The Best Field Hockey Sticks For Defensive Players

As a field hockey defender, you're one of the last barriers between the opposing attack and your goal. That means you'll often make crunching challenges or heavy hits -- and need a stick that can stand up to such treatment. You should experiment with the best fit for your game as preferences may differ between players.

Length

You can follow one simple procedure to ensure you buy the right size hockey stick for your frame. With the stick standing up on the floor, the handle top should touch your hip bone, according to the BBC Sport Academy. However, defensive hockey players should opt for sticks slightly longer than other positions. This is because you may need to reach longer and hit with a larger swing. Unlike forward players, most defenders don't need shorter sticks for close dribbling control. Aim for a stick slightly higher than hip level.

Head Shape

Hockey sticks have subtly different head shapes, depending on the position. The best field hockey sticks for defensive players tend to have long and tough heads. The two most popular defensive head shapes are the maxi and the hook. These shapes give you a larger surface area to stop and hit the ball.

Weight

In general, sticks range from 19 to 24 oz. in weight. However, as a defender, you should select a stick between 22 and 24 oz. Defenders need a field hockey stick that's heavy and durable. When you consider that you'll be swinging your stick against attacking plays in an attempt to stop the ball, possibly clashing with other sticks in the process, you'll understand why your stick should be tough and heavy.

Material

While many starter field hockey sticks are made from hickory or similar types of wood, a more experienced defender needs a stick made from tougher material. Reinforced sticks include material such as Kevlar, fiberglass, Dyneema or carbon fiber, according to "Field Hockey: Rules, Tips, Strategy and Safety." All offer a stronger stick, though carbon fiber models create a stiffer style useful for defenders when hitting the ball with power. This material sometimes is woven into the stick body itself. These are known as composite sticks. In other cases, the reinforcement comes from tape or strips applied to the outside.