Indoor vs outdoor hockey sticks
They look alike, but indoor sticks are thinner, lighter and softer, because hitting isn't allowed indoors.
Many schools and clubs play indoor hockey as well as field hockey, so parents often ask whether the field stick will do. Here is how the two differ.
The rules shape the stick
Indoor hockey is played on a small, hard, flat court. The rules don't allow hits or big backswings, so players push and flick the ball instead. Indoor sticks are built for that: close control and fast stickwork, not power. Outdoor sticks have to survive full hits on grass and astro, so they are thicker and stiffer.
Side by side
| Indoor stick | Outdoor stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Much thinner | Thicker |
| Typical senior weight | About 480–520 g | About 520–620 g |
| Carbon | Usually wood or low carbon, for feel | Anything from 0% to 100% |
| Built for hitting | No | Yes |
Weights are typical ranges given by Rage Custom for senior sticks. Junior sticks are lighter.
Can you swap them?
Indoor stick outdoors: don't. Several stick makers and retailers warn that an indoor stick can break if you hit with it on a field. Total Hockey says that if you hit the ball with an indoor stick, the head of the stick could fly off.
Outdoor stick indoors: beginners sometimes do this at school or social level, but it is heavier and stiffer than ideal. Some leagues may also have their own rules, so check with the organiser.
Do juniors need both?
Not at first. If your child is trying indoor hockey for a season, ask the coach whether a field stick is fine for practice. If they keep playing indoor, a dedicated indoor stick in the same length as their field stick is the next step. Length works the same way for both: use the size finder or the size chart.
Our database currently lists field (outdoor) sticks only. If you spot a good indoor stick at a South African shop, send it in and we'll add it.
Questions parents ask
Can I use an outdoor hockey stick for indoor hockey?
Check your league's rules. Indoor sticks are made thinner and lighter for the indoor game, and an outdoor stick is heavier and stiffer than ideal for a small, hard court.
Can I use an indoor stick outdoors?
It is not recommended. Indoor sticks are thin and not built for hitting, so they can break when used for hard hits on a field.
Why are indoor sticks thinner?
Hitting the ball is not allowed in indoor hockey, so indoor sticks are made thinner and lighter for close control and quick stickwork.
Should an indoor stick have a lot of carbon?
Usually not. Because you can't hit indoors, extra stiffness adds little. Retailers recommend wood or low-carbon indoor sticks for feel.
Related: Carbon percentage explained · Choosing a first stick · All sticks