The Effect Low and Mid Kick Point Sticks Have on Different Hockey Shots

I chose to do this project because of my interest in hockey and I wanted to understand how different stick kick points affect shooting performance. Specifically, I wanted to better understand how different kick points affect your shot. My project focused on comparing low and Mid kick point sticks in terms of shot speed and release time across different types of shots. My passion for hockey inspired me to do this project. This project benefits hockey players, particularly those trying to find the right hockey stick. It can help specific player types by finding them the stick best for their play style. This could lead to improved performance, greater consistency, and an overall more enjoyable hockey experience. Beyond individual performance, this project contributes in a small way to making the world a better place by promoting informed decision making in sports. When players understand their sticks better, they can avoid unnecessary purchases, reduce frustration, and focus more on enjoyment.

The background research was done using online sources about hockey stick design and how the sticks kick point affects shot speed and release time. I focused on sources that explained how different kick points work, and how it affects the shot. The sources included hockey equipment companies and hockey focused websites. I selected trustworthy information by comparing multiple sources and finding consistent answers.

For my experiment, I designed a controlled test to compare the performance of low and mid kick point sticks across four shot types: wrist shots, snapshots, slap shots, and one-timers. The shot speed was measured using a radar gun, and release time was recorded using a camera.

The materials used included two hockey sticks, low and mid kick point, a shooting pad, data sheet, a radar gun, a camera, a measuring tape, electrical tape, and a regulation hockey net.

Data was collected by performing 10 trials per shot type with the low and mid kick point stick for a total of 80 shots. Each shots speed was recorded from the radar gun and release time was measured from the recorded video. variables were controlled by keeping the same player, shooting distance, ball, shooting technique, stick flex, types of shots, and shooting surface. The independent variable was the kick point, while the dependent variables were shot speed and release time.

The results of my project demonstrated that hockey stick kick points have a significant impact on both shot speed and release time across different hockey shots. Low kick point sticks allowed for a more swift release across all shot types. In addition, this made them more effective for shot speeds in wrist shots and snapshots. The mid kick point hockey stick generated faster shot speeds for slap shots and one-timers but had a slower release time.

My prototype works by using two different kick point hockey sticks to compare how the kick point affects the shot speed and release time. To keep the test consistent, I took breaks to minimize fatigue. When I take the shot, the shaft bends at a specific point, which acts like a loaded spring. As the stick snaps back, it launches the ball forward. I then used a camera and a radar gun to track the speed of the ball and time of release. I did this with both low and mid kick point hockey sticks and compared them.

The data shows that there is a clear trade off between speed and energy storage. My analysis showed that the lower release time for the low kick point stick was statistically significant (p <.05). The low kick point  stick performed significantly better (p <.05) in snapshots and wrist shots because the bend occurs closer to the ball, allowing the shaft to snap back almost instantly.

In contrast, the mid kick point stick acted like a larger spring; it took longer to load and release, but it produced significantly higher velocities (p <.05) in slap shots. These results show that a player's stick choice should be based on play style. prioritizing either quick-release tight shots or powerful timely shots

From my results, I can conclude that the kick point of a hockey stick has a clear effect on both shot speed and release time. Low kick point sticks were better for quick releases in all types of shots, while mid kick point sticks worked better for strong shots like slap shots and one-timers. This shows that different kick points are advantageous to different styles of play.

From this project, I learned that the kick point of a hockey stick actually has a significant impact on the shot. The way the stick is built to bend can change how fast the puck can leave the stick and the energy stored before the shot is released. This shows that even small differences in equipment can have a noticeable effect when in use. Even the slightest change can benefit or be detrimental to your game.

If I did this project again, I would improve the testing setup so each shot is more consistent and controlled, which would make the results more reliable. I would also increase the number of trials for each shot type to reduce variation and improve accuracy. To improve the project further, I would test more kick points and include different players to see if the results are consistent across most people. The next step would be to acquire sticks with kick points such as high and hybrid, and prepare a reliable set up for all kick points and multiple people.

Thank you to my chemistry 2202 teacher Ms. Yvonne Dawe for her feedback and suggestions throughout this project.

Webpages:

Bellamy, J. (2023, March 30). Why is your hockey stick kick point important?. Big League Gear. https://bigleaguegear.ca/blogs/big-league-blog/why-is-your-hockey-stick-kick-point-important?srsltid=AfmBOooYZR99lfOwo44P-iv8bdiFRX-o01OmZN0TWyfgBsP9wMBoNrC9

Hockey stick kick points explained. Twig Hockey Company. (n.d.). https://twighockeycompany.com/penaltybox/play-on/hockey-stick-kick-points-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoq1Qf-HBPjDgiIwMuIZjE93XsQrfslfAaL_Z9TGWzPdWCwrXwlk

The Stick Guru. (2025, March 26). Low kick point vs mid kick point.

https://thestickguru.com/low-kick-point-vs-mid-kick-point/

Which hockey stick kick point should you choose?. Sports Excellence. (2024, September 19). https://sportsexcellence.com/blogs/game-assist/which-hockey-stick-kickpoint-should-you-choose?srsltid=AfmBOooIRYOT5r042Rxe1mlZy-MKbc_cje3Wj-BVK_yMamrJl9TCFq8Z