Hockey sticks men

Which hockey stick do I need?

There are many different types of sticks, which can vary in length, hardness, material, weight, curve and flexibility. All these differences contribute to what the stick can do. With a very hard stick you can hit harder, but with a lighter stick you can, for example, manoeuvre around the pitch more easily.

Indoor sticks vs outdoor sticks

Besides the different rules, there's also a difference between these two types of sticks, mainly in weight and thickness. Due to the sideboards and the smaller pitch, indoor hockey is a more technical and faster game. With an indoor stick you need to be able to make quick moves, which is why it's lighter and flatter than an outdoor stick.

What size hockey stick do I need?

Almost all seniors use a stick that's 36.5 inches long. To determine if a stick is too long, you can stand it on the ground: it shouldn't reach above your navel, otherwise it limits your freedom of movement. The stick also shouldn't be too short, as this can lead to back problems. Weight also plays a big role: officially the stick may weigh between 340 and 737 grams. A light stick is more suited to a technical player who dribbles a lot, a heavier stick is used by players who mainly want to hit hard.

What are hockey sticks made of?

They can be made of wood, plastic or a combination of both. With a fully wooden stick you get a lot of ball feel, but it wears out faster. A plastic stick is stiffer, letting you give the ball more speed. The higher the carbon percentage, the higher the ball speed; the higher the wood percentage, the better the ball control.

When should you replace your hockey stick?

Always replace it once it's become too small for you, since playing hockey with a stick that isn't the right length increases the risk of injury. If you use your stick a lot, you'll also notice you have less grip and hitting power over time. With intensive use, you'll need to replace your stick after a maximum of 2 years.