The Parent's Guide to Buying Hockey Kit
Everything you need to kit out your child for hockey, explained simply. No jargon, no assumptions. And if you'd rather just ask a human, that's exactly what we're here for.
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Hockey
What size hockey stick does my child need?
The short answer: like cricket bats, hockey sticks are sized by height, not age, and measured in inches. Too long is the usual mistake and it makes control harder.
| Stick length | Child's height | Rough age guide |
|---|---|---|
| 26" | up to 3'9" (114 cm) | 3–4 years |
| 28" | 3'9"–4'2" (114–127 cm) | 4–6 years |
| 30" | 4'2"–4'6" (127–137 cm) | 6–8 years |
| 32" | 4'6"–5'0" (137–152 cm) | 8–10 years |
| 34" | 5'0"–5'3" (152–160 cm) | 10–12 years |
| 35" | 5'3"–5'6" (160–168 cm) | 12–14 years |
| 36.5" | 5'6"–6'0" (168–183 cm) | 14+ / adult |
| 37.5" | 6'0"+ (183 cm+) | taller adult |
How do I choose the right junior hockey stick? Wood or composite?
The short answer: for young beginners, a wooden stick is perfect and affordable. Move to composite as they get more serious. Don't overspend on a first stick.
- Wooden sticks are forgiving, cheap and ideal for a child just learning. A great first stick.
- Composite sticks (fibreglass with some carbon) are lighter and stiffer, better once a child is playing regularly.
- High-carbon sticks are stiff and unforgiving, for advanced and adult players, not beginners.
What do "bow" and stick shape mean?
The short answer: "bow" is the curve along the stick. Beginners and juniors want a standard or mid bow, the gentler, more forgiving shape.
You'll see sticks described by their bow (standard, mid, low, extra-low). For a learning child it doesn't need to be complicated: a standard or mid bow is easier to control and does everything a junior needs. Low-bow sticks help with advanced skills your child won't be doing yet, and they make the basics harder, so don't pay extra for a shape they don't need.
What protective gear does my child need for hockey?
The short answer: shin guards and a mouthguard are the two essentials for every outfield player. Gloves are common too.
- Shin guards essential. They should cover the shin from just below the knee to the top of the boot, and not slide around.
- Mouthguard essential. Most clubs and schools require one. A "boil and bite" mouthguard moulds to your child's teeth and is inexpensive.
- Gloves. Many junior players wear a protective glove on the lower hand.
- Goalkeeping kit is a whole separate setup. If your child is going in goal, come and talk to us, fit is critical.
What shoes does my child need for hockey?
The short answer: proper astro (turf) shoes. Not trainers, and not football boots, both are unsafe and unsuitable for hockey surfaces.
Hockey is played on artificial turf, so it needs shoes designed for grip on that surface. Football boots have studs that catch and can cause injury; ordinary trainers don't grip and wear out fast. Astro shoes have a dense, multi-stud sole made for turf. Leave a little growing room, but not so much that the foot slides.
What does my child need to start playing hockey?
A simple starter checklist:
- Correctly sized stick (wooden or entry composite for a first stick)
- Shin guards
- Mouthguard
- Astro (turf) shoes
- Gloves (optional to start, common as they progress)
- Club kit / colours (check with the club)
- A bag or stick bag
Still not sure? Just ask us.
Fitting a child correctly, the right size, weight and protection, is the bit that's hard to get right online and easy to get right in person. That's exactly what we do, and we've been doing it for local families for over 40 years.
Bring your child into AJ Sports and we'll size them up in a few minutes, or message us their height and we'll point you to the right kit. No pressure, no jargon.
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