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!