How to Measure Hockey Stick Length

Selecting the right hockey stick is crucial for any player, whether a seasoned pro or a beginner. One factor to consider is hockey stick length. The stick’s length can significantly impact your performance on the ice, from your ability to handle pucks to your effectiveness in shooting.

In this guide, we will cover how to measure and choose the right hockey stick length, suiting your age, playing style, and personal preference.

Why Hockey Stick Length Matters

It’s important to understand how the length of your hockey stick affects your game. By understanding these impacts, you can select a hockey stick that complements your physical attributes, playing style, and position.

• Control: A hockey stick that is too long can make it difficult to handle a puck close to your body, while a hockey stick that is too short can limit your ability to maneuver the puck effectively. The proper hockey stick length enables quick and controlled deking, passing, and shooting movements.

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• Reach: A long hockey stick allows you to control the puck at greater distances, intercept passes, and poke-check opponents, while a short hockey stick facilitates faster movements and close puck control in tight spaces.

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• Posture and Comfort: The correct hockey stick size enhances your agility, balance, and overall comfort on the ice. A long stick can force you into an upright stance, making you less stable on skates, while a short stick can force you to hunch, leading to a backstrain.

Measuring Hockey Stick Length

Here is a detailed guide on measuring hockey stick length for both adult and junior players. You can measure with or without skates. By following these guidelines, you can choose the right hockey stick size that lets you play at your best.

For Adult Players

With Skates On:

• Stand straight with your skates on. Ensure you are standing upright and balanced.

• Place the hockey stick vertically. Position the toe of the blade on the ground.

• Check the hockey stick height: The top of the stick should reach somewhere between your nose and chin. This range allows for optimal control and maneuverability on the rink.

Without Skates On:

• Strand straight in your regular shoes. Maintain a natural posture.

• Place the hockey stick vertically. Position the toe of the blade on the ground.

• Check the hockey stick height. The top of the stick should reach somewhere between your nose and mouth. This slightly shorter window compensates for the absence of skates.

For Junior Players

With Skates On:

• Have the junior hockey player stand straight with skates on. Ensure the player is upright and balanced.

• Place the hockey stick vertically. Position the toe of the blade on the ground.

• Check the hockey stick height. The top of the stick should reach between the player’s chin and mouth. This window provides the right balance between reach and control for younger players.

Without Skates On:

• Have the player stand straight in their shoes. Ensure the player maintains a natural posture.

• Place the hockey stick vertically. Position the toe of the blade on the ground.

• Check the hockey stick height. The top of the stick should reach between the player’s collarbone and chin. This shorter length is appropriate for easier handling.

Below is a typical hockey stick sizing guide.

This hockey stick sizing guide is just a starting point. You can adjust based on your playing position, playstyle, and personal preferences.

For example, defensemen may prefer a longer stick for increased reach, but forwards may opt for a shorter stick for better puck handling. It’s also about how comfortable you feel with the stick during a live hockey game.

Testing Your Hockey Stick

After selecting and measuring your hockey stick, it’s essential to test it on the ice to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Taking the time to evaluate hockey sticks will help you gain the confidence you need to perform at the highest level. Pay attention to how your stick feels during various hockey movements.

• Stick Handling: Skate around the rink while maintaining puck control. See if you can go at high speeds while handling the puck. Practice stick handling drills, such as moving the puck side to side, figure eights, and toe drag.

• Shooting: See if the stick length allows you to shoot with enough accuracy, power, and speed. Practice different shooting scenarios and shots, such as backhand, slap, snap, and wrist shots.

• Defense: Test your ability to maintain a strong defensive position with your stick length. Evaluate your hockey stick’s effectiveness in blocking shots, lifting opponent sticks, and poke-checking.

• Comfort: Skate around the rink and see if you are comfortable with the stick length. The stick should not feel heavy or unbalanced. It should allow smooth skating and quick transitions.

Adjusting Hockey Stick Length

If your hockey stick feels wrong after testing it, you can adjust its length until you are comfortable. You can shorten it by cutting or extend it by adding a butt-end extension.

How to Cut a Long Hockey Stick

• Determine your desired length. Mark the desired length on the shaft of the stick with a marker. Ensure your marking is straight to achieve an even cut.

• Secure the stick. Put the stick in a vice or on a stable surface to prevent it from moving while you are cutting it to the correct length.

• Cut along the mark. Use a fine-toothed saw to cut the stick along the marking. Cut straight and avoid uneven edges.

• Smooth the edge. Use sandpaper to smooth the cut edge. This prevents splinters and ensures the shaft is comfortable to grip.

How to Add a Butt-End Extension to a Short Hockey Stick

• Choose the right extension. Choose an extension that matches the material of your stick for a consistent feel and performance. There are various materials available, including composite, fiberglass, and wood.

• Prepare the extension. See if the extension fits snugly into the hollow end of the hockey stick. If it is not a perfect fit, sand it down.

• Insert the extension. Push the extension firmly into the hollow, making sure it is properly aligned.

• Secure the extension with tape or adhesive. Wrap hockey tape around the area where the extension and stick meet. For a more permanent setup, add a small adhesive before taping. Just make sure you are using an adhesive suitable for the materials you are joining.

After adjusting your hockey stick to the proper length, test it again on ice. Assess your stick handling, shooting, defense, and comfort.

Be particular with your new stick’s flex range. It can change with the length. A stick that is too stiff or too flexible can impact your performance. If your stick feels too stiff after cutting, you may need to select a stick with a lower flex rating initially. If your stick feels too flexible, you may need to select a stick with a higher flex rating initially.

Consult with a coach or an experienced hockey player if you are still unsure about the adjustments. They can provide insights based on your specific needs.

Enter the World of Hockey with Sports Gear Swag

Choosing the right hockey stick length is an art, combining different factors to ensure optimal performance on the ice. It involves making precise measurements, understanding the nuances of hockey games and movements, and considering player preference.

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