What Size Hockey Stick For 12 Year Old? – Find the Perfect Stick for Your Young Athlete

As a parent or coach, finding the right hockey stick for a 12-year-old can be challenging. You want to make sure that your young athlete has a stick that fits them well and gives them an advantage on the ice. So what size hockey stick is appropriate for a 12-year-old?

The general guidelines suggest that sticks between 50-54 inches in length are suitable for most preteen players of this age. However, several factors determine which hockey stick will best suit your child, including their height, weight, position played, skill level, and personal preferences.

“A properly sized hockey stick should reach up to your child’s chin when they’re standing straight with skates on, ” says former NHL player Mark Parrish.

It is essential to keep these factors in mind while choosing the ideal-sized stick because it greatly influences how comfortable your young athlete feels playing with it and impacts their overall performance on the ice. In this article, we will provide you with tips for measuring the perfect-sized stick along with some recommendations regarding material types and flex ratings so that your child can enjoy all aspects of one of Canada’s favourite sports at maximum potential!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hockey Stick

The right hockey stick can make or break a player’s game. There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing the perfect hockey stick, especially for a 12 year old. Here are some key factors:

1. Length: The length of the hockey stick must be appropriate for the height and age of the player. For a 12 year old, a proper size would typically range from between 48-56 inches.

2. Material: Hockey sticks come in different materials such as wood, composite, and fiberglass. Weight is also an important factor here – lighter sticks may provide better speed while heavier ones offer durability.

3. Flexibility: A good balance between flex and stiffness should be determined based on your child’s weight and skill set; which could benefit them by getting harder shots or improving their overall control of the puck.

4. Curve:: Different curves will affect how your child shoots or handles the puck so it might take experimentation to find out what works well with his strength & skills. Some kids may prefer straighter blades because they want improved accuracy but other players who have great hand-eye coordination use more curved sticks instead since they’ll give them chances easier than using others kinds of equipment available!

“The right hockey stick not only improves performance level, it also elevates confidence”

Weight and Length

If you are wondering what size hockey stick is the right fit for your 12-year-old, it’s essential to consider both the length and weight of the hockey stick.

The appropriate height for a child’s hockey stick should be measured when they hold their skates on in full gear. The end of the stick should rest between their chin and nose level. An overlong or undersized stick can cause improper positioning, which affects balance, maneuvering, and shooting abilities during playtime.

An average-sized 12-year-old player requires a junior or an intermediate category-stick with a flex range from 50-65 (dependent on strength). A height range somewhere around 4’5″ – 5‘1” could benefit from a thirty – five inches small sized-junior shaft. Simultaneously, a weight somewhere hovering between eighty to one hundred pounds could employ more flexibility with sixty-five flex composite sticks.

When buying a new stick for children aged under thirteen years old; always opt for models that support growth by enabling extensibility options as children usually outgrow their sports equipment fast at these ages. ”

You must also recognize two design features shaping the game experience while selecting the “perfect” very specific measurement of your child’s need into consideration;

• Purpose: Depending solely on whether your child intends to use his/her next weapon predominantly for guiding pucks perpendicular to obstructers (defense) or bypass them diagonally by propelling shots in front(performance), there needs might differ mentally about how he/she perceives pleasure playing ice-hockey
• Curb: Blades come in varied curvature depths focusing primarily on aiding added shot control(players would select less concave natured blades when following long sequences close up in front of the obstructive pads to reduce deflection) or Shot-Speed and accuracy

Putting all these important factors into consideration would aid you in making an informed, beneficial purchase for your twelve-year-old budding hockey star. So what size are you going to select for your child’s next stick?

Flexibility and Curve

When choosing the right size hockey stick for a 12-year-old player, it’s essential to consider factors such as their height, weight, skill level, position played, and personal preference. However, two crucial features that can make a significant impact on a player’s performance are the flexibility and curve of the hockey stick.

The flexibility or flex rating is indicated by a number printed on the shaft of the stick. A lower number means more flex, while higher numbers indicate stiffer sticks. As a general rule of thumb, younger players or those still developing their strength should use sticks with lower flex ratings between 35-50. For older or stronger players who generate more power in their shots, higher flex ratings between 55-85 may be suitable.

The curve or “lie” refers to how much the blade curves down toward the ice when held upright against a wall. The curve angle ranges from 5 to 10 degrees for most youth sticks. The ideal curve depends on the player’s shooting technique and style; however, beginners may benefit from straighter blades since they provide better control and accuracy when passing and receiving passes.

Another factor to consider is whether your child plays forward or defense positions. While forwards tend to prefer curved blades for enhanced maneuverability when handling pucks and taking shots at close range, defensemen often use straighter blades suited for making long-range breakout passes.

“Picking up an incorrectly sized hockey stick can negatively affect one’s shot accuracy and puck handling ability. ” – Anonymous

In summary, selecting the right size hockey stick involves several considerations beyond just age alone. By paying attention to factors such as flexibility and curvature alongside other relevant parameters like height/weight ratios or skill levels will ensure finding an appropriately fit model that improves overall playing experience rather than hindering it!

How to Measure Your Child’s Ideal Hockey Stick Size

Choosing the correct size of a hockey stick is essential in ensuring that your child can play their best. If you’re wondering what size hockey stick for a 12 year old, follow these steps on how to measure it:

Step 1: Stand Straight Up

Tell your child to stand straight up with both feet flat on the ground while wearing their skates. This will help you determine if the stick is long enough without making them have to lean over.

Step 2: Measure From Ground To Chin Level

The most common method used by coaches and parents alike when sizing sticks is measuring from the floor to chin level. Have your child put their dominant hand at the end of the stick and hold it perpendicular to the body. The top of the stick should be within two inches from the bottom of the chin guard or just below nose height.

Step 3: Test The Flexibility

If possible, let your child try out different flexibilities before settling on one. A less flexible option may provide more power but harder handling, whereas a more flexible one allows better control but lesser power output.

“Getting an incorrect size could lead to improper grip technique, bad puck control, limited mobility and worse injury risks. “

By following these three simple steps, you’ll be able to select a properly sized hockey stick that matches your child’s skill set and individual needs. With an appropriate length and flexibility matched perfectly with his/her strength, movement patterns become safe & effective leading better performance progressions as they enjoy playing hockey!

From Chin to Nose

If you are wondering what size hockey stick is appropriate for a 12 year old, the answer has a lot to do with their height and personal preferences. One common rule of thumb that many coaches recommend is looking at the distance from your chin to your nose as an indicator for sizing.

Using this method, a hockey stick should reach up to about your child’s nose when they are standing on skates in their normal playing position. This ensures that the blade of the stick will be able to effectively stickhandle the puck without being too short or too long which can impact control and accuracy.

In general, youth sticks typically range from around 20-34 inches, so finding one within that range will give your child enough options to find one that feels comfortable while still adhering to this guideline. That said, not all players have identical proportions even if they are similar ages and heights. For instance, some young players may prefer longer sticks for more leverage while others might feel more comfortable using shorter ones that give them better control over the puck.

“It’s important not just to worry about getting the right length but also think about blade curve and flex rating since these factors can determine how well a player can shoot. “

Ultimately go with whatever feels most natural since having a sturdy grip on it makes all the difference between comfortably scoring goals or fumbling with missed shots.

From Chin to Chin

If you are a parent of a 12-year-old child who is into ice hockey, then choosing the right equipment for them is crucial. One of the most important pieces of equipment that they will need is a hockey stick.

The question on every parent’s mind when it comes to buying a hockey stick for their 12-year-olds is “what size hockey stick do I get?” The answer lies in measuring your child from chin to chin and checking the appropriate chart available online or at any sporting goods stores.

“The rule of thumb for determining the correct length of a junior hockey stick is to measure the distance from their chin down to the ground while standing flat-footed. “

It’s essential not to rely just on your child’s age because kids grow differently. A taller-than-average kid may benefit more from an adult-length stick even if he/she still falls under the range recommended by Junior Hockey Stick Size Chart. On the other hand, some athletes prefer slightly shorter sticks than what standard charts dictate due to personal preferences like agility or puck handle techniques.

In conclusion, picking out the right-sized hockey stick for your child involves combining measurements with comfortability factor and personal preferences. Take time researching options before making your final decision on sizing so that you know they will have the necessary tools needed for success both on and off-puck game days. Remember: From Chin to Chin.

Different Types of Hockey Sticks for Different Positions

Hockey sticks come in various sizes, lengths, and shapes to suit different positions on the ice. These variations help players perform better in their roles and work with greater efficiency.

For 12-year-old hockey players, the size of a stick can vary depending on their height and position on the team. Typically, a 12-year-old player will require a junior-sized stick ranging from 50-54 inches in length.

The type of stick required depends mostly on the specific position played:

“Defensemen typically use longer sticks that allow them to poke check or block shots more effectively. Forwards prefer shorter sticks to improve agility and control when handling the puck. “

A forward playing center would benefit most from having a mid-length stick around 55 inches long. Players at this position need good control over the puck because they always have it on their blades while coordinating with teammates. For wingers, whose primary role is shooting goals, an even shorter (around 53-inch) stick works best. They need quicker releases without sacrificing power. On defense, where length matters more than anything else due to reach advantage, choosing a stick between 57-60 inches long could serve as assisting blocking passes/shots.

In conclusion, finding the right stick style depends heavily upon what you are trying to achieve within your chosen position as well as how tall you are! Once you determine these factors selecting correctly sized hockey sticks should be easier!

Defensemen

Hockey sticks come in different sizes, and choosing the right stick for a 12-year-old defenseman can be quite challenging. The right size of hockey stick should allow the player to handle the puck with ease while also providing control during passings, blocking shots, or shooting.

The recommended length size for a 12-year-old defensemen’s stick typically measures between 51” and 55”. If your child is handling the puck well but lacks control on his/her passing or has trouble lifting the puck off the ice, consider purchasing a shorter stick. Contrarily if your child prefers playing more aggressively as a forward position such as taking slapshots from long distances or one-timing passes they may prefer longer sticks.

“To make sure you get the right siwze several factors need to be considered including height, weight, strength level and preferred grip. “

If unsure about what length would work best for your young defenseman, it would be great advice to help him test out various lengths before settling on one particular choice. It may take trying out multiple options until finding a comfortable fit that allows considerable mobility and improves their game performance.

When selecting hockey equipment especially when these players are constantly growing so fast compared to older hockey athletes; checking frequently whether replacement is necessary is essential since most players continue buying larger gears based only on age rather than comfortability and skills “said Oliver Grootens Sport Equipment Adviser at Hockey-players. ”

Forwards

If you’re a parent looking for the right size hockey stick for your 12-year-old forward, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the stick is comfortable for your child to handle. This means finding a length and flex that works well with their skill level and strength.

A general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the proper length of the hockey stick is that it should come up to your child’s chin when they stand in skates. However, this doesn’t always guarantee optimal performance, so it’s essential to take other factors into account, such as their body posture and style on the ice.

The ideal flex depends mainly on your child’s weight and strength. A stiffer stick may work better for stronger players who can generate more power in their shots while still being agile enough for quick movements like dekes or passes. Meanwhile, some forwards prefer softer sticks because they allow them to put more touch on their shots.

“Finding the perfect stick takes time and experimentation, ” says NHL All-Star Patrick Kane. “My advice would be to try various sizes before settling on one. “

In conclusion, determining what size hockey stick is best suited for a 12-year-old forward can be tricky since each player brings unique abilities and preferences onto the rink. Consulting with coaches or asking employees at local sporting goods stores can help narrow down options based on measurements but trying different sticks will ultimately lead to selecting the perfect one.

Goalies

As a goalie, choosing the right size stick is essential for your game. Not only it helps you handle the puck better but also allows quick movement to cover when necessary. For 12-year-old goaltenders, choosing the perfect hockey stick can help improve their performance in the game.

The ideal size of a goalie’s stick depends on various factors, including height and preference. Normally, beginner goalies start with shorter sticks that allow them to control movements more effectively and have better coverage. However, advanced or taller goalies may prefer bigger sticks that provide wider net coverage.

A 24-26 inch paddle length would be great at this age as they are suitable for most young players who fall within an average range of heights between 4’6″ to 5’1″. Additionally, keep in mind while selecting the curve – straighter blades are preferred by beginners because they offer simpler puck handling abilities while curved paddles work well for advanced level players seeking swift passes and rebounds.

“The wrong sized hockey stick can make or break you. “

Hence, focus on finding balanced options based on individual skills and preferences while keeping safety in mind!

Choosing the Best Material for Your Child’s Hockey Stick

When it comes to buying a hockey stick for your child, selecting the right material is just as important as getting the correct size. The type of material determines how the stick feels in their hand and can greatly affect their performance on the ice.

The three main materials used for hockey sticks are wood, composite, and aluminum. Wood sticks are ideal for beginners because they are affordable and lightweight. They also provide excellent feel but tend to break more easily than their counterparts.

Composite sticks have become increasingly popular over the years due to their durability and ability to enhance shot power. These sticks are typically made from carbon fiber or graphite, making them strong yet flexible enough to absorb shock upon impact with pucks or other players.

Aluminum sticks offer maximum strength but little flexibility since they don’t bend like wooden or composite ones do. This makes them suitable for defensemen who need extra power when hitting opponents with checks.

If you’re uncertain which material would be best suited for your child’s needs, consult with a coach or local sporting goods store representative before purchasing anything. Not having an appropriate stick could result in injury or lackluster playtime that will discourage rather than encourage young athletes.

Overall, choosing the right material takes careful consideration so that your child has a comfortable experience while playing this exhilarating game. Remember there might be no one-size-fits-all’ solution but doing some research beforehand goes a long way towards ensuring successful gamesmanship well into adulthood!

Wood

When it comes to hockey sticks for 12-year-olds, many parents wonder what size is appropriate. While there are several factors that come into play, including the child’s height and weight, one popular option for young players is a wood stick.

A typical wooden hockey stick usually measures between 50-54 inches in length. However, when selecting the right size for your child, it’s important to consider their individual measurements as well as personal preferences.

The correct stick length should reach somewhere between the chin and nose while standing up straight on skates with arm extended towards the top of the stick. Some children may prefer a slightly longer or shorter stick depending on their style and comfort level.

“It’s essential to choose a comfortable size so that they can focus more on playing rather than dealing with an uncomfortable equipment set, ” says Adam Thomas, assistant coach at Oakville Hornets. “

Another advantage of using a wooden hockey stick is its durability. Compared to composite materials, wood sticks have proven over time to withstand heavy use during games and practices without breaking easily. So if you’re looking for value and longevity in your purchase decision along with getting an appropriately sized stick then choosing wood would be wise.

In conclusion, when searching for the proper hockey stick size for your 12-year-old player, carefully measure them based on established guidelines. Consider trying out different sizes separately to determine which works best before making a final buying decision.

Composite

When considering what size hockey stick to choose for a 12 year old, many factors come into play. One key factor is the material of the stick itself. Composite sticks are becoming increasingly popular and offer unique advantages.

The first advantage of composite sticks is their lightweight design. This can greatly benefit a younger player who may not yet have developed full strength in their arms and wrists. Additionally, because composite sticks tend to be more flexible than traditional wood sticks, they can help improve shot accuracy and give players more control over the puck.

Another important consideration when choosing a composite stick is its length. It’s recommended that young players use a stick that reaches from the ground to their chin while standing on skates. However, there are also some adjustable-length composite sticks available which can be extended as children grow taller.

It’s best to consult with a coach or experienced player before making any final decisions on stick size and material. They can provide valuable insight based on personal experience and knowledge of individual playing styles.

In addition to consulting with experts, it’s also important for parents to consider their child’s preferences when selecting a hockey stick. Ultimately, choosing the right combination of size and material will provide the foundation for success on the ice and help foster an early love for the game of hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions