The International Hockey Federation prohibits the use of left-handed field hockey sticks in sanctioned events or field hockey tournaments. While you can get a customized left-handed field hockey stick, you won't be allowed to utilize it in official competition. The reason is that most right-handed players find left-handed sticks easier to handle.
In addition, most goalies wear gloves that are not designed for their hand to be used against them so they would have less chance of injury if forced to play with a left-handed glove.
However, there are a few left-handed field hockey players in the world who use their left hand to shoot and their right hand to handle the stick. They are able to do this because they learn how to spin the ball with their left hand so that when they shoot it, it goes straight into the net with no problem. This technique is called "left-handed shooting".
Another option is to ask a right-handed player to practice with your stick before an event so you can learn how it feels to hold it with your left hand. Then, you can use that knowledge to help you play better.
According to the International Hockey Federation, they are prohibited from being used in official events and field hockey matches (FIH). A player with a left-handed field hockey stick is considerably more likely to get struck by a follow-through swing when tackling a player with a right-handed stick, who has far more dominance on the field. Therefore, it is recommended that young players learn how to use their sticks before they join a school or club team.
There is no specific rule against using left-handed field hockey sticks in unofficial games or practices, but their use is discouraged because it becomes difficult to tell which end of the stick is which when you turn your back to the field.
The majority of top-level field hockey players in the world use right-handed sticks, so if you are learning how to tackle then this is what you should be doing too. However, there are some great left-handed coaches and players, so don't let this fact prevent you from learning how to tackle properly.
Ice hockey sticks are longer in length. In contrast to field hockey, you tape the handle and blade. A field hockey stick can only be used on one side to move the ball, but a hockey stick can be used on both sides. Field hockey sticks do not come in right or left-handed models. Puck versus ball is still an issue in field hockey.
Hockey sticks are also heavier in weight. They have a thicker shaft too. The blade is usually made of carbon fiber or plastic while the handle is typically made of wood. Fiberglass has become popular as well. Field hockey players usually use a stick with a straight blade about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Goalies sometimes use a narrower stick for better visibility.
There are no rules regarding the size of a hockey stick. But most experts agree that a player should be able to grip the stick around its middle. Some manufacturers make small ice hockey sticks for younger players. These sticks are usually less than 36 inches (91 cm) in length. Older players often choose longer blades too so they don't have to bend so much when trying to reach the puck.
The term "hockey stick" was originally used to describe the combination of a long wooden handle and a flat, thin metal blade attached to it. The name comes from the shape of the blade, which is similar to a hockey player standing on his head with his arms outstretched.
An illegal hockey stick is one that does not follow the rules governing the material, length, breadth, and curvature of the blade and shaft of the stick. No projections are permitted on the stick in order to keep players safe on the ice. Additionally, sticks must be made from a flexing wood such as maple, birch, or hickory.
Illegal sticks can be either metal or wooden, but they must have a rigid core and a blunt end to prevent injuries to players. The illegal stick cannot have any sharp edges or points. These restrictions are in place for safety reasons; if an illegal stick were to be used in play, it could easily cause injury to another player or person outside of play.
The use of an illegal stick during game time means that the player using it will be ejected from the game. If an official sees an illegal stick being used during a game, he or she will signal the referee by holding up two fingers. The referee will then tell the player to put down his or her stick and leave the playing area until further notice. Should the player refuse to do so, he or she would be subject to additional penalties.
In addition to being thrown out of the game, players using illegal sticks also risk receiving extra penalties minutes.
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