Choosing the right field hockey stick size is crucial for players of all levels. It is important to have the correct size stick to execute both basic and advanced skills. A well-fitted stick can improve your performance and prevent injuries. The length can be the deciding factor in completing a pass, making a tackle…or making a mistake. Hockey stick length can affect your game and your control of the ball as well as hitting capability. Therefore, finding the right hockey stick size for you is essential.
Unlike a lot of equipment, a player could play using the wrong hockey stick for years and not be aware of it. Although a few options are left to preference, there are some simple guidelines to follow when buying a stick.
Why Proper Stick Size Matters
Having the proper stick length can drastically affect your game. If your stick is too long, you may end up undercutting the ball or making hard contact with the ground, causing the stick head to fracture. If your stick is too short, you may be bending down too much which can cause serious long term back problems. One more thing that you should know… the pro-athletes actually take stick lengths very seriously because of the potential of chronic back pain or injury.
How to Determine the Correct Stick Length
There are so many different ways of measuring or finding out the size of a hockey stick. Determining the correct stick length can be difficult, especially for children. For this, we will explain it very easily. There are some methods of choosing the size, but they end up reaching the same final size. At Total-Hockey, we use the easiest and simplest method, the 'Belly Button' method.
The Navel Method: This method is a known and reliable way to estimate the length of the club you need. You must take the measurements with your shoes on.
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To get the right length, this method requires you to use a measuring tape to measure from the middle of the belly button to the floor in inches. Now you have the distance between the belly button and the floor in inches; you have to equate that now to stick lengths. The stick lengths of 36.5" and 37.5" are adult-length hockey sticks. If you fall in that category, we recommend choosing the length of a hockey stick on which size feels more comfortable to hold and play with. We suggest coming into one of our stores to physically hold the adult hockey stick to see which size will feel the nicest.
Option 1: Measure the distance between the ground and your navel.
Measure from the ground up to hip bone with shoes on. The inches will equate to the recommended length of the stick.
Size Chart:
| Height (cm / ft) | Distance between ground and navel (cm / ft) | Stick Size |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 105 cm / down to 3’44″ | < 61 cm / < 2′ | 24″ |
| 105 to 110 cm / 3’44” to 3’60” | 61 - 68,5 cm / 2′ - 2’24” | 26″ |
| 110 to 115 cm / 3’60” to 3’77” | 68,5 - 74 cm / 2’24” - 2’42” | 28″ |
| 115 to 120 cm / 3’77” to 3’93” | 74 - 79 cm / 2’42” - 2’59” | 30″ |
| 120 to 132,5 cm / 3’93” to 4’34” | 79 - 81,5 cm / 2’59” - 2’67” | 32″ |
| 132,5 to 140 cm / 4’34” to 4’59” | 81,5 - 84 cm / 2’67” - 2’75” | 33″ |
| 140 to 150 cm / 4’59” to 4’92” | 84 - 86,5 cm / 2’75” - 2’83” | 34″ |
| 150 to 160 cm / 4’92” to 5’24” | 86,5 - 89 cm / 2’83” - 2’91” | 35″ |
| More than 160 cm / up to 5’24” | > 89 / > 2’91” | 36,5″ |
| More than 175 cm / up to 5’74” | - | 37,5″ |
| More than 185 cm / up to 6’06” | - | 38,5″ |
The length of a stick varies between 18″ and 41″ (the quotation marks “represents an inch, an inch is equal to 2.54 cm). Where the 18″ is a mini stick designed to make a nice gift for newborns, children under 2 years old, or as a souvenir or souvenir. The 41” is an extraordinarily long stick that goalkeepers use during shoot-outs. The most common sizes are 24″ - 35″ for Junior clubs and 36.5″, 37.5 “and 38.5″ for Senior clubs. We also offer the 18″ club in the Accessories department and 41” clubs in the Goalkeeper department.
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For example, a defensive player or midfielder may prefer a longer stick in order to drive the ball further, and an offensive player might select a shorter stick for better handling and control. Sticks can range from 28” - 37.5” or more. The Harrow Supreme C Field Hockey Stick is one of our shortest sticks that starts at 28” and goes up to 35" (perfect for young beginners). The majority of our field hockey sticks come as large as 37.5".
Other Factors to Consider
There are several things to consider when purchasing a stick; Length, Weight, Skill Level, Composition, and the Bow (or bend) of a stick are all features that impact your performance. A perfectly selected field hockey stick will compliment your skills and truly elevates your game. So where to start?
Weight
Field Hockey sticks range in weight from 535 grams to 560 grams. The appropriate weight of the stick typically depends on personal preference, however there are advantages to both a lighter stick and a heavier stick.
- Light Weight (535g-545g): A light stick allows for quick wrist movement, making it easier to have a quick backswing and stick skills. It also helps with a flawless reception.
- Heavy Weight (550g-560g): A heavier stick can aid in adding more power to your hits, while making the overall stick more durable.
Skill Level
We have 4 different skill levels for sticks: Elite, Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner.
- Beginner: The best for the basics. Harrow Beginner sticks are perfect learning tools for first time players focusing on control and fundamental skills, recommended for players 10 years old or younger who have been playing for one year or less. If this is you or your player, try the Supreme C, Supreme 15, or Supreme 25.
- Intermediate: The best ticket to the next level. Harrow Intermediate sticks continue to focus on control but introduce a key element of power to elevate your game. These are designed for players 10-13 years old with 1-2 years of playing experience. The Summit 35 and Paragon 45 are the perfect tools for players transitioning to the next level.
- Advanced: The best of both worlds. Harrow Advanced Sticks offer an even balance of power and control to help players continuously improve their skills. They're built for players 13+ years old with 2+ years of experience. The Summit 65, Paragon 75, and Peak 75 (coming soon!) are advanced sticks, made for developing players ready for that extra element of power.
- Elite: The best of the best. Harrow Elite sticks are recommended for highly skilled players that desire power paired with precision. Typically boasting higher carbon content, Elite sticks are our most powerful: for players 15+ years old with 3+ years of experience. Designed by professionals, the Paragon 95 and Peak 95 are top of the line tools.
Buying the RIGHT Hockey stick to best suit your game!
Composition
The composition of the hockey stick is important for its stiffness, power and feel to the game. In the past, sticks were made from wood. Although wood sticks are still used by some, the majority of sticks made from some type of composite material. Before hockey sticks were only made of wood, today, we still have wooden sticks, but most of the sticks are made of Composite. With Composite we mean sticks that are composed of Carbon, Fiberglass, Aramid, Kevlar and resins.
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- Carbon: Carbon adds stiffness and power to a field hockey stick. Put simply, the higher the carbon percentage translated to the greater the power output.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is used as a reinforcing material to add durability and strength. Fiberglass can also add an element of power when used by itself, but when used in combination with carbon it works as a reinforcement.
- Wood: Wood is the least stiff of all the materials, it adds an element of flexibility and forgiveness in the stick, allowing for clean receptions without needing as much technical skill. Wooden sticks are a great tool to learn on.
- Aramide: Lightweight and has excellent anti-abrasion properties and is used on the heel of the hockey stick to prevent quick wear down from use.
- Kevlar: The top of the OSAKA stick range is reinforced on the essential impact zones with Kevlar fiber.
The beginning hockey players mostly kids can starts off with a 100% fibre glass stick. They are light, flexible and not expensive and come in small sizes with thinner handles. Intermediate hockey players will have a bit more power and will ask more of his/her stick therefore carbon is added which gives more stiffness and strength to the stick. Take a look at our 30-40% carbon sticks or our 55-70% carbon sticks.
Bow (Bend)
The Bow of a hockey stick identifies the position of the arch in the stick shape. If you place the flat side of the stick on a plain/flat surface and the measurement of distance between the surface and the upper edge of the stick is know as the bow.
The position of the curve is related to where the arc is optimal. This is given in mm. These millimeters are the distance from the lowest point of the blade to the point of maximum curvature of the club.
The arc of the club is the degree of curvature relative to a flat surface. If you place the stick on the ground, flat side down, the distance between the stick and the ground represents the curvature of the stick. The degree of curvature preferred depends on the person.
- Extreme Low Bow: 24.75mm is ideal for drag flicking, aerial and sweeping skills. Elite players will utilize the stick shape to increase speed and accuracy for those specialized skills.
- Low Bow: 24mm is popular for every position on the field. The shape increases ball control and makes aerial skills easier without affecting hitting technique.
- Classic Bow: 22mm is our standard curve that maximizes control and power.
Over time, and as skill and ability improve, players will develop a feel for what works best to meet their needs. Dedicated players own a few different sticks in anticipation of changes in playing conditions and as back-up for breakage.