Stick and size guide
OSAKA FIELD HOCKEY STICK GUIDE
Welcome to the Osaka World South Africa field hockey stick guide, where you'll find everything you need to select the ideal stick for your height, skill level, and playing style — including our size chart, expert tips, and guidance on stick shapes, bows, and materials. Whether you're just starting out or playing at a professional level, we've got you covered.
If you're new to the game or play casually, a stick made of fibreglass or a low-carbon composite is ideal. These materials are more forgiving and help absorb vibrations, making it easier to learn the basics. Beginners benefit from a mid bow shape, which supports all-round play and smooth control.
If you play regularly and have mastered the basics, go for sticks with 30–70% carbon. These sticks offer a strong balance of power and control. Mid or low bow shapes are excellent choices for developing 3D skills, aerials, and more dynamic play as you refine your technique and start to specialise.
Competitive players need high-performance sticks with 70–100% carbon for maximum power, stiffness and responsiveness. Low, Pro, or Show Bows support drag flicks, aerials, and fast, tactical play where every detail counts. These bows are tailored for high-level skills and aggressive play.
On this page:
1. Stick Length Recommendations
What field hockey stick length do I need?
Choosing the right field hockey stick size is crucial for players of all levels. A well-fitted stick can improve your performance and prevent injuries. Our field hockey stick size chart provides a comprehensive guide to help you select the right stick length based on your total height.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, our field hockey stick size chart is a valuable resource for finding the right stick length.
We also recommend taking into consideration your playing style and position when choosing a stick. For example, defenders may prefer a shorter stick for greater control, while forwards may prefer a longer stick for increased reach.
| Player Height (Ft) | Player Height (cm) | Stick Length (in) |
| < 4' | < 122 cm | 28" |
| 4' - 4'3" | 122-130 cm | 30" |
| 4'3" - 4'6" | 130-137 cm | 32" |
| 4'6" - 4'9" | 137-145 cm | 34" |
| 4'9" - 5' | 145-152 cm | 35" |
| 5' - 5'11" | 152-180 cm | 36.5" |
| 5'11" - 6'4" | 180-192 cm | 37.5" |
| > 6'4" | > 192 cm | 38" |
* Field hockey stick size chart
2. Bow Types Explained
The bow of a hockey stick identifies the position of the arch in the stick shape. If you place the flat side of the stick on a flat surface, the distance between the surface and the upper edge of the stick is known as the bow.
Low Bow
Used by attacking midfielders and specialised in 3D skills, drag flicks and power hits.
Pro Bow
Used by midfielders and specialised in ball control, hitting forehand and backhand.
Mid Bow
Used by defensive/controlling players and specialised in control, hitting and passing the ball.
Proto Bow
Used in attacking positions and specialised in drag flicks (aerials) and 3D skills.
Show Bow
Used by attacking midfielders and attackers. This bow is specialised in dribbling and 3D skills.
Low Groove
Used by attackers and penalty corner specialists. There is a groove in the shaft of the stick to carry the ball with more control and accuracy when flicking.
3. The Balance Point
Try to balance your stick on your finger or on a pen.
Measure from that point to the top of the curl and you'll know the balance point of your stick.
Why is this an important factor?
This significantly affects the overall ‘feel’ of the stick.
The higher the balance point, the more handleable the stick is, because the curl is lighter. The lower the balance point, the better it is for hitting the ball, because the curl has more weight.
4. Stick Composition: The Different Types of Materials
Carbon
Stiffness, durability, power, and a very high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for a high-performance, lightweight hockey stick.
Glass Fibre
Flexibility, enhanced impact resistance, lower shock due to poor conductivity, and allows for flexible fibre structures.
Aramide
Lightweight and has excellent anti-abrasion properties. It's used on the heel of the hockey stick to prevent quick wear from use. Aramide fibres in the shaft also enhance vibration dampening.
Kevlar
The top of the Osaka stick range is reinforced on the essential impact zones with Kevlar fibre. Especially the backhand zone is a lot stronger, enabling you to hit just as hard as you would normally.
5. What Kind of Material Should I Pick?
Unlike a lot of equipment, a player could play using the wrong hockey stick for years and not be aware of it. Although a few options are left to preference, there are some simple guidelines to follow when buying a stick. In the past, sticks were made from wood. Although wood sticks are still used by some, the majority of sticks today are made from some type of composite material.
Beginner hockey players, mostly kids, can start off with a 100% fibreglass stick. They are light, flexible and not expensive, and come in small sizes with thinner handles. The Deshi sticks are ideal.
Intermediate hockey players will have a bit more power and will ask more of their stick, therefore carbon is added, which gives more stiffness and strength to the stick. The Vision 55, Vision 85 and Pro Tour 70 will feed your need.
For ultimate feeling, balance, power and ball control, advanced hockey players lean towards the full carbon sticks. These super-light sticks are a delight to play with — 22 layers of 3K Japanese Carbon Fibre, laid down in alternating orientations for the optimal balance of stiffness and unique Osaka feel. Each bow type has its own characteristics; your choice depends on what kind of player you are…or can be. Our Pro Tour range and Pro Tour Limited will lift you to the next level.