Learn how to find the best field hockey stick for you, from Olympic U. Womens Field Hockey Team Member Katie O'Donnell! Since just before the 19th century, modern field hockey had evolved in England and today, it has developed into a universal sport. Other than your own expertise, your field hockey stick is your most valuable asset on the field. It not only compliments your skills, but it also contributes to your performance by allowing you to execute outstandingly come game time.

Sports Unlimited recognizes just how important finding the right field hockey gear is. In order to narrow down some of your options, you should consider the following features before making a purchase:. Field hockey sticks can, admittedly, get a bit pricey.

But the key thing to know is that the most expensive stick is not necessarily the best field hockey stick for you or your child! If you or your little one is just starting out in field hockey, and still learning the game, you may be short changing them by buying the most expensive stick.

That's because, typically, the more expensive hockey sticks have a high carbon content, making them pretty powerful, but also really stiff.

This stiffness and power makes it a lot harder to stop the ball, control it, and maneuver it on the field, making that expensive stick pretty difficult to use for newer players.

More affordable hockey sticks are usually constructed with either wood, fiberglass, or aramid, materials that deliver a lightweight, less rigid, and also less powerful stick. These sticks make it easier to stop the ball at the head, and control the ball across the field. In this way, those sticks are much more forgiving for younger and developing players. At the end of the day, if you or your child is just starting out in field hockey, look for a more affordable, more forgiving field hockey stick.

Once they start playing, they will begin to understand which stick works best for them, and they can move on to more expensive, more advanced level sticks. Field hockey sticks come in a wide range of lengths, to fit any size or age player on the field.

Ranging from about 28" to 38" long, field hockey stick length can drastically affect your game and your comfort on the field. For instance, a stick that is too long will be clunky and difficult to maneuver, and may limit your agility on the field.

On the other hand, a stick that's too short may not let you get enough power behind your shots and passes, limiting your range on the field. There are two standard methods for finding the appropriate stick length for your body; the U. Methodand the Dutch Methodfound below:. It's important to keep in mind that, generally, the suggested length will vary slightly by manufacturer, but all methods will produce similar results.

Field Hockey Stick Buyers Guide - odomujekadox.web.fc2.com

Also, if you're stuck between two lengths for example, 35" or 36"you should consider your child's position:. Head - The end of the field hockey stick that makes contact with the field and the ball.

The head is flat on one side face and rounded on the other, to give you a wide surface area to shoot, stop, and pass the ball. Toe - Where the head upturns, creating a striking area for the ball. Toes come in a variety of styles and sizes offering different benefits to players of varying skill levels and positions.

Scoop - The 2mm groove in the head of the stick, the scoop aids in ball control, cradling, and other maneuvers. Bow - The slight bend in the stick from handle to head. The bow cannot exceed 25mm. 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 maneuverability 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 maneuverability.

Shorti - A very common toe length, great for quickly turning the stick over the ball. Generally used by offensive players for its balance, maneuverability, 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 opening hours anzac day perth 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 earnest money contract real estate form, 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. 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.

CCM RibCor 40K Pro Stock Hockey Stick

Bow choice should depend on preference, age, and skill level. Understand the three types of bows to get a better idea of which stick is right for you:. Typically measuring 20 - 25mm, with a regular bow, the highest point of the bend falls in the middle section of the stick.

This makes for well-rounded performance, assisting in every aspect of the game from ball control to advanced maneuvers. With a control, or mega bow, the center of the bend moves closer to the to toe, to provide extra power when lifting the ball and drag flicking.

Meant for more advanced playersthis bow allows for dynamic control and competitive level maneuvers. Measuring 25mm, the late bow, or low bow, places the bend at the furthest end of the stick, right before the head. The late bow is meant for elite level playersand delivers extra assistance when controlling the ball, lifting the pro stock hockey sticks difference, performing aerials, and drag flicking.

Field hockey sticks were once all made out of wood, but those days are no longer. While you in play horse racing trading strategies still find solid wood sticks out there, most modern and higher-level sticks are compositeor made of a combination of materials.

Varying ce este forex forum 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:. Although, these days, most field hockey sticks are fairly light and easy to maneuver, there are still variations in weight that make a stick more appropriate for a player or position.

Typically, manufacturers provide approximate weights for the 35" or 36" versions of their sticks, but to forex easy profit system the weight of your size stick, simply add or subtract about 10 grams for every inch. Once you have the weight of the stick, assess which position the stick is designed for:. Sign In Earn Rewards. Football Equipment Football Helmets Facemasks Shoulder Pads Cleats Gloves Pants Visors Back Plates Shop Outlet.

Basketball Hoops Residential Gymnasium Playground Kids' Hoops.

Cheap Hockey Equipment

Shop All Field Hockey. Shop All More Sports. Shop All Fan Gear. Sign In Earn Rewards Order Status Help Center. Shop All Sports U.

Field Hockey Stick Buyers Guide Learn how to find the best field hockey stick for you, from Olympic U.

Frequently Asked Field Hockey Stick Questions:. Is the most expensive field hockey stick the best one for me? What size stick is right for me? Methodand the Dutch Methodfound below: Also, if you're stuck between two lengths for example, 35" or 36"you should consider your child's position: On defensea longer stick is useful to provide a longer reach and to allow the player to drive the ball further. On offensea shorter stick improves a player's stick handling skills If you're still unsure, consult your child's coach for further clarification.

What are the parts of a field hockey stick? Heel - The bend of the head where it joins the toe of the stick. Which toe design is right for my game? Typically, field hockey stick toes come in four shapes: Which stick bow is right for my game? Understand the three types of bows to get a better idea of which stick is right for you: Regular Bow Typically measuring 20 - 25mm, with a regular bow, the highest point of the bend falls in the middle section of the stick.

Control Bow With a control, or mega bow, the center of the bend moves closer to the to toe, to provide extra power when lifting the ball and drag flicking. Late Bow Measuring 25mm, the late bow, or low bow, places the bend at the furthest end of the stick, right before the head.

How does a stick's material affect its performance? 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: Designed for stiffness and rigidity, greater carbon content in a stick gives it harder hits and more power.

Carbon-heavy sticks are inherently less-forgiving than other materials, and require greater skill to maneuver 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. Found in almost every composite field hockey stick on the market, in some level, fiberglass adds durability, power, and feel to a stick. Similar in nature to carbon, but more economical, fiberglass delivers the feel of a high-end, high-performance stick without the high price tag.

Fiberglass sticks also tend to be lighter, and less rigid than carbon-heavy sticks, making them more forgiving and better designed for young, new, or developing players. Meant to dampen and absorb vibrations sent through the stick when striking and receiving balls, aramid is a great balancing material found in many field hockey sticks. Modern wooden sticks still exist, although most are wrapped in fiberglass to add strength and power.

Known for their natural feel and solid control, as well as their lower price tag, modern wooden sticks are great for young and developing players. Once you have the weight of the stick, assess which position the stick is designed for: By megan from Michigan on December 12, By Customer Service on December 16, An indoor stick is flat. They take all the extra weight off it so that it is very light.

A back swing is not allowed in indoor field hockey so they no longer need any weight in the stock to propel the ball. Due to the differences in structures, there are not sticks that are used for both indoor and outdoor use. Customer Service Help Center Order Status Contact Us About Us Privacy Policy Shop By Brand Rewards Program Shipping Return Policy International Orders.