Choosing a new floorball stick and not sure which one to pick? When choosing a stick, focus primarily on the correct grip, the right length, and, for more advanced players, also the flex, material, and blade type. The right floorball stick can improve ball control, stickhandling, and overall comfort during play.
In this guide, we will explain how to choose the correct grip, what 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:
- Grip
- Stick length
- Flex, material, and blade type (especially for more advanced players)
Contents
- Choosing your floorball stick grip
- Choosing the stick length
- How to choose the stick flex
- Stick material and weight
- How to choose a floorball blade
- What to check before buying a floorball stick
- Frequently asked questions
1. Choosing your floorball stick grip
The first step is to choose the correct grip for your floorball stick.
The grip is determined by which hand is lower when holding the stick. It does not matter whether you are naturally right-handed or left-handed.
A simple rule:
- Left hand lower → left grip → the blade tip points to the right.
- Right hand lower → right grip → the blade tip points to the left.
How do you know which grip you need?
If you are 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 floorball stick with a left grip.
Note
ℹ️ Most players use a left grip (left hand lower). If you are choosing floorball sticks for a school, recreational club, or team and do not know the players' preferences in advance, you can use an approximate 7:3 ratio in favor of the left grip (7× left, 3× right).
2. Choosing the Stick Length
A floorball stick should reach approximately to the player's navel when held vertically against the ground.
The correct stick length is important for the quality of your technique, ball control, and comfort during play. With the optimal length, the ball stays close to your body, which improves your feel for the game and the speed of your stickhandling.
A floorball stick that is too long or too short
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🚫 Stick that is too long: Slows down ball handling, forces you to keep the ball too far from your body, and reduces shooting power due to an inefficient flex.
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🚫 Stick that is too short: Causes unnatural and excessive bending of the back, which can lead to discomfort, and reduces your overview of the game because your head is held too low.
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 around 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
| 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 the length specification
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 = length of the shaft itself
→ 106 cm = approximate total length including the blade
Use the first number – the shaft length – when choosing a floorball stick. The IFF uses the shaft length itself when certifying floorball sticks.
The difference between the shaft length and the total stick length is usually approximately 10–11 cm, which corresponds to the height of the blade.
👉 For more detailed information on choosing the correct length, see the article How to Choose the Right Floorball Stick Size.
How to measure the length of 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 (approx. 5 cm).
See the image:
Note
ℹ️ Some sticks have the universal marking “Raw Shaft weight for 96 cm” printed on the shaft. This does not indicate the length of the particular stick. It refers to the shaft weight calculated for a length of 96 cm.
Length according to playing position
💡 If you are choosing between two lengths, your playing position may also help:
- Forwards often choose a shorter floorball stick, which can offer better ball control and faster 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 specified conditions, be eligible for an exception allowing the use of a longer stick.
3. How to Choose the Stick Flex
Another important parameter is flex, meaning the stiffness or flexibility of the shaft.
Flex is given as a number in millimetres. The simple rule is:
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 | Recommended approximately for |
|---|---|---|
| 23–25 | very stiff | experienced and stronger players |
| 26–29 | stiff to medium | adults and experienced players |
| 29–32 | medium to softer | juniors, lighter players, and beginners |
| 32–36 | soft | children and younger players |
You should also consider 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, bends more easily for a player who does not generate as much pressure on the stick when shooting.
4. Floorball Stick Material and Weight
Once you have chosen the correct length, blade hooking, and flex, you can start considering the shaft material and stick weight.
The most common materials are fibreglass, various composite materials, and carbon.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| fibreglass / basic composite | lower price, suitable for everyday 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 may, on the other hand, 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 parameters.
Two floorball sticks with a similar weight can feel different in the hand depending on where their centre of gravity is, which blade they use, or what shape the shaft has.
Therefore, with performance models, do not look only at the number of grams, but also at the overall balance of the stick.
5. How to Choose a Floorball Blade
When buying your first floorball stick, there is no need to overcomplicate the blade selection. Choosing the correct grip, stick length, and suitable flex is much more important.
For a beginner, a versatile blade that provides good ball control, passing, and shooting is usually the best choice.
More experienced players can consider specific:
- blade shape and curvature,
- blade stiffness,
- weight,
- characteristics for ball handling and shooting.
👉 Blade selection is highly individual, and different brands use different shapes and technologies. If you already know what you expect from a blade, see our detailed guide How to Choose a Floorball Blade.
6. What to Check Before Buying a Floorball Stick
Before ordering a floorball stick, check these four basic things:
- ✅ Left or right – which hand is lower on the stick?
- ✅ Stick length – does it correspond to 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 particular floorball stick is approved for competitive use and carries the appropriate IFF marking.
Choose Your Floorball Stick 🔎
Already know which grip 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 grip?
It depends on which hand is lower when holding the floorball stick. Left hand lower means left grip, while right hand lower means right grip.
How long should a floorball stick be?
When held vertically, the stick should reach approximately to the navel, or at most around 4 cm above it. You can choose a more precise length based on your height using the table.
Does the blade count toward the stick length?
For length selection, use the shaft length without the blade. The total 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 a beginner choose?
For a beginner, the most important factors are the correct grip and suitable length. Flex, material, and blade characteristics can be considered in more detail according to your playing style and experience.