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.
Spessore della mazza
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.
- Le mazze da hockey su prato outdoor sono più spesse e resistenti per sopportare la natura più dura e fisica del gioco all’aperto. Aiutano i giocatori a generare più potenza nei colpi su campi in erba sintetica o naturale.
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.
- Fibra di vetro – Aumenta la resistenza e offre un equilibrio tra potenza e flessibilità.
- Kevlar and Aramid – Absorbs shock and reduces vibrations when hitting the ball.
Indoor Field Hockey Stick Materials
I bastoni da indoor invece puntano maggiormente sul controllo che sulla potenza. Sono realizzati in:
- 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.
- Passaggi rapidi e abilità tecniche per il gioco indoor.
- Reduces the chance of lifted shots as hitting the ball in the air is less common in indoor hockey.
Curvatura esterna del bastone
- Higher bow (up to 24-25mm) – Aerial passes, drag flicks and power shots.
- 3D skills (lifting the ball over an opponent's stick).
- Arco medio, basso e ultra-basso per diversi stili di gioco.
I bastoni da esterno offrono maggiore versatilità per colpi potenti e giochi alzati, quindi sono adatti per passaggi lunghi e tiri avanzati.
Stile di gioco
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.
- L’hockey su prato all’aperto è più fisico, con campi più grandi e richiede colpi più forti e passaggi più lunghi.
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.
Come scegliere il bastone giusto per il tuo gioco
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.
