Check out the results of our research for what field hockey sticks best suit Midfielders below.
Adidas have come out as the most used stick by international players in 2016 with about 24% favoring the brand, with Grays as the next stand out, and in particular the GX7000 being the most used model by pro midfielders. Kookaburra, Ritual and Osaka also featured as being commonly used, all known as reliable all round sticks. Each of these brands mentioned have a large range of high quality sticks that cater for the needs of midfielders, so there is no wonder that they are popular. This being the case you still need to select the right stick once you choose the brand and the comments mentioned below are are great guide to help.
Your job as a midfielder is to set up the play in offensive. This means controlling the ball and delivering it safely to the attackers. However you may also push up forward into the D at some points to score also, very possible when you have a short corner. In defensive, your role is to stop the opposition midfielders and forwards do the same, this means laying some good tackles and traps.
- Pure control head shape to provide ultimate control in all situations. Enhanced surface area from classical head shapes
- Carbonplate stiffening technology for better bonding and more integrated stiffness to increase hitting power
- Trapezoid stick shape reduces the weight of the stick and enhances 3D skills
- adigrip tape combining traditional PU with Chamois-like touch.
- 70% carbon and mid bow
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Graphene is strong and light, and has been precisely combined with the highly successful GX composition to forge the GR technology
- EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG: By combining graphene into the composite matrix, players will have all the durability and playability of GX technology with extra power and feel from graphene. Sticks in the GR range offer exceptional feel, power and playability
- MEDIUM BOW: The GR7000 Ultrabow has our straightest bow profile. This gives a natural hitting angle for executing the core skills of the game
- POWER & CONTROL: Graphene offers a unique combination of powerful energy transfer and shock absorbing properties. Power and control perfectly balanced
- Free Chamois Grip included!
Here are some things to consider:
- Weight: Middle of the range is preferred but most midfield players, not super light like a forwards stick as you want something solid in your hands for tackles. But not too heavy like a defensive stick as you will need to do some quick dribbling and you want your stick to be agile.
- Toe: The most common and popular toe shape for midfielders is the Midi toe, it is well balanced and good for all round skills. It provides a decent sized hitting area and makes reverse side stick work easier.
- Control: You are going to want a stick which allows good control, in trapping and dribbling. So a super high carbon stick (like 95% +) may not be ideal. A bit of Kevlar (Aramid) will help out with this.
- Bow: A lot of pro midfielder’s don’t like a massive 24 or 25mm bow as while it may be good for drag flicking or over heads it’s not going to make standard hits or traps much easier. A mid-sized bow can help with stick work though, so something between 19 – 23mm is always good depending on your style of play.
Hopefully these features will help you decide what stick will be best for you as a midfielder. In summary though you really want a good all-rounder stick, a midfield is both an attacking and defending position, focusing on precision and passing skills rather than shooting or 1 v 1 skills.
