How To Determine Hockey Stick Handedness
Determining the correct handedness for a hockey stick is crucial for players to achieve their maximum performance on the ice. Here are five supporting facts to help you determine hockey stick handedness:
1. Dominant Hand: The first step is to identify your dominant hand. The dominant hand is the hand you naturally use for most activities requiring precision and control. It is typically the hand you write with or perform other fine motor skills.
2. Top Hand Control: In hockey, the top hand on the stick is responsible for controlling the direction and accuracy of the shot. If your dominant hand is your right hand, you would hold the stick with your right hand at the top (right-handed shot). If your dominant hand is your left hand, you would hold the stick with your left hand at the top (left-handed shot).
3. Strong Hand Grip: Grip strength also plays a role in determining hockey stick handedness. Your stronger hand should be closer to the bottom of the stick for better control and power during stickhandling and passing. This means that if your dominant hand is your right hand, you would hold the stick with your right hand at the bottom (left-handed shot). If your dominant hand is your left hand, you would hold the stick with your left hand at the bottom (right-handed shot).
4. Body Positioning: Another factor to consider when determining hockey stick handedness is your body positioning. The hand you place at the top of the stick should correspond to the hand you would use if you were throwing a punch. For example, if you would throw a punch with your right hand, you would use a right-handed shot.
5. Comfort and Feel: Ultimately, comfort and feel are important in determining which hockey stick handedness is right for you. Trying out both left and right-handed sticks can help you determine which feels more natural and gives you better control.
FAQs:
1. Can I play with a stick that doesn’t match my dominant hand?
While it is possible to use a stick that doesn’t match your dominant hand, it may affect your performance and limit your ability to shoot and handle the puck effectively.
2. Can I switch handedness if I feel more comfortable with the opposite hand?
Switching handedness can be done with practice and patience. Some players may find that they have better stick control and shot accuracy when switching to their non-dominant hand, known as “playing off-handed.”
3. How can I test which handedness feels more natural?
You can test your hockey stick handedness by trying out different sticks. Take a few shots with a left-handed stick and then with a right-handed stick to determine which feels more comfortable and provides better control.
4. Is there a standard handedness for players in hockey?
No, there is no standard handedness for players in hockey. It varies among individuals based on their dominant hand and personal preference.
5. Can I change my hockey stick handedness if I have been playing for years?
Changing your hockey stick handedness after playing for years can be challenging, but it is not impossible. It requires lots of practice to develop new muscle memory and coordination.
6. Do goalies have the same handedness considerations?
Goalies have a different set of considerations when it comes to handedness. They generally choose their stick handedness based on their catching hand, with right-handed catchers using left-handed sticks and vice versa.
7. Are there advantages to playing with a non-dominant hand?
Playing with a non-dominant hand, also known as playing off-handed, can have advantages such as better stickhandling on the backhand side and surprising opponents who are used to defending against players with their dominant hand.
BOTTOM LINE:
Determining hockey stick handedness involves considering your dominant hand, top hand control, strong hand grip, body positioning, and comfort. While there is no right or wrong handedness, matching your stick to your dominant hand generally leads to better control and performance on the ice. However, some players may choose to play off-handed if they feel more comfortable and skilled with their non-dominant hand.