Field hockey is a sport in which players use a curved hockey stick to propel a hard, baseball-sized ball down the field and into a goal. Field hockey sticks components include the shaft, the stick that is held with both hands across the body and the toe, the curved portion at the bottom. Much like ice hockey, tennis and golf, the length of the stick plays an important role in field hockey. Measuring to ensure you have the correct size field hockey stick can help your stick skills improve and help you shine on the field.
Step 1
Measure your height. For most people, body height is the best indicator for determining the correct field hockey stick size. Sticks generally range in length from 31 to 38 inches, though sticks for shorter players are available in the 28-to-30-inch range. Players under 4 feet 3 inches tall should use a 31-inch stick; for every three inches in body height, add an inch of stick height. For example, a player who is 5 feet tall can comfortably use a 35-inch stick, a player who is between 5 foot 3 and 5 foot 7 should choose a 36-inch stick.
Step 2
Give a potential field hockey stick the finger test before you make your purchase. Stand the stick on the floor next to your right leg, with the toe of the stick on the ground. Put your hand on your right hip with the index finger on your hip bone. The top of the field hockey stick should be approximately level with your ring finger. If the stick does not reach that far, you need a longer one; if the top of the stick extends toward your pinky finger, a shorter stick is in order.
Step 3
Choose a field hockey stick that is an inch or two shorter than your height-appropriate model if you are a goalie. Goalies hold their sticks with one hand. Defending the goal is more effective with a shorter and lighter-weight stick than that of a forward, midfielder or sweeper.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
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