Field Hockey Stick Buying Primer

With so many brands and variations of sticks to choose from, it can seem daunting to pick the right one. But don’t worry, here are the basics!

There are four components to a consider in buying a stick:

1. Size

2. Composition

3. Weight

4. Bow

Quick Note #1: Remember, if you buy a specialist stick before you are ready, it will make other skills harder to learn.

Quick Note #2: Goal Keeper sticks are different. If you are a keeper, you should look into a specialized goal keeper stick. Guaranteed it will make you better.*

*No guarantee

#1 Size

Size or length of stick is determined by your height - Surprise! Below is a chart showing approximate sizes compared to height. Normally your stick will come up to the top of your hipbone. As your skills improve, you may find that a taller or shorter stick may suit your style better.

Sometimes you might be in between two sizes or starting / finishing a growth spurt. Usually the smaller option is better to keep you low and in an athletic stance. But it does depend.

#2 Composition

Here things can get confusing and expensive! Just because your favourite pro or national team players is using a 100% carbon stick does not mean that if you use one your skills will get better. In fact, it will more than likely make it more difficult for you to learn those skills.

Sticks are generally composed of 4 things: Wood, Kevlar, fibreglass and carbon.

• Wood – Yes they still exist! But usually wood has been replaced with the materials below to help make a more consistent product. Ask your coaches if they have ever used a wooden stick?

• Kevlar – Also called Aramid. Think of a bullet proof jacket, strong yet dampens the shock giving the stick a better feel.

• Fibreglass – Also very strong and light, like carbon, but just not as rigid and more economical.

• Carbon – This is the complicated one. Carbon adds stiffness making for a more powerful hits but that added stiffness can also make it more difficult to control the ball and exacerbate any poor technique you might need to work on. Most, if not all, club players will benefit from using a lower carbon stick (55%-75%) to help while learning skills. It will be more forgiving and hopefully lead to a quicker and more enjoyable field hockey experience. When you get the call up to the National team, you will get that 100% carbon stick for free because you will be sponsored!

Here is an approximate Carbon content % by age group.

#3 Weight

Weight is almost a non-issue these days as even entry level sticks weigh only grams more than the most expensive of professional sticks. Because hockey sticks are handmade it is possible to have weight distributed differently throughout the stick to help create a more specialized stick, but most club players don’t yet need a specialized stick.

#4 Bow

Bow or stick shape, is the curve you see when you look down the shaft of the stick. There are lots of names and shapes from all the different manufacturers: low bow, late bow, ultra bow, mega bow, regular bow, control bow, mid bow and on it goes. Most players will benefit from having an “all-round” stick with an average or regular bow. One that can introduce you to all the skills, yet not make it difficult to learn them.

Junior sticks are appropriately made for the junior/beginner player, so there is no need to spend more than necessary. Get the correct size in an all-round junior stick and learn good technique.

Try out sticks, ask your coaches, try your friend’s stick.

Ask your coach for advice and have fun!