick too long your body will be too upright and the strike will be to far away from your body. While you must learn to play deep.
Weight
A stick usually weighs around 550 gram. There are three classifications (1 oz = 28,35 gram):
Light; 18 – 19 oz = 510 – 539 gram
Medium; 19 – 20 oz = 539 567 gram
Heavy; 20 – 23 oz = 567 – 652 gram
A heavy stick can give a lot of impulse (strike) or take a lot of impulse (stop). Much strength is needed to slow or accelerate the stick. This is also a disadvantage, because fast movements cannot be made.
With young players especially we want to teach movement and make sure the strength comes from technique. As a younger player you can set the heavy sticks aside.
Material
The basis of most sticks in field hockey is wood or plastics. Because of the high quality of these materials they are very suitable for solid and stable sticks. The current standard is plastic sticks. For additional firmness and strength nowadays carbon is added to plastic sticks, that are made of fiberglass, kevlar and carbon. Fiberglass makes a stick light, yet flexible. A light, flexible stick is good for forwards. Forwards are enabled to take on balls and it’s easier to play against opponents because of the lightness of the stick. The amount of carbon makes the stick harder and enables you to add more strength when playing a ball. Well trained players prefer a stick with a high amount of carbon. For beginners a fully wooden stick is better to handle. This material is resilient, which makes it easier to control the ball. A disadvantage is that this attribute makes part of the strength go to waste. At last, kevlar. Kevlar has the attribute to absorbe vibrations and strikes. Kevlar makes sure that balls are stopped easier and more smoothly.
Position
In the hockey shop of Hockey-webshop.com there’s a big assortment of hockey supplies of different top brands. There are hockey sticks in different shapes and sizes. Even the curve and material differs per stick. This makes choosing the right stick for your game difficult. The best tip is to let your choice be determined by your playing position. Because online sticks are for sale for both forwards, as defenders and midfielders. If you play offensively everything will be focused on fast movements and maneuvering between opponents. A light stick with a small curve at the bottom will work best at this position. For defenders the opposite is true. They have to be able to strike hard balls forward. As a midfielder you will need a good combination of both qualities. For these, there are also special sticks in the hockey shop.