| Before you go out and buy your hockey gear, it's | | | | you hands are usually place and there will be some |
| important to know that there are different types of | | | | wear. This will show you if you need a longer stick. If |
| gear made specifically for different leagues. Knowing | | | | the tape is worn near the toe then you need a have a |
| what to buy is just as important on how your use it. | | | | longer hockey stick. However on the other hand, if the |
| Most commonly hockey gear consists of gloves, | | | | wear is on the heel, then you need a short stick. Be |
| hockey pants, pads, helmets, skates and a stick. Out | | | | sure to try out a couple and see how comfortable you |
| of all the items above, the hockey stick plays critical | | | | are. |
| roles in a player's performance. | | | | The Blade |
| How can this be? You will need to choose a stick | | | | Remember, this is one of if not the most important |
| based on your playing style and skill. Without the right | | | | piece of equipment when it comes to hockey. Do your |
| match, you will be going into the game with the risk of | | | | research. In addition to length, you must also consider |
| hurting yourself. Besides the risk off injury, you will be | | | | the blade size and the overall weight of the stick. |
| doing yourself a disservice by not playing well. How do | | | | Choose one that is not too heavy and you can |
| you choose the right hockey stick for your playing | | | | manage the blade size. You can also wrap the stick |
| style and needs? | | | | with a layer of taps to help. The tape will help give you |
| The Perfect Length | | | | a better grip on the stick's handle and will give your |
| Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping | | | | blade some traction when the puck makes contact |
| around for hockey sticks. The length of the stick is | | | | with it. Always have some tape on your stick. It will |
| very important. It should reach high enough to touch | | | | help a lot. |
| your chin. If it's too short, you are not maximizing your | | | | If you follow these simple yet fundamental tips on |
| reach with the proper length stick. If you play defense, | | | | selecting your stick, you will find that you will play |
| you will want to have a long stick. It will help you | | | | better. The curve of the stick will also affect the way |
| defend better. Some players and coaches like to buy | | | | the stick handles in the game and how accurate the |
| extra long sticks and then trim them down for a | | | | puck is shot. Since everyone is different, you should try |
| custom length. This method provides the best optimal | | | | various curved sticks to see what matches your |
| size for the player. It's not too short or too long. | | | | playing style best. |
| A majority of player does prefer to have a custom | | | | It might take a few tries but its worth the time and |
| stick versus a ready made one. A good indicator is to | | | | effort. |
| look at the tape on your stick. You will notice where | | | | |