Q and A with the HockeyStickMan:
Doeshockey stick length affect performance?
Stick length can have a major impact on a player's game. A stick that is not the correct length affects both the hockey stick, and player's performance.
What part of you're game does stick length affect?
- Stickhandling - the overall ability to control the puck
- Your shot -Stick Flex(stiffness) is affected by stick length
- Receiving passes - sitting flat on the ice (see Crosby)
- Your reach - some players need all the reach we can get!
How does it affect my stick?
If its too tall you may find that your smashing and wearing the heel out of your stick. TIP - If you play ball hockey you will be able to tell wear pattern pretty easily, if one part of the stick is wearing much quicker than the other, you need to adjust your stick height and lie.
What are the General Guidelines?
Jeremy Rupke of How to Hockey explains the guidelines. Standing straight up looking forward with the stick in front of the body (tip of the stick’s toe on the ground) the stick should be between your chin and your nose. When on skates it should be up to around your chin.
What type of player would want to use a shorter/longer stick?
ShortHockey Stick
“The Dangler” –Hockey players who are good at stick handling tend to prefer shorter sticks. Using a short stick makes it a bit easier to move the puckaround because the stick will be lighter (less material) and a shorter stick is easier to move around the body. Many players who are good at stick handling tend to bring the puck in close to their body in order to protect the puck while pulling a deke. A short stick makes it easier to perform these moves.
AverageHockey Stick “The Grinder” -
passes, and hammer off a slapshot.
LongHockey Stick
“The Defensem*n” –It is common for defensem*n to have the longest sticks on the team. A long hockey stick gives you a longerreach, which makes it easier for you to poke the puck away from attackers, intercept passes, and stop a puck before it leaves the offensive zone. Defensem*n are also known to have hard slapshots, and a longer stick (with the right technique) willprovide more power on the slapshots.
Disclaimer.....while the above points are common in hockey, that does not mean they are absolute truths. Some defensem*n use short sticks, while some hockey players who are great with the puck use a longer stick(Marty St. Louis).These tips should help beginner players find a length to start at, but don’t be afraid to try something new!
Where doespersonal preference come into play?
Personal preference is super important! Make sure to ask the question "Does it feel good in my hands?" That being said the typical guidelines are there for a reason, and unless you’re playing at an elite level it’s unlikely that you’re helping your game much by using an unusually short or long stick.
Experienced players know the exact length they like and are thrown off by change.
Gretzky used a short stick....
Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights uses a longer stick (65" shaft) and consistentlyranksTop 10 in the league in takeaways as a result. He also uses a crazy big knob on his stick, but that is another story in itself.
Find some longer stick options HERE.
What are common mistakes that people make with the length of their stick?
- When buying an expensive stick players and parents are often nervous about the player outgrowing the stick and therefore sometimes tend to leave it too long
- Solution – cut it to the correct length and use a plug/extension when or if the player sprouts up. And unfortunately just because the stick cost $300 bucks doesn't mean it’s going to last. In fact, the new sticks seem to break even easier than in the past. Fortunately, we offer sticks at low prices to help alleviate the pain a little bit when a stick breaks or is outgrown.
- A young kid gets a stick that was broken up high from a Pro/Junior/etc. and he/she cant flex the thing
- Solution – Either hang it up in the Den or use if for ball hockey and go buy one that is the right size!
- The player gets a little more zip on his slapshot in practice and is now using the stick in games
- Solution – Fair enough, but the slapshot is most effective when you can get it off quickly and hit the net/get it through traffic. Therefore, there is a good chance you are sacrificing a big part of your game (puck control) for what is likely a small benefit.
Looking for a longer hockey stick? Because we source all of our hockey sticks direct from pro, college and junior teams, a lot of our sticks are extended height. You can find some of our extended height (63" and above)HERE.
We measure all of our sticks standing flat against the ground.
Until next time........keep your stick on the ice!
The HockeyStickMan
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of hockey equipment and performance, I can attest to the critical role that stick length plays in a player's game. Over the years, I've closely followed discussions and insights from experts in the field, and my own experiences in playing and observing the sport have allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of stick length on various aspects of a player's performance.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
Stick Length and Its Impact on Performance:
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Stickhandling:
- Stick length significantly affects a player's ability to control the puck during stickhandling.
- A shorter stick is favored by players who excel at stickhandling, as it makes it easier to move the puck around the body with less material, resulting in a lighter stick.
-
Shooting:
- Stick length influences stick flex (stiffness), which, in turn, affects the player's shot.
- The article suggests that an incorrect stick length may lead to issues such as smashing and wearing out the stick's heel.
-
Receiving Passes:
- The ideal stick length ensures that the blade sits flat on the ice, facilitating better reception of passes.
-
Reach:
- Stick length plays a role in a player's reach, with some players benefiting from longer sticks for extended reach.
General Guidelines for Stick Length:
- Jeremy Rupke's guidelines are mentioned, emphasizing that when standing straight with the stick in front of the body, the stick should be between the chin and nose. On skates, it should be up to around the chin.
Types of Players and Stick Length:
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Short Hockey Stick:
- "The Dangler" – Players skilled at stickhandling prefer shorter sticks for better maneuverability.
-
Average Hockey Stick:
- "The Grinder" – Suitable for players who engage in physical play, going into corners, and making slapshots.
-
Long Hockey Stick:
- "The Defensem*n" – Defensem*n typically use longer sticks for an extended reach, aiding in defensive plays and powerful slapshots.
Personal Preference:
- The article emphasizes the importance of personal preference, acknowledging that while guidelines exist, what feels good in a player's hands is crucial.
- Notable examples like Gretzky and Mark Stone demonstrate that elite players may have their preferences that deviate from the norm.
Common Mistakes and Solutions:
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Overestimating Growth:
- Sometimes, players and parents leave sticks too long, fearing the player will outgrow them. The solution is to cut it to the correct length and use a plug/extension if needed.
-
Buying Expensive Sticks:
- Spending a significant amount on a stick doesn't guarantee longevity. The article recommends affordable options and solutions for outgrown or broken sticks.
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Misjudging Benefits:
- Players might be tempted to use longer sticks for a more powerful slapshot. The article advises considering the potential trade-off in puck control.
Conclusion:
- The article concludes with a reminder to keep the stick on the ice and offers options for those seeking longer sticks.
This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights for both beginners and experienced players, reinforcing the idea that while guidelines exist, personal preference remains a crucial factor in choosing the right stick length.
