Quick answer: Choose your length first: stood upright, the top of the stick should reach roughly your hip bone. Beginners and juniors should pick a mid (standard) bow and a low carbon content for a softer, more forgiving feel. Move to a lower bow and more carbon as your skills develop and you want more power and 3D skills.
Walk into any hockey section and you will see sticks from under £25 to well over £200. The difference comes down to three things: length, bow shape and what the stick is made of. Get those right for your level and you will play better, whatever you spend.
What size hockey stick do I need?
Hockey sticks are measured in inches. A stick that is too long makes it hard to get low and control the ball; one that is too short makes you hunch over. The traditional check is to stand the stick upright in front of you: the top should come to around the top of your hip bone. Use this chart as a starting point:
| Player height | Suggested stick length |
|---|---|
| Under 120cm (under 3ft 11in) | 28in |
| 120 to 135cm (3ft 11in to 4ft 5in) | 30in |
| 135 to 150cm (4ft 5in to 4ft 11in) | 32in |
| 150 to 160cm (4ft 11in to 5ft 3in) | 34in |
| 160 to 167cm (5ft 3in to 5ft 6in) | 35in |
| 167 to 180cm (5ft 6in to 5ft 11in) | 36.5in |
| Over 180cm (over 5ft 11in) | 37.5in |
36.5in is the most common adult length. Many experienced players prefer a slightly shorter stick for close control, so if you are between sizes and still learning, the shorter option is usually easier. For growing juniors, avoid buying too long "to grow into"; it makes basic skills harder.
Hockey stick bow types explained
The bow is the curve along the shaft. Rules limit how deep it can be (a maximum of 25mm), but manufacturers change where the curve peaks:
- Mid bow / standard bow: the curve peaks around the middle of the stick. Good for all-round control, hitting and passing. The best choice for beginners and most juniors.
- Low bow / late bow: the curve peaks closer to the head. It makes it easier to get under the ball for lifts, aerials, drag flicks and 3D skills, but makes flat hitting slightly harder to master.
- Dribble or control bows: some brands, such as Y1 with its Advanced Dribble Bow, offer profiles tuned for close control and passing.
Carbon percentage: how much do you need?
Composite sticks are made from a mix of carbon, fibreglass and aramid. More carbon makes a stick stiffer and more powerful, but also less forgiving: it can feel harsh when receiving a hard ball, especially on cold mornings.
| Carbon content | Feel | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Wood or 0 to 10% carbon | Soft, forgiving, great touch | Beginners, school PE, younger juniors |
| Low to mid carbon (roughly 20 to 50%) | Balanced power and control | Developing and club players |
| High carbon (roughly 60% and above) | Stiff and powerful | Experienced players with good technique |
More carbon is not automatically better. A lot of club players hit harder and trap better with a mid-carbon stick than a top-end one.
Wooden vs composite hockey sticks
Wooden sticks, usually reinforced with fibreglass, are a great low-cost first stick. They are soft on the hands and help beginners learn touch. Composite sticks are more durable, more consistent and come in a wider range of bows and stiffness levels, so most regular players move to composite.
Weight and grip
Most sticks fall into light, medium or heavy weight bands. Lighter sticks are quicker for stick skills; heavier sticks give more hitting power. Juniors should generally choose light. Grips wear out but are easily replaced, and some players add a second grip or a cushioned grip for comfort.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Kookaburra Sunfire Hockey Stick - Black/Yellow, £21.50 at time of writing. A wooden, fibreglass-reinforced starter stick, in stock in 28in to 34in.
- Y1 JMB Junior Hockey Stick - Blue, £39.99 at time of writing. Aramid and fibreglass with a 24mm mid bow for learning the basics.
- Y1 JLB 10 Junior Hockey Stick - Black, £47.99 at time of writing. 10% carbon and a low bow for juniors starting 3D skills.
- Y1 ADB 30 Hockey Stick - Blue, £87.99 at time of writing. A forgiving, durable composite stick for developing club players.
- Y1 ADB 50 Hockey Stick - Blue, £111.99 at time of writing. Mid-carbon all-rounder for intermediate players.
- Kookaburra LB50 Hockey Stick - Black/Blue, £139.99 at time of writing. A low bow for drag flicks, aerials and 3D skills.
FAQs
What size hockey stick does a 10-year-old need?
It depends on height rather than age, but many 10-year-olds use a 30in or 32in stick. Stand the stick upright: it should reach roughly the hip bone.
Is a low bow hockey stick good for beginners?
Usually not. A mid bow makes hitting, passing and receiving easier to learn. Move to a low bow once you want to develop lifts and drag flicks.
What carbon percentage should a beginner hockey stick have?
Low: wood or up to around 10 to 20% carbon. A softer stick makes trapping the ball much easier.
How long does a hockey stick last?
With regular club use, a good composite stick often lasts a season or more. Check for cracks at the head and shaft, and replace a cracked stick as it can splinter.
Browse our full range of hockey sticks, or kit yourself out from our hockey collection.
