Indoor vs Outdoor Field Hockey Sticks
By Renae Casey
Field hockey is a fast paced game played both indoors and outdoors. While the basics of the game remain the same, the equipment—especially the stick—is different. If you're wondering about the indoor vs outdoor field hockey stick, this will break it down for you.
Stick Thickness
One of the main differences between indoor and outdoor field hockey sticks is their thickness.
- Indoor field hockey sticks are slim and light, for quick movements and precise ball control on smooth indoor surfaces.
- Outdoor field hockey sticks are thicker and stronger to withstand the rougher and more physical nature of outdoor play. They help players generate more power when hitting the ball on turf or grass fields.
Since indoor hockey is all about speed and passing rather than power shots, the slim sticks allow for better agility. Meanwhile, outdoor sticks provide the sturdiness and power needed for more physical play and harder hits.
Material Composition
Outdoor Field Hockey Stick Materials
Outdoor sticks have to withstand more wear and tear so they are made of stiffer materials:
- Carbon Fibre – More power but less forgiving for beginners.
- Fiberglass – Adds durability and balance between power and flexibility.
- Kevlar and Aramid – Absorbs shock and reduces vibrations when hitting the ball.
Indoor Field Hockey Stick Materials
Indoor sticks on the other hand focus more on control than power. They are made of:
- Wood – Traditional, flexible and great ball control.
- Composite Materials (Fiberglass and Carbon Blends) – Lightweight with added precision for passing and dribbling.
Since indoor games are all about quick passes and stick skills, wooden and fibreglass indoor sticks give you faster reaction time and more touch.
Bow Shape
One of the main differences between indoor and outdoor field hockey sticks is the bow—the curve in the shaft that affects control and ball movement.
Indoor Stick Bow
- Low bow (25mm or less) – Dribbling and close ball control.
- Quick passes and technical skills for indoor play.
- Reduces the chance of lifted shots as hitting the ball in the air is less common in indoor hockey.
Outdoor Stick Bow
- Higher bow (up to 24-25mm) – Aerial passes, drag flicks and power shots.
- 3D skills (lifting the ball over an opponent's stick).
- Mid-bow, low-bow and extreme low-bow for different playing styles.
Outdoor sticks offer more versatility for powerful hits and lifted plays so they are good for longer passes and advanced shooting.
Play Style
The style of play in indoor and outdoor field hockey also affects stick design.
- Indoor hockey is a faster paced, technical game played on a hard surface.
- Outdoor hockey is more physical with bigger fields and requires harder hits and longer passes.
Since hitting is restricted in indoor hockey, players rely more on push passes, flicks and dribbles, that's why lighter, thinner sticks are preferred. Outdoor players use their stick for powerful drives, tackling and aerial plays so a sturdier, heavier stick is the better choice.
Price and Durability
When buying a field hockey stick, price and durability are key.
- Outdoor sticks are more expensive because of the high performance materials (e.g. carbon fibre) and they need to be more durable for rough playing conditions.
- Indoor sticks are generally more affordable but since they are thinner and lighter they won't last as long if used outdoors.
Pro Tip: If you play both indoor and outdoor hockey, it's better to buy two separate sticks rather than using an outdoor stick for indoor play.
Choosing the Right Stick for Your Game
Choosing between an indoor vs outdoor field hockey stick is about preference. Indoor sticks are good for speed, agility and ball control and outdoor sticks are good for power, durability and long passes. Before you buy your next stick, consider your playing environment, skill level and personal style to make the right choice.
