Field hockey equipment can be a serious investment depending on the position played and whether you buy new or used. Fielders need, at a minimum, athletic shoes, shin guards, a mouth guard and a stick, which can total more than $600 for top-of-the-line equipment. A goalie can spend $700 to $1,500 for new equipment. Whether you buy new or used, the proper equipment will help you play better and protect you from bumps, bruises and more serious injuries.
Step 1
Determine the position or positions you will most likely be playing. Fielders (non-goalies) will use much of the same equipment, while goalies need an extensive array of protective equipment. Fielders will use different sticks based on their position.
Step 2
Learn your league rules, which may require certain types of protective equipment, such as mouth guards and helmets. Leagues may also place restrictions or requirements on sticks, balls and cleats. As you graduate up to older levels of play, check the rules each season, since equipment that was prohibited at your last level of play may be acceptable at an older age level. Some items required for younger age groups may no longer be required in the new division.
Step 3
Purchase your stick based on your position. Sticks differ in their toe design; the toe is the part of the stick you use to hit the ball. Offensive players most frequently use a shorti, which has a shorter toe length, offering more ball control for passing and shooting. Midfielders use a midi toe for its combination of hitting area and slightly greater length for more power. Defensive backfielders prefer a maxi, which has more length for reaching balls and a larger head for blocking balls. A hook is another defensive stick with an even larger head best suited for play on grass. Goalie sticks are thinner, with a larger, curved toe.
Step 4
Calculate the length and weight of stick that is best for your height, playing position and skill level. Longer sticks provide more power but less control. Heavier sticks, weighing 22 to 24 oz., help backs get more distance on their shots, while lighter sticks of 19 to 20 oz. give forwards speed and maneuverability close to the goal. Midfielders will want a mid-weight stick, around 21 oz.
Step 5
Buy two or more sticks. If you rely on one stick and it gets broken, trying to get accustomed to a borrowed stick with a different length or weight can hurt your game. Rotate your sticks, rather than always using the same one and leaving the other for a backup.
Step 6
Buy your stick based on your playing ability and position, rather than your budget. If, after you determine which stick is best for you, you do not have the money for a new stick, buy a used stick with the correct toe, length and weight. Buying used may also allow you to purchase two or more sticks. See if your team or league has an official supplier to get the best prices.
Step 7
Purchase protective equipment for your shins, arms, hands, mouth and head. Always try on equipment if you are buying a new brand, since manufacturer sizes may not be the same. Purchase goalie equipment that is required for your league. You will want to consider the following pieces of goalie equipment: helmet, shin guards, gloves, goggles, mouth guard, chest protector, goalie pants, leg guards and kickers, hand protectors and arm pads.
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