The Best Hockey Sticks For Attackers
Scoring goals is both the hardest and the most fun thing to do in hockey. Attackers (also known as forwards) spend a lot of their time in the D and get plenty of opportunities to put the ball in the net. If you're reading this, we're guessing you're one of those players — and you're in the right place for some expert advice.
We've come up with some of the most common types of attackers we see. See if any of them sound like you.
The Big Hitter
Do you hit the ball a lot? If so, a high carbon hockey stick is definitely on the cards. High carbon sticks give you higher-powered shots with less vibration, meaning maximum power from your shooting. The potential downside is that your first touch can suffer slightly due to the more rebounding nature of high-carbon construction. Look at the top end of the Grays and adidas ranges for strong options here.
The Goal Poacher
Always near the goalkeeper getting those scrappy goals? If deflections and flicking are your thing, look at a slightly lower carbon stick with a later bow. A late bow stick really helps you get the ball in the air with ease — great for 3D skills and flicks. The Y1 YLB is a specialist option in this category: a late bow designed for drag flicking, aerials and 3D skills. For a slightly less extreme option, the Y1 LB is well-suited to goal-poaching flickers who want low bow benefits with strong control.
The Drag Flicking Specialist
For penalty corner specialists who pride themselves on drag flicking, there are specialist stick designs from Y1, adidas and Grays. These sticks have specific concave designs with very late bows to generate maximum power through your drag flicks. Do bear in mind that these can be harder to control for general play due to their aggressive bows.
- Y1 BB/BBX 2026/27 — the most extreme bow in the Y1 Cosmic range. Suited to elite drag flicking, aerials, Indian dribbling and close control.
- Browse all concave / drag-flicking sticks
For more on drag flicking stick choice, read our drag flicking stick guide.
The 3D Dribbler / Close Control Attacker
Into Indian dribbling, 3D skills and eliminating defenders? An extreme bow or concave stick can add a whole new dimension to your close control game. The Y1 BB/BBX is the most extreme option in Y1's current range, designed specifically for elite close control, 3D skills and aerials. For a slightly more balanced option that still suits 3D play, the Y1 YLB is an excellent choice.
The Dribbler / Ball Carrier
If ball carrying and elimination is more your thing, a slightly straighter stick could be higher on your priority list. Mid-bow sticks give brilliant consistency in both dribbling and hitting. The Y1 ADB (Advanced Dribble Bow) is designed exactly for this purpose — a safe, all-round control option suited to dribblers at all levels. Browse all mid bow hockey sticks here.
The Backhand Power Player
The modern attacker increasingly relies on backhand hits and tomahawk shots. Sticks with a gradual low bow tend to support backhand power well. The Y1 MR (Modern Rocker) is designed for the modern midfielder and attacking player who wants speed, drag-flick capability and strong reverse-stick power in one stick. A great all-round option for the modern attacker.
Shop the current 2026/27 attacker ranges
- Y1 2026/27 Cosmic Range
- adidas 2026/27 Hockey Sticks
- Grays 2026/27 Hockey Sticks
- All Low Bow Hockey Sticks
- Concave / Drag-Flicking Sticks
Ultimately, we always recommend coming in store to try sticks in person — our 200sqm hitting area is here for exactly that. But if you can't reach us in store, we're always a phone call or live chat away.
If you are interested in learning a new goal scoring skill, have a look at our video below from Scottish international hockey player, Kerry-Anne Hastings, for a step by step of a backhand shot:
