Playing professional hockey is not child’s play. The crisp shots and cheers of the crowd reach those who have dominated the sport over the years, with practice, skill, and hard work. As they say, field hockey is about art and not power, so you need to be solid in your skills and firm with your wrists and stick. Although, in addition to the skills, it also involves some technicalities and a lot depends on the type of equipment you choose. Of all, the hockey stick plays the most important role, as it is the main accessory you play with. Therefore, to complement your game, it is essential that you choose the right twig to play with. Here is a short description about the type of hockey sticks (twigs) preferred by Indian players.

The essential

Both left-handed and right-handed players use the same type of club, as you need to use both hands to control it. It has a grip and a shaft, at the end of which is a flat area and a curved hook that faces to the right. Players grasp it using their right hand placed at the base of the grip and the left hand near the top of the club and the flat area of ​​the club is intended to hit the ball.

Weight

The most important aspect when choosing a hockey stick should be its weight. It should be light enough for you to hold it and heavy enough to give your shots the desired power. Most pros go for a medium weight club, however it all depends on the position you are playing in. The forward stance is complemented by a lighter club as it can be moved quickly and easily, whereas a defender would prefer a heavy club to stop powerful shots and secure hard shots. Midfielders use medium weight as it provides the benefits of intensity and maneuverability. If you are a beginner, then you should go for this, until you decide what your strength is in the game.

Long

The length of the hockey twig is closely related to its height and skill. If you are a professional player, the club should be longer to allow a better reach around you. But for beginners, it is best to carry a club that reaches just above the waist. Later you can use a longer stick. A 36 to 38 inch stick will follow the average height of the Indians.

Toe style

It is the area with which you hit the ball. It is available in four types: hook, maxi, midi, shorti. The hook has the most curved opening and is used by highly skilled players and defenders as it provides a large surface to hit or receive the ball. Works best on a grass surface. Maxi is a little less curved than the first, it is used for the aforementioned purposes but performs better on a lawn. Midi has a moderate curve, it is useful for midfielders as it can easily rotate around the ball and can also stop moderate shots. Shorti is a slightly curved club that is great for dribbling. It is used by players on the attack line.