How long should a hockey stick be? 4 common types of hockey sticks you need to know

Hockey is one of the most popular sports around the world. It requires skill and strategy, and having a properly sized hockey stick is essential to success. But how long should a hockey stick be?

In this article, Adam Matter will dive into these questions and explore how to choose the right size and 4 common types of hockey sticks you need to know. Now, let’s get started!

How long should a hockey stick be?

have you ever wondered about “ how long is a hockey stick supposed to be“? If your answer is yes, you are not alone! The best length for a hockey stick depends on the size, strength, and playing style of the player. However, as a general guideline, the length of a hockey stick should be from the ice – to between the sternum/above the armpits and below the chin of the player.

It’s crucial to choose the right stick length because too long can slow you down and too short won’t let you handle the puck. Players should consider their body size and playing style when choosing a hockey stick length.

Players should also bear in mind that most sticks are adjustable and can be cut down to a shorter length if necessary. Thus, you have answered yourself to the question ” how long of a hockey stick do I need“, right?  But before making your final decision, it’s important to ask an expert or have a look at hockey stick size charts for more exact measurements. Finally, make sure that you keep your stick length in check with regular maintenance and upkeep. With the right length of the stick, everyone can be ready for game time!

4 common types of hockey sticks you need to know

Composite hockey sticks

Composite hockey sticks are the most popular type of stick used by players today. They’re lightweight and sturdy because they’re comprised of carbon fiber and fiberglass. The length of composite sticks can change based on the player’s height and how they play, but they should usually be between 37 and 43 inches long.

Composite hockey sticks are ideal because they combine many of the beneficial properties of other stick compositions, but there is still a significant amount of improvement that can be made to the technology.

As cited by: https://illumin.usc.edu/

Wooden hockey sticks

Wooden hockey sticks are still available, but they are less popular than composite sticks due to their weight and durability. Wooden sticks tend to break much easier than composite ones, so most players have moved away from them in recent years. The length of wooden sticks is typically between 37 and 43 inches, but they can be shorter or longer depending on the player’s height.

Aluminum hockey sticks

Aluminum hockey sticks are getting more and more popular among players because they feel light and last a long time. They’re lighter than composite sticks, so younger players who can’t swing a bigger stick can use them. The length of aluminum sticks typically ranges between 37 and 43 inches, like the other types.

Hockey sticks with two pieces

Two-piece sticks are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and lightweight. The two pieces of the stick, known as a shaft and blade, can be interchanged with other types of blades or shafts depending on the player’s preferences. The length of these sticks ranges from 37 to 43 inches, just like the other types.

No matter what type of hockey stick you choose, it’s important to make sure it is the right length for you.

Important factors in choosing a hockey stick blade pattern

Curves in hockey stick blades

The shape of the blade can affect how accurately and powerfully you can shoot or pass the puck. When choosing a hockey stick, it’s important to think about the different blade patterns and figure out which one works best for the way you play.

The two most common blade patterns are the mid-curve and the open-toe curve.

• A mid-curve stick has a more gradual curve from the heel to the toe, with a fair amount of its surface area in contact with the puck when shooting or passing. This makes it easier for players who enjoy making quick wrist shots or slap shots.
• An open-toe curve stick has a more prominent curve from heel to toe, with most of its surface area in touch with the puck when shooting or passing. This type of blade is ideal for those who like making hard, pin-point passes and slap shots.

Hockey blades with an open and closed face

A closed-face stick will have a flat area near the toe of the blade, making it easier to control your shot or pass. It is often used by players who value accuracy over power when shooting or passing.

An open-face stick has a slight curve to the toe of the blade, which helps create more spin on shots and passes. This can help with accuracy and power, making it ideal for those looking to add more spin to their shots.

Hockey blade patterns with round and square toes

A round-toe stick has a rounded tip at the end of the blade, making it easier to control your shot and pass. This type of blade is often used by players who want accuracy more than power.

A square-toe stick has a squared-off tip at the end of the blade, which helps add spin and power to shots and passes. This type of blade is ideal for those who value power more than accuracy.

Choosing the right hockey stick blade pattern depends on your individual style, skill level, and playing preferences.

Patterns for medium vs long blade

For those who prefer a longer blade stick, the mid-curve and open-toe curve patterns are the most popular. They provide more surface area in contact with the puck when shooting or passing, making it easier to get more power behind your shots and passes.

For those looking for a medium size blade stick, closed-face and square-toe patterns are the most popular. These blades provide more control, making it easier to get accuracy in your shots and passes.

Hockey blade lie

The lie of a hockey stick is the angle between the handle and blade when placed on the ground. Generally, sticks have a lie range from 1 to 2 inches below or above your chin.

A lower lie allows you to keep your hands closer to the ice when shooting or passing, while a higher lie keeps your hands further away from the ice. The right lie can make a big difference in your game, so it’s important to find the right one for you.

How to measure hockey stick length?

Measuring the length of a hockey stick is important for making sure you are using the correct size for your height.

To measure the stick, start by standing upright with your skates on and holding the stick in both hands. Bend at your waist and extend your arms outwards so that they are parallel to the ground. The end of the stick should reach your chin or nose. If it does not, the stick is too short and may need to be replaced.

Additionally, if the end of the stick reaches any part of your face above your chin or nose, it is too long and should be adjusted. When you have found a proper fit for your height, note down the length and be sure to use this measurement for future sticks.

3 errors that individuals often make with stick length

• Players and parents often worry about outgrowing a costly stick, so they leave it too long.
• A young kid obtains a stick that was broken up high from a Pro/Junior/etc. and can’t flex it.
• New players try to mimic the size of their favorite player without considering their own body type, age and height.

How to adjust the hockey stick to longer or shorter?

When adjusting the length of a hockey stick, it is important to consider your individual height, preference and skill level. To customize the length of a hockey stick, there are several methods that can be used.

For shorter sticks, one of the simplest ways would be to tape up any excess wood near the butt end of the shaft with hockey stick tape. This will make the shaft shorter, but slightly thicker and heavier. Another option would be to cut some of the excess wood off with a saw or hacksaw if you have one available.

For longer sticks, you can buy extension pieces that fit over the end of a hockey stick to increase its length by an extra 6-12 inches. Some high-quality hockey sticks come with extension pieces included, so that it can be adjusted for players of different heights.

FAQs: How long should a hockey stick be?

How long should a hockey stick be without the skates?

Without skates, the stick should come to about the middle of your nose. The other way to measure the stick length is to stand in your stakes while holding the stick straight up. With your skates on, the stick should come up to your chin. If you find a stick you like, but the length isn’t right, it’s easy to fix.

Is a hockey stick that’s shorter better?

Since the puck is closer to your body when the stick is shorter, you can move faster. This will also help you keep the puck away from a defenseman.

If a hockey stick is too long, what will happen?

When the stick is too long, force a player to stand up tall, automatically decreasing their stride length, quickness, balance/strength and ability to generate power.

How do you know if you can use a hockey stick?

This is the most common rule of thumb for figuring out the size of your stick: The end of a stick held with the toe of the blade on the floor should fall between your chin and nose when you are standing in your skates. For players who like short sticks, the end of the stick will be at the level of the throat, while the end of a long stick might hit you between the eyes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hockeyheritage.org hopes that this guide has helped give you some insight into hockey stick sizing, as well as the four most common types available. Choosing a hockey stick is an important decision, so it’s important to take your time and consider all of your options before making a purchase.

Now that you know how long should a hockey stick be and what types are available, you should be ready to find the right stick for you!