Youth

Youth sticks are the shortest and lightest sticks, made for the youngest players, usually about 3 to 6 years old and under about 3'10". With shoes on, the stick should reach between your child's chin and nose. Once they outgrow it, move up to a junior stick.

Popular youth sticks include the Dekadence DK1 Youth, the Knapper AK1 Youth Ball Hockey and AK1 Youth ball hockey sticks, the Warrior Covert QR5 Pro Youth and Rise Youth, and the LDK Nova One Youth. All are light and easy for small hands to control.

Keep it simple: pick a light stick at the right height, between the chin and the nose with shoes on, and check whether your child shoots left or right by having them hold a stick naturally. A shorter, lighter stick helps young players learn to stickhandle and pass. There's no need for an expensive composite stick at this age.

Along with a youth stick, young players should wear a helmet with a cage, gloves and shin guards , plus running or ball hockey shoes with good grip. Add a few balls for practice at home. See all protection .

Yes. Mini sticks like the Warrior Retro 27 Mini Stick, QR7 Pro Mini Stick and QR Goalie Mini Stick are perfect for knee hockey and indoor play at home. They're a fun way for toddlers and young kids to build hand-eye coordination before or alongside a full-size youth stick.

When the youth stick no longer reaches your child's chin with shoes on, usually around age 7 or a height of about 4 feet, it's time to move up to a junior stick . Junior sticks are longer and still have a soft flex that's easy for kids to bend. Browse all sizes in our ball hockey sticks .