What is the difference between an offensive field hockey stick and a defensive?

Question

I have an offensive field hockey stick and I play defense. I noticed at d**k's Sporting Goods that there were a couple of different kinds but I can't tell the difference. Could someone try to help explain it to me please?

Answer 1

There are no differences - a 'defensive' hockey stick and an 'offensive' hockey stick do not exist as design categories.

However, there will be differences that lend a hockey stick to either attack or defence.

1) Weight - an attacking hockey stick tends to be lighter - more agile, easier to dribble with, etc. A defensive hockey stick tends to be heavier - to block tackle, etc.

2) Bow - i.e. the curve of the stick. The majority of offensive players tend to have larger bows on their sticks.

However, both of these are preference - depending on the level at which you play, many international defensive players use a light, bowed stick to allow them to jab tackle and to use overhead passes (aerials). If you are a beginning, I suggest a straighter (i.e. less curved stick), for easier control, and a medium weight. However, nothing beats trying the stick out for yourself.

Answer 2

their is no difference, its simply the players preference, and some advice, NEVER i repeat never buy your stick from *****, your best bet is to buy your stick from a place dedicated to field hockey i have been playing for 5 years, try longstreth.com (;

Answer 3

First of all, do not buy a stick from d**k's sporting goods. If you must, NEVER get a stick from the brand stx, brine or other brands that make lacrosse gear. Just because people assume lax and fh are similar, they are opposites.  I sometimes see grays at *****, and grays is a decent brand, but most of the sticks these stores sell are very light, which makes having a strong hit much more difficult for a beginner.  As a beginner i would recomend a heavier stick so you will be able to hit the ball harder and stronger.  Once you have been playing you will learn better technique which then basically makes you hit strong no matter what stick you buy.  As a defender, you usually want a strong hit for free hits.  I prefer a light stick and I play defense so I have quicker jabs as well as a good touch to clear the ball out of the circle.  Longstreth. com is a decent website, but for some good stick brands try looking up these kinds

grays, kookaburra, dita, malik, mercian, tk, voodoo, gryphon and mazon

adidas started making sticks but they are brand new and expensive making that purchase a bit of a risk.

hope that helps!