Essential Field Hockey Gear
Essential Field Hockey Gear
In recent years, America has been finding out why the rest of the world loves field hockey. The sport is the third most popular sport in the world with an estimated 2 billion fans, and that number is rapidly growing stateside.
If your child wants to join the action, use this Bownet® field hockey gear guide as your checklist. We have everything beginners need to know about getting started.
Men's and Women's Field Hockey Equipment
- Field Hockey Stick - The stick is a requirement for every player. They can be made of wood or composite materials. International rules mandate a maximum length of 105 centimeters (41.3 inches) and a maximum weight of 737 grams (26 ounces).
- Ball - A field hockey ball is made of hard plastic and is slightly larger than a lacrosse ball. White is the standard color, and most outdoor balls have dimples to help them maintain consistency of speed and movement.
- Footwear- Soccer or lacrosse cleats can be used for field hockey, but special field hockey shoes are best. They have dimpled soles that provide grip on both natural and artificial grass.
- Shin Guards - Special field hockey shin guards wrap farther around the leg than soccer shin guards for protection against projectile-like shots.
- Gloves - Wearing field hockey gloves reduced the chances of broken or sprained fingers. They also help keep the hands warm in nasty weather.
- Mouthguards - Many leagues require mouthguards to protect players' faces against hard shots.
- Safety Glasses or Goggles - Protective goggles are also often required to protect the eyes while playing.
- Masks - In addition to goggles, many defenders choose to wear masks since they're often facing shot and pass attempts.
- Stick Bag - A field hockey bag is a must to store and transport your gear.
Field Hockey Goalie Equipment
Along with the items mentioned above, goalies need extra equipment to protect them from hard shots and contact. Here are some field hockey goalie gear requirements and recommendations:
- A field hockey helmet with a face cage or mask. Some leagues also require throat protectors.
- Padded goalie pants, leg guards, pelvic protectors and kickers (foam guards over the shoes).
- Chest pads, arm guards and elbow protectors for the upper body.
- Gloves or hand protectors with extra padding.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Field Hockey
Playing indoors is a way to keep this sport going year-round. Indoor field hockey has a smaller field, harder play surface and sideboards that result in a faster game.
The two main differences for indoor field hockey equipment are the stick and the footwear. Indoor field hockey sticks are typically skinnier and lighter to help control the ball. You'll also want to wear court shoes, as they provide the most grip on wood, vinyl and other common indoor surfaces.
Field Hockey Equipment from Bownet
At Bownet Sports®, we help field hockey beginners and elite players alike #TrainLikeAPro with our selection of field hockey training equipment. Shop for official-size outdoor field hockey goals, indoor field hockey goals and youth goals, along with step training ladders and other gear. Create a custom training system to help you reach the highest levels of competition.