The quickest way to measure for a field hockey stick is to stand it upright on the ground next to you. The top of the stick should reach the top of your hip bone. For children, the stick should reach roughly to the belly button. From there, your height, playing position, and personal preference fine-tune the choice.
The Hip Bone Method
Stand the stick vertically on the floor beside you with the hook at the bottom. Look at where the top of the handle falls against your body. For most adult players, the right stick reaches the top of the hip bone. If it falls well below your hip or reaches your waist, it’s the wrong length.
For kids, the target is a bit higher. Most coaches recommend a stick that reaches the belly button. Children are still developing their technique and tend to play in a more upright stance, so the extra length gives them better control as they learn to dribble and pass.
The Dutch Method
This alternative approach gives you a second reference point. Flip the stick upside down and tuck the curved head under your armpit, standing straight. For adults, the bottom of the handle should line up with the middle of your kneecap. If it falls above or below the knee by more than an inch or two, try a different length.
Either method works well on its own, but using both together helps you confirm you’re in the right range, especially if you’re between sizes.
Height-to-Length Sizing Chart
If you’re shopping online and can’t hold a stick in person, your height is the most reliable starting point. Here are the standard recommendations:
- 3 feet and under: 24 inches
- 3’0″ to 3’5″: 26 inches
- 3’5″ to 3’10”: 28 inches
- 3’10” to 4’2″: 30 inches
- 4’2″ to 4’6″: 32 inches
- 4’6″ to 5’0″: 34 inches
- 5’0″ to 5’4″: 35 or 35.5 inches
- 5’4″ to 6’0″: 36.5 inches
- 5’10” to 6’4″: 37.5 inches
- 6’4″ and taller: 38.5 inches
Notice the overlap between 5’10” and 6’0″. Players in that range can go with either 36.5 or 37.5 inches depending on their playing style and what feels comfortable in their hands.
Adult Stick Lengths
Senior field hockey sticks typically range from 35 to 37.5 inches. The 36.5-inch stick is the most common adult size, fitting players between 5’4″ and 6’2″. Players over 6’2″ generally move up to 37.5 inches, and those over 6’4″ may need a 38.5-inch stick, though that length is less widely stocked.
If you’re on the shorter end of the adult spectrum (5’0″ to 5’4″), a 35 or 35.5-inch stick bridges the gap between junior and senior sizes.
Junior Stick Lengths
Junior sticks run from 24 to 34 inches, increasing in 2-inch increments. For young players, it’s worth remeasuring at the start of each season. A growth spurt of just a couple of inches can push a child into the next stick size, and playing with a stick that’s too short forces them into an awkward, hunched-over posture that’s hard on the back and limits their reach.
When in doubt between two junior sizes, go with the longer one. Kids grow into them quickly, and a stick that’s slightly long is easier to adapt to than one that’s too short.
How Position Affects Your Choice
The height chart gives you a starting point, but your position on the field can nudge you up or down within your range. Defenders tend to prefer longer sticks because the extra reach helps them poke the ball away from attackers and cover more ground on tackles. Forwards tend to prefer shorter sticks because a compact length keeps the ball closer to the body, making quick turns, close dribbling, and fast releases easier to execute.
Midfielders often split the difference and stick with whatever the height chart recommends. If you’re new to the sport and haven’t settled into a position yet, start with the standard length for your height and adjust from there once you know what feels right.
Getting the Fit Right in Person
If you have the chance to hold a stick before buying, there are a few things to check beyond raw length. Grip the top of the handle with your left hand and get into a basic playing stance: knees slightly bent, the ball of the stick flat on the ground in front of you. The stick should feel like a natural extension of your arms, not something you have to reach down or hunch over to use.
Pay attention to how the weight feels, too. A stick that’s the correct length but too heavy will tire you out and slow your swing. Lighter sticks offer better maneuverability for dribbling, while heavier sticks can add power to hits. That’s a separate decision from length, but it’s worth noting while the stick is in your hands.