The field hockey goalkeeper stick is the extension of the arm to protect, defend and stop the balls from going into the goal. Goalkeeper sticks need to have a straight shaft, as well as being light and balanced.
Design
There are different types of sticks: the ones with a hook-shaped head, for training, different lengths and the most common ones.
With hook-shaped head sticks we get the advantage of a larger stopping surface.
Training sticks have a more pronounced ‘hook’ curve than the rest. With this stick and the Bobbla ball, goalkeepers train their reflexes and reactions to give their best during matches.
The Shoot Out stick, as its name suggests, is designed for Shoot Outs. It has the maximum allowed length, 41”, and with it we achieve the maximum reach.
The most common sticks have a straight shaft, a length equivalent to your height and a standard head. Player sticks with these features can also be used by goalkeepers!
Composition
The stick composition is essential for goalkeepers. The materials they are made of can give us toughness, lightness, durability and power.
The composition used in goalkeeper sticks is: wood, fibreglass and carbon fibre.
Wooden sticks come coated with a layer of Kevlar for extra toughness. It is the simplest one and is recommended for goalkeepers who are just starting out.
Fibreglass is a tougher and lighter material. Designed for youngsters who already have experience and want to improve on the features of their first stick.
Carbon fibre, in these sticks, comes combined with fibreglass. It is a very tough, light and stiff stick, high performance for elite goalkeepers.
Now that you have all the information, come in and get your stick!