Stick Flex and Its Effects on Lifting the Puck

[black hills tj 5]

A few comments in the youth stick thread got me thinking, and I didn't want to derail a thread that seems to be filled with some good points and questions.

One of the comments made suggested that by a young kid using a composite stick with lighter flex, he/she would be able to lift the puck easier than with a stiffer wood stick.

1. Does stick flex really play a role in lifting the puck, especially for new players?

2. If a lower stick flex does help lift the puck, is it a good thing to start kids off with softer sticks to lift the puck? Or is it better for them to learn more of the technique associated with lifting the puck instead of learning "how" to lift the puck with a flexy stick?

3. Curve was also mentioned in the thread. Obviously curve can drastically change the amount of puck lift. Related to 2, is it better to start new players with a simple curve so they learn the technique of lifting the puck instead of relying on specific curves?

Thanks guys. I'm fairly new to actually playing hockey, so these questions aren't necessarily directed towards young kids. Sometimes I have a hard time just picking up any random stick and consistenly lifting the puck, so I'm wondering if maybe I started off with too drastic of a curve? I feel like I need to get back to the basics and really work on my technique right now.

[gxc999 7]

It can have a modest affect, depending on the type of flex. However other factors, e.g. technique and even the pattern of the blade will likely have a far bigger effect. Though I said it will generally be a small difference, a VERY whippy stick, e.g. a 250lb super strong dude using a 77, would possibly see a noticeable difference.

[vf-x 0]

Based on my own experience, a lower flex can help. I used to use a cut down 77 flex stick. I found it very difficult to lift the puck using both wrist and slap shots. Last season, I switched to a 67 flex, and suddenly I had a slap shot that that can travel in the air, and wrist shot I can pick corners with. Btw, I am not a big guy (5'6" 150 lbs).

And I didn't alter my technique during the transition from one flex to another. In fact, several weeks ago, I cracked the blade of one of my 67 flex sticks, and decided to try out my old 77 flex as a test. The result wasn't unexpected: shooting once again became a challenge. Thank goodness I was trying this at practice and I had another 67 flex for the next game.

I'd try out sticks of various flexes before purchasing if you can. I'm lucky there is a LHS that has a shooting room where customers can try out some of the available sticks. If that's not available, maybe try out your friends' sticks during warm up if they have different flexes. See for yourself if one improves your shot versus others.

As others have stated, technique plays a huge role in shooting ability. Changing flexes or curves is not a silver bullet for everyone. I was lucky.

[BenderHockey 127]

It isn't really that you should be picking flex/curve based on your height/weight, moreso you should be finding the curve/flex that works best with your shooting technique.

If your shots are suffering, you should have the best results by either changing your technique to match your stick, or vice-versa.

[gxc999 7]

It isn't really that you should be picking flex/curve based on your height/weight, moreso you should be finding the curve/flex that works best with your shooting technique.

If your shots are suffering, you should have the best results by either changing your technique to match your stick, or vice-versa.

Very good post dude. +1.

[Chadd 916]

1. Does stick flex really play a role in lifting the puck, especially for new players?

Yes, and a fairly significant one.

2. If a lower stick flex does help lift the puck, is it a good thing to start kids off with softer sticks to lift the puck? Or is it better for them to learn more of the technique associated with lifting the puck instead of learning "how" to lift the puck with a flexy stick?

Yes, kids should use a stick that bends on a wrist shot, assuming they are using decent form.

3. Curve was also mentioned in the thread. Obviously curve can drastically change the amount of puck lift. Related to 2, is it better to start new players with a simple curve so they learn the technique of lifting the puck instead of relying on specific curves?

The three aspects of a stick that impact your ability to lift the puck are blade loft, curve depth and stick flex. More loft, depth or whip will result in a higher shot trajectory, if all other factors are the same. Learning how to chip or punch the puck can be as useful for scoring as normal wrist or slap shots.

It isn't really that you should be picking flex/curve based on your height/weight, moreso you should be finding the curve/flex that works best with your shooting technique.

If your shots are suffering, you should have the best results by either changing your technique to match your stick, or vice-versa.

I agree, the tough part for a lot of people is understanding what needs to be changed.

[black hills tj 5]

Thanks for all the help guys.

[skates89 0]

Chad said

'if all other factors are the same. Learning how to chip or punch the puck can be as useful for scoring as normal wrist or slap shots'.

Excellent point. Chipping and punching the puck down low are real arts. When Im wheeling around down low coming into the middle, the element of surpise is what it is all about. A simple snap of the puck which can bee seen as punching it also is probably the sweetest shot you can let go of. If done right the goaly never catches up with it because there is no backswing at all. I have seen many Nhl players and although they are great I have seen many instances where a snapper would have proven more deadly then the wrister of which the goaltender had all the time to catch up to. This shot is taken looking top corner far side. i got a friend who is rediculous with this shot

So with that yeah technique does matter but flex does also. If the stick is to stiff forget it, your shots will be duds

[ibeck 38]

3. Curve was also mentioned in the thread. Obviously curve can drastically change the amount of puck lift. Related to 2, is it better to start new players with a simple curve so they learn the technique of lifting the puck instead of relying on specific curves?

I would start the young on with an almost straight curve (pm9) so he learns the proper technique of transferring his weight and rolling his wrists. The bigger curves take away from technique and can mislead a kid into thinking he can shoot. Once he figures out the proper technique then allow him to experiment with different curves that work best for him.

[Chadd 916]

I would start the young on with an almost straight curve (pm9) so he learns the proper technique of transferring his weight and rolling his wrists. The bigger curves take away from technique and can mislead a kid into thinking he can shoot. Once he figures out the proper technique then allow him to experiment with different curves that work best for him.

I disagree. Make it as easy as possible for kids and they will enjoy it more. There's no good reason to make it harder for them when they start out. As they get older it makes sense to start reducing curve size though.

[ibeck 38]

I disagree, if they learn how to shoot with a big curve when they're young, when they get older they might think their shot is really good and cheated the development of learning how to shoot properly by starting off with a bigger curve instead of a smaller curve. Nothing wrong with difference in opinion though.

[skates89 0]

It is actually a good question in respect to curves. Giving the little guy a bit of a curve would lead to more fun and a bit of a positive experience as we all know just how obsessed we where when we first began to get that puck in the air. I personally am not a fan of huge curves as they dont lend to better puck control im my opinion. So if you start off with the big curve will the kid want to step down a tad to a flatter blade. I tell ya one thing it is funny to see a 7 year old putting those blue light pucks in the top corner. I guess i dont think it could hurt if your plan is to have the kid step down in the future and you plan on implimenting that but if you dont plan on encouraging a smaller curve for experimental use int he futur than I definitely would not start with a big curve. On a final note if he starts picking corners like ovie well, let him have it ha ha

[NextBobbyOrr 0]

Would anyone mind explaining on how to change shooting technique to match the stick flex(hoping that's possible). Reason being is that I picked up some Easton sticks what were 100 flex, I didn't have any idea of how to read Easton flexes and it felt more like a 90/95 to me. I'm worried if I'm not gonna be able to use it to it's fullest or if it just won't work for me, any tips?

[Chadd 916]

A little more info will help.

What kind of stick is it?

What sticks do you normally use?

What flex do you normally use?

What problems are you having with your shots (wrist/slap)?

[colto007 0]

I use a 100 flex totalone cut down to 110. I am 14 155lbs 5'9 and it flexes a good amount when i shoot. dont know if im very strong or others are very weak....

[Chadd 916]

I find it very, very hard to believe you are getting a "good amount" of flex on a wrist shot. And even if you have a technique that allows you to flex a 110 a "good amount" on slappers, you would likely speed up your release considerably with a lighter flex. I "can" get a 120 to bend on a slapper if I put everything into it, but it's a lot of wasted effort for very little benefit in return.

[NextBobbyOrr 0]

A little more info will help.

What kind of stick is it?

What sticks do you normally use?

What flex do you normally use?

What problems are you having with your shots (wrist/slap)?

The stick I'm gonna be using is an Eq50, I typically use Bauer sticks but in the past 2 years have played around with Base, CCM and now Easton. I've used flexes anywhere from 85-95 and I'm unsure of what problems I may or may not have when I try to use the stick today.

[Chadd 916]

Try shooting normally and see what happens. If it feels too stiff, work on adding a little more down force when you load up your wrist shots. Moving the puck forward (up to a certain point) will help lift the puck, but will reduce velocity. You can also work around a stiff stick by whipping your hands faster on wrist shots and using the stick as a lever and not using the flex at all.

[BenderHockey 127]

I use a 100 flex totalone cut down to 110. I am 14 155lbs 5'9 and it flexes a good amount when i shoot. dont know if im very strong or others are very weak....

I am 32, 5'9", and weigh 170. I use 75 flex. You want the stick and your shooting motion to propel the puck, you don't want to have to muscle the puck on goal.

It's my opinion that 100 is way to stiff for you. I would step down to an 85 at least, and see how it goes. I also used to use a 100 flex, then have stepped down first to 85, then 75 flex.

[hockeymass 11]

I use a 100 flex totalone cut down to 110. I am 14 155lbs 5'9 and it flexes a good amount when i shoot. dont know if im very strong or others are very weak....

I think it's more that you're not loading the stick as much as you think you are. I'm 230 and 6'1 and I use a 77 cut down to like 82. I used to use a 100-110 when I was 15 because I thought that stick flexes were a dick measuring contest but then I realized that a lower flex would help improve my shot.

[steelnation248 102]

I use a 100 flex totalone cut down to 110. I am 14 155lbs 5'9 and it flexes a good amount when i shoot. dont know if im very strong or others are very weak....

Stick flexes aren't a strength contest. It's about finding one that suits your shooting technique. Whether it's 65 flex or 110 flex, you just have to find whatever works for you.

[RussianDangler15 0]

I think it's more that you're not loading the stick as much as you think you are. I'm 230 and 6'1 and I use a 77 cut down to like 82. I used to use a 100-110 when I was 15 because I thought that stick flexes were a dick measuring contest but then I realized that a lower flex would help improve my shot.

This is what I encounter with pretty much every kid on my team.

[hockeymass 11]

This is what I encounter with pretty much every kid on my team.

My brother still does it. He thinks that it's comical that I use a 75-80 flex stick. He uses a 110 flex. His wristshot definitely suffers for it, but he's too proud to switch.