Hockey Stick Basics: Guide to Kick Points

Flex / Kick Point

The kick point, or flex point, is the area on the shaft where the stick flexes. This is further indicated by the kick point’s designation: low, mid, high, or hybrid.

A harder shot isn’t necessarily how hard you hit the puck, but how much you can increase the potential energy of the shot. Certain factors contribute to that potential energy and the resulting shot velocity:

• The length of time the puck stays in contact with the stick
• How far it travels while in contact with the blade
• Where and how the stick flexes on the shaft

Additionally, keeping the puck on your stick longer can also increase your accuracy, as it provides greater control over puck movement and the power applied.

We can view kick points on a spectrum.

• Higher Flex Point = Harder shot, tougher, better control
• Lower Flex Point = Quicker release, increased versatility and speed in tight areas

Most manufacturers have multiple stick families separated by kick point, and many are also starting to define their kick points differently. There are also Hybrid kick points, which don’t necessarily fall in a single exact point on that spectrum.

A low kick point means that the stick flexes closer to the blade (or hosel) of the stick. This design allows for a quicker release of the puck. In practice, less of the stick contributes to the shot’s potential energy, since the stick loads lower on the shaft and closer to the puck. Less load means a weaker shot, but that also means it takes less time for the puck to release off the stick.

Players who excel at quick, close-range shots and prefer maneuvering around opponents in tight spaces will perform very well with these sticks. Low kicks allow for swift wrist shots and snap shots, making them effective in situations where a fast release is crucial, such as when they're near the net or facing a goaltender who's challenging aggressively.

They tend to be easier to flex, meaning they bend easily when pressure is applied. This flexibility contributes to the quick release, but it may also result in the stick feeling whippier or less rigid compared to sticks with higher kick points.

Although low kick point sticks offer advantages in quick release and close-quarters play, they may be slightly more challenging to control, especially for players who rely on precise stickhandling and passing. This is why some defensemen, who generally need greater control for defensive plays, may prefer sticks with higher kick points.

This is the toughest and strongest stick type—it may be a bit more difficult to flex, but they offer the most puck control and potential energy.

High kicks tend to run heavier since they are built for power and not necessarily speed, although that also results in their superior durability. The flex point is much higher on the stick, which is why that potential energy is increased.

Sticks with a high kick point are designed to prioritize power and accuracy in shots, so they are particularly effective for players who rely on powerful slap shots and long-range shooting. This includes players who take more time to set up their shots or those who frequently engage in long-range shooting. Players with a naturally strong shot or those who focus primarily on power in their shooting techniques often find high kick point sticks to be the best fit for their playing style. This will often apply to power forwards and defensemen.

Due to their heightened durability and strength, they are also often preferred by those who engage frequently in board battles.

Just as the stick empowers long-distance shots, it does have some shortcomings in close quarters. They may offer slightly reduced control for quick-release shots compared to sticks with lower kick points, meaning that they may not be as suitable for rapid, close-range shots.

The high kick stick, now the rarest flex point, has slowly been disappearing in favour of mid and low kick sticks. An example would be Warrior’s old Dynasty line—this was a mid-high kick stick family that is now discontinued; however, Warrior has recently come out with the Novium line, with a slightly different geometry but is still classified as mid-high. Bauer Supreme has also recently been retired as a stick line. As the pace of the game increases, fully utilizing high kick point sticks is becoming much more challenging for most players.

Nevertheless, some players, like Steven Stamkos—known for his powerful shots with the Supreme 1S—still manage to excel with them. Warrior has also recently come out with their Novium family, which is characterized as a mid-high kick stick.

The label “mid kick” covers the widest range of hockey sticks across the market. Sticks with a mid kick point offer a balance between the quick release of low kick point sticks and the power of high kick point sticks. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of playing styles and situations. The range is both its major strength and its downfall.

Most manufacturers define mid kick differently; for example, Warrior’s Alpha line and CCM’s Tacks line can both be defined as “mid kick.” However, Tacks tends to perform closer to a mid-high kick, whereas Alpha is a bit closer to a mid-low kick. Due to this, it may also take a bit of extra time to figure out which specific mid kick family fits your style more.

Players using sticks with mid kick points can generate significant power in their shots while still maintaining good accuracy. This makes them effective for various types of shots, including wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots.

Because of their balanced attributes, sticks with mid kick points are popular among both forwards and defensemen. Defensemen benefit from the power and accuracy, while forwards appreciate the versatility of both offensive and defensive plays. Mid kick sticks are a great middle ground between the quick-releasing low kick and its powerful high kick counterpart. They are useful if you are unsure what kind of stick you are looking for, or if you are seeking a stick with a higher or easier load than what you’re currently using. They’re also great if you are just looking for something that can perform well in many areas across the ice.

The hybrid kick point combines elements of both low and mid kick point sticks. This means that the stick flexes at a point that falls somewhere between the low and mid points. The main difference between the hybrid kick point and mid kick point lies in the flex profile: while both types offer versatility, hybrid kick point sticks may, under certain circumstances, have a flex point that falls slightly closer to the blade compared to mid kick point sticks. This means that they may provide a slightly quicker release, making them potentially more adaptable for quick-release shots.

CCM’s Jetspeed and Bauer’s Nexus lines are currently the most popular hybrid sticks on the market. Warrior’s Alpha series could also fit this category, although its singular lower flex point categorizes it as more of a mid-low kick stick.

Hybrid kick point sticks are designed to provide a balance between quick release and power, much like mid kick point sticks. This makes them versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles and situations. They can be effective for players who like to take quick shots in close-quarters situations, as well as those who prefer to wind up for more powerful shots. This adaptability is one of the key features of the stick.

Identifying the spot where a hybrid kick point flexes most can be a bit tough, since it will feel like it flexes along most of the shaft. This is a result of its nature—these sticks adapt to your game, meaning they flex and tense up depending on where you place your hand during the shot.

This kick point is truly a jack of all trades—it may be good in all situations, but if you never find yourself in all situations, you may benefit more from a more specialized stick. These sticks are ideal for offensive defensemen and centremen, which are positions that routinely juggle both offensive and defensive responsibilities.

How Do I Choose the Right Kick Point?

Choosing the right kick point for your hockey stick is crucial, as it can greatly affect your shooting efficiency and performance. While there are general guidelines, finding the perfect kick point often involves a bit of trial and error.

As discussed, kick points will feel better depending on your play and shooting styles. Our best advice? Begin by experimenting with a stick from a widely recognized kick point family, such as Vapor or Jetspeed. These sticks often feature more traditional kick point geometries, providing a good starting point for your exploration.

I went through a similar process when I first began testing sticks. Starting with the Ribcor and later transitioning to Tacks on my coach's suggestion, I realized that the higher kick point in the Tacks series didn't align with my shooting style. This personal experimentation helped me learn that the low-mid kick point of the Warrior Alpha was the perfect fit for me.

Remember, what works best for one player might not necessarily work for another. It's all about individual preferences. While I found my sweet spot with a lower kick point, many players thrive with higher kick points like those found in the Tacks and Nexus series.