Finding The Stick For You

Finding the best stick for you is the most important step to becoming a field hockey star. There are so many different types of  sticks and different brands that it might seem like it will be difficult to find the perfect stick for you. But don't worry, after reading this, you will know what type of stick to look for.

There are some websites that can help you find your stick. They might describe the thickness of the stick, or if the stick has a bow, or even how heavy the stick is. All of these things factor into determining the perfect stick for you. 

Why does it matter if the stick is too thin or too thick? The thickness of the stick matters because thicker sticks allow you to hit the ball harder and farther whereas thinner sticks are more for stick-on-ball control. So if you are a defender/mid-field, you would want a thicker stick. If you are more of a mid-field/forward, you would want a thinner stick. 

If the stick has a bow, that makes a big difference too. What I mean by a bow is a curve or a dip in the toe and shaft of the stick that helps with control and 3-D skills. I am a defender and my stick has a bow in it because it will help me lift the ball and pass it in the air at extraordinary distances. Normally, defense/mid-field players will have a bow in their stick and mid-field/offensive players won’t. But hey, if you want a bow in your stick, no-one's stopping you!

The weight of the stick will make a major difference in how you play. If you are a defensive player, you will want a heavier stick so that you can hit the ball harder and move the ball with more force. If you are an offensive player, you will want to play with a lighter stick because it is easier to dribble with the ball and make quick and smooth pulls and moves to get around the other teams defenders. 

Check back to see my next blog post about how the right type of shoe will enhance your performance! 

Introducing Me

Hey guys! My name is Mashayla Valentine and I am a college student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I play field hockey at the collegiate level and I will be giving tips on how to be the best field hockey player you can be.

This blog is for any high-schooler or college student who is interested in playing field hockey or who already plays. If you don't already play and you are thinking about trying out, you should 100% go for it. Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone. I bet you will not regret it.

I played field hockey in high school and am currently on the university's team as a freshman, and I know from my experience that its important to make sure you have all of the right equipment that works best for you so that you can perform to the best of your ability.

I always had a love for sports, but field hockey has always been my favorite. Whenever I play, I forget all of my worries in school and typical life stresses, and focus on playing the game. I won a couple awards in high school for field hockey including team captain and also being named first team defensively in my hometowns local newspaper. I love working with younger girls who come to our camp we hold in the summer because I enjoy spreading my love for the sport with other people.

It is important to know which stick works best for you and the position you play. A defender should not have the same type of stick as a forward. There are multiple websites that show you different sticks and their prices and gives you an idea of why they are for that certain position.

The shoes you wear will have a huge impact on your performance. If you are not comfortable in the shoes you are wearing, then it will be more difficult to run at the different speeds that you need to during competition. And of course, no one likes to get blisters on their feet.

Anyone who knows me knows that I like to look good while I play. It is important for me to wear clothing where everything matches and color coordinates. I must wear a headband in my hair because of my layers so that my hair isn't all up in my face, which would distract me during the game. I will give tips on the best types of headband brands and other accessories and the best prices, because who doesn't like a good deal?

Keep checking back to my blog to get updates on how to become a field hockey star!