How to choose a Field Hockey Ball?
There are many different Manufacturers of Hockey balls, many different types of ball and many different styles of ball. There are also many different price points for each ball too. It can be very confusing, at the outset. So, what is the best ball for the junior section of my local club.
Lets start with the Brands:-
- Kookaburra
- Slazenger
- Malik
- Adidas
- Readers
- Grays
- Brabo
- TK
- Mercian
There are many more but you see the problem to start with, too much choice. I tend to have favourite manufacturers, that i go back to time after time. It has been said that many of these balls are made in the same factories anyway, just branded differently. Kookaburra and Slazenger tend to be my Hockey ball manufacturer of choice, as they tend to be the easiest to get hold of.
Types of balls:-
- Match balls
- Training balls
- Smooth balls
- Dimple balls
- Coloured balls
- Lightweight balls.
The ball that is most commonly used is the Dimple training ball. The Match Dimple ball is obviously used for matches. The common thought is the Dimpled ball is best but, expert advice shows the smooth ball can react better on sand based astro pitches. The Dimpled ball was originally designed by Kookaburra for use on water based pitches. Its design was to allow the ball to run smoother on the water based pitches.
The colour of balls tend to open up a lot of debate too. White, Pink or Orange. I am of the belief that White is still the best colour to use, as you are able to see to ball in different light conditions. It is important you wash you Hockey balls regularly to maintain there primary colour. The lightweight ball is designed, generally for use with younger players.
Price ranges from £2.50 up to £15 for training balls and £5 to £25 for good match balls.
I recommend the Kookaburra White Dimple Training Ball or the Slazenger Club Dimple Training Ball, most. The Kookaburra White Dimple Standard Match ball or the Slazenger White International Dimple Match Ball for matches. As they are easy to get hold of, last well and are good value for money.
What ball do you use and why?
Stu plays Hockey for his local club and is a qualified coach. He also advises on what Hockey Equipment is suitable for youth Hockey.
