2 min read
This is a question that comes up all the time. Luckily, I have done a tonne of testing with differenthockey sticksof all brands and types with theiractual weight and their balance. The balanceis how the weight is distributed throughout the stick and is better defined as how astick feels.
When designing ahockey stick we use balance as a key factor to guide our design process in terms of how we want astickto perform and how we want the hockey stick to feel.
To answer the question directly, can a hockey stick be too light?
YES, absolutely.
Since composite technology has advanced over the last few years, stickshave started to get "lighter" and Iremember being stokedto see how I could hit a ball harder and do skills quicker with an ultralight hockey stick. But to my surprise it didn't work out that way, the hockey stick didn't let me smash the ball anywhere near as hard or do skills as quick as I can with the Iceman Pro Bow.
The reason why I didn't like the ultralight stick wasbecause the balance was too light. When we design ahockey stick we work on a heavier weight with a balance more towards the head of the hockey stick, which typically has delivered the best resultsfor ourhockey stick design.
If the stick is too light, or the balance is more towards the grip of the stick, when you swing the stick and it makes contact with the ball you will not have the same amount of force behind the stick, but also the stick will feel extremely light.This means is you won't be able to feel where the head is and will likely feel like thestickis swinging in the air and out of control.
For ourhockey stickswe wanta weightof around520-560 grams.
On the flipside,a hockey stick can be too heavy. If all the weight is distributed at the head of the stick, it can result in a loss of power due to the slower swing speed of your stick. The other disadvantage of a stick that is too heavy isthat your stick won't be as maneuverable to perform quick dribbling, trapping and tackling skills.
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Field Hockey Positions Explained
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Not too long ago, learning about the roles of the various field hockey positions was pretty simple. Because there hadn't been any significant changes to the rules of hockey for such a long time, the way the game was played had not adapted much either which also meant the positions and their roles stayed more or less the same.
Things were so stagnant you could buy a musty old book on field hockey from a second hand book store and you would be very close up to date with the latest in hockey rules, skills and positioning.
Then came the development of composite hockey sticks, as well as changes to the rules to the 11 a side game to make the game faster, and the increased popularity of artificial field hockey fields. These factors all changed the way the game is played there are now many different formations for teams to adopt and adapt to their needs.
The good news is that even though the outdoor hockey game has undergone significant changes, the basic traditional positions (which we will discuss below) remain as relevant.
What are the Best Hockey Sticks for Defenders?
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Choosing the right type of hockey stick for the position you play in can have a significant impact on your performance, whether you’re a striker, midfielder or a defender. While many hockey players seem to believe that picking the right stick for a defender is a basic choice as they do not have the need for “advanced” skills midfielders and strikers often need, carrying the right stick for your needs and skill level may change the way you play in many different ways.
However, using a wrong type of stick can also cause a whole host of problems, especially if you are a beginner and especially if you are a defender. This is why we’ve prepared a set of tips and tricks that will help you choose thebest hockey sticks for defenders, as well as thetop sticks for midfielders and strikers. Read on!
As a seasoned hockey enthusiast with extensive hands-on experience in testing various hockey sticks, I can attest to the critical role that stick weight and balance play in a player's performance. My expertise stems from comprehensive testing involving hockey sticks of different brands and types, assessing their actual weight and balance.
The concept of stick balance is paramount in the design process, influencing how a stick performs and feels in the hands of a player. In my testing, I've found that the balance, or how the weight is distributed throughout the stick, is a key factor in achieving optimal results. A well-designed hockey stick typically features a balance more towards the head, providing better results in terms of power and control during gameplay.
Addressing the question of whether a hockey stick can be too light, my firsthand experience confirms that it is indeed possible. With advancements in composite technology, sticks have become lighter, leading to the misconception that ultralight sticks enhance hitting power and skill execution. However, my testing revealed that an excessively light stick with a balance towards the grip can compromise the force behind the swing, resulting in a lack of control and a feeling of the stick swinging in the air.
On the flip side, a hockey stick can also be too heavy, negatively impacting swing speed and maneuverability. If the weight is concentrated at the head of the stick, power may be lost due to slower swings, and the stick may become less agile for quick dribbling, trapping, and tackling skills.
In the pursuit of optimal stick performance, my research and testing suggest that a balanced approach is crucial. For hockey sticks, aiming for a weight in the range of 520-560 grams and distributing the balance towards the head tends to yield the best results in terms of power, control, and overall gameplay experience.
This understanding of stick weight and balance is not only applicable to individual preferences but also plays a role in enhancing team performance. Choosing the right type of hockey stick based on position—whether striker, midfielder, or defender—can significantly impact player performance. This knowledge aligns with the broader discussion of selecting the best hockey sticks for defenders, midfielders, and strikers, as highlighted in related articles.
For those looking to elevate their game, it's essential to consider the weight and balance of the hockey stick, ensuring a personalized fit that aligns with individual playing styles and positions on the field.
