What Size Field Hockey Stick Do I Need? A Field Hockey Stick Size Guide

Choosing the right field hockey stick isn't simply a matter of picking your favourite model.

Stick length affects how the stick feels in your hands, how comfortably you get over the ball and how much reach you have when carrying, receiving and tackling.

For many adult players, the choice comes down to common stick lengths such as 36.5", 37.5" and 38.5". But there isn't one perfect length for every player of a particular height.

Your height can be a useful starting point, but body proportions, playing posture, technique and personal preference all matter too.

Here's what to consider when choosing your field hockey stick length.

Why does field hockey stick length matter?

Even one inch can change how a hockey stick feels.

A longer stick gives you additional reach, while a shorter stick can feel more compact when you're working close to the ball.

The right length should allow you to move naturally without feeling as though you're constantly reaching for the ball or struggling to get comfortably over it.

Stick length can affect:

• Your reach when carrying and receiving
• How the stick feels during close ball control
• Your body position over the ball
• How easily you move the stick around your body
• Your overall comfort and confidence on the ball

There is no advantage in simply choosing the longest stick available if it doesn't suit the way you play.

36.5" vs 37.5" vs 38.5": what's the difference?

36.5" field hockey sticks

A 36.5" stick is a common adult stick length and can suit players who prefer a more compact feel.

The shorter overall length may feel natural when you're:

• Playing low over the ball
• Moving the ball through tight spaces
• Making quick changes of direction
• Comfortable with a 36.5" stick already

For many players, familiarity is important. If you've played comfortably with a 36.5" stick for years, there doesn't necessarily need to be a reason to move to a longer stick.

37.5" field hockey sticks

A 37.5" stick gives you an additional inch of length and reach compared with a 36.5".

That extra reach can feel more comfortable for players who find a 36.5" stick slightly short, particularly when carrying, receiving or reaching for the ball.

However, moving from 36.5" to 37.5" isn't automatically an upgrade.

The important question is whether the extra length suits your natural playing position and feels comfortable when the ball is close to your feet.

38.5" field hockey sticks

A 38.5" stick provides even more reach and may suit taller players or players who simply prefer a longer stick.

As with any increase in length, though, extra reach also changes the overall feel of the stick.

If you're considering moving to 38.5", make sure you still feel comfortable:

• Controlling the ball close to your body
• Getting into your normal playing position
• Changing direction quickly
• Moving your hands naturally around the stick

Not every Ritual stick is necessarily offered in every length, so available options will also depend on the model you choose.

Should you choose a hockey stick based on your height?

Height is useful, but it shouldn't be the only factor.

Two players of exactly the same height can have different arm lengths, leg lengths, posture and playing styles.

One player may naturally play lower over the ball and prefer 36.5". Another player of the same height may feel significantly more comfortable with the additional reach of a 37.5".

Instead of treating a height chart as an absolute rule, consider your overall proportions and how the stick actually feels when you play.

A good stick length should allow you to get comfortably over the ball without forcing you into an unnatural posture.

What if you're between two hockey stick sizes?

If you're deciding between two lengths, start by thinking about what you want to change from your current stick.

Do you feel like you need more reach?

The longer option may be worth trying.

Does your current stick already feel natural?

There may be no need to change purely because a size guide suggests you could use a longer stick.

Do you prefer a compact feel around the ball?

The shorter option may suit you better.

Are you changing your bow profile as well?

Remember that stick length isn't the only thing that affects feel.

Moving to a different bow shape at the same time as changing length can make your new stick feel considerably different from your previous one.

If possible, avoid changing several variables simply because you think a particular specification is technically "better."

Does your playing position determine your stick length?

Not necessarily.

It's tempting to say that defenders should use longer sticks for reach or attacking players should use shorter sticks for close control, but modern field hockey isn't that simple.

Players in every position need to receive, carry, pass and defend.

Your body position, technique and personal playing style are generally more useful considerations than choosing a stick length purely according to whether you're a defender, midfielder or forward.

Stick length isn't the only thing to consider

Once you've found a comfortable length, you can start looking at the other specifications that have a major influence on how a stick plays.

Bow profile

The bow describes the curve of the stick and where that curve is positioned.

Different bow profiles can suit different technical preferences and styles of play.

Carbon content

Composite field hockey sticks are available with different levels of carbon.

Higher carbon content generally creates a stiffer and more direct-feeling construction, while lower-carbon constructions can provide a more forgiving feel.

At Ritual, our Origin outdoor stick range includes 55%, 75% and 95% carbon constructions, while the Revolution range uses an advanced 100% carbon construction.

Read our guide: 55 vs 75 vs 95 vs 100% Carbon Field Hockey Sticks

Weight and balance

Two sticks of the same length can still feel very different depending on their weight distribution and balance point.

The specification on paper is only part of the decision. Ultimately, the stick should feel natural in your hands.

How do you know if your hockey stick is too long?

A stick may feel too long if you consistently struggle to:

• Keep the ball comfortably close to your feet
• Move the stick quickly around your body
• Get into your preferred playing posture
• Handle the ball naturally in tight spaces

However, changing technique or moving to a different bow can also affect these sensations, so length shouldn't automatically be blamed for every handling issue.

How do you know if your hockey stick is too short?

You may want to consider a longer stick if you regularly feel that:

• You're unnecessarily reaching down toward the ball
• Your natural posture feels cramped
• You want additional reach when receiving or defending
• Your current stick simply feels short for your proportions

Again, personal preference matters. A player can deliberately prefer a shorter-feeling stick even when a longer option would technically fit.

Should you change stick length when buying a new hockey stick?

You don't have to.

If your current stick feels comfortable, sticking with the same length gives you one less variable to adjust to when moving to a new model.

If something about your current setup feels wrong, however, buying a new stick is a good opportunity to reconsider whether a different length would suit you better.

Think about why you're changing rather than simply moving up or down a size.

Choosing the right Ritual hockey stick

Stick length is only one part of choosing your next stick.

Once you have an idea of the length that feels right for you, consider:

1. Your preferred stick length
2. The bow profile that suits the way you play
3. The carbon construction and feel you prefer
4. The weight and balance you're comfortable with
5. Your playing level and budget

Rather than searching for the specification with the biggest number, choose the combination that feels right for your game.

Explore the Ritual field hockey stick range and compare the different shapes, constructions and specifications available.

Field Hockey Stick Size FAQs

What is the most common adult field hockey stick size?

36.5" and 37.5" are common adult field hockey stick lengths. Some players may prefer 38.5", depending on their proportions and preferred feel.

Is 36.5" or 37.5" better?

Neither is inherently better.

A 37.5" stick provides an additional inch of reach, while a 36.5" stick may feel more compact. The better choice is whichever allows you to play comfortably and naturally.

Should a hockey stick come up to your hip?

You'll sometimes see simple fitting methods based on where the stick reaches on the body. These can provide a rough starting point, but they shouldn't be treated as an exact rule because players have different body proportions and playing preferences.

Can I use a 37.5" stick if I'm used to 36.5"?

Yes. Just expect the extra inch to change the reach and overall feel of the stick. Give yourself time to adjust before deciding whether you prefer it.

Does a longer hockey stick give you more power?

A longer stick isn't automatically more powerful. Power depends on factors including technique, stick construction, carbon content and how effectively you transfer force through the ball. Choose length primarily for fit and control rather than assuming longer means more powerful.

Does my playing position determine what size hockey stick I need?

No. Position may influence personal preferences, but stick length should also account for your proportions, posture, technique and the way you like the stick to feel.