Hockey Stick Lie - Understanding Hockey Stick Angles For Improved Puck Control

The hockey stick lie is the angle created by theHockey stance vis-a-vis lie values
hockey stick's shaft and blade. A lie value of 5 is equalThe hockey stance will determine the height that the
to a 135° angle of the blade relative to the shaft. Ifplayer will normally hold his hockey stick. This, in turn,
you look at a lie value chart, you will find that as the liewill affect the angle of the stick relative to the icy
value goes up, the angle of between the blade andsurface. To further understand this concept, try holding
shaft decreases by 2° so that a value of 6 willyour hockey stick straight in front and in your top hand.
have an angle of 133° and seven is equal to anWhen its standing straight, the most of the blade is laid
angle of 131°.flat on the ground. Most of the toe touches the
Choosing a liesurface. When you squat into a hockey stance (deep
Most players will opt for a hockey stick lie that willknee bend), most of the blade is again flat on the
cause their blade to rest flat on the ice in their skatingsurface but this time it's the heel that touches the ice.
stance. As each player has a different way of holdingWhen choosing a hockey stick lie, this is a concept
their hockey sticks during a game, appropriate liethat you have to take note of. You need to make sure
values vary across different players. When thethat the angle of the blade with the shaft will allow the
bottom of the blade is laid flat on the surface of theblade's toe or heel to completely touch the surface of
ice, have a high lie value will cause the shaft to standthe ice so you can easily control the puck when you
straighter.play.