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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor a beginner playing in the field, the essentials are a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 playing surface. Requirements vary between introductory sessions and official games, and goalkeeper equipment is a separate category.
What to get first
- Field hockey stick: Essential. Start with a comfortable, beginner-friendly stick that the player can handle easily.
- Mouthguard: Get one for regular game play and check the program’s rules and fit guidance.
- Field hockey shin guards: Use field-player protection and confirm the coach’s or competition organizer’s requirements.
A ball can be useful for practice, but teams and introductory programs may provide one. Gloves are optional. Corner masks are for defenders during penalty corners, while goalkeepers need a separate, extensive protective kit.
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Choose a stick that fits
USA Field Hockey’s Field Hockey 101: The Equipment guide says beginner sticks are usually wooden, lightweight, less rigid, and more forgiving when learning to stop and control the ball. A suitable length matters: an overly long stick can be hard to maneuver, while one that is too short may feel awkward and limit power.
The guide’s height chart is approximate. Use it as a starting point, then check how the player handles the stick and ask a coach, manufacturer, or retailer for help before investing.
#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
| Player height | Approximate stick length |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 feet | 28 inches |
| 4 feet 1 inch to 4 feet 3 inches | 30 inches |
| 4 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 6 inches | 32 inches |
| 4 feet 7 inches to 5 feet | 34 inches |
| 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 3 inches | 35–35.5 inches |
| 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches | 36–36.5 inches |
| 5 feet 10 inches and taller | 37–37.5 inches |
Many players use hip-bone height as a rough measurement, but comfort and control are more useful than treating the chart as an exact rule. USA Field Hockey also notes there is no left-handed stick.
Does a first session require protective gear?
Not necessarily. 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, though the items are optional in those settings. The curriculum identifies both as standard equipment for field players in official games. Follow the coach’s and organizer’s instructions for the specific session rather than assuming that introductory guidance applies to competition.
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
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) discusses shin, ankle, and mouth protection for field players during open play, as well as face masks for defending penalty corners. Its Rules of Hockey page lists outdoor rules published and effective from March 2026; check the current rules for the format being played and any local requirements.
Ask about balls and footwear before buying
Ball
A personal ball is convenient for independent practice, but check whether the club or school supplies one. Ball type can vary between development activities and play. The curriculum describes the GO Ball as oversized and lighter: it rolls better on long grass and more slowly on hard surfaces such as a gym floor or parking lot. Use the ball recommended for the activity and surface.
Rank #3
- 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
Footwear
There is no one footwear recommendation established for every program and surface. Ask the coach what shoes are allowed and expected before buying turf shoes or cleats. One youth club’s equipment page lists footwear and socks for its own age groups; those local requirements should not be assumed to apply elsewhere.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is optional or role-specific?
| Equipment | When it is relevant |
|---|---|
| Gloves | Optional. Players may use them for hand protection, grip, or warmth. |
| Corner mask | For defenders while defending penalty corners. |
| Goalkeeper kit | Separate protective equipment for players in goal; it is not part of a field player’s starter kit. |
For protective equipment, prioritize coverage, fit, and comfort while following the applicable program rules. FIH guidance also emphasizes that protective gear should address ordinary playing risks without creating risks for other players.
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.
A simple buying order
- Ask the coach or organizer what the first session requires and whether the team supplies balls.
- Choose a stick using the height chart as a starting point, then check fit and handling.
- For regular game play, obtain a mouthguard and field hockey shin guards that fit properly.
- Confirm the playing surface and footwear rules before buying dedicated shoes.
- Consider a personal ball or optional gloves only if they suit the player’s practice needs.
USA Field Hockey’s guidance is written for a U.S. audience, and local clubs, schools, and competitions can set additional requirements. A youth organization’s equipment list is an example of one program’s rules, not a universal standard.
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