The game of hockey includes various team members and a goal keeper. The game of hockey is full of excitement and enthusiasm. To deflect the ball and avoid goal from entering the goal post is the main task of the goal keeper. Complete dedication and concentration is part of his job. Alertness is necessary for his job. He has to stay very alert as he has to help his team by deflecting goals besides these properties. The game is high paced and to avoid any injury, the goal keeper needs lot of protective padding. Since the ball comes at a fast speed towards the goal post, it may hit him hard in sensitive area and to avoid the ball he sometimes falls hard on the ground and he also has to lunge sideways and back ways. Thus to safeguard him, a goalkeeper needs lot of protective gear.
Goalkeepers may block or deflect the ball with any part of their bodies, but additional protective padding helps them a lot. As this protective padding protects their feet, legs, arms, etc, they are very useful. The goalkeeper needs to carry hockey sticks always when performing his task. The goalkeepers are permitted to come out of the ‘D’ area but they are not allowed to use their knickers but only their hockey-stick to play outside their defensive circle. The goal keepers are not allowed to use even their leg-guards; gloves, hand protectors or any part of the body. Unless they are taking a penalty stroke from passing their side's defensive 23 m line during play fully protected goalkeepers are prohibited.

The 2007 rulebook has seen major changes regarding goalkeepers. A fully equipped goalkeeper must wear a helmet, leg guards and kickers. Usually they wear extensive additional protective equipment including chest guards, padded shorts, heavily padded hand protectors, groin protectors, neck guards, arm guards, and like all players, must carry a stick. However, such a player may not cross the 23 m line, the sole exception to this being if the goalkeeper is to take a penalty stroke at the other end of the field, when the clock is stopped. The goalkeeper can also remove their helmet for this action. However, if the goalkeeper elects to wear only a helmet (and a different coloured shirt), they may cross the 23 m line if they have removed their helmet (and placed it safely off the field of play). If play returns to the circle without them having opportunity to replace the helmet, this player still has "goalkeeping privileges", that is, they are not limited to using their stick to play the ball whilst it is in the circle. The helmet must be worn whilst defending penalty corners and penalty strokes.
It is now also possible for teams to have a full eleven outfield players — and no goalkeeper at all. No player may wear a helmet or other goalkeeping equipment, nor will any player be able to play the ball other than with their stick. This may be used to offer a tactical advantage, or to allow for play to commence if no goalkeeper or kit is available.
Based on years of experience we have compiled this guide in order to provide both seasoned players, and newcomers to the sport of hockey with an in-depth guide to hockey sticks, as well as the knowledge required to make an informed choice when looking for the best hockey stick to suit their specific needs.
Over the last 20 years a combination of technological advances, adaptation of the game to artificial surfaces and consumer demand, has led to hockey stick manufacturers producing a wide range of products to suit all skill sets, playing styles, preferences and budgets.

Introduction
In this guide we will attempt to clearly define the various aspects of hockey sticks and then explain in the following six sections how each of the different aspects may affect your choice of hockey stick.
Please see the section overviews below for a brief summary of the aspects covered. If you are new to the sport we strongly recommend you read the section on Specifications first in order to familiarise yourself with the basic elements and technical terminology associated with hockey sticks.
SPECIFICATIONS: A basic introduction into the different parts of a hockey stick, terminology, as well as the technical restrictions on hockey sticks as set out by Hockey's governing body the FIH (International Hockey Federation). Read more...
MATERIALS: A description of the various materials used to build hockey sticks, their pros and cons and how to choose the right material for you. Read more...
LENGTH: Discussion of the important factors that may help you choose the correct hockey stick length. Read more...
WEIGHT: Discussion of hockey stick weights and the factors that may help you choose the correct weight. Read more...
HEAD SHAPE:. An introduction to the various hockey sticks head shapes, their in-game performance and which might suit you best. Read more...
BOW: A detailed introduction into the bow of hockey sticks shafts, the latest technical restrictions and how it might affect your game. Read more...
PRICE: A discussion on how your choice of hockey sticks might be affected by your budget. Read more...
Barrington Sports have been hockey specialists for over 20 years, during which we have built up an unrivalled knowledge of hockey sticks and equipment.
To visit our shop and see our extensive range of hockey sticks and equipment simply click on the Enter Shop button below.

For further details about Teamwear and Hockey sticks kindly visit the website.

Contact us:
Woodworm Hockey
Unit 4, Home Farm
Quat Goose Lane
Swindon Village
Cheltenham GL51 9RP
United Kingdom