Cherry Blossom season is a sign that spring is here, which only means it is Field Hockey Season.  Now we all know many people’s equipment is tucked and stored away for months or it is worn out from continuously playing field hockey during the winter.

It is important check your equipment and be ready for the upcoming field hockey season and don’t forget to also think about preparing for tours.  

We have created a check list for you to prepare for the field hockey season, if you are beginner or advanced player.

1. Field Hockey Stick: Check it is in good health, which means no sharp chips or chunks off your stick.  This is also a good opportunity to possibly upgrade your stick as your skills would have changed from your last season.

2. Grip: This is always commonly forgotten about.  We highly recommend changing the smelly grip every season.  A great addition is adding a chamois grip this will help to get a better grip especially if it rains a lot.

3. Shinguards: We highly recommend field hockey specific shinguards as they are made to protect you against a hard ball. Check you have both legs and if very smelly maybe time to upgrade them. 

4. Shinliners: These are very good to absorb the sweat as the temperatures are getting warmer. They also prevent bad rashes on your leg, parents prefer to have at least 2-3 for you to rotate with :-) 

5. Socks: Usually, you receive these from your club team, but we always recommend having at least 3-4 extra pairs.  Whoever does the laundry will appreciate this.

6. Field hockey Turf Shoes: We recommend specific field hockey turf shoes as they will provide the player with better protection against a hard ball, as well as a good grip on the turf. 

7. Stick Bag or Backpack: This is good to keep everything in one place, less chance of items going missing.

8. Mouthguard: The Gel max mouthguards are great as they are contoured and prevent against slight concussion.  Always keep a 2^nd mouthguard as a back-up, tip the Shock Doctor cases are a great to keep and ventilate the mouthguard.

9. Field Hockey Balls: No harm in having 3-6 practice balls of your own & make sure to label with Sharpe.            

8. Rain Jacket or Sweater: Just in case!