What Beginning Field Hockey Players Need
Field hockey is one of the most popular girls' sports at the high school level and growing at the youth level. It's a fast, technical sport where skill development begins with the right stick and the right protective gear.
Unlike ice hockey, field hockey doesn't require extensive padding — but shin guards, mouthguards, and goggles are essential safety items. This guide covers every item in clear priority order.
The Essentials
These 5 items are non-negotiable. Your child needs all of them before their first practice.
A field hockey stick has a hooked bottom end (J-hook) and is used with one flat side only. They come in different bow (curve) profiles for different positions and skill levels and vary in length. Youth sticks are typically 28"–35.5" depending on player height.
Field hockey shin guards protect the front of the lower leg from ball impacts and stick contact. Many players also add separate ankle guards that clip around the ankle.
Required by most organized field hockey programs. Protects teeth and jaw from stick and ball contact.
ASTM-certified protective goggles are required for field hockey players at all youth and high school levels in the USA.
Cleats for grass fields or turf shoes for synthetic surfaces. Many field hockey fields are now artificial turf, requiring specific turf footwear.
Strongly Recommended
Not required on Day 1, but you'll want these within the first few weeks.
A single left-hand glove (for right-handed players) that protects the top of the left hand — the hand that sits atop the stick and is most exposed to stick and ball impact.
A stick bag protects the stick from temperature extremes and transport damage. Plus a large water bottle for outdoor practice in warm weather.
🏑 Complete Field Hockey Checklist
✅ Must-Have (5 items)
⭐ Add When Ready
Age & Size Guide for Field Hockey Gear
| Age Group | Stick Length | Bow Type | Required Protective Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 7–9 (Intro) | 28"–32" | Low bow | Shin guards, mouthguard, goggles |
| Ages 10–12 (Youth) | 32"–34" | Low to mid bow | Full protective kit |
| Ages 13–15 (Middle School) | 34"–35.5" | Low to mid bow | Full kit + ankle guards |
| Ages 16–18 (High School) | 35.5" max | Position-specific bow | Full kit, possible glove |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between field hockey and lacrosse?
Both are stick-and-ball sports on grass fields, but the mechanics are very different. Field hockey uses a J-hook stick to control a hard plastic ball along the ground; players may only use the flat side. Lacrosse uses a mesh-pocket stick to throw and catch a rubber ball through the air. Field hockey is predominantly a girls' sport in the US; lacrosse is popular for both. Both are excellent competitive pathways.
Are goggles required for field hockey?
Yes — USA Field Hockey requires ASTM-certified protective eyewear for all youth players in the United States, and most state high school athletic associations have adopted this rule. Field hockey goggles are specifically designed for the sport's impact profile (they differ from lacrosse or squash goggles). Check that any goggles you buy are specifically certified for field hockey.
How do I choose a field hockey stick length?
Stand upright and hold the stick vertical next to your body — the hook should reach the top of your hip bone. This is the correct length for most players. Beginners should also choose a low bow (0–19mm curve) stick, as these are more forgiving for basic skills. Higher bow sticks are for intermediate and advanced players who want to perform aerial techniques.
Is field hockey hard to learn as a beginner?
Field hockey has a moderate learning curve. The biggest initial challenge is the rule that only the flat side of the stick may touch the ball — this takes getting used to. But the basic skills of pushing, hitting, and receiving are learnable within a few sessions. Most beginners are participating in drills effectively within 2–3 practices. The athletic demands (speed, endurance, agility) are high but develop naturally with regular training.
What age do kids start field hockey?
Most recreational and school programs start at ages 8–10. Middle school programs begin at age 11–12. In the US, field hockey is most popular in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New England.
Is field hockey mostly a girls' sport?
In the US, field hockey is predominantly a girls' sport at the scholastic level, but internationally it's gender-equal — men's field hockey is a major Olympic sport. Some US clubs and recreational programs welcome all genders.
What's the difference between field hockey and ice hockey gear?
Completely different sports. Field hockey uses a J-shaped stick with a curved hook, a hard round ball, shin guards, and a mouthguard. Ice hockey uses a puck and requires extensive protective padding. No equipment is interchangeable between the two.
Your Complete Field Hockey Gear List
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