Maintaining Your Field Hockey Equipment
Good field hockey equipment isn’t cheap. Sticks, shoes, shin guards, gloves, mouthguards, goalie gear… it all adds up fast. That’s why taking care of what you already have is one of the smartest things you can do as a player.
Proper maintenance doesn’t just save you money. It:
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Keeps you safer on the pitch
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Helps your stick and gear perform consistently
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Reduces bad smells and bacteria
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Makes you look more professional and prepared
In this guide, we’ll go through how to maintain each key piece of field hockey equipment, how to store it, when to replace it, and simple routines you can follow after every training or match.
Why Maintenance Matters in Field Hockey
It’s easy to think, “It’s just sport gear, it’s supposed to get dirty.” And sure, your equipment will get sweaty, wet and muddy.
A few extra minutes after each session can literally add months—or even a full season—to the life of your gear. Plus, you’re less likely to turn up to a game with a broken strap, a dead stick or soaked shoes.
Think of equipment maintenance as part of your training: it supports your performance just like fitness or stick skills.
Taking Care of Your Field Hockey Stick
Your stick is the most important piece of equipment, so it deserves extra attention.
Clean Your Stick After Use
After matches or training, especially on wet or muddy pitches:
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Wipe the shaft and toe with a damp cloth or towel
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Remove mud, sand and dirt from the toe and edges
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Dry it with a clean, dry cloth
Avoid soaking your stick in water or using strong chemical cleaners. A simple wipe-down is usually enough.
Check for Damage Regularly
Once a week (or after a heavy game), quickly inspect your stick. Small chips on the toe are normal, but long cracks or big chunks missing are warning signs. If you feel a “dead” spot or hear strange rattling, it might be time to retire the stick or get advice before it fully breaks.
Maintain the Grip
A good grip is essential for control, comfort and avoiding blisters. If your stick is still in good shape but feels hard to hold, a fresh grip can completely change how it feels in your hands.
If you need to replace your stick and want to browse different carbon levels, bow shapes and weights, you can check out the stick collection here: https://www.ballinghockey.co.uk/collections/sticks.
How to Care for Your Field Hockey Shoes
Your shoes take a beating: running, stopping, turning, wet turf, dry turf, mud… they deal with everything.
Dry Them Properly
Never leave your shoes trapped, wet, in your bag.
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After training or a match, take them out of the bag
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Loosen the laces and open them up
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Let them air dry in a cool, ventilated place
Avoid putting them directly on a heater or in a dryer, as high heat can damage the glue and materials.
If they’re very wet, you can:
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Stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture
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Replace the paper once it gets soaked
Keep the Soles in Good Condition
The grip on your shoes is crucial for safety and performance. If you keep slipping or your soles are almost flat, it might be time for a new pair—no matter how nice they still look on top.
Maintaining Shin Guards and Protective Gear
Shin guards protect your legs from sticks and balls, but they also absorb a lot of sweat and dirt.
Cleaning Shin Guards
After use:
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Wipe off any mud or dirt
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Remove the liners or sleeves (if they’re removable)
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Hand wash the fabric parts according to the label instructions
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Let the hard shell and pads air dry completely
Never store shin guards while they’re still wet or damp. That’s when smells and bacteria grow the fastest.
Checking Straps and Padding
Every so often, check velcro straps, elastic straps and padding. If your shin guards move around while you run, slide down your leg or feel thin, they’re not protecting you as well as they should.
Gloves and Hand Protection
Gloves protect your hands from hits, turf burns and blisters.
Cleaning and Drying Gloves
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After use, take them out of your bag immediately
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Open them fully (and remove inner liners if they have them)
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Let them air dry in a ventilated space
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Occasionally, hand wash them gently following the care label
Avoid leaving them jammed in the bottom of a damp bag—that’s how they become stiff, smelly and uncomfortable. If your glove no longer protects your knuckles or feels like it’s just “cloth,” it may be time to replace it.
Mouthguard Maintenance
A clean, well-fitting mouthguard is essential for safety.
Cleaning Your Mouthguard
After each use:
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Rinse your mouthguard with cool or lukewarm water
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Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush (water or mild soap)
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Rinse thoroughly
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Let it air dry before putting it in its case
Do not use hot water—it can deform the mouthguard and ruin the fit.
Storage and Replacement
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Always store your mouthguard in a ventilated case
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Don’t leave it loose in your bag or pocket
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Avoid chewing on it (even if you’re nervous!)
Goalie Gear: Extra Care for Extra Protection
If you’re a goalkeeper, your equipment is more complex and usually more expensive, so maintenance is even more important.
Cleaning Goalie Pads, Kickers and Gloves
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Wipe off dirt and water after each session
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Use a damp cloth with mild soap if needed
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Avoid soaking foam or stuffing with water
Let everything dry fully before storing. Wet goalie gear can become heavy, smelly and less protective over time. If your gear starts slipping or rotating during play, it’s a sign you need to adjust or maintain it.
Your Hockey Bag: The Mobile Locker Room
Your bag holds everything together—and it’s often the smelliest part.
Keep the Inside Clean
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Take everything out at least once a week
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Shake out dirt, turf, grass and loose tape
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Wipe the inside with a damp cloth
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Let the bag air dry completely (zip open, pockets open)
Don’t Use Your Bag as a Storage Cave
Your bag is great for transport but not for long-term storage. Try not to leave dirty, wet gear in there or store your stick under heavy items that can bend or crack it. Think of your bag as a short-term travel solution, not a permanent home for your equipment.
How to Store Your Equipment at Home
Good storage is just as important as cleaning.
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Choose a cool, dry, ventilated area
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Avoid direct sunlight and high heat (like near radiators or in hot cars)
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Hang or lay out gear so air can move around it
Simple Post-Training and Post-Match Routine
To make maintenance easy, turn it into a quick routine. For example:
Right after training or a match:
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Take stick, shoes, shin guards and gloves out of the bag
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Wipe mud from your stick and shin guards
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Loosen your shoe laces and let them air out
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Rinse your mouthguard and put it in its case
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Open your bag and leave it unzipped so it can air out
When to Replace Your Field Hockey Equipment
Even with perfect care, nothing lasts forever. Replace gear when:
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Sticks: Have serious cracks, soft spots, big chunks missing, or feel “dead”
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Shoes: Have almost no grip left, or the sole is separating
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Shin guards: Padding is flat, straps are broken, or they move around too much
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Gloves: Have holes, thin palms, or damaged padding
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Mouthguards: No longer fit well or show cracks/tears
If a piece of equipment no longer protects you properly, it’s time to invest in a new one.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few minutes to care for your field hockey equipment after each game ensures it stays in great condition and performs its best when you need it most. With regular maintenance, you’ll get the most out of your investment while staying comfortable and safe on the field.
Looking for new grips, replacement gear, or cleaning accessories? Shop our collection now!
If you have more tips or questions about maintaining your hockey gear, drop us a comment or reach out—we’re here to help!
