Sticks and Balls
SticksSticks are available to suit players from the age of about eight up to senior level. They come in various lengths and weights:
- Below 70cm to suit very young children
- 70cm - 86cm to suit children 8 - 12 playing mini-hockey
- Above 86cm for young people aged 13+ and adults
Most adults use a stick weighing around 600g. Some senior players use heavier sticks but those used by women are generally lighter than those used by men. The maximum allowed in a competition is around 790g. Children's sticks are much lighter.
Sticks must be made in the traditional shape with a curved head and a flat side. All sticks must be able to pass through a ring with a diameter of 5.10cm.
The cost of a stick depends on the amount of work that has gone into making it and the materials used. Manufacturers are continually improving the shape of the head and at the same time trying out the effectiveness of different materials. The curved head of the stick is usually made of wood and top class players sometimes have their sticks stiffened with fibre glass. Cheaper, plastic sticks may be used by young children who are learning the game or those involved in mini-hockey.
Hockey Balls
Balls are used that match the surface you are playing on. Leather or cheaper alternatives are used on grass surfaces, while dimple plastic balls are more suitable for synthetic pitches. Mini-hockey balls, that are lighter and are therefore easier to pass and control, are used with younger players.
Boots
A good pair of hockey boots is just as important as a good hockey stick. The surface you play on will determine the type of boots you need. 'Astro' boots are used on synthetic pitches. On grass you need boots with studs - longish studs for wet and soft ground, shorter studs for firm or hard ground.
Things to look for when buying boots:
- comfort
- support for your feet, with some cushioning for your heels
- a good fit
- good quality
Try boots on with hockey socks to make sure they fit before you buy.
Goalkeeping Equipment
All the equipment a goalkeeper wears, adds to the goalkeeper's safety. The material used is strong but lightweight so it does not hamper the goalkeeper's mobility.
Helmet
The helmet protects your face and head but it must not hamper your vision.
Gloves
Gloves are padded. The stick-holding glove hand should have padding on the outside so that you can still hold the stick. The other glove should have padding on the palm to prevent bruising when saving shots. You can wear cotton inner gloves to ensure a snug fit.
Body Protection
This includes padded shorts, upper body protection (for arms and chest), leg pads (similar to cricket pads) and goalkeeping boots.
Extras
ClothesPlayers wear shorts or skirts for women and shirts (in club colours if appropriate).
Shinguards
These are the same as those used by footballers. Some shin-guards include extra ankle protection.
Gumshields
At senior and international level, many players wear gumshields to protect their teeth from a well-struck ball or a raised stick.
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