A simple first hockey stick buying guide for young players and parents
Buying a first junior hockey stick can feel confusing, with so many shapes, sizes and prices to choose from. The best first hockey stick is the one that suits the way you play and feels good in your hands. It doesn't need to be the most expensive one, or the one your favourite player uses. That was the message from Grays international players when we asked what they'd tell a young player buying their first proper hockey stick.
Here's their advice on sizing, stick shape and when to move up to a senior stick, plus the sticks from the Grays Hockey Junior Stick Range we'd suggest trying.
1. What kind of hockey player are you?
Before you look at sticks, think about what you do most on the pitch. Do you love dribbling past players? Hitting long passes? Lifting the ball over defenders? Your position matters too.
Nikas Berendts (Germany, Münchner) is a defender, so he needs to pass the ball hard and lift it over players. His stick helps him do both, but it's still soft enough to stop the ball cleanly. His advice is simple:
“It should feel easy to pass a ball and receive.” - Nikas Berendts (Germany, Münchner)
Tip: pick your two or three favourite skills. They'll help you choose the right stick.
2. Junior or senior hockey stick? Sizing and when to move up
Junior sticks are made for younger players. They're shorter, lighter and have a slimmer handle for smaller hands, which makes the ball much easier to control. Grays junior sticks come in sizes from 26 to 35 inches.
What size hockey stick do I need?
Stand the stick up next to your leg. The top of the handle should reach roughly the top of your hip bone. If it’s too long then it's hard to control, and if it’s too short then you'll have to bend too much. For exact sizes, see our hockey stick size guide.
- When to move up to a senior hockey stick
- It's time to move up when:
- You need a stick longer than 35 inches (senior sticks start at 36.5 inches)
- Your junior stick feels too short, too light or too thin in your hands
- You're growing fast and playing regular club or school matches
Moving up doesn't mean jumping straight to the most powerful stick. Start with a softer senior stick in the same shape you're used to. The good news: Grays junior sticks use the same shapes as the senior range, so moving up feels familiar.
3. Which hockey stick bow is right for you?
Every hockey stick has a slight curve along it, called the bow. A small curve makes it easier to hit the ball flat along the ground. A bigger curve can make it easier to lift the ball and do skills.
"The right stick is the one that feels natural and gives you confidence when you have the ball." - Victoire Arnaud (France, FC Lyon)
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Stick shape |
Good for |
Junior sticks to try |
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Classic (straighter) |
Beginners learning to hit, pass and stop the ball Introduction to Composite Sticks - good for touch and inspired by original GX sticks. |
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Dynabow (medium curve) |
All-rounders who like dribbling and passing |
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Probow (bigger curve) |
Skilful players who like lifting the ball and doing tricks |
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Jumbow (bigger curve) |
Players who like hitting hard and lifting the ball high |
Check out our guide: Which Grays Hockey Stick Shall I Buy?
4. Why a softer hockey stick is best for juniors
Some sticks are stiff and hit the ball hard. Others are softer, which makes it easier to stop the ball and keep it close. For most young players, softer is the better place to start, because it helps you learn good control.
“My main advice would be to go for a softer stick rather than one that's too stiff. It helps you develop good touch and a real feel for the ball.” - Paul Glander (Germany, Hamburg)
“I'd stick with softer sticks… because I think you learn the game, and especially the technique, better that way.” - Jonas Cofalla (Germany, Düsseldorfer)
A simple rule:
- Love hitting and shooting? The JB4 Jr or JB5 Jr give you a bit more power.
- Love dribbling and close control? Go for something softer like the DB6 Jr, the type of stick Sofia Martin (Great Britain, Hampstead & Westminster) plays with.
5. Make your new hockey stick your own
A new stick takes a little while to get used to, so try not to swap every season. The more you play with it, the more natural it will feel.
Then make it yours. A fresh Grays Hockey Grip is the easiest way: Sarah McAuley (Ireland) always plays with a pink grip, and Sam Hyland (Ireland, YMCA) likes a cushioned one for comfort in colder weather.
“Once you find a stick you love, make it your own… Your stick should feel like an extension of you on the pitch.” - Sarah McAuley (Ireland, KHC Dragons)
Ready to start? Browse the full Grays junior range and find the stick that feels right for you.
