Throughout the world, field hockey is a sport that is regularly enjoyed, especially in schools. There are also many universities and sports clubs that provide individuals with the opportunity to continue playing after their school life. It is a sport that is sometimes overlooked when it comes to mainstream media and alike, however, the demand and passion for the game is definitely there.
This post is for those who are new to hockey and are looking to get started. As is the case with every sport, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. This is essential for your safety, as well as your performance. Moreover, if you play an official game, these items will be a necessity. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover the four main pieces of field hockey equipment you need to get your hands on…
There is only one place to begin and this is with a hockey stick. After all, everyone knows that you simply cannot play hockey if you don’t have this piece of equipment. If you take a look on the internet you will see that you have a vast selection of hockey sticks to choose from. This can be quite intimidating, as a lot of people don’t know what to go for. A lot of individuals don’t realize that the hook at the bottom of the stick is shaped slightly different on different bats. This all depends on your position and playing style, which is something you will discover the more and more you play. You have to make sure the bat you select is the right size for you. Generally, they are available in sizes between 80 cm and 95 cm. Moreover, you have a whole host of materials to choose from, ranging from fiberglass to wood.
Here is the complete overview of how to find the perfect hockey stick:
Length – The length of the hockey stick will be determined by your height. You can find size charts online to assist you with this.
Weight – The weight of the hockey stick you select will largely depend on your position. Defenders tend to opt for heavier sticks because they produce harder hits. On the other hand, forwards prefer light sticks so they can benefit from improved control and maneuverability. Midfielders opt for something between the two.
Brand – It is always a good idea to buy your hockey stick from a well-known brand in the industry. This will give you the confidence that you are investing in a premium quality product. After all, these brands don’t have a big presence in the field of hockey for no reason. Some of the best hockey stick manufacturers include Grays. Adidas, Mercian, Gryphon, TK, and Aratac.
Toe Style – There are many toe styles to choose from, yet the four main options are – shorti, midi, maxi, and hook. The one you select will depend on your playing style. The midi design is usually a good option for beginners.
Material – Hockey sticks are made from a wide range of materials, such as fiberglass, composite, and wood. Most people tend to opt for a wood hockey stick when they are just starting out, as they absorb shock well. As you become more advanced, it is likely that you will move onto a composite stick.
Reviews – Last but not least, it is always a good idea to read reviews that have been left by previous customers, as this will give you a good insight into the level of quality of the hockey stick and whom it is designed for.
Not only do you need to buy a hockey stick, but you should purchase gloves and a gum shield as well. These two pieces of equipment are not mandatory. However, for your safety, it is highly recommended that you buy them when enjoying this type of fitness. Let’s begin with hockey gloves. You are going to spend the entire game with a hockey stick in your hand. This will soon become extremely uncomfortable if you don’t have gloves on, especially if you experience a coming together. A gum shield is also highly advisable, as it offers protection if a situation arises whereby the ball flies up into the air. No one wants to be on the receiving end of this.
Last but not least, the final piece of field hockey equipment you need to get your hands on is hockey shoes. Hockey shoes have changed significantly over the years. This is because the game is now largely played on Astroturf pitches and thus the shoes have been adapted to deal with this. Players have kissed goodbye to studs and are embracing shoes that appear more like a trainer. Check out smart sports shoes that are suitable yet can be used across other sports too.
If you purchase the four pieces of field hockey equipment that have been mentioned, you have everything you need to begin playing the game. Nonetheless, don’t forget to purchase your items from a high-quality brand. You don’t want your game to suffer because of your purchases. Of course, there is no harm in going for something fairly inexpensive to begin with in order to make sure that you enjoy the sport before you commit to it. Nevertheless, as you get more involved, your choices will really impact your performance, and so you do need to keep this in mind.
