A Player's Guide to Choosing the Right Indoor Hockey Stick for 2025

Selecting the perfect indoor hockey stick is key to mastering the fast-paced indoor game. Unlike outdoor hockey, the indoor version is all about touch, control, and precision. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider, helping you find a stick that truly complements your skills.

Touch Over Stiffness: The Indoor Difference

The most significant difference between indoor and outdoor sticks is the role of stiffness. In outdoor hockey, high carbon content creates stiff sticks for powerful hits. However, hitting the ball is not allowed in indoor hockey.

Because of this, the priority shifts from raw power to a refined touch and feel. A stick that allows you to trap the ball cleanly, dribble with precision, and make quick, controlled passes will serve you far better on the indoor court than an ultra-stiff one.

Material Matters: Composite vs. Wood

The material of your stick plays a huge role in its feel and longevity.

• Composite Sticks: These are the modern standard, offering consistent performance and durability throughout their lifespan. They provide a reliable and responsive feel for all indoor skills.

• Wooden Sticks: Renowned for their exceptional trapping ability and soft touch, wooden sticks can give a player an amazing feel for the ball. However, after a season or two of use, the wood can lose its rigidity and begin to feel "whippy."

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

Weight and Balance: It's All in the Feel

While all indoor sticks are designed to be lightweight, their balance point can dramatically change how they feel in your hands. This is one of the most crucial factors in your decision.

• Head-Heavy Balance (e.g., Grays, Gryphon): These sticks have more weight distributed towards the head (the curved end). This can provide a more solid feel when trapping the ball and can add a bit more momentum to your pushes and flicks.

• Evenly Balanced (e.g., Ritual, Mercian): These sticks have a more balanced weight distribution with a lighter-feeling head. This often allows for quicker stick skills, faster hand movements, and easier manoeuvrability.

Top Brands for the Indoor Court

When choosing your next stick, these reputable brands offer excellent options tailored for the indoor game, each with a different feel based on their design philosophy:

• Grays

• Gryphon

• Ritual

• Mercian

Keep Your Stick in Top Condition 🏑

To get the most out of your stick, proper care is essential.

• Inspect it regularly for any significant wear, cracks, or damage.

• Clean your stick after each use to remove any dirt.

• Store it properly in a cool, dry place. A quality stick bag is a great investment for protection and easy transport.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right indoor hockey stick is a deeply personal decision. Focus on what feels best for your style of play. Do you prefer the solid, head-heavy feel of a Grays or Gryphon, or the nimble, balanced feel of a Ritual or Mercian? Consider the trade-offs between a wooden stick's superior touch and a composite's durability. By testing different options, you'll find the perfect stick to enhance your control and dominate the court.