In fact, we encourage all players to experiment with different curves! Testing out new curves can actually unlock potential that you didn't even know you had. Just because you're a defenseman doesn't mean you have to use a mild heel curve and just because you're a forward doesn't mean you have to use an open toe curve.
Take Sidney Crosby as an example. He's regarded as one of the best offensive players of all time, yet he uses an extremely mild curve.
His mild curve allows him to have an absolutely lethal backhand, but still provides him with just enough curve to pick the top corners of the net. This versatility allows him to be a threat in the offensive zone regardless of his position on the ice. Lastly, the puck is able to elevate much easier with a toe curve, making it a great choice for the new-to-hockey player who is struggling to do so.
The mid-curve starts off with a straighter heal until the mid-point of the blade, where the curvature appears and rounds out towards the toe. Mid-curves are the second most popular curve on the market because it offers the most versatility and bridges the gap between toe and heel curves. This is another great choice for the beginner and will help reinforce the proper method of lifting the hockey puck.
The heel curve is the opposite of the toe curve since the blade will start to curve in the heel section most and will then not have many curves from the mid-point to the toe. Once the most popular, heel curves are now a dying breed.
While the pace of the game has become much quicker, heel curves benefit the player who looks for the big slap shot and one-timer. The heel curve offers the biggest sweet spot for such shots and is also a great choice for the player who finds themselves taking more backhand shots than most. The heel twist creates a long, flat curve for the back of the blade, which makes backhands much easier to execute.
Another design implemented into curves is the angle of the blade face. Some accuracy is lost in that respect, but considering the popularity of the curved stick in the NHL, it seems that the benefits win over the drawbacks. The reason why the NHL sets a curvature limit is probably to avoid excessive puck control. Can you imagine blades shaped like half-circles?
Just grab the puck and go! Some argue that straighter blades are safer because they tend to keep the shots low.
Deeper curves means easier upward shots, but the loft is probably the more important factor, especially in a slapshot where puck control is limited to a very short impact time. Their concerns may be justified if the new rule allows for more loft than before. If so, the new rule will allow players to put more loft or twist on their stick, making high shots more likely.
Now that we understand blade curve basics, how should you decide on your next purchase? High-level players select their stick based on their position defense or forward and on what type of curve they are accustomed to. Buy what feels right, and as you get used to the stick, you might develop a preference for it. After all, an accurate pass, a hard slap shot and good puck control is above all a matter of practice and skills. If you are ready to select a curve pattern check out the blade pattern charts on Hockey Monkey.
You should also check out their clearance section while you are there! You might find some great deals on sticks. Big thanks to the guys at the physics of hockey for this article.
Check out their website for more cool hockey articles. How to Stickhandle Stickhandling is very important in hockey, many young players may think they know how to stickhandle, but you may be surprised what you are doing wrong! I used to think I was pretty good with the How to Take a Slapshot Slap shots are very easy to learn yet hard to master. A lot of people feel that blasting a puck as hard as humanly possible qualifies as a great shot.
Slap shots are just as much about accuracy as Shop our full selection of products, enjoy cheaper shipping, and skip customs and brokerage. Go to HockeyMonkey. Stay on HockeyMonkey. Great starter pattern and still one of the most popular patterns in the game today.
Provides great puck control, quick releases, great ontrol on shots. Fastest growing pattern in hockey. Great for toe drags, quick releases, and getting lift on your shots. Classic mid-curve blade. Great all-around blade for stick-handling, wrist shots, and and quick releases. Also good for backhand shots.
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