Left Vs Right Hockey Stick

Left vs Right Hockey Stick: Choosing the Perfect Curve for Your Game

Choosing the right hockey stick can significantly impact your performance on the ice. One of the most crucial decisions is selecting between a left-handed and a right-handed stick. This seemingly simple choice dramatically affects your shooting, passing, puck handling, and overall game. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of left versus right hockey sticks, helping you understand the differences and choose the stick that best suits your playing style and enhances your on-ice success. Understanding the nuances of stick selection will significantly improve your hockey game.

Understanding Stick Terminology: Left vs Right

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify the terminology. The terms "left" and "right" in hockey sticks refer to the hand you use to hold the bottom of the stick, not the side the blade curves toward.

• Right-handed (RH): If you hold the stick with your right hand at the bottom, and your left hand higher up the shaft, you use a right-handed stick. This is often referred to as a "right curve" stick.
• Left-handed (LH): If you hold the stick with your left hand at the bottom, and your right hand higher up the shaft, you use a left-handed stick. This is often referred to as a "left curve" stick.

This is crucial because the blade curve is designed to complement the dominant hand's position. Choosing the incorrect hand orientation can severely hinder your ability to control the puck and shoot accurately.

The Importance of Stick Curve and Lie

The blade curve, or lie, isn't just about aesthetics. It significantly impacts your ability to shoot, pass, and handle the puck effectively. The lie of a hockey stick refers to the angle of the blade relative to the shaft. This angle is critical for controlling the puck, shooting, and passing. A correctly chosen lie allows you to naturally position the puck for optimal shot release and passing accuracy. An incorrect lie can result in awkward puck handling and inconsistent shots.

There are several types of curves, each designed to suit different playing styles:

• Standard Curves: These are the most common and offer a balance between shot accuracy and puck handling.
• Mid-curves: Provide a moderate curve, ideal for players who need a compromise between power and puck control.
• Extreme Curves: Offer significant curve, favouring powerful shots at the expense of some puck control.

How to Determine Your Stick Hand

Determining your correct stick hand isn't always intuitive. It's about how you naturally hold the stick, not which hand is dominant for other activities. Here's a simple test:

1. Grab a stick: Simply hold a hockey stick as if you were about to shoot the puck. Don't overthink it. Just grab it instinctively.
2. Observe your grip: Which hand is at the bottom of the stick? This is your dominant stick hand.
3. Confirm with shooting: Try shooting the puck with the stick. Does it feel natural and comfortable? If not, you might have chosen incorrectly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Stick Hand

While personal preference plays a significant role, understanding the general advantages and disadvantages of each stick hand can inform your decision:

Right-Handed Stick Advantages:

• More common: A wider selection of sticks and accessories are generally available.
• Easier to find replacements: Finding a replacement stick in a pinch is typically easier for right-handed sticks.

Right-Handed Stick Disadvantages:

• Can be challenging for left-handed players: Shooting and handling may feel awkward, impacting overall gameplay.

Left-Handed Stick Advantages:

• Potential for surprise: For left-handed players, it can create a different shot angle that opponents are less accustomed to facing.

Left-Handed Stick Disadvantages:

• Limited Selection: Finding the right left-handed stick, especially with specific curves or flexes, may be more challenging.
• Replacement difficulty: Finding a replacement quickly can be more difficult due to the smaller selection.

Beyond Hand Preference: Considering Playing Style

Your playing style significantly impacts the type of stick you should use.

• Shooters: Players focusing on powerful shots often prefer sticks with significant curve to enhance accuracy and power. This is especially true for slap shots.

• Passers/Playmakers: These players benefit from a slightly less pronounced curve for better puck control and precise passing. A more balanced curve can improve passing accuracy and handling in tight spaces.

• Defensive Players: Defensive players often favour a less pronounced curve for improved puck handling during defensive plays.

• Goalies: Goalies, of course, use specialized sticks for blocking pucks.

The Role of Flex and Shaft Material

While this article focuses on the hand orientation, the flex and shaft material are other crucial factors influencing stick choice.

• Flex: This refers to the stick's stiffness. Higher flex ratings (e.g., 85, 100) are suitable for stronger players, while lower flex ratings are ideal for players with less strength. Selecting the correct flex is essential for optimal shot power and accuracy.

• Shaft Material: The shaft material (e.g., wood, composite, graphite) affects weight, durability, and feel. Composite sticks are popular due to their lightweight yet strong construction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I change my stick hand?

A: While it's challenging, it's not impossible. It requires consistent practice and significant time to adjust to the new grip. It's generally recommended to use the hand you feel most natural and comfortable with.

Q: What if I'm ambidextrous?

A: If you're equally comfortable using either hand, you can try both and see which feels more natural when shooting and handling the puck.

Q: Are there any benefits to using a stick that is opposite to my dominant hand?

A: There's no inherent advantage to using a stick opposite to your dominant hand. In fact, it usually hinders your performance. It might be attempted for unexpected plays or strategy but is generally not recommended.

Q: How often should I replace my hockey stick?

A: Hockey sticks break, especially with the intense force exerted during shooting. Regular inspection is crucial, and replacement is needed when the stick shows signs of wear, damage, or weakness.

Q: Where can I find information on different stick curves and lies?

A: Reputable hockey equipment retailers and websites provide detailed information on various stick models, including their curves and lies. Many manufacturers also have online resources detailing the specs of their sticks.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the correct hockey stick is a critical decision that can dramatically improve your game. While the choice between a left-handed and right-handed stick may seem minor, understanding the implications of hand orientation, curve, and lie can significantly enhance your puck handling, shooting accuracy, and overall performance. By understanding your natural grip, considering your playing style, and factoring in flex and shaft material, you can find the perfect stick to elevate your hockey game to the next level. Remember that choosing the right equipment is a vital step towards mastering the sport and enjoying a more fulfilling and successful hockey experience. Don't hesitate to experiment and try different sticks to find the one that feels the most natural and comfortable for you.