Hockey
Stick: Right one will give an edge over opponents
Hockey
Sticks
“A good player is judged by his
ability to dribble and take the puck forward.” Yes, it is true that a good
player will always maintain his class while playing. But choosing a right
hockey stick is the most preliminary thing one can do. It won’t make you a great
player straightaway, but still your efficiency and your form will be enhanced
by choosing the right stick.
As the players are of different build
and different styles, so is their preference for their stick. A hockey team consists
of defenders, forwards and a goal-keeper. As the role changes, the preference
for the hockey stick changes. For eg., a defenseman will take more slap shots
than a forward and will go with a stiffer flex. So before buying the sticks,
few points are to be kept in mind. Grip and feel of holding a stick are
important things but not the only two. Below is the list of factors:
1)
Flex
A hockey game involves both offensive
and defensive maneuvers and it is the player who has to decide which stick is
the best for him.
a) Wood Sticks and Composite Sticks
Wood stick has a great feel and composite
stick has great durability
b) One piece and two piece construction
One piece stick is lighter and has more
consistent flex point than the latter. Two piece stick allows for more
adaptability.
2)
Length
Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Youth
are also the age group where you will have to determine the dimensions of the
hockey stick for you. Also depending on the strength and size of shaft, one
chooses the stick. His height, weight, strength and playing style also play a
key role in choosing the stick.
3)
Stick Pattern
a) Curve
Type
i)
There are basically 3 curve types: heel,
mid & toe.
b) Curve
Depth
i)
The depth a.k.a. degree of the curve can
be slight, moderate or deep.
c) Face
Angle
i)
Closed Face: There is cup over the top
of the puck
ii) Open
Wedge: It is angled back away from the puck.
d) Blade
Length
i)
It can be short, medium or long.
e) Lie
i)
Higher lies are for bigger players who
skate more upright. Lower lies are for smaller players who tend to skate bent over,
closer to the ice.
These
are some of the points one should keep in mind so that their practice and
result are on positive side and their performance is enhanced.
Summary
As
the player, so the gear is an old saying. But this does not mean that he should
choose any random hockey stick. A good quality hockey stick is a mix of both
scientific and adaptability aspects. It should become one with your hand.
Choose the best and see how your game improves swiftly.
