Stick Length

[ShootsandScores]

Hi,

I've been told that your stick should come up to your chin if you're in street shoes and your nose if you're on skates. But I tend to score more with a shorter stick, because I can stickhandle better with it. The drawbacks are that it's much harder to poke check or steal pucks, and my back hurts sometimes. Does anyone else have to deal with this issue?

[missionhockey21]

Hey, isn't up to your nose in shoes and to your chin in skates. Anyways I also prefer a shorter length stick because I can stickhandle much better and get off better shots. Even though my lower back aches after the game I would rather use a shorter stick and have a better game than a longer stick with not as good of a game. And since I hardly ever play defense I really don't need the added length.

[hckygoalie31]

you guys should have seen it in the early 90's when USAC used sticks that were about the same as a field hockey stick. Talk about back pain! I knew a few players that played "little stick" as they called it...they couldn't stand up straight after games. But then again, these guys were like neanderthals anyway...knuckle draggers, LOL! I can afford to say it...I was one of them :D

[missionhockey21]

Thats rough man, I am 5'10 and thought that using a junior shaft last week was terrible, I can't imagine using a stick as long as a field hockey stick, and try to be competitive with it.

[hckygoalie31]

I'm 5' 10" too...but you should see the guys who were 6' 4" and about 200 lbs. It was hilarious to watch. But then again, most people back then used quads for skates...inlines weren't allowed because they were still made with bolts coming out of the wheels that would scratch the surface of the wood floors in skating rinks.

[missionhockey21]

i bet you wish you had a camcorder with you, so you can relive the laughs today :)

[NJWolfpacSJI]

Sorry Boys - USARS still plays this "little stick" roller hockey. Check out their web site: http://www.usarollersports.com/new hockey/hardball.htm

[ShootsandScores]

Thanks guys. Since I'm a forward, I guess I'd rather have a little back pain than never score again. lol

[columbus_RHstar]

I also use a short stick. I have had lower back problems. I've been using a short stick my whole life. I would never use a longer stick. It is much easier to stickhandle and get shots off in close to your body and in traffic. You also get more power in your shots with a shorter stick. Lots of NHLers use short sticks. A chripractor could help with your back pain. I go once a month and my back doesnt bug me unless I play more than 30 games a month.