Stick For The Hockey Trio

Filed under: hockey tips

Hockey sticks are the equipment used to control and maneuver balls or pucks in field, ice, and roller hockey. There are different measurements for the height of the stick. Head shapes and ends come in different forms. Both are influenced by player position and the type of hockey being played.

The head of field hockey sticks has four main variations. The Shorti is preferred by players who want full control over the ball. The control it provides result into more efficient movements. This head type is typically seen on the stick of mid-fielders.

The Midi is for players who require stronger and powerful swings since they are responsible for the hitting the ball on a regular basis. It is effective in offering a strong reverse side. This head is commonly associated with a strikers stick due to the positions up-front nature.

The Maxi is like the midi but there is increased surface area making it reliable for hitting chores. The strength it possesses renders it effective in stopping the ball. This is the reason why such head is usually present on the stick of both defenders and attackers.

The J Hook boasts of a large surface area but unlike the Midi it is not made for ball strikes. However, its increased thickness makes it a potent weapon for stopping the ball. This is why defender sticks have such head.

Stick size is influenced by a players height. A 28-inch stick is suited for a player who is 4 feet while a 38-inch variation is fit for a 510 competitor. Defenders prefer longer sticks because of the greater reach they provide leading to effective blockage of balls in motion. Attackers favor shorter sticks since they facilitate better ball control.

Ice hockey sticks have length ranging from 150 to 200 centimeters. They are composed of a slender shaft connected to a flat extension at one end called blade. Taper is the term given to the curved portion where the blade and shaft are joined. The blade facilitates puck contact. It’s typical length is between 10 and 15 inches.

Variations in stick dimensions are influenced by a players height and preference. Taller participants commonly choose to work with longer sticks and vice versa. Players who like to have good handling and puck control would go for a shorter stick while players who want to produce faster and harder shots would pick longer sticks.

The common position of a blades angle is 45 degrees. Most of the time, blade curvature is directed toward the forward motion of a player. This provides easier access to the puck when intending to lift or retain it from the surface of the field. Moreover, such curvature increases the velocity of a shot.

Roller hockey sticks are quite similar with their ice hockey counterparts. But due to the street setting of the sport blades wear off easily. Therefore they are designed to be replaceable.