Quick answer
Choose a field hockey stick in four steps. First, length: stand upright with the stick beside you, and it should reach about the top of your hip bone. Second, bow: a standard or regular bow suits beginners and all-round players, while low bows help 3D skills and drag flicks but make flat hitting harder. Third, toe shape: a mid-sized toe is the safe default. Fourth, material: more carbon gives a stiffer, more powerful stick, but less feel. Beginners and young players should choose a forgiving stick with low or medium carbon.
Key takeaways
- Length first. A stick that is too long or too short makes every skill harder.
- Beginners: standard bow, mid toe, low to medium carbon.
- Low bows and high carbon are for experienced players with clear needs, not for "more power".
- Hold and try a stick before buying if you can. Weight and balance feel very personal.
- Sticks used in official matches must meet the rules on size, weight and bow. Check your league's rules if you are unsure.
1. Stick length
Field hockey sticks are measured in inches, usually from about 24 in for small children to 38 in or more for tall adults. The most common way to check:
- Stand upright, shoes on.
- Hold the stick upright with the head on the ground next to your foot.
- The top of the handle should reach about the top of your hip bone.
Some players prefer a stick one size shorter for close control, others one size longer for reach. Start at hip height and adjust after a few months of play.
Approximate length by player height
| Player height | Stick length |
|---|---|
| Under 120 cm (under 4 ft) | 26–28 in |
| 120–135 cm (4 ft – 4 ft 5 in) | 30–31 in |
| 135–150 cm (4 ft 5 in – 4 ft 11 in) | 32–33 in |
| 150–165 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 5 in) | 34–35 in |
| 165–178 cm (5 ft 5 in – 5 ft 10 in) | 36.5 in |
| Over 178 cm (over 5 ft 10 in) | 37.5 in+ |
These are typical ranges. Brands size slightly differently, so the hip test matters more than the chart. For children, do not buy a much longer stick "to grow into". It ruins technique. Moving up one size is enough.
2. Bow (the curve)
Look at the stick from the side and you will see a slight curve along its length. That is the bow. The rules limit how deep it can be, and manufacturers state both the depth and where along the stick the deepest point sits.
- Standard or regular bow: the curve is spread along the stick, with the deepest point roughly in the middle. Easiest for flat hitting, push passes and receiving. Best for beginners, defenders and most young players.
- Mid bow: the deepest point is a bit closer to the head. A good all-round choice for intermediate players who want a little help with lifting and 3D skills.
- Low bow (extreme or late bow): the deepest point is close to the head. Helps lifting the ball, drag flicks and 3D skills, but makes flat, controlled hitting harder. Mostly for experienced attackers and drag flickers.
A low bow will not fix weak technique. If you are still learning to dribble and pass, a standard bow helps you more.
3. Toe shape
The toe is the curved hook at the bottom of the stick.
| Toe | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Short (shorti) | Light, fast turns, small hitting area | Quick dribblers, often forwards |
| Mid (midi) | Balance of control and hitting area | Most players, the safe default |
| Maxi / long | Bigger area for reverse stick and receiving | Defenders, players who use the reverse a lot |
| Hook | Largest area, extra surface for reverse stick work | Players who prioritise reverse stick control |
Names differ between brands, but the idea is the same: a bigger toe gives more surface on the reverse stick, a smaller toe is quicker to turn.
4. Material and stiffness
- Wood: traditional, soft feel, cheaper. Fine for young children and casual play, but less durable on artificial turf.
- Composite (fibreglass, carbon, aramid): most modern sticks. The higher the carbon share, the stiffer and more powerful the stick.
Low carbon gives more feel and forgiveness when receiving. High carbon gives more power on hits but bounces the ball more on poor receptions and sends more vibration into the hands. Beginners and juniors usually do better with low to medium carbon.
5. Weight and balance
Sticks are often described as light, medium or heavy. A lighter stick moves faster for dribbling and 3D skills. A heavier stick gives more power on hits. Balance point matters too: a head-heavy stick feels powerful, a handle-balanced stick feels quick. If you can, hold several sticks and do a few dribbles before you buy.
Indoor sticks
Indoor hockey, popular in European winter seasons, uses lighter, thinner sticks because the ball is pushed and not hit. An outdoor stick works for a casual indoor session, but regular indoor players usually buy a dedicated indoor stick.
Common mistakes
- Buying the most expensive, highest-carbon stick for a beginner.
- Choosing a low bow "for drag flicks" before the basics are solid.
- Buying a stick that is far too long for a child to grow into.
- Ignoring the grip. Re-gripping is cheap and makes an old stick feel new.
FAQ
How do I know what size field hockey stick I need?
Stand upright with the stick beside you. The top of the handle should reach about the top of your hip bone. Use a height chart only as a starting point.
What bow is best for beginners?
A standard or regular bow. It makes flat passing, hitting and receiving easier while you learn the basics.
Is more carbon always better?
No. More carbon means more stiffness and power but less feel. Beginners and young players usually control the ball better with low to medium carbon.
Can I use my outdoor stick for indoor hockey?
For casual play, yes. Regular indoor players usually switch to a lighter, thinner indoor stick. Check your league's rules for any equipment requirements.
How often should I replace my stick?
When it cracks, splinters or loses its stiffness. A damaged stick can be dangerous and may not be allowed in matches.
