Hockey stick size by age (6, 8, 10 and 12 year olds)

Stick size depends on height, not age. But if you are standing in a shop without a tape measure, this is a good starting point.

The table uses typical heights for each age from the Grays SA junior clothing guide, then the Grays SA stick chart to turn height into a stick length in inches. Children of the same age can differ by 10 cm or more, so if you can measure, use the size finder with the real height instead.

AgeTypical heightStick size
5–6110–119 cm28" to 30"
7–8119–131 cm30" to 32"
9–10131–143 cm32" to 34"
11–12143–155 cm34" to 35"

For teenagers taller than about 162 cm, the chart moves to senior lengths: 36.5" up to 184 cm and 37.5" above that. See the full size chart.

Ages 5 and 6: around 28"

Junior sticks in our list that come in 28" (or within half an inch), cheapest first:

Ages 7 and 8: around 31"

We have no junior stick listed in exactly 31". Try the size either side in the stick list.

Ages 9 and 10: around 33"

Junior sticks in our list that come in 33" (or within half an inch), cheapest first:

Ages 11 and 12: around 34"

Junior sticks in our list that come in 34" (or within half an inch), cheapest first:

How to check the fit at home

Stand the stick upright next to your child with the toe on the floor. Most stick makers say the top should reach about the hip bone (STX says about 5 cm below it). A stick that is too long makes it hard to keep the ball close, and one that is too short makes your child bend over too far. If the hip test and the chart disagree, go with the chart and ask the coach.

Odd sizes and stock

Not every shop stocks every size. Many junior ranges come in even sizes only (28", 30", 32", 34"), and some stop at 34" or 35". If the chart says 31" or 33", the size below is usually easier to handle than the size above. Our size finder shows sticks within half an inch of the chart size for this reason.

Questions parents ask

What size hockey stick does a 6 year old need?

Most 5 and 6 year olds are about 110–119 cm tall, which is a 28" to 30" stick on the Grays SA chart. Measure your child to be sure.

What size hockey stick does an 8 year old need?

Most 7 and 8 year olds are about 119–131 cm, which is a 30" to 32" stick. Many shops only stock even sizes, so a 30" or 32" stick is the usual buy.

What size hockey stick does a 10 year old need?

Most 9 and 10 year olds are about 131–143 cm, which is a 32" to 34" stick.

What size hockey stick does a 12 year old need?

Most 11 and 12 year olds are about 143–155 cm, which is a 34" to 35" stick. Tall 12 year olds may already need a 36.5" senior length.

Should I buy a longer stick so my child can grow into it?

No. A stick that is too long is harder to control and makes it hard to learn good technique. Buy the size that fits now and check again each season.

Related: Choosing a first hockey stick · Best sticks under R1,000 · Size chart by height

Sources: Grays Hockey SA size guides (stick chart and junior clothing heights), checked 17 October 2026; STX: how to choose a stick; stick prices and sizes from the shop pages linked on each stick page.