| | Beginners Start Here
If you are new to the sport of hockey, this is the section for you. Whether you are a junior starter or haven't played since school, this page contains loads of useful info on choosing a stick, joining a club and pointing you towards other sources of knowledge. |
| Choosing a Stick
There are two types of stick - wood and composite.
Wood sticks are reinforced using materials such as Carbon, Fibreglass and Kevlar. They allow for excellent first touch ball control and feel on the ball.
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| Composite sticks are generally made of a mixture of Carbon, Kevlar and Fibreglass and are normally stiffer and more powerful than wooden sticks. Hitting power is noticably improved and because they are made using moulds, one 36.5" Medium weight Grays GX5000 stick (for example)will be exactly the same as another.
The drawback to composites is that control is generally not as good as a wood stick and there is less feel on the ball. |
| | For junior players we recommend using wood sticks. We feel it is easier to learn the skills of the game with the improved control and touch that a wood stick gives. To view our range of junior sticks click here. |
| The choice of sticks available can at first seem baffling. Hopefully, by pointing out a few key features we can help you narrow down the choice.
Stick head shapes can vary in size and shape - both wood and composite. The most common head shape is the 'maxi' (pictured right). This offers a large sweet spot for hitting as well as allowing for great ball control, dribbling and stick skills. Most stick heads are this shape or something close to it. The thickness of the head varies slightly between brands.
The weight of the stick is purely down to personal preference. In the past defenders would buy heavy, chunky sticks for a feeling of sturdiness in the tackle, while forwards would go for lighter weights, allowing for quick stick skills.
However, stick technology has advanced so far that a really light stick (either wood or composite) can now deliver excellent hitting power and durability. |  |
| Stick Bending
All sticks have a degree of bend - if they were perfectly straight they would break easily. The bend (or bow) in a sticks' shaft allows the player to execute skills, flick and dribble easily.
In recent years, stick bending has become more and more extreme to help players master the drag flicking technique used so spectacularly by some of the Worlds' top players.
However if the stick has an excessive bend, players can lift the ball unintentionally when hitting and skill execution becomes more difficult.
From June 2006, the legal bend on all sticks will be restricted to a maximum of 25mm. At Field Hockey World all our sticks comply with this rule, including our sticks on special offer.
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| Stick Length
The standard adult length is 36.5", with longer lengths of 37.5" and 38" also available. Players of about 5' 2" (155cm) height and taller normally use 36.5" sticks.
Longer sticks are normally only used by players of about 6' (180cm) or taller. However it has been known for shorter players to use 37.5" or 38" sticks because they want the extra reach.
The traditional way to find out the correct stick length was to hold the stick up against the body and the stick should reach the hip bone. This is still a good guideline however, the more modern way to establish the correct size is to hold the stick with both hands at the top of the stick (as if to hit the ball). If you are too crouched over the stick is too short, if you are too upright it is too long. |
| Stick Materials
Wood sticks are reinforced by materials such as Fibreglass, Carbon and Kevlar. At the entry level price point (about £30.00 for senior sticks) the sticks are normally Fibreglass reinforced, which gives the stick good hitting power and durability.
At about £40.00 - £50.00 the sticks normally have Fibreglass and Kevlar reinforcement. Kevlar is a really good vibration dampener, so you get less vibration when hitting.
At £60.00 and more the sticks usually have Carbon, Kevlar and FIbreglass reinforcement. This gives increased stiffness for more hitting power and improved control and feel. Top of the range wood sticks have lots of Carbon reinforcement, allowing serious players to get excellent hitting power as well as great ball control.
Composite sticks use the same materials. The cheapest composite sticks are mostly made of Fibreglass, with increasing amounts of Carbon and Kevlar the more you pay.
Sticks of around £100.00 RRP are a well balanced blend of Carbon, Kevlar and Fibreglass. Click here to see a good example of this.
At the top of the range, sticks are composed of around 90% Carbon with about 10% Kevlar. This makes them incredibly stiff and powerful. |
| Finding a Club
Whether you are a junior wanting to play Sunday hockey or an adult looking for social or serious Saturday matches, finding the right club can be difficult.
If you are a parent looking for a local club for your child, you can visit our Club Finder section. This contains information on clubs in your area and the kind of things they offer. Clubs now have to have all coaches and coaching assistants checked out by a Police background search. For your peace of mind, you can enquire at the club of your choice whether this has been done.
Do not feel obliged to sign your child up to the first club you visit. It is important for you and your child that they are happy and are well looked after by qualified coaches.
Senior players can also use the Club Finder. It allows you to pick a club that matches your aspirations - whether for a social booze-up or for serious hockey (or both!). Simply click on your region to find a club. |  |
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