The Science of Stick and Ball

Fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar were applied to stick cores in the early 1970s.

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A stiff shaft returns more energy to the ball.

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Wood is less rigid and more forgiving when stopping the ball.

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Stiff sticks make the ball bounce off more.

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Specifications cap the stick's weight.

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The stick must pass through a 51 mm ring.

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Carbon adds stiffness.

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Wood is most forgiving.

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Layers, shape, cure, finish.

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Composite sticks use carbon fibre layers.

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The bow is the curve along the stick.

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Bow must not exceed 25 mm.

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A curved shaft cradles the ball for lifting.

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Low-bow sticks put the curve close to the head, helping lifts.

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Deeper bows could make shots more dangerous.

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Bow aids lifting and flicking.

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Style and weight are personal preference within limits.

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From none to the limit.

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Lifting shots rely most on the bow.

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The gap under the curve is the bow.

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Launch angle and speed set the flight.

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A smooth surface keeps the ball moving.

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A hard falling ball can injure; hence the 5-metre rule.

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Air drag slows a moving ball.

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Gravity pulls it down.

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As speed falls, the curve steepens.

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The 460 mm limit protects defenders.

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Up, peak, down.

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Ground, low, high.

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Gravity curves every lifted ball back down.

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Watering makes the ball run fast and true.

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A wet surface lets the ball skid smoothly.

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Dimpled balls reduce aquaplaning on wet surfaces.

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Synthetic turf made the game faster and passing more effective.

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The chop is only used on astro fields.

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Sand between fibres slows the ball.

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Montreal 1976.

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Watered turf is fastest.

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Check, water, settle, play.

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Water makes the ball skid smoothly.

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Speed plus height leaves little reaction time.

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Power comes from the body and the drag.

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Longer contact means more acceleration.

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Protective equipment guards against fast shots.

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Power builds from the ground up.

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Staying low lengthens the drag.

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Flicks may rise but must not be dangerous.

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下から上へ。

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The flick is fastest of these at the top level.

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Fast shots leave almost no time to react.

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A grip wrap gives a firm, comfortable hold.

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Impacts send vibration up the shaft.

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Dampening cuts the sting in the hands.

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Gloves protect, improve grip and keep hands warm.

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Hand protection must not increase the natural size of the hands significantly.

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A slippery grip loses control.

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Strengthen the grip by holding tightly with both hands.

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Dry and new is best.

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Off, clean, wrap, fix.

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A fresh grip improves hold.

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Hard plastic shields spread impact.

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Mouth guards prevent dental injury.

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Padding absorbs the ball's energy.

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Players must remove corner equipment before playing outside their 23.

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Protective headgear at all times, except when taking a stroke.

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Players must not wear anything dangerous to other players.

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A close fit stops the mask moving when struck.

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Head down.

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The keeper wears the most.

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Hard outside, soft inside.

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Narrowing the angle covers more goal.

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予測が時間を生みます。

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Weight on the balls of the feet in the channel position.

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Late direction changes beat reaction time.

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Scanning means less to think about on the ball.

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Commands train quick reactions in a fun way.

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The actions are opposite to the commands so players listen carefully.

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See, go, win.

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The closer and later, the less time.

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At 'Hit the Deck' players lie down as fast as possible.

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A good warm-up prepares players and can prevent injuries.

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Easing down right after play is the last step of the day.

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Children's muscles are naturally suppler.

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Substitutes must remain warm.

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Running without the ball is quicker than dribbling.

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Ensure everyone hydrates.

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Substitutions are permitted at any time, with exceptions at corners.

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Pulse, loosen, stretch, skills.

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Prepare, play, recover, wash.

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Cool-downs help prevent lactic acid build-up.

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The FIH publishes field and equipment specifications.

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Field and Equipment Specifications 1-4.

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The ring test.

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156-163 g.

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Specifications cover the field as well.

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The rules and equipment for men and women are the same.

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Only legal equipment may be used.

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Thickness, weight, bow, length.

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25 mm, 51 mm, 105 cm.

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Balls must weigh 156-163 g.

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