Roughly about 90 percent of humans are estimated to be right-handed by nature. Perhaps, contrary to how a child picks up a pencil for the very first time and usually sticks with his left hand. But the way you hold a pencil has little or no bearing on how you hold a stick, at least in hockey. Because there are no left-handers in the sport.
Believe it or not, none may be so simple as how a person holds a hockey stick. For several years, the way a hockey player picked up his stick bore little importance. Straight blades and the players were seen swinging the sticks from either side. Is that what you see now? Typically, not. Right-handed hockey players don’t typically shoot right. They shoot left.
Lefty or Righty?
But how do hockey players determine if they're left- or right-handed? Or is there an advantage to shooting lefty or righty in hockey? The first time that a child picks up a hockey stick, he will probably put his strong hand on the bottom of the stick. With the more powerful hand generating the power, it becomes a more natural motion to shoot the puck.
Source: Hockey India
Ideally, a left-handed shooter in hockey holds the top of the stick with his right hand, whereas lowers down the shaft with the left hand. Likewise, a right-handed shooter will be the reverse, more often than not leaning to hid right allowing the stick blade to open.
Why Are All Field Hockey Sticks Right-Handed?
Unlike other sports where you find a player using bats or balls, field hockey dedicates itself to players using right-handed sticks, even to those who are naturally left-handed. Some believe that hockey is the realm of the right-handed, well, it is more a matter of hockey players learning to play the sport with shots that go against their normal dominant side.
Each and every hockey stick has both a flat and rounded side. The field players and goalies can use the flat side of the stick because hitting the ball with the stick’s rounded side can incur the penalty of a rule violation.
Source: Hockey India
It may seem possible to obtain a customised left-handed stick, one cannot put it to use during official matches. They are rendered illegal for use in official competitions and field hockey matches, according to the International Hockey Federation (FIH). A player with a left-handed field hockey stick is very likely to be hit from a follow-through swing while tackling against a player with a right-handed stick, who has ideally much more dominance on the field.
Also read: Indian Hockey – If only we could play normally when leading!
Benefits of A Right-Handed Field Hockey Stick
Ask any hockey player, and he will tell you how the right-hand controls where you are going with the stick, while the left-hand helps you guide it. Because one will find only right-handed sticks in the game and the strong side in a field hockey match is almost always the right side of the ground.
Field Hockey For Left-Handed Players
There are plenty of left-handed sticks available in the market for ice hockey players, but field hockey athletes are required to get used to playing with the traditional right-handed sticks. A typical hockey stick is between 36 to 38 inches long, with the blade touching the ground to the left side of the body.
Source: Hockey India
Ideally, a left-handed field hockey player makes use of the reverse-stick technique to score a goal for the team unless he becomes prone to swinging the stick as any natural right-handed hockey player would.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of hockey, with a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the sport, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
Hockey Stick Handling: The article touches upon the crucial aspect of how hockey players determine whether they are left- or right-handed. This determination is often made when a child first picks up a hockey stick. The stronger hand is usually placed at the bottom of the stick, providing a more natural and powerful motion when shooting the puck. This fundamental principle influences the player's entire approach to handling the stick.
Grip and Shooting Technique: The article outlines the ideal grip for left- and right-handed shooters in hockey. A left-handed shooter holds the top of the stick with the right hand and lowers down the shaft with the left hand, while a right-handed shooter does the reverse. This grip allows for a more effective and controlled manipulation of the stick, influencing the trajectory and accuracy of the shots.
Field Hockey Stick Design: A significant aspect discussed in the article is the standardization of field hockey sticks as right-handed, regardless of a player's natural handedness. The design of field hockey sticks features both a flat and rounded side. The use of the flat side is mandated to avoid penalties for rule violations. While it may be possible to obtain a customized left-handed stick, such sticks are deemed illegal for use in official competitions by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Advantages of Right-Handed Sticks: The article suggests that the dominance of right-handed sticks in field hockey is not merely a matter of preference but a strategic advantage. Right-handed sticks are believed to offer better control over the game, with the right hand determining the direction and the left hand guiding the stick. The strong side in a field hockey match is typically the right side of the ground, further emphasizing the importance of right-handed sticks.
Challenges for Left-Handed Players: While left-handed sticks are available for ice hockey players, field hockey athletes are required to adapt to the use of traditional right-handed sticks. The article mentions the challenges faced by left-handed players in a game predominantly tailored for right-handed sticks. The reverse-stick technique is highlighted as a way for left-handed field hockey players to score goals, although they must contend with the limitations imposed by the standardized equipment.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of hockey stick handling, the design considerations in field hockey sticks, and the strategic advantages and challenges associated with handedness in the sport.
