How is the type of stick important in a field hockey game?

Answer 1

Different positions and roles on the field require different types of sticks. Some sticks are better for lifting and hitting the ball, while others are best for stopping it. Most players use the "midi" style when developing their game. The "midi" is a good stick for most field activities. The goalie's stick, however, is bent and flattened to provide optimal surface area and stopping power.

Answer 2

Normally, a hockey stick is straight except for the hook at the end. This means the stick can be held at an angle and yet is still able to manoevre a ball, even if the stick is reversed (the Indian dribble). The normal shape is roughly like this:

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\_/ (Sorry, its hard to draw with a keyboard like this) However, the hook is allowed to bend first one way, then complete its curve the normal way. Some goalkeepers also take advantage of rules that allow a stick to have a "sideways bow" (there are no different rules for stick specs-everyone has the same law in this regard). The stick can have a squiggly sort of shape. Most field players do not use these shapes because the stick is harder to hold and dribble with two hands, and it restricts the use of skills like drag- or normal flicking, sweeping, etc.

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\_/ This means that when a keeper is on the ground, part of the stick is raised higher. It can trap a slightly bouncing ball better, and therefore has a better chance of stopping them than normal, while still not letting the ball under. Many GK-specific sticks also have a square (rather than a circular or oval) cross-section, and are thinner/flatter than most sticks. This is due to a preference for speed over power: the same stopping area with less weight. They are then also easier to move quickly with one hand, because they lack the weight that other sticks require for extra hitting power.

Answer 3

The basic difference between sticks is the composition: wooden, woodcore and composite. Beyond that, different weights are available, roughly along the lines of light, medium and heavy. As well as that, you can get a stick in many different sizes from around 35 inches up to 38", and even custom made as larger or smaller, The shape of the stick in the hook or the bow, where the bow is, etc. all change the stick as well. Each brand will also make their sticks slightly different from all others, and what makes a light or heavy, a long or short, a medium or short bow, a specific shape will depend on who makes it too. There are almost as many types of stick as there are sticks themselves.

Answer 4

The type of stick used in hockey is important because there are several aspects that affect a player's performance with that stick: - Composition - Size - Weight - Bow - Shape - and to a lesser extent, Grip, Condition, and how "warmed up" the stick is. Composition: there are two main types of stick composition, woodcore and composite. Woodcore sticks are made up of (surprisingly enough) wood, selected to have both stiffness and springyness (a combination of heartwood and sapwood). Composites have a varying mix of carbon fibre, kevlar, aramid, and graphite weaves layered together with resin. When the resin hardens, the shell of the stick becomes very firm, but springy. There is contention over which utilises the most of the potential power from a swing or sweep, but these arguments are irrelevant as currently, the FIH does not allow sticks which give a ball "more than 98% of stick speed" when tested in "prevailing laboratory conditions". Size: The size of a player's stick can affect their ball control and technique. If the stick is longer, it becomes harder to dribble or take a quick hit, as the stick takes longer to move to the ball* (I could go on for a while discussing the physics of it, but I'll put an asterisk instead wherever applicable). However, they generally have a faster ballspeed from a hit, give superior performance to a dragflick*, and provide a longer reach. When the stick is shorter, it is easier to control and quicker to pass with. However ballspeed is lost, flicks are slower*, and you cannot tackle as far away from the body, meaning you have to get closer and risk more penalties. Defenders are in a tight spot here. A stick that can tackle and block shots better, or one that is easier to control when deflecting shots on goal or clearing from the defensive 23? Weight: There are typically three (3) choices available: light, medium, heavy. Lighter sticks can be moved quicker so are better for dribbling, heavier ones give the ball more power* and are better for hitting, while medium weights are the middle ground. Bow: the bow is how bent the stick is, towards either the flat side or the 'back' of the stick (but not both- FIH rules). In 2006, the bow was limited to 25mm (just under an inch) in order to limit the speed of dragflicks*. Otherwise the bow is not really an important factor. Shape: Some sticks (i.e. goalkeeper sticks) are sometimes curved sideways in order to increase stopping area (the actual area doesn't change, but see the other questions on this site for more info) and improve reaction times while using them compared to others. These special shapes are a disadvantage to field players as they decrease twohanded control on the stick and affect some specialist techniques very badly. Finally, Grip/'Warmth': If you can't hold onto a stick, what good is it? A good grip will allow better ball control in adverse conditions, more effective use of other skills, and help prevent some minor injuries. A badly maintained stick can also decrease a ball's power, increase its tendency to vibrate, and is quite likely to damage a playing surface or injure another player. If the stick is not warmed properly, a good hit or knock can hurt the player and damage the stick, even to the point of shattering it*. Woodcores are notorious for being unwarmed unexpectedly, although it is often seen in composite sticks as well. In the end, it is up to a player's preference on which stick they use. Many players, even at low level, may have 2-3, 5, 6, up to 10 sticks. All of these maybe used every game, some only once a season. Many stores that sell sticks can offer advice as to the best stick for a certain player or playing style, and it is good to discuss with other players their preferences and "shortcuts" when it comes to stick choice.

Answer 5

The goalie stick is different from all the other regular hockey sticks simply because it is intended to be used as a blocking tool by the goalie. Its hard to block a puck with a skinny stick, the wide stick is just intended to help the goalie out.

Answer 6

personally i use a mercian stick (and love it) , but Dita and grays are really good also :)