Choosing the right field hockey stick for you is not as easy as it may sound. No one single stick will do everything for everybody on every playing surface. If you are a beginner you should try playing with a variety of sticks. You could borrow friends or hire to begin with. This will enable you to try the different materials they are made with. Typically the sticks are made from hardwoods. If you are new to field hockey you may prefer a fibreglass or hard plastic stick, these are less expensive and tend to last longer.

It is recommended to have a minimum of two sticks with you when you play. For frequent play on both natural and artificial turf, you will probably want a minimum of four sticks, two for each type of surface. If you change playing positions, you may want one stick for each position and an all-purpose backup.

Toe Design

A variety of toe designs provide specific performance for the different playing positions, for example forwards, mid-fielders and backs.The field hockey stick's toe curve is intended for the way different styles players need to strike the ball.

There are four basic toe designs:

Shorti

Helps you quickly turn the stick over the ball, these are designed for balance and control.

Midi

About a half-inch longer than the Shorti, this provides a larger hitting surface.

Maxi

Combines a larger receiving area with the hitting power of a Midi head.

Hook

Larger stopping surface for receiving and defensive work, these are generally popular and good for grass surfaces.

Size

The length of the stick should be proportionate to your height. Young players may feel more comfortable with a shorter stick. Long sticks can be more difficult to maneuver during a game. However many coaches will encourage players to use the longest stick they feel comfortable using, due to the stretching and reaching that is needed. Sticks generally range between 34 and 38 inches, but shorter sticks are available for younger and inexperienced players.

Weight

Generally field hockey sticks weigh between 18 and 24 ounces. Less heavy sticks tend to hold more control and are speedier opposed to the heavier increasing stability and power.

As your hockey skills and your bodily ability improve, your playing position will be influential to the type of stick you choose.

Experienced committed players will own a variety of sticks so they have a back-up for breakage, variables in playing conditions and surfaces, and different styles of play.

Remember field hockey sticks will break and it is better to have your own broken-in stick in waiting, than to borrow an unfamiliar stick during game play.

Learn more about this author, Harriet Lee.
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