How To Select A Stick

Grip – The top of the stick, wrapped in grip tape, which the player holds.

Handle/Shaft – The portion of the stick between the grip and the head.

Bow – The gradual curve of the stick between the handle and the toe.

Head – The end of the stick used to hit and handle the ball.

Scoop – The concave groove on the inside of the heel. This aids in cradling the ball for lifts and aerial skills.

Heel – The curve of the head before the toe on the outside, opposite the scoop.

Toe – The tip of the stick.

There are both indoor and outdoor hockey sticks. Outdoor sticks are tailored to the spacious play area and allow players to use greater power. Indoor sticks are lighter and thinner due to the smaller, hard play surface where driving the ball and backswings are prohibited. These sticks are not interchangeable, but many off-season clinics allow players to use outdoor sticks indoors. Outdoor sticks are the most common.

Goalies use a specialized stick that are typically wider and have a unique shape with a bend near a wider, more hooked toe. OBO is a brand that exclusively produces goalie gear.

Some vendors produce sticks specifically for women and for men while others may

make a unisex stick. Women's and unisex sticks are most common.

There are no left-handed sticks. Field hockey requires all players to use right-handed sticks.

Field hockey sticks typically range from 28 to 38.5 inches with a few manufacturers making sticks as short as 24 inches and as long as 39.5 inches.

There are two methods for measuring the specific length needed for each player. The U.S. method is to measure from the floor to the top of your hip bone, while wearing cleats. Alternatively, the Dutch sizing method is to measure from the middle of the knee to the armpit.

In addition to each player's body being unique, different positions favor different

lengths. Offensive players usually tend towards shorter sticks for better control and ball handling while defensive players typically prefer longer sticks for their reach and being able to drive the ball farther.

Occasionally a manufacturer will offer a custom cutting service.

Light sticks are typically favored by offensive positions to allow for rapid stick and wrist movements, making it easier to have a quick backswing, and allow for easier ball reception. Heavier sticks, favored by defensive positions, let the player add distance and power to their hits for clearing the ball while making it harder to have their stick knocked away during attacks. Mid-weight sticks, typically used by midfielders, benefits both defensive and offensive maneuvers.

Stick weights ranges between 535 to 560 grams.

Field hockey sticks can be produced in a range of different weights: Heavy, Medium, Light, and Super Light. The International Hockey Federation sets the maximum weight at 737g, although as composite sticks are stronger than wood and are significantly lighter, most people play with lighter sticks.

A lighter stick is easier to maneuver and better for dribbling, while a heavier stick can provide more power and control.

In general, the weight favored by the different positions are:

Forward – 19-20 ounces (approx. 540 - 565 grams)

Midfielder – 21 ounces (approx. 595 grams)

Defensive Backs – 22-24 ounces (approx. 620 - 680 grams)

Goalie sticks are typically on the heavier end of the spectrum.

The weight perception of the stick changes depending on where the balance point is located.  The higher the balance point (closer to the handle), the lighter the feel.  The lower the balance point (closer to the toe), the heavier the feel.

Traditionally field hockey sticks were made exclusively from mulberry wood. 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.

Beginner sticks are usually made from wood and frequently reinforced with fiberglass.

Competitive/Intermediate sticks can have up to 20% carbon fiber, offering less vibration compared to sticks with higher carbon counts, but still provide adequate power for the developing player.

Advanced sticks have less than 70% carbon providing a softer touch and increased control. These are powerful, but more flexible and forgiving than elite sticks.

Elite sticks are frequently 70% to 100% carbon fiber to maximize power without

sacrificing touch.

Materials:

Carbon - Carbon fiber adds a significant stiffness and rigidity to field hockey sticks. The higher the percentage of carbon in a stick, the greater the power output, but with increased vibration. 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 elite-level power. These 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.

Aramid (Kevlar) - Aramid adds strength to the stick while also dampening vibration sent through the stick when striking and receiving balls, maintaining a smoother feel during play. It is also a common balancing material.

Fiberglass – Found in almost every composite field hockey stick on the market, fiberglass is typically used as a reinforcing material to add durability and strength. When used by itself it enhances power yielding increased ball speed. Fiberglass also dampens vibration within the stick. Fiberglass is similar in nature to carbon fiber, but is more economical, delivering the feel of a high-end, high-performance stick without the high price tag.

Wood – Wood is a great material for developing players as it provides the least amount of stiffness. This flexibility allows for clean receptions without needing as much technical skill. Most modern sticks comprised of wood are wrapped in fiberglass to add strength and power. Wood sticks are known for their natural feel and solid control, as well as their lower price tag.

Graphene – Graphene is exceptionally strong and ultra-light providing greater energy transfer, shock absorbing properties, and performance.

Ceramic Tape – This is an ultra-durable woven material that is sealed with high-

strength glue. It wraps around the stick to reduce uncomfortable vibration.

Aerospace Foam – This foam is used within the core of the stick to control weight distribution providing better control and fell.

The toe is the bend at the end of the stick with the different shapes designed to complement the way each position strikes the ball. Smaller toes provide maximum maneuverability and agility, but limit 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 classic shape ideal for high speed, close control, and stick skills. This toe length is great for offensive players allowing for quickly turning the stick over the ball. Shorti toes are great for balance, maneuverability, and control. It has a smaller hitting area ideal for strikers.

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. Midi toes have a great sweet spot when hitting and are ideal for midfielders or players that like to move the ball quickly when dribbling.

Maxi - The largest standard toe, Maxi toes are preferred by defensive players for their wide striking and receiving surface, along with solid power. These toes combine a larger receiving area with the hitting power of a midi head.

Hook - A J-shaped toe, with a larger stopping surface for receiving and defensive plays, designed to increase ball control for better drag-flicks and reverse skills. Hook toes are ideal for players with an upright style and are particularly well-suited for grass

fields.

Field hockey sticks bend slightly from the handle to the toe. This bow can range from 19mm to 25mm with elite level sticks tending closer to 25mm.

Regular/Standard/Classic (20-22mm) - This bow has the highest point of the bend falling directly in the middle of the stick. A regular bow is well-rounded helping to maximize control and power, making it versatile for all field hockey positions.

Medium/Mid/Ultra/Dyna - This gradual bow is versatile in all aspects of the game. It offers a natural hybrid in the modern game of field hockey, combining the consistent performance of a standard bow with the new advances of the lower bows. It provides greater consistency when reverse hitting.

Control/Mega (22-23mm) - The peak of the bend falls closer to the toe, allowing for better power when lifting and drag flicking the ball. A control bow is ideal for advanced players allowing for dynamic control and competitive level maneuvers.

Late/Low (24-25mm) – This sharp curve is primarily at the furthest end of the stick,

right before the head. A late bow delivers extra assistance when controlling the ball

allowing elite players to control, lift, drag flick, and perform aerials.

Extreme Late/Low (24.75mm) – An extreme late bow is ideal for drag flick consistency, aerial passing, 3D, and sweeping skills. Elite players utilize this stick shape to increase speed and accuracy for those specialized skills. The bend is not quite as low on the stick as a Late/Low bow, but is often the largest curve.

The bend is the measurement of how far the bow of the stick is curved, measured in millimeters. Smaller bends, 22mm or less, are easier to develop core skills and result in less accidentally lifted hits and receptions. Medium bend sticks, 23mm, allow some maneuverability and lifts with the best shape for sweep hits and deceptive sweeps. Large bend sticks, 24-25mm, are easiest to perform more advanced techniques and have better maneuverability overall, but can sometimes create the angle for accidentally lifted hits and bobbled receptions.

Beginner - Designed to help develop fundamental, technical skills and ball control - Age 10 and younger or players with less than one year of experience.

Competitive/Intermediate - For the developing player working on a wide range of skills, providing power while still focused on ball control - Ages 10-13 or players with 1-2 years of playing experience.

Advanced - Even balance of power and ball control for players honing their skills - Age 13 and older with 2 or more years of experience.

Elite – For highly skilled players looking for increased power paired with precision - Age 15 and older with 3 or more years of experience.

Sticks prices are influenced by the intended skill level and the materials used.

Beginner sticks usually fall in the $30 to $100 range and can often be found in a kit with other gear.

Competitive/Intermediate and Advanced sticks move into the $150-300 range.

Elite sticks start around $300 and can cost upwards of $500 with a few manufacturers crafting bespoke sticks tailored to the individual and their playstyle for a premium price.

Good starting stick – Beginner stick made from wood and fiberglass with a regular bow and midi toe.

Recommendations by position:

Forward - Late bow, Shorti toe, 19oz

Inner - Medium bow, Shorti toe, 20oz

Midfielder - Medium bow, Midi toe, 21oz

Defender - Control bow, Maxi toe (turf)/Hook toe (grass), 23oz

Goalkeeper -

Dita’s Stick Matcher Quiz: https://ditausa.com/stickmatcher.html - Recommends sticks

from Dita’s line, but the match will give you the bow, composition, toe, bend, weight,

and balance point as a reference when selecting a stick.