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A hockey stick is the stick with a rounded hook with which the hockeysport is practiced. The stick is used to handle the hockey ball. The stick has a convex side and a flat side and is made of wood and/or plastic (fiberglass, polyfiber, aramid or carbon).
The stick must be able to pass through a ring with an inner diameter of 5,10 cm. The curvature in the stick, which is attractive for so-called dragging, is also subject to restrictions. As of September 1, 2006, the maximum allowed curvature is 25 mm.
The curvature is the deviation that the stick may have in the longitudinal direction. Not much is laid down in the regulations about the shape of the hook or curl.
The hook has changed over time from a (rounded) L-shape to a quarter circle, then to a semicircle and in 2010 approaches the U-shape. The rising leg of the U may not be more than 10 cm measured from the base.
In accordance with the regulations, the stick always has the convex side on the right and the flat side on the left. Left-handed sticks are not allowed.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Understanding the growth of hockey sticks: from wood to high-tech
Remember when hockey sticks were only made of wood? Nowadays there are many more materials available, such as plastics and carbon fibres. These materials are lighter and stronger than wood, allowing players to hit harder and have more control over the ball.
The evolution of curvature
The curvature of hockey sticks has also changed. Sticks used to be almost straight, but now they have a curved shape. This provides more lift and precision when hitting and pushing the ball.
The influence of the stick length
The length of the stick is also important. A stick that is too long can lead to less control, while a stick that is too short can generate less power. It is important to choose a stick that suits your height and playing style.
The impact of the carbon percentage
The carbon percentage of a stick also affects its performance. The higher the percentage, the stiffer and more powerful the stick is. This can lead to harder hitting and more control over the ball.
The growth of hockey sticks in the future
The growth of hockey sticks seems unstoppable. New materials and technologies are being developed to improve player performance. Who knows what kind of sticks we will see in the future?
So, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the growth of hockey sticks can help you choose the right stick for your style of play and skill level. Stay informed of the latest developments and choose the stick that suits you best!
The right stick length: why it's important and how to determine it
If you want your hockey stick to become an extension of yourself, it's important to have the right length. A stick that is too long can hinder your technique and a stick that is too short can reduce your hitting power and lead to a wrong posture.
How do you determine the right stick length?
The length of a hockey stick is always shown in inches. For youth players, the length is up to 36 inches, followed by the adult length of 36,5 inches. But how do you determine your ideal length?
A useful measurement method is to measure from the ground to your hip bone and compare the number of centimeters with the table below:
- Less than 45 cm (18 in): suitable for children up to 4 years old
- 45-53 cm (18-21 inches): suitable for children 4-6 years old
- 53-58 cm (21-23 inches): suitable for children 6-8 years old
- 58-63 cm (23-25 inches): suitable for children 8-10 years old
- 63-66 cm (25-26 inches): suitable for children 10-12 years old
- 66-71 cm (26-28 inches): suitable for children 12-14 years old
- 71-74 cm (28-29 in): suitable for teenagers 14-16 years old
- 74-91 cm (29-36 in): suitable for adults
- More than 91 cm (36,5 in): suitable for adults with an extended stick
The most common adult length is 36,5 inches, but some players prefer a slightly longer or shorter stick. It's important to experiment and find what works best for you.
Where can you buy the right stick length?
There are many sports stores and online stores where you can buy hockey sticks. It is important to look at the size and material of the stick before buying one. Hockeyspullen.nl has a wide range of hockey sticks in different sizes and materials.
Now that you know how to determine the correct stick length, you can take to the field with confidence and improve your skills!
Curvature: How a curved stick can improve your game
A curve hockey stick has a curved shaft that starts from the handle and ends at the hook. The curvature can vary from low to high and can affect how you hit and maneuver the ball.
Why choose a curved stick?
A curved stick can help you control and maneuver the ball better. With a bent stick you can get the ball under the ball more easily, which allows you to lift better and hit the ball higher. This is especially useful when making 3D actions and taking penalty corners.
Which curvature should I choose?
The choice of a curvature depends on your playing style and preference. In general, the higher the curvature, the easier it is to lift and maneuver the ball. A low bend, on the other hand, is better for making flat passes and dribbling the ball.
Is curvature allowed?
Yes, curvature is allowed within certain limits. The FIH (International Hockey Federation) has established rules for the maximum curvature of a stick. For field hockey, the curvature may not exceed 25 mm and for indoor hockey, it may not exceed 18 mm.
Which brands offer curved sticks?
Almost all major hockey stick brands offer sticks with curvature. Some popular brands are Adidas, Brabo, Dita, Grays, Gryphon, Indian Maharaja, Jdh, Malik, Osaka, Princess and Ritual Hockey. It is important to try different brands and models to determine which curvature suits you best.
So, if you're looking for a stick that will help you improve your game, consider a curved hockey stick. It can help you control and maneuver the ball better, and it can take your game to the next level.
Carbon, the stiffness meter of your hockey stick
Carbon percentage is the amount of carbon fibers that are processed in the stick. The higher the percentage, the stiffer the stick. The carbon percentage is often stated on your stick and determines the stiffness of your hockey stick.
Benefits of a higher carbon percentage
A higher carbon percentage ensures a stiffer stick, which has advantages in hitting hard, pushing and flatting harder and more power. So you can hit harder and further with a stick with a higher carbon percentage.
Disadvantages of a higher carbon percentage
A higher carbon percentage also has disadvantages. This way you have less ball feeling when accepting and dribbling and the ball jumps off your stick faster. So it's important to consider what type of player you are and what you find important in a stick.
How do you determine the right carbon percentage?
The right carbon percentage depends on your playing style and preferences. In general, the higher the level you play at, the higher the carbon percentage of your stick can be. If you are a player who has a lot of technical skills and likes to dribble, then it is better to opt for a lower carbon percentage. If you are a player who mainly hits hard and wants to have a lot of power, then it is better to opt for a higher carbon percentage.
Conclusion
The carbon percentage is an important factor when choosing the right hockey stick. It determines the stiffness of the stick and affects your game. So think carefully about what type of player you are and what you find important in a stick before you make a choice.
Weight: How heavy should your hockey stick be?
If you are looking for a hockey stick, it is important to know which weight suits you best. The most commonly used weight class is the light class, which weighs between 550 and 590 grams. This is because this weight class best suits most hockey players. But if you are looking for more power, you can also choose a medium or heavy stick.
The influence of weight on your game
The weight of your hockey stick can affect your game. For example, a lighter stick can provide more speed and maneuverability, while a heavier stick can provide more hitting power. It is therefore important to consider which properties you find important in your game and to adjust the weight of your stick accordingly.
How do you determine the correct weight?
Determining the correct weight for your hockey stick can be difficult. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Try out different weights to see which weight suits you best.
- Think about which features you find important in your game and adjust the weight of your stick accordingly.
- Take into account your position on the field. For example, an attacker benefits more from a lighter stick, while a defender needs more strength and is therefore better off with a heavier stick.
How heavy is your hockey stick?
If you already have a hockey stick and you want to know how heavy it is, you can easily measure it with a scale. Hold the stick by the handle and place the blade on the scale. The weight that is displayed is the weight of your hockey stick.
Conclusion
The weight of your hockey stick is an important factor in your game. Determining the right weight can be tricky, but by trying different weights and considering your position and playing preferences, you can find the perfect stick.
Conclusion
As you now know, a hockey stick is a piece of wood used to handle the hockey ball. It is a specially designed piece of wood with a rounded hook that is used for hockey.
It is important to choose the right length and thickness of the stick, and there are many different types of sticks for different purposes.
