Proper Stick Height

What is the Right Hockey Stick Length?

Does Hockey Stick Length Affect Performance?

Stick length can have a major impact on a player's game. A stick that is not the correct length affects both the hockey stick and player's performance.

What Part of Your Game Does Stick Length Affect?

• Stick handling - The overall ability to control the puck
• Your shot - Stick flex (stiffness) is affected by stick length
• Receiving passes - Blade sitting flat on the ice
• Your reach - Some players need all the reach they can get

How Does Stick Length Affect My Stick?

If your stick is too tall, you may find that you're smashing and wearing the heel out of your stick.

TIP: If you play ball hockey, you'll be able to see the wear pattern easily. If one part of the blade is wearing much quicker than the other, you need to adjust your stick height and lie.

General Guidelines for Stick Length

Choosing the Proper Length: Hockey sticks come in a range of shaft lengths, and the best fit is determined first by your height with a slight variation depending on what position you play. To fit yourself for a stick, place the toe end of the stick on the ground and line the grip end up with your face. The right stick length is between your nose and your chin. It's best to measure for a stick while you have skates on, but since this is not always an option, be sure to add at least 2 inches for the height of the skates.

• A stick that doesn't reach your chin is short
• A stick that touches the bottom of the chin is average
• A stick that goes to your nose or past is long

Position-Specific Preferences:

• Forwards usually favor a shorter stick, which allows more mobility and makes stickhandling easier
• Defensemen generally opt for longer sticks, which are better for poking the puck away from opposing players
• It's better to choose a stick that is a bit longer rather than a little shorter because you can always trim a long stick to a better fit

What Type of Player Would Use a Shorter/Longer Stick?

Short Stick - "The Dangler"

Hockey players who are good at stick handling tend to prefer shorter sticks. Using a short stick makes it easier to move the puck around because the stick will be lighter (less material) and easier to move around the body. Many players who excel at stick handling tend to bring the puck in close to their body to protect it while pulling a deke. A short stick makes it easier to perform these moves.

Average Stick - "The Grinder"

Grinders like to get in the corners, dig for pucks, and cause trouble in front of the net. With an average length stick, you can still easily handle the puck and also make poke checks, intercept passes, and hammer off a slap shot.

Long Stick - "The Defenseman"

It's common for defensemen to have the longest sticks on the team. A long hockey stick gives you a longer reach, which makes it easier to poke the puck away from attackers, intercept passes, and stop a puck before it leaves your end. Defensemen are also known to have hard slap shots, and a longer stick (with the right technique) will provide more power on slap shots.

Important Note: While the above points are common in hockey, they are not absolute truths. Some defensemen use short sticks, while some players who are great with the puck use a longer stick. These tips should help beginner players find a length to start at, but don't be afraid to try something new!

Where Does Personal Preference Come Into Play?

Personal preference is super important! Make sure to ask yourself: does it feel good in my hands? That being said, the typical guidelines are there for a reason, and unless you're playing at an elite level, it's unlikely that you're helping your game much by using an unusually short or long stick. Experienced players know the exact length they like and are thrown off by change.

Common Mistakes with Stick Length

Mistake #1: Leaving the stick too long
When buying an expensive stick, players and parents are often nervous about the player outgrowing the stick and therefore sometimes tend to leave it too long.

Solution: Cut it to the correct length and use a plug when or if the player grows taller.

Mistake #2: Using a broken pro stick that's too stiff
A young player gets a stick broken up high from a Pro/Junior player, and they can't flex the stick properly.

Solution: Use it for ball hockey and buy one that is the right size for ice hockey.

Mistake #3: Sacrificing puck control for shot power
The player gets a little more zip on their slap shot in practice with a longer stick and starts using it in games.

Solution: Fair enough, but the slap shot is most effective when you can get it off quickly and hit the net or get it through traffic. There's a good chance you're sacrificing a big part of your game (puck control) for what is likely a small benefit. Be smart about your stick choice.

Find Your Perfect Stick at FUTUR HOCKEY

Now that you understand proper stick length, explore our complete lineup of premium TORAY carbon fiber sticks available in all age groups and flex options. Whether you're a dangler, grinder, or defenseman, FUTUR has the perfect stick for your game.