1. The Perfect Fit
Field hockey sticks are as individual as the players who use them. Forwards likely want a stick that feels very different from a stick used by defenders. Field hockey players should look at several different sticks before deciding on one. Once you find that perfect stick, you might be tempted to stick with that brand and composition throughout your field hockey career. However, factors can change the efficiency of a field hockey stick. As youth players grow, they may find the stick that worked perfectly when they were 12 years of age is inadequate at 16. As skill levels increase, players might opt for a different weight or length.
2. An Extension of Your Body
If your field hockey stick doesn't feel natural in your hands, your playing will suffer. When you're shopping for a stick, carry it around the store. If it feels awkward, keep looking. How the weight is distributed within the stick is a matter of personal preference. Some players like the weight to be evenly distributed, while others find they have more power with more weight in the stick's toe or head. If you decide on a stick with more weight in the toe, make sure it doesn't alter your speed when handling and shooting the ball.
3. Light Offense, Heavy Defense
Field hockey sticks are categorized into three different weight categories. Light sticks range from 18 to 19 oz. Medium sticks are 19 to 22 oz., and heavy sticks begin at 22 oz. and max out at 25.9 oz. The majority of field hockey players use sticks that fall in the medium category. Forwards tend to use lighter sticks because they allow for easier ball control while defenders use sticks on the heavier side. The heavier the stick is, the harder it is to move, which can be an advantage to defenders trying to keep forwards from knocking their sticks around.
4. Height and Length
Naturally, the taller a field hockey player is, the longer stick should be. Sticks start at 26 inches for youth players smaller than 4'. Players taller than 5' 9" generally need a stick around 38 inches long. Like other aspects of the stick, the length of a field hockey stick is also dependent on the player's preference. Shorter sticks are easier to control while longer sticks give the player a greater reach. More experienced players generally opt for longer sticks.
5. Know Your Toes
The toe of the stick, also called the head, resembles a blunt hook. The size of the toe varies, and different sizes serve different purposes. The "shorti toe" has the least amount of surface space and is effective at quickly moving the ball around opposing players. The "midi toe" is larger and provides the player with a greater hitting surface. A "hook toe" is the largest option and gives the player a large surface for receiving passes and hitting the ball.
Member Comments