If you’re looking to play street hockey, choosing the right stick is crucial. A well-fitted street hockey stick can help you improve your performance and make it easier for you to handle the ball/puck.
The size of your street hockey stick will depend on various factors like your height, style of play, and position on the field. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to find the perfect fit for your street hockey stick by going through some essential tips.
So if you’ve been struggling with finding the right size street hockey stick or just stumbled upon this article while browsing, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Consider Your Height
When it comes to choosing a street hockey stick, there are many factors that come into play. One of the most important is your height.
Your height will determine how long your stick should be and what size blade you need, so it’s essential to take this into account before making a purchase.
“Height has an impact on equipment choices for any sport.”
– John Carlson, professional ice hockey player
Measure Your Height
The first step in choosing the right street hockey stick is to measure your height correctly. Stand up straight against a wall or door frame with no shoes on and mark the top of your head with a pencil.
Next, measure the distance from the floor to the mark using a measuring tape. This measurement is your total height and will help you determine the correct length of your stick.
“Choosing the right size stick can make all the difference in terms of comfort and performance.”
– Pavel Barber, professional street hockey player
Refer to Size Chart
Once you have your height measurement, refer to a size chart to find out which stick length and blade size you need. Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different sizing guidelines, so always double-check with the brand’s specific size chart.
If you’re unsure about which stick to choose, consider going with a shorter stick, as it will offer better control and agility on the rink. Conversely, a longer stick will provide more reach and power when shooting or passing the ball.
“A well-fitted stick can optimize a player’s performance by increasing their power, speed, and overall skills.”
– Chris Leahey, NHL certified trainer
By considering your height, measuring accurately, and referring to a size chart, you can ensure that you choose the right street hockey stick for your needs. So get out there and hit the rink with confidence!
Think About Your Playing Style
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a street hockey stick is your playing style. This will help you choose the correct size and shape to optimize your performance on the rink.
Choose a Longer Stick for Defense
If you play primarily as a defensemen, choosing a longer stick can provide several advantages. A longer stick allows for greater reach, which can be critical when trying to poke-check opposing players or block shots. Statistically, NHL defensemen tend to use sticks that are between 55-75 inches in length (source: NHL.com). Additionally, a longer stick can also provide added leverage when making passes or taking slapshots from the point.
“I always preferred a longer stick because it gave me an extra inch or two of reach,” says former NHL defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, “In my position, I was often trying to break up plays before they happened, so having that bit of extra range came in handy.”
-Nicklas Lidstrom
A good rule of thumb for choosing a defensive stick is to select one that comes up to at least your chin while standing upright with skates on. This provides enough reach without sacrificing too much control or maneuverability.
Opt for a Shorter Stick for Offense
When it comes to offensive players, a shorter stick can provide more upper-body mobility and quicker wrist action, allowing for faster shot releases and better puck handling ability. Many forwards opt for sticks that come up to just below their nose or even their collarbone (source: USA Hockey).
“I always used a shorter stick because it allowed me to get off quick shots and make tighter moves with the puck,” says NHL superstar Patrick Kane, who is known for his lightning fast hands and quick release.”It’s really a personal preference thing, but for me it just felt more natural and gave me greater control.”
-Patrick Kane
Of course, there are always exceptions to these guidelines, as everyone has their own unique playing style and needs. It’s important to experiment with different sizes and shapes until you find the one that suits your game best.
Check the Flex
When it comes to street hockey sticks, one important factor that you want to consider is the flex. It’s all about how much a stick can bend when it comes into contact with the ball. This can greatly affect your performance on the court.Determine Your Strength
Before choosing the right flex rating for your stick, you first need to determine your strength. If you’re just starting out, a lower flex rating may be best, as it allows for more control and accuracy. On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned player with strong arms, a higher flex rating may suit you better as it allows for more power in your shots.If you’re not sure where you fall, try testing different flex ratings to see what feels most comfortable for you.
As HockeyMonkey notes, “A general rule of thumb is that a player should have a flex rating that corresponds to roughly half their body weight.”
Choose the Right Flex Rating
Once you’ve determined your strength level, it’s time to choose the right flex rating for your stick. Flex ratings typically range from 20-120, with lower numbers being more flexible and higher numbers being stiffer.A good place to start would be with a flex rating of around 50-60. These levels are great for beginners or those who prefer more control over power. For intermediate players looking for a balance of both control and power, a flex rating of 70-85 may be ideal.
“The speed at which a player releases the puck has now become perhaps even more important than raw power,” says Pure Hockey.”Finding the perfect flex will give you an added edge over opposing defenders.”
For advanced players seeking maximum power in their shots, flex ratings between 95-110 may be best suited for them. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a higher flex rating requires more strength and a quicker release time.
No matter what your skill level or preference is, finding the right flex rating can seriously up your street hockey game. Take some time to test out different levels and see what works best for you!Try It Out
Visit a Local Store
If you’re wondering what size street hockey stick you need, the best solution is to try it out for yourself! A great way to do that is by visiting a local sporting goods store and testing out different sizes of sticks in person.
Many stores will have designated areas where customers can try out equipment before making a purchase. Take advantage of this opportunity and test out as many different sizes as possible to find the right fit for you.
Not sure which stores near you sell street hockey equipment? Do a quick Google search or ask around at your local rink for recommendations on where to go.
Test the Stick Before Buying
It’s important to test out the stick before buying, as the right size makes for better performance and comfort during play. When trying out a stick, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold the stick with both hands, and place the blade flat on the ground between your feet.
The top of the stick should hit somewhere between your chin and nose when standing upright. This height allows for proper control and maneuverability. If the stick comes up past your nose, it’s too long, whereas if it only reaches your chest, it’s too short.
“The feel and balance of a stick is just as important as the actual size. Make sure it feels comfortable in your hands and properly balanced for your style of play.” – Bob LeClerc, former NHL player
Once you’ve found the right size stick, be sure to check that it also feels comfortable in your hands. The grip should feel secure and easy to handle, allowing for optimum control and speed during gameplay.
Consider Your Experience Level
When determining what size street hockey stick you need, it’s important to consider your skill level and experience. For beginners or younger players, a smaller stick may be more manageable and easier to control.
As your skills progress and you gain more experience, you may find that a longer stick with a larger blade helps improve your performance on the rink. However, even seasoned players should avoid using sticks that are too long or difficult to handle in gameplay.
“It’s important to choose a stick based on your own strengths and weaknesses. Don’t just go by what your favorite player is using – their playing style might be completely different than yours!” – Brett Hull, former NHL player
Ultimately, when choosing a street hockey stick, it’s all about finding the right balance between size, grip, and personal preference. By testing out different sizes and considering your experience level, you can ensure optimal comfort and performance during every game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing the size of my street hockey stick?
When choosing the size of your street hockey stick, you should consider your height, playing style, and position. If you are taller, you may want a longer stick for more reach. If you prefer to stickhandle and shoot close to your body, a shorter stick may be better. If you play defense, a longer stick may help with poke checks. Consider the flex, weight, and blade curve as well. A stick with a higher flex may be better for wrist shots, while a lower flex may be better for slap shots. A lighter stick may allow for quicker movements and a curved blade may help with accuracy.
Is the length of the stick the only important factor to consider?
No, the length of the stick is not the only important factor to consider when choosing a street hockey stick. You should also consider the flex, weight, and blade curve. The flex of the stick affects the amount of power and accuracy you can achieve with your shots. The weight of the stick affects your speed and agility on the rink. The blade curve affects your ability to control the puck and aim your shots. Consider your playing style and position when choosing the right stick for you.
What is the difference between an adult and youth street hockey stick?
The main difference between an adult and youth street hockey stick is the size. Youth sticks are generally shorter and narrower than adult sticks to accommodate smaller players. Youth sticks also have a lower flex to allow for less powerful shots. Adult sticks are longer and wider to accommodate larger players and provide more reach. Adult sticks also have a higher flex to allow for more powerful shots.
How do I determine the correct length of street hockey stick for my height?
To determine the correct length of street hockey stick for your height, stand with your stick upright and hold it with the blade on the ground in front of you. The stick should reach your chin with your skates on. If it is too short, you may have difficulty reaching the puck. If it is too long, it may be difficult to handle the stick and control the puck. Consider your playing style and position when choosing the right length for you.
Should I choose a shorter or longer street hockey stick for better control?
Whether you should choose a shorter or longer street hockey stick for better control depends on your playing style and position. A shorter stick may provide better control for stickhandling and shooting close to your body. It may also allow for quicker movements on the rink. However, a longer stick may provide more reach for poke checks and defensive plays. Consider your height, playing style, and position when choosing the right length for you.