Hockey stick
A curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
Overview
A hockey stick has a long shaft and a curved or angled head used to move, pass and shoot. In field hockey the stick has a flat side used to strike the ball, while in ice hockey the blade is used to handle and shoot the puck.
Although field hockey and ice hockey sticks differ in shape and materials, both share the same core purpose: giving the player close control of the ball or puck along the surface of play.
Good to know
- Field hockey sticks strike with the flat side only.
- Ice hockey uses a bladed stick to handle the puck.
- The shape differs between the two sports.
Where it’s used
Sports that use hockey stick:
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Playing surfaces
- Artificial turfSynthetic grass, often filled with sand or rubber, that gives a firm, even, all-weather surface. It plays faster and truer than worn natural grass.
- IceA prepared, frozen sheet kept hard and smooth; its extremely low friction lets skaters, pucks and stones glide with very little resistance.
- GrassNatural turf grown on soil — the traditional surface for many field sports and, in tennis, a fast court with a low, skiddy bounce.
- SandLoose beach sand: a soft, shifting, energy-sapping surface with no true bounce that rewards balance and footwork, used for beach sports and conditioning.
Knowledge Atlas
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
Facilities
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- Fitness studioAn open indoor room used for instructor-led group fitness classes such as yoga, aerobics and indoor cycling.
- Swimming poolA water-filled basin, divided into lanes for competition, used for swimming and other aquatic sports.
Skills Academy
- Object-control skillsHandling a ball or implement — controlling, receiving, passing and moving it with intent.
- Ball-sport skillsThe skills that recur across ball games — control, passing, dribbling, shooting and defending.
- Team-play skillsThe skills that make a team work — combining, covering and communicating through the ball.
- Precision skillsSkills where accuracy is everything — placing a serve, a shot, a pass or a set exactly where you want it.
- Foundational skillsThe base skills almost every sport rests on — move, balance and control before anything else.
Skills
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Equipment
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-09
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