Field Hockey Stick

Field hockey is a popular sport played with the help of hockey stick. Hockey sticks have a long shaft with a curved head at the end. The stick is usually 89-95 cm long (35 to 38 inch). During the initial years of field hockey, the sticks were made from hickory, ash and mulberry wood. The sticks have a maximum length of 105 cm (41 inches) with a maximum weight of 737 grams. Nowadays, the sticks are usually made with fibreglass, aramid fibre and carbon fibre to increase its flexibility, stiffness and resistance. The balls can be hit or pushed from any angle.

Construction of Field Hockey Sticks

The architecture of the hockey stick plays a crucial role in its performance. The sticks are composed of carbon, aramid, fibreglass and wood. There are the following essential parts of the hockey sticks:

• Head - The head is present at the end of the splice. It is the vertical portion through which the balls are directed. The head is rounded on one end and flat on the other side which is the face of the stick. This formation gives the player a wide surface area to shoot or pass the ball.
• Handle - The handle of the stick is present above the bottom end of the shaft (splice). The handle is usually angled between 35 to 55 degrees.
• Splice - The longer middle body of the stick is known as a splice. 
• Bow - The bow is a slightly bent region in the stick from handle to head with a length range from 20 mm to 25 mm. The different types of bows are -

1. Regular / Standard bow - It has a dimension of 20-25mm with the highest point of the bow restricted in the middle of the stick. This arrangement provides maximum control over the ball movement.
2. Control / Mega bow - It has a dimension of 24.75 mm with the highest bend closer to the toe. It aids in lifting and drag flicking. These mega bows are ideal for the advanced players as it aids them in more competitive manoeuvres and control.
3. Late / Low bow - It has a dimension of 25 mm with the bend closest to the end of the stick. The late bow is used for better lifting, drag flicking and performing aerial manoeuvres of the ball as it provides extra assistance in the same. These bows are ideal for elite players. 

• Toe - The toe is the region of the curve that highly contributes to the strike rate of the shots. The smaller the toe, more agility it provides. However, larger toes provide large striking surface and power for the ball.  Various types of toes are -

1. Shorti - It provides an ideal shape for high speed, control and various stick skills. The toes have a significantly smaller hitting area. Offensive players prefer shortis due to massive strike rate, balance, manoeuvrability and control.
2. Midi - The beginners widely use the midi. It has an improved striking potential and more control abilities for the players. The midis are ideal for midfielders for dribbling the balls and also for beginners. 
3. Maxi - The maxi toes provide a larger surface for striking the ball. It offers maximum velocity for drag flicking, striking and offers much power. Maxi sticks are ideal for defensive players. 
4. Hook - It’s the J-shaped toe which offers the maximum surface area for high ball control. It is perfect for better drag flicks and for reversing stick play. Professional and elite players majorly prefer hook-shaped toes. 

Before 1860, the sticks were manufactured from bamboo, ash and cedar, they had a blunt end with a long straight shaft. In 1990, the sticks were constructed with metal handles but later were banned by many countries. By the late 20th century, fibreglass was highly used to manufacture hockey sticks. In 1982, the hook shape was invented followed by J-shape and midi designs. Today, the hooks are made with a varying degree of 45, 60 and 75. After the modification, the horizontal length of the head was reduced to 115 mm and toe height was reduced to 75 mm. The new sticks are more durable and provide high striking rate to the players.