Field Hockey Sticks. When it comes to field hockey, the stick is your primary tool and an extension of your playing style. The right-field hockey stick can enhance your control, accuracy, and overall gameplay. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the crucial aspects of field hockey sticks, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Construction of Field Hockey Sticks
The architecture of the hockey stick plays an important part in its performance. The sticks are composed of carbon, aramid, fiberglass, and wood. There are the next important parts of the Field Hockey Sticks:
- Head – The head is current at the end of the splice. It is the standing portion through which the balls are required. The head is rounded on one end and flat on the other side which is the face of the stick. This formation gives the player a wide surface area to shoot or pass the ball.
- Handle – The handle of the stick is current beyond the bottom end of the shaft (splice). The handle is generally angled between 35 to 55 degrees.
- Splice – The longer middle body of the stick is understood as a splice.
- Bow – The bow is a slightly bent region in the stick from handle to head with a length range from 20 mm to 25 mm. The different types of bows are –
- Regular / Classic bow – It has a size of 20-25mm with the highest point of the bow determined in the middle of the stick. This arrangement feeds full control over the ball move.
- Control / Mega bow – It has a size of 24.75 mm with the tallest bend closer to the toe. It aids in lifting and drag flicking. These mega bows are perfect for advanced players as it aids them in more competitive tricks and control.
- Late / Low bow – It has a dimension of 25 mm with the bend closest to the end of the stick. The late bow is used for better lifting, drag flicking, and performing aerial maneuvers of the ball as it provides extra assistance in the same. These bows are perfect for elite players.
- Toe – The toe is the part of the turn that highly contributes to the strike rate of the shots. The smaller the toe, the more agility it provides. However, larger toes provide a large striking surface and power for the ball. Various types of toes are –
- Shorti – It feeds an ideal shape for high speed, control, and different stick skills. The toes have a significantly smaller hitting area. Offensive players prefer shorts due to their massive strike rate, balance, maneuverability, and control.
- Midi – Beginners widely use the midi. It has a raised striking possibility and more control capabilities for the players. The midis are perfect for midfielders for dripping the balls and also for newbies.
- Maxi – The maxi toes supply a larger shell for striking the ball. It offers maximum velocity for drag flicking, and striking and offers much power. Maxi sticks are outstanding for protective players.
- Hook – It’s the J-shaped toe that offers the maximum surface area for high ball control. It is excellent for better drag flicks and for switching stick play. Professional and elite players majorly choose hook-shaped toes.
Evolution of the Field Hockey Sticks
Before 1860, the sticks were manufactured from bamboo, ash, and cedar, they had a blunt end with a long straight shaft. In 1990, the sticks were made with metal handles but were later denied by many countries. By the late 20th century, fiberglass was highly used to manufacture hockey sticks.
In 1982, the hook body was created followed by J-shape and midi designs. Today, the hooks are made with varying degrees of 45, 60, and 75. After the modification, the horizontal length of the head was reduced to 115 mm and the height was reduced to 75 mm. The new sticks are more stable and supply a high striking rate to the players.
Selecting the Perfect Fitting Field Hockey Sticks for You
It’s difficult to play to your full prospect as a field hockey player if you’re not prepared with the proper gear. We’ve already talked about why it’s important to have appropriately sized and well-functioning protective gear on hand, but when it comes to actually playing the sport itself, you’ll need to put a lot of thinking into the kind of stick you keep in your control.
There are various types of sticks, which only creates it more difficult to find the right one for you, but it’s an easier task when you understand what you’re seeking. Breaking it down as thoroughly as possible, there are five various areas you must think about when choosing the right stick for you to play with length, weight, composition, bow, and body.
With consideration to length, the known rule of thumb is that it should reach up to the top of your hip bone, although it does depend on personal choice. If you’re looking for a certain capacity, it can go from as brief as 24 inches and go as high as 38 inches. Each has its advantages — longer sticks help enhance reach, while shorter sticks help enhance stick-handling skills.
The weight of a stick will generally depend on the role you play. Lighter-weight sticks are generally designed for shooting players, while heavier-weight sticks are typically for defensive players. Again, this depends on what feels most suitable for you, but the weight will go from 535 grams to 680 grams.
There are four extra kinds of composition to Field Hockey Sticks: carbon, aramid, fiberglass, and wood. Wooden sticks enhance control when dribbling and obtaining and are more affordable — along with being ideal for young new players — but the typical advice is to start with down classes of carbon and work up from there.
When considering the bow, this is in regard to the slight bend that you see from the grip to the toe. What you choose for your bow will vary turning on personal choice, age, and skill level. There are three main types of bow: normal/standard (20mm), mega bow (24.75mm), and low bow (25mm). Normal bows are perfect for every part of the game — from ball control to progressive tricks. Mega bows are perfect for more progressive players, while elite-level players utilize low-bow sticks.
With respect to the toe shape of your area hockey stick, there are four various types: shortis, midis, maxis, and hooks. Paying alert to the toe of the stick is essential because it’s the level of turn on your stick, which can affect how a player can hit a ball and handle their stick. Smaller toes have improved skill but little power, while bigger toes generally provide the opposite.
You’re finally only as good as your gear will take you on the field. While that clearly doesn’t mean you must see and buy the most costly field hockey gear out there, it’s critical to be kind through the process of buying certain items you’ll be using always, like your stick.
Where Are True Hockey Sticks Manufactured?
According to the Globe, Bauer, CCM, and True Hockey, all manufacture their pro sticks in China, which supplies approximately 75% of NHL players with their sticks per year based on data from Gear Geek. In each NHL game, players are provided new sticks that they can use during the period of the game.
Are Any Hockey Sticks Made In The USA?
This item is Made in the United States. It’s been tested, strained, and verified. The Company is an international leader in Field Hockey Sticks.
How Many Hockey Sticks Are Made Each Year?
About 2 million hockey sticks are manufactured in North America each year, with 70% of these dying each year. Approximately 1.4 million sticks are thought to be in the dump.