For a beginner playing on the field, the essentials are a correctly sized field hockey stick, a mouthguard, and field hockey shin guards. Before buying anything else, ask the coach or club whether it supplies balls and what footwear is suitable for its surface. Requirements vary between introductory sessions and official games, and goalkeeper equipment is a separate category.
Start with the essential field-player kit
- Stick: Choose a field hockey stick that feels manageable and is the right length for the player. USA Field Hockey says beginner sticks are usually wooden, lightweight, less rigid, and more forgiving when learning to stop and control the ball. USA Field Hockey’s equipment guide offers general sizing guidance.
- Mouthguard: Get one for regular game play. USA Field Hockey describes mouthguards as required, while the International Hockey Federation (FIH) includes mouth protection in its guidance for field players. The rules for a particular club, school, or competition determine what is required there. FIH personal protective equipment guidance.
- Field hockey shin guards: Use field hockey-appropriate shin protection for regular play. USA Field Hockey and FIH both discuss shin protection for field players. Confirm the fit and any additional requirements with the program.
These are a sensible starting point for a player preparing for games. A first, introductory session may have different requirements; check with the organizer before the player arrives.
Choose a stick that fits
USA Field Hockey’s height chart is a starting point, not a guarantee of fit. A stick that is too long can be difficult to maneuver; one that is too short may feel awkward and limit power. The guide says many players use hip-bone height as a rough check and recommends consulting a coach, manufacturer, or retailer before investing.
| Player height | Approximate stick length in USA Field Hockey’s guide |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 ft | 28 in |
| 4 ft 1 in–4 ft 3 in | 30 in |
| 4 ft 4 in–4 ft 6 in | 32 in |
| 4 ft 7 in–5 ft | 34 in |
| 5 ft 1 in–5 ft 3 in | 35–35.5 in |
| 5 ft 4 in–5 ft 9 in | 36–36.5 in |
| 5 ft 10 in and taller | 37–37.5 in |
These are approximate recommendations from USA Field Hockey’s March 2025 guide, and stick preference varies. The guide also says there is no left-handed stick. If possible, let the player handle the stick and ask a coach or retailer to check the length before buying.
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- Field hockey package with everything the junior player needs to start playing
- Includes an HPR 50 stick, Black Prime Stick Bag, Adult Reversible Shin Guard, 2pk Balls
- HPR 50 stick is great for beginners
- Stick is 100% fiberglass and great for new players
- Perfect way to outfit your young player for their first practice
Check what the session or game requires
Equipment expectations depend on the activity. USA Field Hockey’s 2025 FUNdamental Field Hockey curriculum says most PE classes and introductory sessions do not require shin guards or mouthguards, particularly when using a GO Ball; it describes those items as optional in that setting. The curriculum identifies both as standard equipment for field players in official games. Follow the coach’s or organizer’s instructions if they set stricter requirements.
The curriculum describes the GO Ball as oversized and lighter than a standard ball. It rolls better on long grass and more slowly on hard surfaces such as a gym floor or parking lot. That is one reason a ball used for development activities may differ from one used in a game. Ask whether the program supplies the ball before purchasing one.
Rank #2
- Field hockey package with everything the junior player needs to start playing
- Includes an HPR 50 stick, Black Prime Stick Bag, Adult Reversible Shin Guard, 2pk Balls
- HPR 50 stick is great for beginners
- Stick is 100% fiberglass and great for new players
- Perfect way to outfit your young player for their first practice
Decide what else to buy
| Item | When a beginner may need it |
|---|---|
| Ball | Useful for independent practice, but ask whether the team supplies one. Ball type can vary by activity and surface. |
| Footwear | Depends on the playing surface and program rules. Ask the coach or club before buying turf shoes or cleats. |
| Gloves | Optional. USA Field Hockey notes that players may wear them for hand protection, grip, or warmth. |
| Corner mask | Situational: defenders wear these when defending penalty corners. |
| Goalkeeper equipment | A separate, extensive protective kit for goalkeepers—not part of a beginner field player’s kit. |
For protective gear, prioritize suitable coverage and a secure, comfortable fit. FIH guidance says personal protective equipment should address ordinary playing risks without creating risks for other players. The sources cited here do not specify a product model or certification recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Confirm local rules before buying specialized gear
USA Field Hockey’s equipment advice is written for a U.S. audience, and clubs, schools, and competitions may add their own requirements. A youth club’s equipment page, for example, lists specific footwear and socks for its program; those details should not be assumed to apply elsewhere. Check the instructions for the player’s age group, playing format, and location.
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- Your Next-Step Stick—Offers increased speed and power, perfect for advancing players beyond entry-level sticks.
- Evolve Your Game—Mixed materials and a low bow support all-around skill development.
- Optimal Balance—Designed for comfort and power, the balance point of this stick creates a lightweight feel for rising players.
- 10% Carbon - added to increased stiffness and power
- 90% Fiberglass - More forgiving when learning new skills
The FIH is the international governing body for outdoor 11-a-side hockey and other hockey disciplines. Its official Rules of Hockey page states that the outdoor rules published in March 2026 are effective from March 2026. Use the rules and organizer guidance that apply to the player’s competition.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BEGINNER FIELD HOCKEY STICK: Available in shorter lengths for younger players
- EASY TO LEARN: Wooden construction makes this stick very forgiving, perfect for learning new skills.
- PRACTICE SKILLS: The X-Ray is the perfect stick for the starting field hockey player to practice their skills witih
- REDUCED FATIGUE: Flexibility of the multi-layer wood construction reduces fatigue in the hands and arms of beginning players
- DURABLE GRIP: The durable black hand grip is easy to hold and won't get as dirty over time.
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