In every sport, the athletes have a wide variety of equipment they need to perform at a high level. Athletes have so many options on equipment and they each have their own preference on what they like to use. Each player has a different role and requires different items to thrive.
When playing field hockey, debatably the most important piece of equipment is the stick. One thing that may come off as a surprise is there are no left-handed field hockey sticks. A left-handed player must learn to play the game in the same way as a right-handed player. There are many different stock options available, from length to stiffness. For sophomore Mycah Thompson her stick setup and preference help her perform at an elite level.
“I use a Grays brand stick,” Thomson said. “The sticks come with different amounts of stiffness and I’d say a 7000 flex number or above is [best].”
Field hockey is a sport that requires a lot of running and with the majority of field hockey games being played on turf, the type of shoes worn are important not only for comfort but for performance as well. The shoe can not only vary in the brand but can also vary from player to player. Players can use cleats or turf shoes and some even wear tennis shoes. When it comes to shoe choice, team captain and Central Michigan commit Cameron Pluciennik, is opting for the shoe that she feels not only gives her the best chance to be successful but also prepares for what is to come.
“I wear turf shoes… Those are the kind of shoes you have to wear at the collegiate level” Pluciennik said.
When someone thinks of field hockey, they do not think of it being a contact sport, However, games can get pretty aggressive. Not only could a player get hit by another player, but they could also get hit with a stick or even the hard ball that is used to play. All things considered, pads and gear for protection become a necessity.
Players can be seen with mouthpieces and shin guards. Although, the amount of padding increases at the goalie position. The goalie will be in a padded shirt paired with padded pants and leg guards. The goalie will also need adequate head protection including a helmet with a mask. Senior Mollie Tubbs shares the importance of protective gear.
“The most undervalued piece of equipment is shin guards because you get hit in the shins a lot but don’t realize it,” Tubbs said.
Players have so many necessities to perform at a high level. From hard work and preparation to the equipment they wear.
