Ice hockey sticks are longer in length. In contrast to field hockey, you tape the handle and blade. A field hockey stick can only be used on one side to move the ball, but a hockey stick can be used on both sides. Field hockey sticks do not come in right or left-handed models. Puck versus ball is still an issue in field hockey. Hockey sticks are also heavier in weight. They have a thicker shaft too. The blade is usually made of carbon fiber or plastic while the handle is typically made of wood. Fiberglass has become popular as well. Field hockey players usually use a stick with a straight blade about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Goalies sometimes use a narrower stick for better visibility. There are no rules regarding the size of a hockey stick. But most experts agree that a player should be able to grip the stick around its middle. Some manufacturers make small ice hockey sticks for younger players. These sticks are usually less than 36 inches (91 cm) in length. Older players often choose longer blades too so they don't have to bend so much when trying to reach the puck. The term "hockey stick" was originally used to describe the combination of a long wooden handle and a flat, thin metal blade attached to it. The name comes from the shape of the blade, which is similar to a hockey player standing on his head with his arms outstretched.