Do you need a different stick for indoor field hockey?
Indoor field hockey sticks are much thinner and lighter than outdoor field hockey sticks. Since the game is played on a smaller, flat and hard surface, there are rules that do not allow players to drive the ball or have a backswing. Thus, there is no need for such a sturdy stick.
The biggest differences are that the end of the indoor stick is skinnier and the overall weight is much lighter. In outdoor it is crucial for sticks to be heavier and have a thicker toe to accommodate powerful drives and slaps that are important when playing on a much bigger field.
Indoor sticks look a little different. The toe, and the stick in general, is much lighter and thinner. This is because there are no drives allowed indoors. The thinner toe also allows for complete ball control while moving at a faster pace.
Hold your field hockey stick upside down, with the head in the air, and insert the head into your armpit, as if it were a crutch. The end of the handle should fall between the middle of your kneecap to no more than two inches below the bottom of your kneecap.
Hockey Sticks Weight
The weight you choose can affect your game. A lighter stick is easier to manoeuvre and better for dribbling, while a heavier stick can provide more power and control.
The most popular materials used in a stick are Carbon, Fiberglass, Wood, and Aramid. Each Component creates different effects in the stick. Carbon: Carbon adds stiffness and power to a field hockey stick.
You can choose between composite with carbon in various gradations or wood. Beginning players are advised to choose a wooden indoor hockey stick. Wooden sticks provide easier control over the ball.
There four different kinds of composition to field hockey sticks: carbon, aramid, fibreglass, and wood.
Lighter weight sticks are typically designed for attacking players which allow for a quicker backswing and stick skills. Heavier weight sticks are typically designed for defensive players and can help to add power and distance in your hits which is ideal for clearing balls and passing.
Low-end hockey sticks are usually constructed in two-pieces (a separate blade and shaft are manufactured and fused together). These sticks are manufactured using fiberglass and lower grades of graphite and carbon fiber, which makes them heavier and less balanced than more expensive options.
Are field hockey sticks only right-handed?
All hockey sticks are the same for left-handed and right-handed players. The rules of hockey do not allow left-handed hockey sticks. However, that does not mean left handers cannot play the game.
When playing indoor field hockey at a competitive level it is important to wear a left handed glove. The glove will protect your knuckles and your fingers, and prevent broken bones. Specifically when going for a tackle your hand becomes exposed, and is at risk.
Each and every girl must play with a right handed stick. Why were left handed sticks band? Left handed sticks cause a high risk to injury in the game of field hockey. If a right handed player came in for a block tackle against a left handed stick they would most likely get hit on the follow through swing.
Light (535-560 grams)
Light field hockey sticks are mostly preferred by attackers and forwards because they allow the player to have the right balance between control and power. This weight proves to be popular amongst many players and this weight is set as the default option on all our sticks.
Head Shape
Forwards who need to get off quick passes typically prefer the J-shape. The head curves up to form the letter J. Midi heads are preferred for players who like a really quick stick, since it is shorter than the J-shape and Maxi head it turns over the ball faster when dribbling.
The length of your stick plays into your position and height. A defensive player or midfielder may prefer a longer stick and a offensive player pay prefer a shorter stick. Look at the guide below to see which length is suggested based on your height. Pro tip: The stick should come up to the top of your hipbone.
- Junior Hockey Sticks are available in sizes 24” up to full size 36.5”. ...
- To measure a child (5 Ft 2” or under) hold the hockey stick at their side and it should be just under their hip or belly button.
- If you cannot decide between two lengths, you should consider your child's position.
Pro bow hockey sticks possess a larger playing area which makes them ideal for dribbling, control and power. The balanced performance offered by pro bows makes them ideal for players looking to perform flat shots and passes, in addition to aerial shots.
Even the most durable carbon stick, players note, can break in a week or can last a year. Most people cite frequency and level of play as two central factors for determining the lifespan of a hockey stick. Remember, too, you may want to replace a stick when it's not broken—it may have lost its stiffness, its pop.
Composite sticks weigh less, generally provide more power, have a custom kick point, and are more durable than wood sticks, which tend to be heavier and stiffer. Wood is also less consistent—every piece of wood is different, whereas several composite hockey sticks can be built with uniform qualities.
What ball is used in indoor hockey?
Slazenger indoor hockey balls are a specially weighted ball for indoor hockey. These hockey balls are seamless and a synthetic construction.
In field hockey, you cannot use both sides of the stick, unlike ice hockey, which allows you to use both sides. In field hockey, one side of the stick is flat, while the other side is intentionally curved. You can use this side to strike the ball.
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Weight:
- 19 – 20 ounces – Designed for forwards. ...
- 21 ounces – Designed for midfielders. ...
- 22 – 24 ounces – Designed for backs.
In accordance with FIH (International Hockey Federation) regulations, a field hockey ball should weigh 156-163 g (5.5-5.75 oz).
When they began using lightweight aspen wood reinforced with fiberglass. By the 1980s, aluminum sticks were being made. In 1981, they were made legal in the NHL.
The rules of field hockey are very similar to the rules of soccer except that players must use their sticks instead of their feet to play the ball. There are 11 players on a team made up of a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
The modern game was developed at public schools in 19th century England and it is now played globally.
Low Bow. This is the most common hockey stick bend on the market, designed for all-around hockey players. Moreover, the Low Bow means that the bend in the shaft is closer to the head. As a result, you can get the hockey ball in the air a little bit easier without compromising your hitting ability.
The stick handle may be bent or 'deviated', in a smooth curve only, once only to either side. That is the handle may have one out-moving curve on the 'heel' side of the head and one out-moving curve on the toe side.
The right length of the hockey stick is essential to playing the game. If the stick is too long, the player will have a hard time handling, passing, and shooting. If the stick is too short, the player will have to bend forward when skating to avoid swinging over the puck.
Are field hockey sticks straight?
Hockey Sticks come in varied sizes, weights, and different shapes, some sticks are straight and others have a bow. Defenders prefer a heavier stick as they are better for tackling, stopping, and hitting the ball for longer distances.
If you're looking for a bargain, you may want to wait until the core season is over and the previous year's models go on sale. This is at about the same time the new products are released, so in either case, you'll need to wait until late spring or early summer.
A longer hockey stick is usually preferred by defensive players! The longer stick allows you to intercept passes, take larger poke checks, and achieve an overall greater reach. On the other hand, using a larger stick can make stickhandling more difficult and often get in the way when trying to dangle or shoot.
Polo is another right-handed playing sport and the reason for this is because of safety. Playing left handed was banned In order to avoid the likelihood of a head-on collision between players.
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).
Is it still possible to get a custom made left-handed field hockey stick? No, field hockey is played as a right-handed sport, unfortunately. However, since the left hand is placed at the top of the stick, it ultimately does all the work while the right-hand doesn't move with the stick but stays loose.
Indoor field hockey is played in regular national and international championships. The smaller, hard-surface pitches and the use of sideboards makes game-play much faster. It is also both technically and physically very demanding and great for skill development.
Hockey balls move at a consistent speed on watered surfaces as the grass blades form a denser, faster surface without sand infill. A faster, more responsive style of play develops on a water pitch, with a ball that runs more freely than it does on sand, where it can become sticky during the game.
A player can intentionally raise the ball on a hit ONLY if it is a shot at goal (inside the circle and towards the goal cage). Remember, there is no such thing as a high ball* call in field hockey, only a dangerous ball call.
5. How many sides of the hockey stick are you allowed to use? A player can only play the ball using the face of the stick. If you use the back side of the stick, it is a penalty and the other team will gain possession of the ball.
What is the weak side in hockey?
Strong Side/Weak Side – The strong side is the side of the ice where the puck (and most of the players) are located. The weak side is the other side. We speak of moving the puck from the strong side to the weak side of the ice to get away from pressure.
Earlier, field hockey sticks used to be made of wood. But the introduction of synthetic pitches forced innovations in stick making. Players are only allowed to use the flat side of the stick to touch the ball. Failure to do so leads to a foul (backstick) and the ball is given to the opposition.
The biggest differences are that the end of the indoor stick is skinnier and the overall weight is much lighter. In outdoor it is crucial for sticks to be heavier and have a thicker toe to accommodate powerful drives and slaps that are important when playing on a much bigger field.
Field Hockey Stick Price Range
If you are a beginner, you should budget somewhere in the region of $14 to $45. Elite hockey sticks, however, can cost up to $450 or more if you are a professional.
J Head hockey sticks provide a slightly larger surface area to contact the ball than other designs. This makes J Head sticks excellent for handling, power and interceptions. J Head sticks are popular with midfielders and defenders.
The Osaka Custom Pro Field Hockey stick is a top-of-the-line stick designed for advanced and professional players.
The higher the carbon percentage the more powerful your hits will be. A stick with less carbon will improve control and make trapping easier. Sticks with higher levels of carbon tend to be more expensive.
CARBON CONTENT Increased carbon translates into greater stiffness in the stick. High carbon content contributes to high power in hits, but can also make receiving more challenging. Players need to find the right balance of power and feel to suit their game.
Attackers and Midfielders typically use a shorter stick, ranging from 40 to 42 inches long. Defensive players or defensive minded Midfielders should use a stick ranging from 52 to 72 inches long. Goalies have more flexibility in their stick length.
Adding some hockey tape to your stick helps add a bit of grip to the puck so you have more control on where you're shooting and not slipping up when you're trying to do a cross ice pass to a teammate.
Why do field hockey players tape their sticks?
First, players may tape their stick to protect it from wear, tear, and damage. Secondly, players tape their sticks to change how the stick feels and how the player handles it. Lastly, taping a hockey stick can change the control and interaction between the stick and the puck.
Even the most durable carbon stick, players note, can break in a week or can last a year. Most people cite frequency and level of play as two central factors for determining the lifespan of a hockey stick. Remember, too, you may want to replace a stick when it's not broken—it may have lost its stiffness, its pop.
Fiberglass is used for the same reason as carbon: to add power and durability to the hockey stick. However, it's a lot more lightweight and provides more flexibility than carbon. Some sticks are made from other materials and merely reinforced with fiberglass.