The question “How to choose a hockey stick” is probably the most difficult time in choosing all the equipment. Taking into account quite a few parameters, you will read about below, and most importantly, to understand whether this club suits you only in the game or not and how to choose a suitable hockey stick.
Therefore, if this is your first choice, we do not recommend buying an expensive club right away, start with a universal club about the parameters in the middle price list.
If you feel that you want to change, you can switch to a more expensive version with more clarity than necessary characteristics.
The main parameter of a hockey stick
Club length
Concerning the choice of the optimal club length for height – there are many different opinions. In particular, coaches and school representatives from different countries have their hobbies. The average and probably the most common method is to choose the length of the bar from the nose to the chin.
Defenders often use slightly longer sticks, while attackers, on the contrary, are a bit shorter. It also depends on how close the player wants to control and lead the ball.
Stiffness
Perhaps one of the most critical specifications is hardness or bending. With a wrist throw, it is necessary to bend the stick so that when straightened at the end of the pitch, it will accelerate the thrust, as if shooting it.
Therefore, a precisely selected hardness parameter allows the player to make throws as efficiently as possible.
The harder the stick, the bigger the throwing effort, so the hardness is chosen based on the weight and, to a greater extent, the strength of the player.
Therefore, mature players with low weight (up to 75kg) usually choose Intermedia clubs (Int – this parameter will be discussed later) with flex \ u003d 60-70, allowing you to use effectively. Hardness of sticks. Players who prefer clicking choose a harder club.
Not necessary, but also essential parameters
Club weight
In the original model of the ruler, it would be more than 500 grams, with an average price of 3,000 rubles for an adult club. For more advanced models, weight tends to be 400 grams.
The difference of 100-150 grams may seem small at first glance, but it is very noticeable. Therefore, whenever possible, players try to choose lighter clubs.
Age
This parameter should be based on a very approximation, but based on the weight growth and strength parameters described above. But in general, the approximate classification of clubs by age categories is divided as follows:
- Children (youth) – for children from 4 to 7 years old
- Teens (teens, jr) – for children 7-14 years old
- Youth (intermediate, int) – for boys 14-17 years old
- Adult (premium, sr) – for mature players
Tilt angle (lie)
The lie is determined by the angle of the hook relative to the handle of the stick. The numbers denote it from 4.5 to 6. The higher the value, the more the handle is placed vertically. The smaller the value is, the sharper the angle between the tape and the grip.
The angle should be chosen based on personal preference. A larger tilt angle is suitable for those holding the stick near while controlling the ball closer to themselves. A smaller angle is chosen by players who like to keep the ball at a distance, leading it to their front.
Hook shape (toe)
Shapes can be square, round, and square with rounded corners. The round toe provides a large contact plane between the stick and the tape, so better control of the ball is achieved.
It is convenient to play with a square toe on the side, but the puck retention level may suffer. It is believed that the attackers choose round toes, and square guardians, the actual stats, are not known to me, and I think this parameter, like in others, should be recognized in the game. And if you’re inexperienced, choose a square with rounded corners, making it the universal option.
Outer coating
There are three types of club covers:
Grip – an anti-slip coating, provides a rigid fixation of the hand, thus allowing you to perform stronger strokes. But at the same time, it makes it difficult to move your hand along the axis during dribbling.
Clear – the club handle with this overlay is glossy and smooth. Positive moments – free hands sliding on the shaft. Among the drawbacks – with strong throws, the handle can rotate in the lower hand.
This matte coating allows the hand to slide on the shaft, but at the same time gives slightly better grip when throwing than obvious.
When choosing a stick, it should be noted that they are issued with expectations of four age groups: children (designed for 4-7 years old), teenagers (7-14 years old), young people (up to 17 years old) age), and adults. Also, amateur clubs are distinguished (depending on the material used in production).
Second, as is much cheaper, but also a corresponding service life. They are usually made of plywood. For more serious clubs, more serious materials are used.
As a rule, they are made of durable but lightweight wood and covered with carbon fiber, providing additional rigidity and strength. Alternatively, professional options can be solid or composite (with detachable hooks.)
Choose a club: how to do it right?
A club is accurate, and it means taking into account all the personal characteristics of the player and providing him an easy and exciting game, from which there will be nothing to distract. The main parameters to make an accurate selection are player age, height, grip (left or right-handed), and weight.
With a handful, everything is clear: you need to get a more familiar one. If you do not know how to hold, hold, do not hesitate, for any stick, and everything will become clear.
The length is determined based on the player’s growth: if it is placed next to it, it should not lie below the chin line. But you shouldn’t choose a club even on the eyebrow line.
Next, you need to decide on materials and shapes. Here you need to know that the only solid wooden clubs. They cost less, but in the case of breakdown, they fail. Another way is to buy a composite club (pens and hooks are purchased separately and then connected with special glue).
Let it be more expensive, but a longer one is sufficient. In addition, it is also convenient because players can test different hooks and, thus, choose the most optimal option for themselves. But such clubs, of course, lose quality and durability for integrated mixes, which professionals use.
Another parameter to consider when choosing is hardness. It is selected based on the player’s weight. As a rule, it (in kilograms) corresponds to the number of hardness, so from 40 to 120. Besides, hardness can be enhanced by sawing off the handle of a club.
Features of the hockey stick
Today hockey is a fairly common sport. To start playing, you need special equipment, including a club, because it occupies one of the most essential roles in the game. The choice of a hockey stick should reflect the player’s characteristics, his playing style. Therefore, when choosing a club, the following features are very important.
Materials
Sticks of two types – wood and composite. The choice of material on which it is mainly made depends on your budget. Wooden clubs are the most affordable, but at the same time, they have some disadvantages: they are less durable and significantly heavier than synthetic materials, leading to fatigue. Therefore, if you are willing to spend 2.5-3 thousand rubles, you should buy a general club.
Stiffness
The player’s weight determines the club’s hardness. Execution depends on it. The harder your stick, the harder it will take you to bend it and, as a result, make a good pitch. Therefore, the heavier and stronger the player, the harder the stick.
Figure hook
This completely depends on the player and his preferences. The shape of the hook is characterized by the position of the bend, the angle, the depth of the bend, the shape of the toe, and the curvature of the plane. Novice players should have a club with round toes, not great bending depth and 5-6 angles.
The big toe can be square or round. Defenders prefer a square toe, because such a club is easier and more convenient to play alongside. A rounded toe makes puck selection easier, and will be for professional players.
The bend can be the center, heel, or toe of the club. It is easier to control the puck with a hook with a bend in the toes, and to lift the puck with a bend in the heel. A bend in the middle is a cross and a compromise.
The greater the bend, the harder it is to play with the inconvenient side of the hook. If you are not sure that you do not need a bend, then do not risk buying a club with a sharp turn.
Additional features
There are two types of clubs – one piece and two pieces. An indispensable club is a club that does not understand. In the event of a malfunction, you will most likely need a full replacement by buying a new one.
An alternative to solid hockey sticks considered a club consists of two parts: a hook and a handle. The main advantage of such clubs is the low repair cost, and the downside is the lower playing quality.
Above are general information about the information of hockey sticks. Hockey sticks – no doubt, one of the most important parts of hockey equipment.
How to choose and buy an appropriate hockey stick, you need to consider a lot. The most important parameters are age and size. Of great importance is the personal preference of hockey players.
