Floorball is a sport that requires specialized equipment because of its aggressive movements, frequent changes of direction, and high-tempo play. Therefore, floorball equipment is essential for controlling the ball, moving more agilely, scoring goals, and playing with confidence.
Choosing the wrong equipment can have dire consequences. It can decrease performance and even compromise safety. To avoid these unfortunate outcomes, learn about the types, functions, and how to choose the right floorball equipment in this article.
What Equipment is Used in Floorball?
1. Floorball Stick
A floorball stick is the most important tool for dribbling, passing, intercepting, and shooting. The stick's structure consists of two parts: the shaft (the handle) and the blade (the head of the stick that touches the ball).
The shaft provides control and power during the swing, while the blade determines how well you direct the ball and shoot accurately. The difference between a right and left club is determined by the direction of the blade's concavity and the dominant side you hold.
Generally, a right stick means the blade fits better when the right hand is on the bottom, while a left stick fits better when the left hand is on the bottom. To determine the stick length, you can use a simple method.
When the stick is standing on the floor, the top of the shaft should ideally be somewhere between your navel and slightly below your chest. If it's too long, control will be sluggish. If it's too short, you'll quickly get sore and have difficulty reaching the ball.
Also Read: Basic Floorball Techniques That Beginners Must Master
2. Floorball
Floorball balls have a distinctive, easily recognizable characteristic: they're made of plastic with numerous holes throughout their surface. This perforated design makes the ball lighter, more stable, and easier to control when played quickly on indoor courts.
Generally, floorball balls are made of hard plastic (usually polymer types such as PE/PP) and have a standard weight of around 23 grams with a size similar to a small ball (diameter around 72 mm).
Ball quality significantly impacts game control. A good ball typically has a precise shape, neat holes, and consistent material. This results in greater stability when dribbling, accuracy when passing, and easier prediction of shot direction.
On the other hand, a ball that is too light, dented, or has poor plastic quality can make the ball difficult to control, bounce inconsistently, and control more difficult, especially when the game is fast.
Also Read: Want to Try Floorball? Understand the Definition, History, and How to Play
3. Floorball Goal
Floorball goals have standard dimensions: 160 cm wide, 115 cm high, and approximately 65 cm deep. This size ensures the game remains fast and balanced, ensuring it's not too easy to score, but still allows for accurate finishing.
So, if you want to practice seriously or create a game with your community, try to use standard rules so the game feels like a formal match. As for materials, goal frames are usually made of iron or steel with a paint/powder coating to increase impact resistance and prevent rust.
Nets are generally made of strong, dense nylon or polyester, preventing the ball from escaping and allowing for repeated use. Also, ensure the goal has a stable support and is not easily displaced when shot at.
4. Shoes
Indoor shoes are one of the main equipment in floorball because you need stable footing when sprinting, stopping suddenly, and changing direction.
Choose shoes with anti-slip soles to prevent slipping on indoor floors, and make sure the model is light and flexible so your feet can move more quickly and are comfortable to wear for long periods of play.
5. Leg & Knee Protectors
Knee and leg protection is essential equipment in floorball, especially for beginners and learners. This is because the sport still involves light contact, such as collisions during a fight for the ball or falls during rapid changes of direction.
With the right protection, your shins and knees are safer from bruises and impacts. So you can play more confidently without worrying about minor injuries that could interrupt your training.
6. Gloves
Gloves are optional in floorball, but they can significantly improve your game. They improve grip when your hands get sweaty, resulting in more stable stick control and cleaner passing/shooting.
Additionally, gloves also help reduce chafing on your palms and fingers, especially if you're just starting out.
Also Read: Hockey: Definition, History, and Benefits
7. Goalkeeper Equipment
This equipment is designed to protect the goalkeeper from close range shots and fast movements in the goal area.
At a minimum, a goalkeeper needs a protective helmet to protect his head and face, and a special goalkeeper jersey equipped with padding so that the impact and the ball are not felt too much on his body.
As well as special goalkeeper gloves to keep your hands safe while helping you hold, deflect, or control the ball more stably.
Tips for Choosing Durable & High-Quality Floorball Equipment
| Tips | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|
| Choose materials that are strong but light | So that it lasts long, is comfortable to wear, and doesn't make you tired quickly. |
| Check the quality of the blade connection | Neat and sturdy connections are usually more durable and don't loosen easily. |
| Check brand reputation | A clear brand usually has consistent quality and safer after-sales service. |
| Adjust to the frequency of exercise | The more you practice, the more you need gear that is more durable and has stable performance. |
Common Mistakes When Buying Floorball Equipment
- Buying a stick that's too long or too short : an ill-fitting stick can mess up your ball control and cause fatigue. The right size allows for more precise dribbling, passing, and shooting.
- Ignoring indoor shoes : Indoor shoes offer a more secure grip on the gym floor, giving you more stability during sprints and sudden stops. The wrong shoes can easily slip and reduce performance.
- Focusing too much on low prices : Cheap prices often mean materials that wear out quickly or don't feel comfortable. It's better to choose a balance between quality, comfort, and durability.
- Not adapting to your playing position : Players' needs vary; some require quick control, others require powerful shooting. Choose a stick and equipment that suit your role to play more effectively.
So, Svargans, do you know how to buy floorball equipment properly?
The right floorball equipment not only makes you more comfortable playing but also improves your performance and safety. For beginners, focus on the most important things first: your stick and shoes.
Choose a stick that fits your height, and for indoor shoes, try to choose one with a good grip. The right equipment will give you more stability when running, more precision when passing/shooting, and more safety when changing direction quickly.
For beginner budgets, you can start with a package that's just enough for playing, then gradually upgrade depending on your practice frequency and playing position. Don't just buy cheap equipment if the quality is poor.
Choose equipment according to your needs and playing level, and don't forget strength training to help improve your control, stability, and stamina.
