Are you choosing a new floorball stick and not sure which one to pick? When choosing, focus primarily on the side you play on, the correct stick length and, for more advanced players, also the flex, material and blade type. The right floorball stick can make ball control, stickhandling and overall comfort during play easier.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the correct playing side, what stick length to choose and when it is worth considering the flex, material and blade characteristics as well.
When choosing a floorball stick, we recommend focusing primarily on:
- Hand side
- Stick length
- Flex, material, and blade type (especially for advanced players)
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Contents
- Left or right?
- Choosing the stick length
- How to measure a floorball stick
- How to choose the stick flex
- Material and weight of the floorball stick
- How to choose a floorball blade
- What to check before buying a floorball stick
- Frequently asked questions
1. Left or right?
First, you need to choose the correct hand side of the floorball stick.
The hand side is determined by which hand is lower when holding the stick. It therefore doesn't matter whether you are right- or left-handed.
Simple rule:
- Left hand lower → left grip → blade tip points to the right.
- Right hand lower → right grip → blade tip points to the left.
How do you find out which side you need?
If you're not sure, simply take a floorball stick or, for example, a broom and hold it with both hands in the same way you would hold a floorball stick. The hand that is lower determines the grip.
For example, if your left hand is lower than your right, you need a left floorball stick.
Note
ℹ️ Most players use the left grip (left hand lower). If you are choosing floorball sticks for a school, hobby club, or team and don't know the players' preferences in advance, you can use an approximate 7:3 ratio in favor of the left side (7× left, 3× right).
2. Choosing the stick length
When held vertically on the floor, a floorball stick should reach approximately to the player's navel.
The correct stick length is important for the quality of your technique, ball control, and comfort during play. With an optimal length, the ball stays close to your body, which improves your feel for the game and the speed of your stickhandling.
A stick that is too long or too short
-
🚫 Stick that is too long: Slows down stickhandling, forces you to control the ball farther away from your body, and reduces shooting power due to an inefficient flex.
-
🚫 Stick that is too short: Causes you to bend your back unnaturally and deeply, which can lead to discomfort, and reduces your overview of the game because your head is tilted too far down.
What length should you choose?
A simple rule is that when held vertically, the floorball stick should reach approximately to the navel, or at most about 4 cm above it.
For a more precise choice, use the player's height according to the table below.
Player Height and Floorball Stick Length Table
| Player height | Floorball stick length without blade |
|---|---|
| 110 cm | 50–55 cm |
| 115 cm | 50–55 cm |
| 120 cm | 60–67 cm |
| 125 cm | 60–67 cm |
| 130 cm | 70–77 cm |
| 135 cm | 70–80 cm |
| 140 cm | 80–82 cm |
| 145 cm | 80–82 cm |
| 150 cm | 85–87 cm |
| 155 cm | 85–90 cm |
| 160 cm | 90–92 cm |
| 165 cm | 90–92 cm |
| 170 cm | 91–95 cm |
| 175 cm | 95–96 cm |
| 180 cm | 95–98 cm |
| 185 cm | 95–103 cm |
| 190 cm | 100–103 cm |
| > 195 cm | 103–105 cm |
For example, a player who is 177 cm tall should choose a floorball stick with a length of 95–96 cm (without the blade).
Pay attention to how stick length is specified
When choosing a floorball stick, always look at the shaft length, i.e., the length of the stick without the blade.
For example:
96 cm (=106 cm)
- → 96 cm = shaft length
- → 106 cm = approximate overall length including the blade
Use the first number – the shaft length – when choosing your floorball stick. The IFF uses the shaft length when certifying floorball sticks.
The difference between the shaft length and the overall stick length is usually approximately 10–11 cm, which corresponds to the height of the blade.
👉 For more detailed information on choosing the right stick length, see How to choose the right floorball stick size.
Length according to playing position
💡 If you are deciding between two lengths, your playing position may also help:
- Forwards often choose a shorter floorball stick, which can offer better ball control and quicker stickhandling.
- Defenders sometimes prefer a longer floorball stick for greater reach when defending and handling the ball.
This is not a strict rule, however – what matters more is that the stick length feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
Note
ℹ️ According to the rules of the International Floorball Federation (IFF), the standard maximum shaft length for official matches is 104 cm (approximately 114 cm including the blade). Players taller than 190 cm may, under certain conditions, be eligible for an exception allowing the use of a longer stick.
3. How to measure a floorball stick 📏
If you want to check the stick length manually, measure the shaft itself – from the end cap to the end of the shaft inserted into the blade's hosel (approximately 5 cm).
See the image:
Note
ℹ️ Some sticks have a universal marking on the shaft saying “Raw Shaft weight for 96 cm”. This does not indicate the length of the particular stick. It refers to the shaft weight calculated for a 96 cm shaft length.
4. How to choose the stick flex
Another important specification is the flex, i.e. the stiffness or flexibility of the shaft.
Flex is specified as a number in millimetres. The basic rule is simple:
The lower the flex number, the stiffer the shaft. The higher the number, the softer the shaft and the easier it is to bend.
Approximate flex selection
| Flex | Shaft characteristics | Approx. suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 23–25 | very stiff | experienced and stronger players |
| 26–29 | stiff to medium | adults and more experienced players |
| 29–32 | medium to softer | juniors, lighter players and beginners |
| 32–36 | soft | children and younger players |
You should also take into account the player's strength, weight, shooting technique and personal preferences.
A player who can load the shaft more during a shot may benefit from a stiffer floorball stick. A softer shaft, on the other hand, is easier to bend for a player who does not put as much pressure into the stick when shooting.
5. Floorball stick material and weight
Once you have chosen the right length, side and flex, you can start considering the shaft material and stick weight.
The most common materials are fiberglass, various composite materials and carbon.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| fiberglass / basic composite | lower price, suitable for regular use | higher weight, less premium feel | beginners, children, schools and recreational players |
| carbon composite | lower weight, good price-to-performance ratio, good compromise between price, weight and playing characteristics | more expensive than basic composite | regular and club players |
| high carbon content | very low weight, fast stickhandling | higher price, often an unnecessary investment for beginners | advanced and performance-level players |
A more expensive and lighter floorball stick is not automatically better for everyone.
For a child or beginner, the correct length and suitable flex are generally more important than a difference of a few dozen grams in weight.
An experienced player, on the other hand, may pay more attention to the stick's balance, shaft response or specific construction.
Is the lightest floorball stick always the best?
No. Weight is only one of the factors.
Two floorball sticks with a similar weight can feel different in your hands depending on where their balance point is, which blade they use, or the shape of the shaft.
Therefore, when choosing performance-level models, don't look only at the number of grams but also at the overall balance of the stick.
6. How to choose a floorball blade
When buying your first floorball stick, you don't need to overcomplicate the blade selection. It is much more important to choose the correct side, stick length and suitable flex.
For beginners, a versatile blade is generally the best choice – one that offers good ball control, passing and shooting.
More experienced players may start considering specific:
- blade shape and curvature,
- blade stiffness,
- weight,
- ball-handling and shooting characteristics.
👉 Blade selection is highly individual, and different brands use different shapes and technologies. If you already know what you expect from a blade, take a look at our detailed guide How to choose a floorball blade.
7. What to check before buying a floorball stick
Before ordering a floorball stick, check these four basic things:
- ✅ Stick side – which hand do you hold lower on the stick?
- ✅ Stick length – is it suitable for the player's height?
- ✅ Flex – is the shaft too stiff or, on the other hand, too soft?
- ✅ Player level – are you looking for your first durable floorball stick or a performance model?
If you play competitively, also check whether the specific floorball stick is approved for competitive use and carries the appropriate IFF certification marking.
Choose your floorball stick 🔎
Already know which side and length you need? Browse floorball sticks and choose a model that matches your height, playing style and experience level.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I know whether I need a left or right floorball stick?
It depends on which hand is lower when holding the floorball stick. Left hand lower means a left-sided stick, while right hand lower means a right-sided stick.
How long should a floorball stick be?
When held vertically, the stick should reach approximately to the navel, or at most about 4 cm above it. You can use the table to choose a more precise length based on your height.
Does the blade count towards the floorball stick length?
For choosing the stick length, use the shaft length without the blade. The overall stick length is usually approximately 10–11 cm longer.
How do I measure the length of a floorball stick?
Measure the shaft itself – from the end cap to the end of the shaft inserted into the blade's hosel. The blade is not included in the shaft length.
Which floorball stick should I choose as a beginner?
For beginners, the most important factors are the correct side and suitable length. You can consider the flex, material and blade characteristics in more detail as your playing style and experience develop.