Left- or Right-Handed Hockey Stick? A Parent's Guide
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Quick answer: a child's writing hand does not automatically decide their hockey shooting side. Give them a stick, let them reach for it and make a few imaginary shots without coaching the grip. Choose the side that feels natural and gives the top hand comfortable control.
In hockey, “left” and “right” describe the direction of the blade curve and the side on which the player normally handles the ball or puck. They do not simply describe whether the player is left- or right-handed in everyday life.
If you searched for a left or right handed hockey stick, the table and at-home test below will make the product labels much easier to understand.
What left shot and right shot mean
| Hockey side | Top hand | Lower hand | Blade extends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left shot / left-handed stick | Usually right | Usually left | To the player's left |
| Right shot / right-handed stick | Usually left | Usually right | To the player's right |
The top hand guides much of the stick's movement, especially when the player reaches with one hand. This is why many right-hand-dominant players shoot left and many left-hand-dominant players shoot right. Other players prefer their dominant hand lower for shooting. Comfort and control are more useful than a universal rule.
The five-minute test for a new player
Step 1: Start without a curved blade if possible
Place a straight mini stick, broom handle, or uncurved training stick on the floor. Ask the child to pick it up and move an imaginary ball. Do not say which hand should go where.
Step 2: Watch the top hand
Ask the child to reach forward with one hand on the stick. The hand they keep at the top is an important clue. A right hand on top commonly leads to a left shot. A left hand on top commonly leads to a right shot.
Step 3: Try both real sticks
Let the player make gentle forehand and backhand touches with a left stick, then a right stick. Use a soft street hockey ball and a clear area. Avoid correcting technique during the test.
Step 4: Add a simple pass
Roll the ball slowly toward the player. Ask them to stop it and pass it back. The better side usually looks calmer: the blade stays on the ground, the ball remains closer, and the hands do less searching.
Step 5: Ask, then repeat later
Ask which side felt easier. For a true beginner with no clear preference, repeat the test on another day before buying a curved blade. A few extra minutes are cheaper than ordering the wrong side.
Should the dominant hand go on top?
Many coaches prefer the dominant hand on top because the top hand steers the stick. Hockey Canada's fitting guidance offers the same general clue: a dominant right hand often corresponds to a left shot, and a dominant left hand often corresponds to a right shot.
That is a starting cue, not a reason to override a strong natural preference. Some excellent players use the opposite arrangement. For a recreational child, the side that produces relaxed control and enthusiasm is usually the sensible choice.
Common parent mistakes
Matching hockey side to writing hand automatically
A child who writes with the right hand may naturally shoot left. The labels sound contradictory only because hockey names the side by the blade and shooting direction.
Copying a sibling or parent
Sharing equipment is convenient, but it can train a child around the wrong curve. Test the player independently before assuming the family needs the same side.
Turning the blade upside down
A curved hockey blade is designed to sit on one side. Flipping the stick so the toe points the wrong way creates poor contact and control. Use a left blade for a left shot and a right blade for a right shot.
Changing sides after one awkward attempt
Every first attempt is awkward. Look for relative comfort across several simple movements, not polished technique. If the player is undecided, borrow or test both sides again.
How side affects a replacement blade
On a two-piece stick, the shaft itself is not left- or right-handed. The blade determines the side. This is useful for families because a compatible shaft can accept the left or right version selected for the player.
The Rocket Hockey S2 Shaft pairs with left- and right-handed versions of the Rocket Hockey 2.0 Sparking Blade. Installation should be completed by an adult, and the connection should be checked before every session.
Side, curve, and fit are separate decisions
First choose left or right. Then confirm the length. Finally consider the blade curve and shaft flex. Mixing all four decisions together makes buying feel more complicated than it is.
- Side: where does the player naturally handle the ball?
- Length: can they stand and move comfortably?
- Flex: can they control the shaft without fighting it?
- Curve: does it suit general passing, control, and shooting?
The Rocket Hockey blade uses a P92-style curve, a familiar all-around shape. Read the street hockey stick sizing guide once the shooting side is settled.
Ordering a Rocket Hockey Spark Stick
The Spark Stick is available in left and right. Choose the side from the player's shooting direction, not their writing hand. For a two-stick offer, each stick can be configured independently, so a family can select one left and one right if needed.
The Spark Stick is intended for outdoor asphalt or concrete and ages 6+. Players under 14 require adult supervision, and eye protection is strongly recommended.
Frequently asked questions
If my child writes right-handed, which hockey stick should I buy?
Test both. Many right-hand-dominant players prefer a left shot because the right hand stays on top, but others naturally shoot right.
How can I tell which hand is on top?
Ask the child to pick up a neutral stick and reach for a ball one-handed. The hand that remains on the butt end is their likely top hand.
Can a child switch sides later?
Yes, especially early, but a curved blade cannot simply be flipped. Switching normally requires a blade or stick made for the other side.
Is a left-handed hockey stick rare?
No. Left shots are common in hockey. Retail availability varies, but both orientations are standard.
Does Rocket Hockey sell both sides?
Yes. The Spark Stick and Rocket Hockey 2.0 replacement blade are offered for left- and right-handed shots.