Hockey Stick Size Guide
DISCLAIMER: Just so you’re aware this article will be about real hockey, or as our transatlantic cousins call it, field hockey, so if you’re looking for an ice rink guide you’re in the wrong place.
When it comes to finding the perfect field hockey stick size, length is key. The height of the player in relation to the length of the stick, the shape of the toe, and bow will affect which one will be right for a certain player. The length of the hockey stick will greatly impact your performance, with a stick too short causing missed opportunities as well as making injuries through excessive bending more likely. A stick that is too long, on the other hand, can be the cause of dragging and unnecessary collisions.
But you may be asking “what size hockey stick should I get?” Is it as simple as height, or is there more to think about? We put together this article to provide you with everything you need to know about hockey stick sizes before making your purchase.
Hockey Stick Toes
This isn’t necessarily related to size, but it’s important to cover before getting into the nitty-gritty, as it will determine what your stick best equips you to do on the pitch. There are four primary tick toe types when it comes to hockey sticks, each with its own benefits.
- Short: These are the shortest toes on hockey sticks, mostly used by offensive players. The smaller curve allows for added control and maneuvering capability.
- Midi: Slightly longer than the short option, these sticks are favoured by midfielders and beginners. They allow for decent control, with a wider surface area to make connections.
- Maxi: These toes are a favourite of defensive players, for their wide surface area. They’re perfect for receiving and striking the ball.
- Hook: This is the largest toe, with the most pronounced hook on the end. This type of stick is for those that want added control for drag-flicks and reverse stick plays.
Hockey Stick Bow Size
The bow of the hockey stick is bent part of the middle section leading to the toe, and the size/shape of which is another relevant factor in what will make a stick perfect for a certain player.
- Regular Bow: These generally come in with a bend profile of about 20-25mm of the stick, with a medium bend, making them a great all-rounder.
- Control Bow: The bow comes in a little lower than on a regular bow and higher than a late bow, used by players trying to generate considerable power.
- Late Bow: These sticks have the bow come in later, with a bend profile of 25mm or above, used by advanced players for elite maneuvering skills.
The toe and bow will greatly influence your style and efficacy on the pitch, so they can be just as important as planning for the right length.
Junior Hockey Stick Sizes
When it comes to getting hockey sticks for your children, it’s important to get it right. If they start early enough, you run the risk of buying a new stick every year for quite some time, but the reward of watching them play with confidence will make the price tag seem a distant worry.
Junior hockey sticks begin at around 24” long, making their way up to as high as the lowest adult full size, at 35-36.5” or 89-93cm in length. The heights at which kids generally start playing hockey are around 3’5”, which makes them suitable for a 26” stick, while once they reach 5’3” and above it’s time to upgrade to adult size.
Adult Hockey Stick Sizes
When it comes to adult hockey sticks, the most common size is around 36.5” or 93cm long, while players 5’9” and above may use sticks as long as 38” or 96.5cm in length. As mentioned before, the exact length can vary between what position you’re playing on the pitch.
How Do You Know What Size Hockey Stick to Buy?
Some say the right way to pick a hockey stick for a child, or in fact anyone, is to hold the stick up next to the body, and if it reaches around their hip, belly button, or just under the waist it’s probably around the right size. This is considered the US method for measuring, while there’s also a Dutch method that follows a similar principle.
Their method involves holding the the head of the stick inside the armpit, and if the end of the handle lands around the middle of the kneecap, you’re onto a winner. However, it’s also worth noting that your position on the pitch will be effected by the length of the stick, much like the tick toe style. Longer sticks are generally favoured by defensive players for blocking, while shorter sticks offer more control for more offensive players.
As long as you stay around the ranges described and consider your goals on the pitch, you should be making a safe bet.
Hockey Stick Size Chart
While things like the bow and toe of the stick will vary between players and their individual talents on the pitch, we’ve put together a chart to show the relationship between stick length and player height.
|
Stick Length |
Player Height |
|
26” or 66cm |
3’5”-3’8” or 104-112cm |
|
28” or 71cm |
3’9”-4’ or 114-122cm |
|
30” or 76cm |
4’1”-4’3” or 124.5-130cm |
|
32” or 81cm |
4’4”-4’6” or 132-137cm |
|
34” or 86cm |
4’7”-5’0” or 140-152cm |
|
35” or 89cm |
5’1”-5’3” or 155-160cm |
|
36-36.5” 91.5-93cm(adult) |
5’4”-5’6” or 163-168cm |
|
37-37.5” 94-95cm |
5’7”-5’9” or 170-175cm |
|
38-38.5” 96.5-98cm |
5’10”+ or 178cm+ |
Where To Go?
If you’re considering getting into hockey, signing up your kids, or returning to the pitch after years of hiatus, consider Mill Sports. Our online outlet store has an amazing range of hockey sticks for all competency levels, heights, and ages, stocking a wide variety of brands, along with a full range of products for a number of other sports.