How to Choose a Junior Hockey Stick — Size Guide for Parents
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Buying your child's first hockey stick — or upgrading as they grow — doesn't need to be complicated. This guide covers everything parents need to know: the right size, the right construction, and how much to spend at each stage of your child's development.
Step 1 — Get the Right Size
Junior hockey sticks are sized in inches, and the right length depends on your child's height. The simplest test: stand the stick upright next to your child — the top of the handle should reach their hip bone or just below their belly button.
| Child's Height | Recommended Stick Size | Approx. Age |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3'6" | 24" – 26" | 4 – 5 years |
| 3'6" – 3'10" | 26" – 28" | 5 – 7 years |
| 3'10" – 4'2" | 28" – 30" | 7 – 9 years |
| 4'2" – 4'6" | 30" – 32" | 9 – 11 years |
| 4'6" – 5'0" | 32" – 34" | 11 – 13 years |
| 5'0" – 5'4" | 34" – 35" | 13 – 15 years |
| 5'4"+ | 35" – 36.5" (adult) | 15+ years |
Tip: Don't buy a stick that's too long hoping your child will grow into it. An oversized stick is harder to control and can develop bad habits early on. Fit for now, not for later.
Step 2 — Choose the Right Construction
Junior sticks are made from different materials depending on price and age group. Here's what to expect:
- Wood or fibreglass (under £30) — Ideal for very young children (under 8) who are just starting out. Durable, forgiving, and inexpensive. Perfect if you're not sure how long they'll stick with the sport.
- Low-carbon composite (30%–50% carbon, £30–£70) — The sweet spot for most junior players aged 8–13. Enough stiffness to develop good technique, but forgiving enough for developing players. This is where most junior sticks sit.
- Mid-to-high carbon composite (60%–80% carbon, £70–£150) — For talented teenagers playing at county level or above. More power and responsiveness, but requires good technique to get the best from it.
Avoid high-carbon sticks for young players. A 90%+ carbon stick is designed for elite adults — it's too stiff for a developing junior and can cause discomfort and injury.
Step 3 — Bow Profile for Juniors
Most junior sticks use a mid bow profile — a moderate curve that's easier to control for developing players. This is the right choice for children under 12.
As your child progresses into their teens and starts playing at a higher level, a low bow becomes appropriate — it gives more lift for aerials and drag flicks, and is the standard profile at adult club level.
Avoid extreme low bow sticks for juniors — they're specialist tools that require advanced technique to use effectively.
Step 4 — How Much Should You Spend?
| Budget | Best For |
|---|---|
| Under £30 | First stick, age 4–8, trying the sport for the first time |
| £30–£70 | Regular club play, age 8–13, committed junior players |
| £70–£130 | County-level juniors, age 12+, serious development |
| £130+ | Elite junior players, regional squads, age 14+ |
A good rule of thumb: match your spend to your child's commitment level. If they've been playing for a season and love it, it's worth investing in a proper composite. If they're just starting out, keep it simple and affordable.
Our Top Junior Stick Picks
Y1 Junior Range — JMB, JLB 10, 20 and 30
Y1's junior range is one of the best on the market. The JMB is a great starter stick, while the JLB range steps up through carbon compositions as your child develops. Distinctive Y1 aesthetics mean kids actually want to use them.
Grays Junior Range
Grays have been making junior sticks for decades and their range covers every age and ability. Reliable construction, good value, and widely used in schools and clubs across the UK.
Mercian Genesis Junior
The Mercian Genesis is a popular choice for junior club players. Great value, solid construction, and a reliable mid bow that suits developing players perfectly.
Don't Forget the Extras
A complete junior starter kit should also include:
- Shin pads — essential and mandatory for most junior leagues
- Gumshield — strongly recommended for all junior players
- A training ball — so they can practise at home
- A stick bag — to protect their stick between sessions
Need Help Choosing?
If you're still not sure which stick is right for your child, use our Hockey Stick Finder or get in touch — we're happy to help you choose.
Shop All Junior Hockey Sticks | Best Sticks for Beginners | Full Hockey Stick Buying Guide