To hold a field hockey stick, place your left hand at the top of the handle and your right hand lower down, with the flat face of the stick pointing forward. The left hand controls the rotation of the stick, turning it for reverse skills, while the right hand guides, supports and adds power. All field hockey sticks are designed for right-handed play, so every player, including left-handed people, holds the stick this way. The distance between your hands changes depending on the skill: apart for dribbling and pushing, closer together for hitting. Getting the grip right from the start makes every other skill easier.
The basic grip
Start by holding the stick upright in front of you with the flat face pointing forward. Place your left hand at the very top of the handle, wrapping your fingers around it so the V formed by your thumb and index finger runs down the back edge of the stick. This hand should feel firm but not tense. Place your right hand lower down the handle, typically about a hand’s width or two below the left, with a relaxed grip. When you bend forward into a playing stance, the stick should sit comfortably in front of you with the head close to the ground.
Grips for each skill
| Skill | Hand position |
|---|---|
| Dribbling | Left at top, right a hand’s width or two below |
| Push pass | Hands further apart for control and power |
| Hit | Hands together near the top of the handle |
| Slap hit | Hands slightly apart, with the right hand lower down the stick |
| Receiving | Hands apart, right hand relaxed to cushion the ball |
| Jab tackle | Left hand only for extra reach |
| Block tackle | Both hands, stick low and firm |
The role of each hand
Left hand. The left hand is the control hand. It holds the top of the stick and rotates it to switch between forehand and reverse. It also guides the direction of passes and dribbles. A firm but relaxed left-hand grip gives you control without tiring your forearm.
Right hand. The right hand is the support and power hand. It guides the stick, adds force to pushes and hits, and helps absorb the pace of incoming balls. The right hand should stay relatively loose, especially when turning the stick, so the handle can rotate inside it.
How to practice the grip step by step
- Hold the stick upright. Flat face forward, head on the ground.
- Place the left hand at the top. Form a V with the thumb and index finger along the back edge.
- Add the right hand below. About a hand’s width or two down, relaxed.
- Get into stance. Bend your knees and lean forward so the stick head is close to the ground.
- Turn the stick. Rotate it with the left hand to the reverse position and back, letting it spin in the right hand.
- Adjust for skills. Practice moving the right hand up for hits and down for pushes.
Grip for hitting and slapping
Hitting requires a different grip from dribbling. For a full hit, slide the right hand up so both hands are together near the top of the handle. This creates a longer lever and more power, similar to a golf grip. Keep the grip firm at impact but avoid tension during the backswing. For a slap hit, the hands stay slightly apart with the right hand lower on the stick, and the stick sweeps along the ground with a shorter backswing. The slap is quicker than a full hit and easier to control, which is why it is common for passes and shots in modern hockey. Practicing smooth transitions between the dribbling grip and the hitting grip lets you shoot or pass quickly without giving defenders time to react.
Grip for receiving and tackling
When receiving, keep the hands apart and the right hand relaxed so the stick can absorb the ball’s pace. A tight right hand makes the ball bounce away. For block tackles, both hands hold the stick firmly with the head flat on the ground, providing a solid barrier. For jab tackles, many players release the right hand and use only the left, gaining extra reach for a quick stab at the ball. After the jab, the right hand returns to the stick to secure possession.
Turning the stick for reverse skills
Reverse skills require turning the stick so the flat face points left. The left hand rotates the stick while the right hand loosens to let it spin. Beginners often grip too tightly with the right hand, which prevents the stick from turning smoothly. Practice rotating the stick while standing still, then while walking and dribbling. Over time, the movement becomes automatic, allowing quick switches between forehand and reverse during play.
Why there are no left-handed sticks
Field hockey rules require sticks to have the flat playing face on one side only, and all sticks are made the same way. This keeps play consistent and safe. Left-handed players use the same sticks and grip as right-handed players, and many left-handed people find the left-hand-on-top grip natural, since the left hand controls the stick. Being left-handed is not a disadvantage in field hockey.
Rulebook note: under the FIH Rules of Hockey, the ball may only be played with the flat face and edges of the stick, and sticks must meet equipment standards for shape and size. NFHS rules for US high schools and other national rules follow the same basic principle, so left-handed sticks are not permitted in regulated play.
Grip and posture
Your grip affects your posture. With the hands apart and the stick close to the ground, you naturally bend your knees and keep your back lower, which improves control and balance. Holding the stick too high, with the hands close together, tends to make players stand upright, which makes receiving and tackling harder. For most skills other than hitting, keep the hands apart and the stick low.
Grip size and comfort
The thickness of the handle affects comfort. Players with larger hands may prefer a thicker grip, while smaller hands, including many juniors, benefit from a thinner handle. Grips can be adjusted by re-gripping with different materials or adding layers, within equipment rules. A comfortable grip reduces tension in the hands and forearms, helping you play longer without fatigue.
Common mistakes
- Right hand on top of the stick.
- Gripping too tightly with the right hand, preventing rotation.
- Hands together when dribbling, reducing control.
- Holding the stick too high, leading to an upright posture.
- Left hand too low on the handle, losing leverage.
- Not adjusting the grip for different skills.
Drills to build a good grip
Stick rotations. Hold the stick in front of you and rotate it from forehand to reverse and back, focusing on a relaxed right hand.
Stationary dribble. Move the ball side to side in front of you using the Indian dribble, keeping the grip consistent.
Grip changes. Practice switching from dribbling grip to hitting grip and back while moving.
Partner passing. Push pass with a partner, focusing on hand spacing and control.
Frequently asked questions
Are there left-handed field hockey sticks?
No. All sticks have the flat face on the same side, and everyone holds them with the left hand on top.
Where should my right hand be on the stick?
Usually a hand’s width or two below the left hand for dribbling and passing, and closer to the left for hitting.
Why can’t I turn my stick smoothly?
You are probably gripping too tightly with your right hand. Relax it so the stick can rotate inside it.
