Switching from D to Forward and I have a question!

[skyscrape 5]

I have recently made a switch to forward from D. I have been using my stick at the same length as when I was playing D. I am finding that when I get the puck in close I am handcuffed by my stick being so long and either screw the shot up or can not make a solid play. My top hand is way up in the air.

My question is if anyone has had similar problems and if so what did you do or what would you recommend? I am skating tomorrow with about three inches removed. My sticks on D were already adam's apple height on skates.

Now my next question is, would a guy camping out in front benefit more from a upright lie or from a lower lie? And with such a short stick should I look at a lower flex?

This is a new world to me and I need to start burying my opportunities!

[BarDownGinos 3]

A shorter stick is going to help you with close quarters stick handling. I play D and F with the same sticks (mouth height on skates) and I do just fine. You'll run into new issues with a stick that's 3 inches shorter. If you're picky about how your sticks are set up like I am, everything will seem off. Sometimes if I'm in a rush to get a stick cut down before a game I'll just eyeball the cut mark and it'll be 1/2-1" too short and it will be super obvious while I'm playing.

[skyscrape 5]

See I am 6'7 so chin height is a really long stick. Especially skating up in more of a power skating stride than I do playing D. Well, I will give it a try and see what happens. Thanks

[technophile 0]

I know a lot of guys who have two different sticks; one shorter for forward and one longer for D. It's at least worth a try; grab a cheap woody, cut it down, and see if it feels more comfortable.

[skyscrape 5]

I know a lot of guys who have two different sticks; one shorter for forward and one longer for D. It's at least worth a try; grab a cheap woody, cut it down, and see if it feels more comfortable.

Luckily I just pulled the plug out of one stick and put a shorter one I had lying around in another one. I will find out tomorrow when I skate if it helps.

[Chadd 916]

You are going to have issues in tight due to your height. Do whatever feels comfortable with the stick because it's all a series of compromises with them anyway.

[regularjoe 1]

I use the same stick when playing forward and D. It screws me up too much to try to switch back and forth. I think you can still use a long stick as a forward, just the timing is different - think about your move a little bit earlier instead of the very last second.

[skyscrape 5]

You are going to have issues in tight due to your height. Do whatever feels comfortable with the stick because it's all a series of compromises with them anyway.

I was afraid this would be the problem! If I feel comfortable with a shorter stick I may pick up an 87 flex. Just due to the fact I will not be taking slap shots with it. But who knows, I may just love my total one 102 flex at a shorter height. I will know tonight though.

[BarDownGinos 3]

If you're using a plug it's goingot be different anyways. Without the plug your stick would actually be a 102, but since you have a plug, it's gonna be less.

[Chadd 916]

I was afraid this would be the problem! If I feel comfortable with a shorter stick I may pick up an 87 flex. Just due to the fact I will not be taking slap shots with it. But who knows, I may just love my total one 102 flex at a shorter height. I will know tonight though.

Work on kicking pucks out of your feet, they're going to be closer to the puck more often than your stick.

[skyscrape 5]

Work on kicking pucks out of your feet, they're going to be closer to the puck more often than your stick.

Well...I skated with a stick tonight that was three inches shorter than I have used prior. It is a total one with a 1 inch plug in it. Maybe two inches below my collar bone. Standing straight up on skates it puts the toe slightly up but the majority of the blade is flat on the ice. I had a quicker release on my wrist and snap shots. No velocity lost, in fact it seemed a little harder. Slap shots were sailing high, but I can figure that out(I am using a p91a right now). Stick handling was a dream, hard turns, in close on net, and passing as well. I think I will run with it and see if it makes a difference thursday night.

I definitely need to work on kicking the puck up without standing up. It is a much different position than i am in playing D.