Below are some recommendations of field hockey gear for your player.
Footwear
For games on turf, players should either wear running sneakers, cleats or turf shoes. Cleats can be worn if the turf is wet, or for games on grass (5/6th gr and 7/8th gr grades only), or based on player preference. For K-4th graders, running sneakers are fine to wear throughout the season. 5/6th graders will likely prefer cleats because they will also wear them for MS games on grass. 7/8th graders may wish to start wearing turf shoes, which are also worn in HS, but will also likely need the cleats for when we have games on grass and also for MS games on grass. Turf shoes are more like a sneaker with small studs on the sole and generally more padded and comfortable than cleats. We only practice on turf at Cherry Hill HS East, but games at other fields may be either turf or grass.
Shinguards
Generally a shinguard should cover the entire shin bone and go up to just below the knee at the top of the shin bone. Having a hard shell guard with with an ankle sock will provide the most protection from balls and sticks. Players can wear Hocsocx underneath a shinguard to reduce friction and more comfort. Long thin socks should be worn over top to cover the entire shinguard and go up to below the knee. Avoid socks with acrylic and look for socks with polyester or with wicking features.
Sticks
General guidance for sticks is that the proper length is from ground/foot to hip height. The type of stick varies based on carbon % and generally for more advanced players. For beginner players, after getting the right length based on the guideline below, they player can pick the style based on color preference or feel. All field players use the same stick, there is no concept of left-handed sticks. Older youth players may wish to hold the stick and practice using it in a showroom before selecting, and will generally vary based on skill and position (defense vs offense).
Height-to-Stick Length Guideline
Here it is with the height ranges to stick size (length):
Under 3’0″ (Up to 36″): 24-inch stick
3’0″ – 3’5″ (36″–42″): 26-inch stick
3’6″ – 3’10” (42″–46″): 28-inch stick
3’11” – 4’1″ (46″–49″): 30-inch stick
4’2″ – 4’5″ (50″–53″): 32-inch stick
4’6″ – 4’9″ (54″–57″): 34-inch stick
4’10” – 5’3″ (57″–63″): 35-inch stick
5’4″ – 5’7″ (63″–67″): 36.5-inch stick
5’8″ and above (67″+): 37.5- to 38.5-inch stick
Mouthguards
Don’t overlook the need to protect the player’s mouth with a mouthguard, and definitely have a backup for a lost one! They should be the type you need to “boil and bite” to mold to the roof of the mouth (so they can still speak while wearing one), and not have any string in the front like football has to attach to a helmet. (This is why they are easy to lose!) Even players with braces need one and there are specialized mouthguards for their teeth. A mouthguard is required to be worn for all practices and games.
Penalty Corner Masks
In 5/6th and 7/8th grade games, the usage of a penalty corner mask is suggested and may be worn. We provide them to teams for the 4 field players on defense involved in the play, but players may also wish to purchase and use their own. Winter indoor field hockey clubs will require each player to have their own, but we do not. Yet if the player has one from club, they can use that instead of ours for face protection from strong ball hits on goal.
Gloves
Older field players may wish to start wearing a glove on their left hand to protect it from balls. The back of the hand and knuckles are protected by a shell on the glove. They make gloves that are open palm if the player prefers to grip the stick better, or closed. They are not required but another method of protection.
Equipment Stores
These stores are local enough to either visit for excellent guidance or order online and receive quickly. They are all highly recommended over other sporting goods stores (like Dick’s) because they are specific to field hockey and carry everything you need for your athlete. All offer great bundles of beginner gear packages for under $60.
HerSport, 299 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ
Trend Field Hockey, One Executive Drive, Suite 3 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Longstreth Sporting Goods, 78 Wells Road, Spring City, PA 19475
Cherry Hill Youth Field Hockey 