How to choose a first hockey stick

Five quick steps. The first one matters most.

1. Get the length right

A stick that is too long is the most common mistake. It makes dribbling and stopping the ball hard and teaches bad habits. Measure your child's height and put it in the size finder, or see stick size by age. Don't buy a size up to grow into.

2. Keep the material simple

First sticks are usually wood or composite with about 10% carbon. Both are forgiving and cheap. You don't need a high-carbon stick: it is stiffer, harder to control and costs much more. More in wood vs composite.

3. Choose a mid or standard bow

The bow is the slight curve along the stick. Beginners do best with a standard or mid bow, which suits all the basic skills. Low and extreme low bows are for older players learning to lift the ball and drag flick. See bow types.

4. Set a small budget

Children often need a longer stick every season or two, so a first stick doesn't need to last forever. Some good starting points from our list:

More options in sticks under R500 and under R1,000.

5. Check the size is in stock

Shops list a range of sizes but don't always have all of them. Our stick pages show the sizes in stock when the shop shows them, and every listing links straight to the shop so you can check before you pay. Prices on this site are as shown on the shop's website on the date we checked, so confirm the price at checkout.

Ask the coach

School and club coaches see dozens of children every season. If they have a view on length or a preferred shop, it is worth hearing. An outgrown stick from an older sibling or teammate can also be a fine first stick if it is the right length.

Questions parents ask

How much should I spend on a first hockey stick?

Not much. In our list there are 6 junior sticks at R500 or less. A first stick will probably be outgrown within a season or two.

Does my child need a special stick if they are left-handed?

No. All hockey sticks are made the same way round and left-handed children use the same sticks.

Wood or composite for a first stick?

Either is fine. Wood is cheapest and forgiving. A low-carbon (about 10%) composite suits a child who trains on astro.

What else does my child need?

Ask the coach which protective gear is required, such as a mouthguard and shin guards, before you buy.

Related: Size chart · Left-handed sticks · Where to buy in SA

Sources: Grays SA size guide; England Hockey: left-handed players; HockeyDirect: bows; prices from the shop pages linked on each stick page, checked 17 October 2026.