For a first field-player session, bring a field hockey stick, shin guards and a mouthguard, along with athletic clothing and footwear suitable for the playing surface. A ball is useful for practice, but ask the club whether it supplies one before buying. Goalkeepers need a separate, much more extensive kit, which a team may be able to lend.
Beginner field hockey equipment checklist
Stick
A stick is the essential playing item. USA Field Hockey says wood sticks are well suited to beginners. As a rough sizing cue, stand the stick vertically beside the player: it should come to about the top of the hip. Treat that as a starting point, not a precise fitting rule, and ask a coach or club to check the length. USA Field Hockey’s equipment guide and its Game On guidance offer introductory advice.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shin guards
Shin protection is recommended for field players under Rule 4.2 of the FIH Rules of Hockey 2026. Choose guards that fit securely and cover the shin. FIH recommends tested or certified shin protection under EN 13546, or compliance with equivalent national regulations where applicable. Its personal protective equipment guidance explains the safety context.
Mouthguard
FIH recommends mouth protection for field players. Its guidance says a mouthguard should fit snugly without being too tight or loose, be durable and easy to clean, and allow easy breathing. Stock, boil-and-bite and custom-fitted mouthguards are available; the best choice depends on fit and budget rather than a universal rule. See FIH’s player protective equipment guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Clothing and footwear
Wear clothes that allow you to move and meet the team’s uniform expectations. Choose shoes for the venue and playing surface, and ask the coach what is appropriate. FIH rules require team uniform clothing, but they do not specify one universal shoe type for beginners.
Ball and optional hand protection
A ball helps with individual practice, but it is not necessarily something each beginner must buy: teams or clubs may provide shared balls. Check before purchasing. Hand protection is optional under FIH rules, provided it meets the rules’ size and safety conditions; ask a coach whether it makes sense for the player’s level and surface.
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
Face mask for specific situations
A face mask is not basic everyday headgear for a beginner. FIH recommends that field players wear one when defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke; local competition rules may offer additional guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Goalkeepers need a different kit
Goalkeeper equipment is not an extension of the ordinary field-player checklist. Under the 2026 FIH rules, a goalkeeper must wear at least headgear, leg guards and kickers. FIH guidance describes more extensive protection for the hands, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet and genitals. Because the kit is role-specific and fit-sensitive, ask the school, club or team whether it lends goalkeeper equipment before buying anything.
Rank #3
- 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
What to confirm before buying
- Ask the club or coach what is required. Confirm local rules, uniform expectations, whether balls are supplied and whether goalkeeper kit is available to borrow. National associations may set their own implementation dates, and competitions can add equipment requirements.
- Check stick length in person. Use the approximate hip-height cue as a starting point, then have a coach or club check the fit.
- Prioritize protective gear that fits. Check shin-guard certification or applicable national compliance. For a mouthguard, check fit, easy breathing and cleaning instructions.
- Buy only for the player’s role and level. A field player does not need goalkeeper kit, and a face mask is for particular situations rather than routine use.
The international rules cited here are the FIH outdoor 11-a-side 2026 edition, effective 1 March 2026. National associations may choose different implementation dates, and local competition requirements can vary by country, age group and programme. Use your club or governing body’s equipment list for the final word on what to bring.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ALL-IN-ONE SET – Includes everything a new player needs to hit the field: an Osaka field hockey stick, ball, and shin guards
- PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS – Designed with comfort, control, and safety in mind—ideal for youth and entry-level players starting their hockey journey.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE STICK – Offers excellent balance and handling to help players build confidence and improve their technique.
- ESSENTIAL PROTECTION – Includes high-quality shin guards that deliver impact protection and a secure, comfortable fit.
- READY TO PLAY – With a durable ball included, this pack gets you on the field fast—no extra gear or guesswork needed
Rank #4
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
