Hockey Stick Basics: Guide to Kick Points

Katie Lakusta
2023-11-29T00:00:00-08:00

Selecting the perfect stick can be tough— but understanding stick kick points can really help when figuring out a starting point on this subject. Each kick point presents its unique spectrum of advantages and limitations. In this article, we’ll take a look at each one, as well as the sticks you might see in those categories.
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Selecting the perfect stick can be tough— but understanding stick kick points can really help when figuring out a starting point on this subject. Kick points range from high to low and even come in hybrid variations. Learning just a bit about how they work and combining that knowledge with your style can make a world of difference in both the selection process and your game. Each kick point presents its unique spectrum of advantages and limitations. In this article, we’ll take a look at each one, as well as the sticks you might see in those categories.

Flex / Kick Point

The kick point, or flex point, is the area on the shaft where the stick flexes. This is further indicated by the kick point’s designation: low, mid, high, or hybrid.

A harder shot isn’t necessarily how hard you hit the puck, but how much you can increase the potential energy of the shot. Certain factors contribute to that potential energy and the resulting shot velocity:

The length of time the puck stays in contact with the stick

How far it travels while in contact with the blade

Where and how the stick flexes on the shaft

Additionally, keeping the puck on your stick longer can also increase your accuracy, as it provides greater control over puck movement and the power applied.

We can view kick points on a spectrum.

Higher Flex Point = Harder shot, tougher, better control

Lower Flex Point = Quicker release, increased versatility and speed in tight areas

Most manufacturers have multiple stick families separated by kick point, and many are also starting to define their kick points differently. There are also Hybrid kick points, which don’t necessarily fall in a single exact point on that spectrum.

Low Kick Point

A low kick point means that the stick flexes closer to the blade (or hosel) of the stick. This design allows for a quicker release of the puck. In practice, less of the stick contributes to the shot’s potential energy, since the stick loads lower on the shaft and closer to the puck. Less load means a weaker shot, but that also means it takes less time for the puck to release off the stick.

Players who excel at quick, close-range shots and prefer maneuvering around opponents in tight spaces will perform very well with these sticks. Low kicks allow for swift wrist shots and snap shots, making them effective in situations where a fast release is crucial, such as when they're near the net or facing a goaltender who's challenging aggressively.

They tend to be easier to flex, meaning they bend easily when pressure is applied. This flexibility contributes to the quick release, but it may also result in the stick feeling whippier or less rigid compared to sticks with higher kick points.

Although low kick point sticks offer advantages in quick release and close-quarters play, they may be slightly more challenging to control, especially for players who rely on precise stickhandling and passing. This is why some defensemen, who generally need greater control for defensive plays, may prefer sticks with higher kick points.

Pros

Quick release

Easier to flex, even at a higher flex rating

Effective at close-range

Improved agility

Enhanced snap shots and wrist shots

Cons

Less power on shot

May not be as durable; shorter lifespan

Potentially less accurate

Not always suitable for defensive defensemen

Sticks in this Category

*discontinued

Bauer Vapor

CCM Ribcor

Warrior Covert (ultra low)

TRUE HZRDUS

Warrior Alpha (mid-low)

Bauer AG5NT

*TRUE AX

Sherwood Rekker

High Kick Point

This is the toughest and strongest stick type—it may be a bit more difficult to flex, but they offer the most puck control and potential energy.

High kicks tend to run heavier since they are built for power and not necessarily speed, although that also results in their superior durability. The flex point is much higher on the stick, which is why that potential energy is increased.

Sticks with a high kick point are designed to prioritize power and accuracy in shots, so they are particularly effective for players who rely on powerful slap shots and long-range shooting. This includes players who take more time to set up their shots or those who frequently engage in long-range shooting. Players with a naturally strong shot or those who focus primarily on power in their shooting techniques often find high kick point sticks to be the best fit for their playing style. This will often apply to power forwards and defensemen.

Due to their heightened durability and strength, they are also often preferred by those who engage frequently in board battles.

Just as the stick empowers long-distance shots, it does have some shortcomings in close quarters. They may offer slightly reduced control for quick-release shots compared to sticks with lower kick points, meaning that they may not be as suitable for rapid, close-range shots.

The high kick stick, now the rarest flex point, has slowly been disappearing in favour of mid and low kick sticks. An example would be Warrior’s old Dynasty line—this was a mid-high kick stick family that is now discontinued; however, Warrior has recently come out with the Novium line, with a slightly different geometry but is still classified as mid-high. Bauer Supreme has also recently been retired as a stick line. As the pace of the game increases, fully utilizing high kick point sticks is becoming much more challenging for most players.

Nevertheless, some players, like Steven Stamkos—known for his powerful shots with the Supreme 1S—still manage to excel with them. Warrior has also recently come out with their Novium family, which is characterized as a mid-high kick stick.

Pros

Most energy transfer and power in shot

Great control

More strength in board battles

Durable

Ideal for long wind-ups

Cons

Hardest to flex; stiffest kick point

Less suitable for quick-release shots

Slowly phasing out

Can be heavy and slow

Potentially less versatile

Sticks in this Category

*discontinued

CCM Tacks (mid-high)

Warrior Novium (mid-high)

*Bauer Supreme

*Warrior Dynasty

Mid Kick Point

The label “mid kick” covers the widest range of hockey sticks across the market. Sticks with a mid kick point offer a balance between the quick release of low kick point sticks and the power of high kick point sticks. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of playing styles and situations. The range is both its major strength and its downfall.

Most manufacturers define mid kick differently; for example, Warrior’s Alpha line and CCM’s Tacks line can both be defined as “mid kick.” However, Tacks tends to perform closer to a mid-high kick, whereas Alpha is a bit closer to a mid-low kick. Due to this, it may also take a bit of extra time to figure out which specific mid kick family fits your style more.

Players using sticks with mid kick points can generate significant power in their shots while still maintaining good accuracy. This makes them effective for various types of shots, including wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots.

Because of their balanced attributes, sticks with mid kick points are popular among both forwards and defensemen. Defensemen benefit from the power and accuracy, while forwards appreciate the versatility of both offensive and defensive plays. Mid kick sticks are a great middle ground between the quick-releasing low kick and its powerful high kick counterpart. They are useful if you are unsure what kind of stick you are looking for, or if you are seeking a stick with a higher or easier load than what you’re currently using. They’re also great if you are just looking for something that can perform well in many areas across the ice.

Pros

Good middle ground between quick release and power

Easiest to transition to

Versatile; adaptable for many different playstyles

Cons

Flex point in a single place in the middle (unlike hybrid)

May lack specialization

Largest variety; makes it difficult to get the same feel from different brands

Sticks in this Category

*discontinued

Bauer Nexus (mid/hybrid)

CCM Tacks (mid-high)

TRUE Catalyst

Warrior Novium (mid-high)

Warrior Alpha (mid-low)

Bauer Proto-R

Hybrid Kick Point

The hybrid kick point combines elements of both low and mid kick point sticks. This means that the stick flexes at a point that falls somewhere between the low and mid points. The main difference between the hybrid kick point and mid kick point lies in the flex profile: while both types offer versatility, hybrid kick point sticks may, under certain circumstances, have a flex point that falls slightly closer to the blade compared to mid kick point sticks. This means that they may provide a slightly quicker release, making them potentially more adaptable for quick-release shots.

CCM’s Jetspeed and Bauer’s Nexus lines are currently the most popular hybrid sticks on the market. Warrior’s Alpha series could also fit this category, although its singular lower flex point categorizes it as more of a mid-low kick stick.

Hybrid kick point sticks are designed to provide a balance between quick release and power, much like mid kick point sticks. This makes them versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles and situations. They can be effective for players who like to take quick shots in close-quarters situations, as well as those who prefer to wind up for more powerful shots. This adaptability is one of the key features of the stick.

Identifying the spot where a hybrid kick point flexes most can be a bit tough, since it will feel like it flexes along most of the shaft. This is a result of its nature—these sticks adapt to your game, meaning they flex and tense up depending on where you place your hand during the shot.

This kick point is truly a jack of all trades—it may be good in all situations, but if you never find yourself in all situations, you may benefit more from a more specialized stick. These sticks are ideal for offensive defensemen and centremen, which are positions that routinely juggle both offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Pros

Ideal jack-of-all-trades kick point

Highest versatility

Cons

Label exclusive to CCM Jetspeed and Bauer Nexus

Does not specialize

Sticks in this Category

*discontinued

Bauer Nexus (mid/hybrid)

CCM Jetspeed

Mid and Hybrid seem nearly the same— What's the difference?

A majority of players will not notice the difference between a mid kick stick and a hybrid stick, especially when there are so few proper “hybrid” sticks, and one of them (Nexus) can still be considered a mid kick.

As mentioned, mid kick sticks capitalize on their ability to generate significant shot power while preserving accuracy. They are proficient in various shot types— be it wrist shots, snap shots, or slap shots. Forwards cherish their versatility, which is allowing a seamless transition between offensive and defensive maneuvers, and defensemen leverage their power and precision.

The hybrid designation intertwines elements of low and mid kick sticks, showcasing a flex point nestled between the two ends of the spectrum. Both sticks are adaptable, but the hybrid kick point might “move” depending on the situation. This means a hybrid stick can execute a fractionally quicker release in a pinch, augmenting their capability for rapid-fire shots while also showcasing their greatest strength: adaptability.

How Do I Choose the Right Kick Point?

Choosing the right kick point for your hockey stick is crucial, as it can greatly affect your shooting efficiency and performance. While there are general guidelines, finding the perfect kick point often involves a bit of trial and error.

As discussed, kick points will feel better depending on your play and shooting styles. Our best advice? Begin by experimenting with a stick from a widely recognized kick point family, such as Vapor or Jetspeed. These sticks often feature more traditional kick point geometries, providing a good starting point for your exploration.

I went through a similar process when I first began testing sticks. Starting with the Ribcor and later transitioning to Tacks on my coach's suggestion, I realized that the higher kick point in the Tacks series didn't align with my shooting style. This personal experimentation helped me learn that the low-mid kick point of the Warrior Alpha was the perfect fit for me.

Remember, what works best for one player might not necessarily work for another. It's all about individual preferences. While I found my sweet spot with a lower kick point, many players thrive with higher kick points like those found in the Tacks and Nexus series.

Key Takeaways

As discussed, finding the ideal kick point for your playing style is essential for maximizing your shooting efficiency and overall performance on the ice. This article outlined the four main kick point styles you may come across in your search, in addition to the sticks you may find in each category.

Low Kick Point: Ideal for quick, close-range shots and agility in tight spaces. They allow swift wrist and snap shots but may pose challenges in control and durability, particularly for defensive plays.

High Kick Point: Prioritize power and accuracy, suitable for players relying on powerful shots and long-range shooting. They excel in strength but might lack quick-release capabilities and versatility in close-range shots.

Mid Kick Point: Offer a versatile middle ground between quick release and power, catering to various playstyles. Popular among both forwards and defensemen for their balanced attributes.

Hybrid Kick Point: Combine elements of low and mid kick points, providing adaptability for quick and powerful shots. These sticks excel in versatility but might lack specialization.

Finding the perfect kick point involves trial and error. Experiment with sticks from recognized kick point families, considering personal preferences and playstyle. What works for one player might not suit another.

Sources

Azerrad, S. (2021). Hockey sticks: Head-to-head kick point comparisons. Gaimday. Source Link.

“COLD HARD SCIENCE: SLAPSHOT Physics in Slow Motion - Smarter Every Day 112. Youtube, uploaded by SmarterEveryDay. Source Link.

Hockey Sticks HQ. (2017). The ultimate buying guide to the best hockey sticks: The ice hockey edition. Hockey Sticks HQ. Source Link.

Villaseñor, A., R. A. Turcotte, and D.J. Pearsall. “Recoil Effect of the Ice Hockey Stick during a Slap Shot.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics, vol. 22, no. 3, Jan. 2006, pp. 202-211. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.22.3.202. Source Link.

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