Buying the Right Size Stick
There are some factors to consider when making your stick selection, although
it is eventually a matter of personal preference, New and young players should
choose a basic stick. As skill and physical ability improve, your position
will influence the stick styles in your collection.
Balance & Weight?
Try to get a "feel" for the stick. When holding the stick it should be well
balanced and feel comfortable in your hands. Depending on your own particular
preference, the weight may be evenly distributed throughout the stick or
concentrated in the stick's toe or head. The weight in the toe should not be so
much as to limit your stick speed when playing the ball.
| Height of Player |
Stick Length |
| Up to 4 ' 0 '' |
28 '' to 30 '' |
| 4 ' 0 '' to 4 ' 3 '' |
30 '' to 32 '' |
| 4 ' 4 '' to 4 ' 7'' |
32 '' to 34 '' |
| 4 ' 8 '' to 5 ' 0 '' |
34 '' to 35 '' |
| 5 ' 1 '' to 5 '4 '' |
35 '' to 36 '' |
| 5 ' 5 '' to 5 ' 8 '' |
36 '' to 37 '' |
| 5 ' 9 '' to 5 ' 11' |
37 '' to 38 '' |
| 6' 0 '' to 6 ' 2 '' |
38 '' to 39 '' |
| 6 ' 3 '' & over |
39 '' or more |
How long should the stick be?
Usually intermediate and advanced players prefer a longer stick.
Younger or less experienced players will be able to use the following
table to help select a stick length. Normally hockey sticks range in length
from 26 & 28 inch youth sticks to 38 & 39 inch sticks for taller and more
experienced players. Most common are stick lengths of 36.5 and 37.5 inches.
Players often select the longest stick that they can handle comfortably,
although the length of the stick can often be determined by height. The table
on the right will give an idea of the general guideline for choosing the appropriate
length stick.
What Stick Weight?
The weight you choose can normally be based on your position in the team.
Most players will use a stick in the medium weight range. Generally, forwards
prefer to use a lighter stick for quick stick and ball movement in the
opponents half or in the circle while defenders often decide on a heavier stick
for hitting the ball harder out of defence and to prevent opposing forwards
from casually moving the stick aside in a tackle.
Choosing the right shoes
We recommend buying astroturf shoes rather than normal trainers because
they give better grip and more protection to the feet. Hockey astro shoes
are also better then general astro trainers because they give superior
protection. Junior astro shoes start at about £25. These are available online
at www.hockeyfactoryshop.co.uk or
www.hockeycentre.com or
www.morrant.com or from shops
such as No Limitz, 42 Harpur Street, Bedford, 01234 350720 or The Hockey Centre, Bedford 01234 211151.