What is "Kick Point" on a Hockey Stick? : A Complete Guide
- Pulse Hockey
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 1
What Is the Kick Point on a Hockey Stick?
A kick point is the specific location on the hockey stick shaft that flexes the most during a shot. Think of it as the "turbo" of your shooting motion—where energy is loaded and released as you shoot the puck. When you lean into a shot, your stick bends, storing energy like a spring. The kick point determines where that bend primarily occurs and how that stored energy transfers to the puck.
Manufacturers engineer kick points by strategically layering the carbon material to vary the stiffness throughout different areas of the stick. They adjust the materials, layering, and design to create consistent flex profiles that perform predictably shot after shot. Modern sticks are precision-engineered to flex at exact points, giving players more control over their shooting than ever before.
When shooting a hockey puck, the kick point acts as a fulcrum. As you load the stick by applying pressure, it bends at the kick point, storing potential energy. When you follow through, that energy releases explosively, transferring power to the puck. The location of this flex point dramatically changes how the stick feels and performs in your hands.
The Three Main Types of Kick Points on Hockey Sticks
Low Kick Point
Low kick point sticks flex primarily in the lower portion of the shaft, closer to the blade. This design creates a whip-like effect that allows for incredibly quick shot release. When you're in tight quarters or need to get a shot off before a defender can react, a low kick point stick shines.
The main advantages of Low Kick Point sticks include:
Lightning-fast release time
Excellent for quick wrist shots and snap shots
Superior puck-handling feel
Ideal for in-close scoring opportunities
Low kick point sticks like the Actifly A1 Pro are perfect for forwards who rely on quick hands and rapid shooting to score goals. Players in scoring positions near the net will benefit from the reduced time it takes to get the puck off the blade. Snipers, particularly those who rely on the element of surprise, often prefer this kick point style.
Mid Kick Point
Mid kick point sticks flex at the middle of the shaft, offering a balanced performance profile. They represent the versatile all-rounders of the hockey stick world, providing a blend of power and release speed that works well for various shot types.
The main advantages of Mid Kick Point sticks include:
Balanced power and release speed
Versatility across all shot types
Good blend of feel and power
Suitable for players who take diverse shots
Mid kick sticks appeal to all-around players who don't want to specialize too heavily in one shooting style. Centers who need to take faceoffs, make quick passes, and shoot from various positions often prefer this balanced approach. They're also excellent choices for players still developing their shooting style.
High Kick Point
High kick point sticks flex in the upper portion of the shaft, closer to your top hand. This design requires more loading time but delivers maximum power, making them ideal for slap shots and long-range shooting.
The main advantages of High Kick Point sticks include:
Maximum shot power
Excellent for slap shots and one-timers
Superior force transfer on full wind-up shots
Ideal for shooting from a distance
Defensemen often prefer high kick point sticks for taking powerful shots from the blue line. Power forwards who can create space for themselves to wind up for big shots also gravitate toward this design. Players with stronger upper bodies can better take advantage of the loading mechanics of a high kick point.
How the Kick Point Affects Your Shot
The relationship between kick points and shooting technique runs deep, with each shot type benefiting differently from various flex profiles.
Expand each section and learn about how each shot type is affected by the kick point:
Wrist Shots
Low kick point sticks excel here by allowing for a quicker release with less effort. The stick loads and releases energy faster, which is ideal for situations where time and space are limited. Mid kick points offer good wrist shot performance with slightly more power, while high kick points will rely more on the top hand to pull back for power on wrist shots.
Snap Shots
Slap Shots
One-Timers
The fundamental trade-off with kick points is load time versus release speed. Low kick points offer quick release but may sacrifice some power; high kick points deliver maximum power but require more time to load. Your shooting effectiveness ultimately depends on finding the right balance for your playing style.
How to Find Your Ideal Kick Point on a Hockey Stick
Selecting the right kick point requires an honest self-assessment of your playing style.
Ask yourself:
Where do you typically shoot from? In close or from a distance?
Are you more focused on shot power or release speed?
What position do you play?
What types of shots do you take most frequently?
Do you have time and space to shoot, or are you often shooting under pressure?
Position-specific considerations can help guide your choice:
Forwards: Wingers who shoot frequently may prefer low kick points for quick release in scoring areas. Power forwards might opt for mid or high kick points to maximize shot power when they create space.
Centers: Often benefit from mid kick points due to their versatile role, requiring various shot types and frequent passing.
Defensemen: Tend to prefer mid to high kick points for generating powerful shots from the blue line and effective one-timers.
Common mistakes when selecting kick points include:
Choosing based solely on what pro players use without considering your playing style
Selecting only for maximum power when quick release might be more beneficial
Not accounting for your strength level and ability to properly load the stick
Overlooking how kick point interacts with flex rating
Before purchasing, try to test different kick points through demo days, borrowing teammates' sticks, or visiting specialized hockey shops that allow on-ice testing. The feel of a stick is highly personal, and hands-on experience is invaluable.
The Evolution of Kick Point Technology in Hockey Sticks
Hockey stick technology has come a long way from wooden sticks with natural, unpredictable flex patterns. The introduction of composite materials in the 1990s revolutionized kick point engineering, allowing manufacturers to control how and where sticks flex.
In recent years, there has been the development of hybrid/variable and dual-kick point technologies that attempt to provide power and a quick release in a single stick. These designs use sophisticated carbon fiber layering and resin systems to create sticks that respond differently based on the type of shot being taken.
What Kick Point is your Favorite?
Low Kick Point
Mid Kick Point
High Kick Point
Hybrid Kick Point
Why You Should Know What Kick Point is on Your Hockey Stick
The kick point of your hockey stick is a critical factor in your shooting performance that deserves thoughtful consideration. By matching your kick point to your playing style, position requirements, and shooting preferences, you can significantly enhance your offensive capabilities on the ice.
Remember that there's no universal "best" kick point—only the best one for your game. Take the time to experiment with different types, pay attention to how they affect your shooting, and don't be afraid to try something new if your current stick isn't performing as expected.
At Pulse Hockey, we are designing our range of sticks with various kick point options to suit players at every position and style. Our first release is coming this Summer 2025, with its low kick point, the Actifly A1 Pro exemplifies our commitment to providing players with cutting-edge technology that gives them a competitive edge.
Whether you're a sniper looking for the quickest possible release, a defenseman seeking maximum shot power, or a well-rounded playmaker needing versatility, understanding kick points is one of your first steps toward finding your perfect hockey stick.