Goalkeeper hockey sticks for juniors
Short answer: a young keeper doesn't need a special stick. A normal stick in the right size is fine to start with.
When a child volunteers to play in goals, the kit list suddenly gets long: helmet, pads, kickers, gloves and more. The good news is that the stick is the one item you may already have.
What the rules say
Goalkeepers may use either a field player's stick or a specialised goalkeeping stick, as long as it is a legal stick. The FIH Rules of Hockey set the same limits for every stick: it must be flat on its left side, smooth, able to pass through a ring with an inside diameter of 51 mm and have a bow no deeper than 25 mm. Like field players, keepers may only play the ball with the flat side.
How a goalkeeper stick is different
- A curve or kink in the shaft just above the head. Laid on the ground, it covers more of the gap during stick saves.
- Thinner shaft, wider face. This helps quick one-handed saves.
- Different weighting. Keepers use the stick mostly for saves and clearances, not dribbling.
When to buy one
US retailer Sports Unlimited puts it well: if your child is going to stay in goals for the foreseeable future, a goalkeeper stick is worth considering. If they are comfortable with their field stick, or still swap between keeping and playing out, there is no rush. A good test is to borrow a teammate's goalie stick at practice first.
Size
There is no separate goalkeeper size chart from Grays SA. Use the normal size chart or the size finder as a starting point. Because keepers often make saves one-handed, a stick that is too long and heavy is a bigger problem than one that is slightly short.
Prices in South Africa
Our database doesn't list goalkeeper sticks yet, so we can't compare prices honestly. If you find one at a South African shop, please send it in. In the meantime, the money is usually better spent on properly fitting protective kit, which matters far more for a young keeper's safety than the stick.
Questions parents ask
Does a junior goalkeeper need a goalkeeper stick?
No. The rules allow goalkeepers to use a normal field player's stick, as long as it is legal. Many young keepers start with their normal stick.
What is different about a goalkeeper stick?
Goalkeeper sticks usually have a curve or kink in the shaft above the head, which gives more surface for stick saves while staying thin. They are also weighted differently, with a thinner shaft and wider face.
What size goalkeeper stick should a junior use?
Keepers often hold the stick in one hand for saves, so many choose a length that feels light and quick in one hand. Start with the field stick size from the size chart and ask the coach.
Are goalkeeper sticks legal?
Yes, as long as they meet the same stick rules as any other stick: flat on the left side, able to pass through a 51 mm ring and with a bow no deeper than 25 mm.
Related: Choosing a first stick · Stick size by age · All sticks