Choosing the Right Hurley for Junior & Youth Players: Size, Safety & Growth

Getting a hurley for a young player isn’t something to rush. The stick they start with sets the tone for how they learn. If the size is wrong, they struggle more than they should. If it fits right, the game starts to make sense. It’s a small detail that changes a lot in the long run.

1. Why Junior Hurleys Need to Be Different

Junior hurleys are made with a different idea in mind. They’re not just smaller sticks. They’re lighter, easier to hold, and shaped in a way that fits a child’s hands. A young player doesn’t have the strength or reach an adult has, so the stick has to work with them, not against them. A well-sized junior hurley lets them build control without forcing their movement. It doesn’t pull their arms down or make their swing clumsy. It moves with them.

2. Getting the Length Right from the Start

Length is one of those things people tend to overlook, but it matters more than it seems. A stick that’s too long makes the player choke the handle and swing awkwardly. A stick that’s too short makes them reach for the ball in the wrong way. Both lead to bad habits that are hard to undo later. A good length is the one that rests naturally near the wrist bone when the stick stands upright. When it sits at that level, everything starts to fall into place more easily.

3. Weight Isn’t Just a Number

A lot of people pick a hurley without really paying attention to how heavy it feels. That’s a mistake. A heavy stick can make young hands slow down. It gets tiring too quickly and throws their timing off. A lighter one feels more like an extension of their body. It lets them swing without fighting the stick. That’s how they learn the proper way to control it. The weight should feel natural, not like they’re carrying a load around the pitch.

4. Safety Comes from the Right Fit

Safety doesn’t come only from helmets or guards. It starts with a hurley that actually fits the player. A stick that’s too big can twist their wrist or shoulder. It can make a wild swing more likely. A proper size keeps their body in line, keeps the motion smooth, and lowers the chances of small injuries that build up over time. When they feel safe with their stick, they move with more confidence. And confidence is what young players need most.

5. Knowing When to Move Up to a Senior Hurley

Every player reaches a point where the junior hurley starts to feel too small. That doesn’t mean it happens at the same age for everyone. Some grow faster, some take longer. The sign is in how they handle the stick. When it looks short in their hands, when their swing feels restricted, that’s usually the moment to move up. The step to a senior hurley should be smooth, not rushed. A bigger stick comes with more power but also more responsibility. They should reach that point ready, not struggling.

6. Growth Doesn’t Wait

Kids grow quickly. The stick that fits perfectly this season may not feel the same next year. That’s why equipment can’t be treated as a one-time decision. It needs checking. A small change in height, a bit more strength in the arms, and suddenly the old hurley isn’t doing the job anymore. Keeping up with this change is part of helping them improve. It keeps their swing clean and stops bad habits from creeping in.

7. Grip and Feel Matter More Than People Think

A lot of attention goes to size and weight, but the grip quietly shapes the way a player moves. If the handle feels too thick, they can’t hold it comfortably. If it’s too thin or worn down, it slips when they need control most. A solid grip helps them stay steady, focus on the ball, and build trust in how they play. It’s not a big or flashy part of the stick, but it plays a big role in how confident a young player feels.

8. A Good Fit Builds Confidence

When the stick fits the player, something changes. They stop fighting it and start using it naturally. Their swing gets smoother, their timing sharper, and their control stronger. That feeling of ease builds their confidence quietly, step by step. This is why picking the right hurley at the start matters so much. It gives them the right base to grow, not just in skill but also in how they see the game.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a hurley for a young player is about matching it to their body, their strength, and their growth. It’s not about picking what looks good. A well-fitted stick keeps them safe, helps them learn faster, and lets them grow with the game. As they get older, the hurley should change with them. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s something that should evolve as they do.

Explore our junior & starter sets and find the right fit for your future player.