Every experienced player knows that the first thing to go on a stick is the grip. Depending on the weather conditions and how often you play, grip can wear down pretty quickly. You may think you need a new stick when this happens, but that’s not the case! If your stick is still in good condition, all you need to do is replace the grip.
A new stick can cost upwards of $100, but re-grip hovers around $10. This field hockey guide will explain how to re-grip your stick so you can save money and make your stick look and feel as good as new.
Remove the Old Grip
Only remove your old grip if you’ve purchased a replacement grip. If you’ve purchased an over-grip, leave the old grip as is and don’t touch it. To remove the grip:
- Remove any tape holding the grip in place at the top of the stick.
- Peel back the loose grip and continue down the handle.
- Continue pulling the grip until you have removed its entire length.
- Remove any extra tape or grip residue stuck to the stick. You can remove the residue by applying rubbing alcohol or soap and water directly to the stick with a wash cloth. But, make sure to dry the stick completely before applying the new grip. If there are any pieces left behind, a hair dryer can be used to heat the glue to make it easier to scrape off with an X-Acto knife or sand paper.
Apply the New Grip
After you’ve chosen a replacement grip and removed the old grip, you’re ready to apply the new one.
Most grips come with a protective layer over the adhesive part. So before applying the grip to your stick, practice wrapping it with the layer still intact. That way, you can get familiar with the technique and won’t risk wasting your replacement grip if you mess up.
The same technique will be used to apply over-grip or replacement grip:
- Hold the stick in your left hand and the end of the grip in your right.
- Start by applying the grip to the bottom of the handle. (It might be easiest to follow the old lines of the previous grip.) Place the grip on either the front or back of the stick. Twist the grip straight around the bottom so that it connects all the way around, but allow it to overlap so that you can continue upwards.
- Continue wrapping the grip counterclockwise around the stick and upwards at an angle (like a candy cane).
- Continue wrapping until you reach the top of the stick. If the grip is too long, cut the grip with a pair of scissors at the top of the stick. If the grip does not reach the top of the stick, take the replacement grip off and try wrapping it again with the bottom of the grip placed slightly higher. Note: The grip is too short for the stick if you hold the stick in the basic grip and your right hand rests below the grip.
Hot Tip: Make the Length Perfect
Most grips will fit perfectly. But if yours doesn’t, don’t worry! You can make it fit. If the grip is too long, cut it at the top of the stick. If the grip comes out to be too short, you can make a shorter grip. In this case, move the bottom of the grip up so that it starts higher up on the shaft. Then, try again.
Tips
There are a few tips you’ll want to follow to get the best outcome for your new grip:
- Make sure to keep the grip taught as your wrap it.
- Do not overlap the tape or leave gaps between each layer.
- Use electrical tape to hold the grip in place at the top of the stick.
Get a Grip!
Now that you’ve re-gripped your stick, try it out! Make sure it feels comfortable in your hands — it may take some time to get used to. Having a sturdy grip is important because having a strong hold on the stick will influence your hits and stick skills. So if your grip is starting to wear, purchase a new grip. It is an inexpensive fix to the problem and will leave you feeling like you’ve purchased a brand new stick.
