Tired of your kids staying indoors? Why not get them into a sport that you know they’ll enjoy: Field Hockey.
Your child will love the improved fitness, mixing with peers, and learning teamwork. Perhaps your child is bored of watching you play through a car window and wants to play the great game, instead of always being a spectator or a bearer of half-time fruit. Are they begging you for a stick that says independence, fun, and I’m cool?
Whatever the reason, you may feel a little reluctant or unsure about what kind of field hockey stick to get your child, especially if they’re on the smaller side or growing quickly. The wrong size can prevent the child from improving their skills of the game, or worse, risk a back injury.
No need to stress. Let’s find your child a hockey stick that will be fun yet also age-appropriate for them. Here I’ve compiled a list of the 8 best field hockey sticks for children under 13. This list provides an extensive review of several types of sticks that parents all-over have approved, with the nod from their kids.
| TYPE | DESIGN | BEST FOR | READ MORE | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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GRAYS BLAST ULTRABOW JNR |
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BEST BUDGET OPTION |
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OSAKA VISION GF |
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MY FAVORITE STARTER STICK |
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STX ROOKIE STARTER PACK |
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GREAT ALL-IN-ONE STARTER PACK |
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STX APEX 50 |
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BEST VALUE QUALITY STICK |
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MAZON FUSION 700 |
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TRAPPING |
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BYTE TS4 COMPOSITE |
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DRAG FLICKING ON A BUDGET |
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STX HPR 101 |
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GOOD BUDGET OPTION |
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GRAYS GX1000 ULTRABOW MICRO |
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THE ASPIRING PROFESSIONAL |
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Warning: Kids should be taught to use a hockey stick responsibly as if used incorrectly hockey can be a dangerous sport.
Before we get into choosing models and brands you should consider if your child just needs a plaything that will make do for school sports classes a few times a month. Or will the stick be used regularly as a stepping stone to help improve the child’s all-round game?
It should be noted buying a hockey stick a few sizes too big with the expectation because the child will grow into it could hamper the child’s progress at learning to dribble and become skilled. A stick that’s too big will be harder to master.
I created this measurement guide that should help you decide which stick
is the right fit for your child.
Counting down the 8 Best Junior Field Hockey Sticks
Starting with the cheaper beginner sticks, through to the more advanced options for the super competitive up-and-coming players.
Entry-level options for the younger kids
The Grays Blast Ultrabow Junior Field Hockey Stick is one of the best low-budget sticks on the market. Available from a tiny 26″ up to adult sizes, this stick is perfect for the little ones who are just starting out.Â
Prominent features –
- Crafted from wood, then strengthened with fiberglass-reinforced mulberry wood
- Designed to be thin and lightweight
- Maxi head with a hook toe to give maximum hitting surface area. Great for reverse stick control and drag flicks
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Another great stick from the team at Osaka Hockey is the Vision GF. Designed as an entry-level stick for kids, this is one of my favorite junior sticks on the market in 2023. I love the vibrant Pink color, but is also available in Verdigris. Other awesome colors are an option for different Bow Types.Â
With its all-round shape and thinner handle for smaller hands, your kids will take like a horse to water to this stick. For the Grow Bow, the maximum bow point lies at 300mm from the head with a maximal height of 17mm. This is an ideal stick for slap passes while being a perfect platform into a higher-budget stick as their game progresses.
Constructed of
- 95% Fibre Glass
- 3% Kevlar Cross reinforcement
- 2% Aramid Backhand Blade reinforcement
Available in a range of sizes from 28″ to 34″ which in real-life terms, means children from 107cm to 152cm tall.Â
This choice is as easy one, as the whole kit is chosen for you. Being a complete plug and play option, this saves you time, and more importantly, money by getting everything you need for your junior hockey player in one click.
The stick itself, I like. It has a flatter bow to help master your trapping, while being suitable for most aspects of the game. The fibreglass construction keeps it lightweight, tough and durable.
There is a slim handle for smaller hands. A maxi toe, the most widely used toe
shape for forwards and midfielders is good for practising dribbling.
The larger hitting surface works without reducing agility, making flicking, receiving, and reverse play easier and more comfortable, especially for newer players.
This STX Field Hockey Rookie Starter Pack is suitable for younger kids up to about 8 years old, as the choice of stick lengths are from 28″ to 32″. Included in the set is –
- Rx 50 Stick
- Electric Blue Field Hockey Stick Bag with room to pack the whole set plus your child hockey balls and personal items
- Youth reversible Shin Guards
- Matching blue 2 See-S Junior Goggles
For older kids, aged 8 and older, this STX Field Hockey Junior Starter Pack is essentially the same package, but with stick length choices from 34″ to 36″.
If you are undecided about which entry-level stick to buy your child, look no further. You will not get better bang for the buck than the STX Apex 50.Â
The cheapest of the Apex range, the 50 swings in at around $50. However you wouldn’t know it. As a super light stick (~505g), I found it neat for trapping and tidy at passing. Its straight bow shape makes it a good all-rounder, perfect for beginners. The best part is, if field hockey becomes a passing fad, there’s not much lost if the kids store it in the cupboard with the never-to-be-seen again dusty violin and Judo suit.
Featuring :
- Fiberglass construction, allowing for easy reception and ball control
- Midi toe
- ETZ (Energy Transfer Zone)designed to make powerful block tackles and sweeps
The Aussies have a great reputation in field hockey, and the Mazon Fusion 700 stick is no exception. This offering from down under comes with a maxi hook,
ideal for the learner to enhance their trapping skills. A built-in anti-vibration system reduces vibrations, setting it apart from the entry-level wooden sticks.
Lower carbon content at 10% allows for a softer touch and feel.
Like the Adidas stick it has a straighter shape which helps make it a great choice for girl’s or boy’s clubs, or school hockey. A great value for money the stick swings into the number 3 position.
* Currently only available in the US, Asia and NZ *
The Byte TS4 not only looks superb, but it also performs pretty well too. Whilst still a budget stick, it’s lightweight due to being 95% fiberglass, yet strong thanks to a 5% Carbon component. Adding to that is the Twin Tube system to ensure strength.Â
With a 24mm low bow, this stick is great for drag-flicking. Sizes available from 34″ through to 37.5″. Overall, a nice-looking, great value stick.
The STX HPR 101 is another good option at around the same price point as the previous few. Constructed with 10% Carbon, combined with a balanced bow, this stick has a forgiving feel for new players.Â
Featuring a maxi head, the HPR 101 is a good all-rounder allowing players the versatility of playing in any position. Sizes range from 34″ through to 37″ and it comes in the crisp black and yellow scheme.
Saving the best for last is the GRAYS GX1000 Field Hockey Stick. A solid Carbon, Kevlar and Fiberglass construction makes the GX1000 lightweight and durable.
Not for the easy come, easy go player, this stick is for the child with aspirations of playing at a higher level, and for parents who don’t mind investing more in their kids sporting life. Although some may say it’s too expensive, others look at it as an investment in their child’s competitive edge.
The composite allows the stick to not only be lightweight but excel at collecting the ball and absorbing impact, while being stiff enough for superior hitting power.
Sizing is available from a tiny 28″ through to an adult sized 37.5″.
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Conclusion
It can seem confusing when faced with buying a hockey stick for your kids. I hope my article has helped find some of the best field hockey sticks for children in the market. Be sure to double-check what size stick you are ordering before you purchase!
For adult-sized sticks, check out my detailed article on the Best Field Hockey Sticks on the market for 2023.
For some more advanced hockey stick options, I’ve compiled a list here of the Best Field Hockey Sticks for advanced kids.
Happy hockey stick hunting!
Eddie G
Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch, these days Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.
Eddie G
Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch these days, Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.
