Selecting a new hockey stick can be a stressful process due to the fact there are many factors to consider and often many influences that may steer you into a particular brand of stick, e.g., your friend likes a particular brand or your favourite player uses this brand. In this article we present the considerations to take into account when selecting a hockey stick then we provide the most effective solutions to selecting a new hockey stick.
You should consider the following features before making a purchase:
- Length
- Weight and balance point
- Bow
- Toe Design
- Composition
LENGTH
It is important to have the correct size stick to execute both basic and advanced skills. Junior sticks can range from 24 – 35.5 inches (”).Typically, the stick should come up to the top of your hipbone or approximately to the ‘belly button’ from the ground position. Senior sticks can begin 36” in length but generally start at 36.5” and then progress to 37.5”, 38.5” and the odd 39”. A defensive player or mid-fielder may prefer a longer stick in order to drive the ball further or increase their scanning ability while over the ball, and an offensive player might select a shorter stick for better handling and control. Also a consideration is whether you play in a considered upright position or play ‘low’ to the ground. However the length can be a personal choice. There is a misunderstanding that the stick should also come to the ‘belly button’ when selecting a senior stick. Feeling comfortable is the key to length selection. It is important that the left hand is at the very top of the handle. If there is a tendency to not have it at the very top of the handle (i.e., ‘chocking the stick’) then the stick length is too long for you.
WEIGHT AND BALANCE POINT
Although, these days, most field hockey sticks are fairly light and easy to manoeuver, there are still variations in weight that make a stick more appropriate for a player or position. Elite players will prefer a certain weight however for the non-elite the best gauge as to a weight that suits you is to close dribble a ball at speed and let the stick’s weight determine what you like. As a stick increases in length is will typically increase 10 grams for every inch. The position you play might be a consideration. General guidelines are;
19 – 20 ounces (approx. 540 – 565 grams) – Designed for forwards, a lightweight stick doesn’t interfere with, or hold back rapid stick work.
21 ounces (approx. 595 grams) – Designed for midfielders, a mid-weight stick benefits both defensive and offensive play.
22 – 24 ounces (approx. 620 – 680 grams) – Designed for backs, the heavier sticks put serious power and distance behind your shots, making them great for clearing the ball.
Another consideration is the balance point of the stick. Two sticks with the same weight but different balance points will provide a different response. A lower balance point will suit those players liking more weight towards the head. Check out this video on how to determine the balance point. From this understanding you can determine what you prefer.
BOWS
Almost every advanced composite stick you’ll see has a bow in the shaft, meaning the stick bends slightly from the handle to the toe. Most sticks feature a 20mm bow, but others can range up to 25mm. The bow can also shift from stick to stick, altering the when the center of the stick falls, and changing the way it plays.
For instance, a standard bow benefits every area of the game equally, while a more dramatic bow creates a more dramatic head angle, to assist in dynamic controls and lifts. Bow choice should depend on preference, age, and skill level.
MID BOW
19 mm: the ‘Standard Bow’ is a conventional bow that suit a wide range of players.
22 mm: the ‘Medium Bow’ is a perfect well balanced curve for players who are looking for extra control.
24 mm: is the largest of the Mid Bow and gives the player extreme control.
LOW BOW
24 mm: the ‘Late Bow’ suites a wide range of players who want to combine drag flick power, extreme control and feel in their play.
EXTREME
24 mm: the “X-Bow” at 20cm above the stick’s hook is ideal as a drag flick stick without losing control whenever you hit, dribble or stop the ball.
TOE DESIGN
A stick’s toe is curved and designed to complement that way a player strikes the ball and handles the stick. Smaller toes provide maximum manoeuvrability and agility, while limiting striking surface and power, while larger toes provide plenty of striking and receiving area for the ball, while reducing the stick’s overall manoeuvrability.
Typically, field hockey stick toes come in four shapes:
Shorti – A very common toe length, great for quickly turning the stick over the ball. Generally used by offensive players for its balance, manoeuvrability, and control.
Midi – By far the most widely used toe shape for beginners and (as the name implies) midfielders. Slightly longer than Shorti toes, Midi toes allow for a larger hitting surface without reducing agility, making flicking, receiving, and reverse play easier and more comfortable, especially for newer players.
Maxi – The largest standard toe, Maxi toes are preferred by defensive players for their wide striking and receiving surface, along with solid power.
Hook – A J-shaped toe, the Hook is a two-piece head that allows for extra surface area, designed to increase ball control for better drag-flicks and reverse stick play.
COMPOSITION
Field hockey sticks were once all made out of wood, but those days are no longer. While you can still find solid wood sticks out there, most modern and higher-level sticks are composite, or made of a combination of materials. Varying levels of composites alter the performance, weight, power, and stiffness of a stick, as well as its price. So to make sure you’re getting the right stick for your skill level and needs, it’s important to know what each material offers, and what it is designed for:
Carbon:
- Designed for stiffness and rigidity, greater carbon content in a stick gives it harder hits and more power.
- Carbon content can run as high as 90+% of a stick’s make-up, although even a 50% carbon stick is still going to give you good power.
- Carbon-heavy sticks are inherently less-forgiving than other materials, and require greater skill to manoeuver and wield. They also tend to be a little heavier than other sticks.
- Sticks with more carbon content are recommended for advanced and elite-level players or non-elite players seeking more power in their hits.
- Sticks with high carbon content are more expensive to purchase
Fiberglass:
- Found in almost every composite field hockey stick on the market, in some level, fiberglass which is a very good bonding composite material adds durability and feel to a stick. However it does not yield the same power as sticks with carbon as an additive. Sticks with fibreglass only are more price economical.
Aramid / Kevlar:
- Aramid / Kevlar dampen and absorb vibrations sent through the stick when striking and receiving balls. Aramid / Kevlar are a great balancing material found in many field hockey sticks. If you are a midfielder you need both power and feel as scanning is an important skill in this position. As such selecting a carbon to Kevlar (aramide) ratio of 70:30 or 80:20 is a worthwhile consideration
Wood:
- Modern wooden sticks still exist but are rare. The wood is wrapped in composite materials to add strength and power.
- Known for their natural feel and solid control especially when trapping a ball modern wooden sticks are great for young and developing players, as well as players who value ‘feel and control’.
THE PROCESS OF SELECTING A NEW HOCKEY STICK
After acquiring an education about hockey stick design features it is time to select your new stick. The first step is go to a reputable retail hockey specialist that stocks a good range of brands and where advice and service is plentiful. Be wary of people who sell a brand out of the ‘boot of the car’ which is notorious in hockey circles as they are one brand focused and do not tend to provide after sale service.
Putting aside brand and elite player influences what is the best way of selecting a new stick?
You can utilise your new knowledge to find a stick which you believe is best for you. In this case money you will spend will not be a consideration necessarily. However for most one’s budget and needs are a major determinant. It is from this point you begin you selection process. The reason being is that the composition of a range of hockey sticks at a price point will be similar. Generally the more expensive sticks have high carbon content for power and response while the cheaper sticks have a fibreglass content.
The next step is to determine you’re your size liking. Then select to try a range of sticks in this price point and size. Then get a ball and begin to close dribble utilising speed and directional change according to your ability level. It does not matter if you are a novice or not. What you are looking for is the flow and feel of the dribbling. If the ball goes to where you direct it fluently then put aside this stick as part of a ‘good’ pile and if not put it back on the display shelf. Once you have tried each stick in your selection go through again the same process with the sticks in the good pile. Then after narrowing it down there may be a ‘hit area’ where you can try hitting, receiving and moving the ball to determine further response.
This process of elimination is systematic and one that has been proven by someone who has been selling hockey sticks for 30+ years. You will be surprised by the result. Your new stick might be a new brand you have not tried before.
The following video with Former Olympic Gold Medallist Brent Livermore provides good advice to help you in selecting a new stick.
