What Field Hockey Stick Is Right For Me?

The most important piece of gear you when playing field hockey -- aside from protective gear -- is the stick you use to handle the ball. Sticks have straight handles and shafts with a curved head. They are traditionally made of wood, but these days you'll find sticks that include synthetic materials as well. Consider several factors when choosing your stick.

Height

Your height is the most important factor to take into account when choosing a stick. In general, if you put the head of your stick on the ground next to your leg its handle should come up to the top of your hip. For a player who is 4 feet to 4-foot-3, that would be a stick that's 30 to 32 inches. For a 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-8 person, that's 36 to 37 inches.

Weight

Hockey sticks have to weigh between 12 and 28 oz. As with height, you must take your strength into account when choosing a stick. College-age players, for example, often use an 18- to 21-oz stick while youth players use 17- to 19-oz sticks.

Stiffness

Stiffness is a factor in your stick choice. In general, the stiffer the stick the harder it will hit the ball. Certain materials, like fiberglass, stiffen your stick and lengthen its life span. Carbon adds stiffness, and Kevlar and Dyneema increase the shock absorbency of the stick. The best thing to do is try out a variety of sticks to see which complements your playing style and feels right.

Regulations

If you are playing more than recreationally, your hockey stick must fit specifications set forth by the International Hockey Federation. Many of these deal with the stick's head, which can be made only from wood and can be no larger than 4 inches. The flat side of the stick's head used for playing has to be smooth rather than having a textured surface or raised pattern. It also needs to be a single plane instead of any twists but it may have one convex deviation across it of no more than 4 mm. Indentations such as grooves are not allowed, however.

Position

Your position on the field will dictate which stick is best as well. The stick's shaft can be straight or kinked. Kinked shafts stop balls better when laid on their sides, making them preferable for goalies. Your stick must be able to pass through a 2-inch ring from head to handle.