When playing floorball for the first time, there are often spare sticks available that can be borrowed, but to really get into this sport you most likely want to have your own stick. The benefits of owning your own stick includes the ability to extend the practice of ball-handling skills at home.

When it comes to selecting a stick there are several factors that should be taken into account. The flexibility or stiffness, weight, length of the stick, shape of the grip, shape of the shaft and type of blade.

Flexibility:
The sticks flexibility/stiffness is commonly listed in millimeters on the handle of the stick. The smaller the number, the less flexible the stick. Beginners usually start off with sticks of a higher flex. As the player advances in skill and strength, he may prefer a stiffer stick for greater power.

Weight:
The weight of floorball stick varies slightly depending on the model. Naturally most players prefer a lighter stick in comparison to a heavier one for comfort reasons. The benefits of a lighter stick include the possible ability to handle the ball at greater speed, but a heavier stick can act as a counter weight and therefore increase the speed when shooting the ball.

Length:
The length of the stick varies according to player preference. It is measured from the floor up to your bellybutton with the blade included. The maximum length allowed by IFF is 1120 mm. There is no need to say that a shorter stick will give player better ball control as it brings the ball closer to you. The down side will be when you are struggling for a ball together with a rival player usually longer stick will benefit. A stick which is too long will result in bad posture and difficulty in controlling the ball.

Grip:
The grip of the stick shaft can be round, dual, square, oval, hexagonal and octahedral. There are accessories in the market which can modify a stick with a round shaft into one with an oval grip. It all comes down to personal preferences and can only be best decided by playing with or trying out a few different ones prior to purchase.

Shaft:
There used to be only straight round shafts in the market, until technology created shafts with half bubbles, full bubbles, curves and bows. The structure of each shaft affects the flexibility of the stick and angle of the blade, so unless one is really comfortable with a particular type, the advice is to stick to a straight shaft and try out the different variety as the player progresses in skill and experience.

Blade:
The blade of the stick can be made of either a hard or soft plastic material. A harder blade enables to make quicker passes and to take quicker shots, while a soft one will assist with ball control. A hot air gun can be used to heat the blade so that you can reshape it. There are many models of blades in the market, but take note that the blade and shaft are certified as a single equipment, so interchanging blades between sticks of different brands is illegal.

To sum it up, beginners usually are suited to sticks which are flexible and for general play. Only when the basic skills are mastered, should the player try out the different options of sticks available. Do not be deceived by cost. A more expensive stick does not necessarily translate into better playing skills, if one does not know how the benefits are derived.