A hockey stick kick point is the spot on the shaft where the stick flexes and releases stored energy, and it shapes how fast and how hard you shoot. Choosing the right kick point matters as much as flex or curve: it decides whether your stick favors a lightning-quick release or maximum shot power. The three types are low kick, mid kick, and hybrid (variable) kick.

TL;DR

• Low kick loads low on the shaft near the blade — built for a quick release on snap and wrist shots in tight.
• Mid kick loads in the middle of the shaft — built for power on slap shots and heavy one-timers.
• Hybrid (variable) kick blends both — versatile for players who shoot every way.
• Forwards usually prefer low kick; defensemen and power shooters usually prefer mid kick.
• Kick point works together with flex — a lower flex plus a low kick gives the quickest release.

Key Takeaways

• Kick point is about where the shaft bends, while flex is about how much it bends — you choose both.
• Match kick point to your game: quick release for in-tight forwards, power for point shooters, hybrid for two-way players.
• Brand lines are built around a kick point, so the model you pick largely sets your kick point for you.

What Is a Kick Point on a Hockey Stick?

A hockey stick kick point is the location along the shaft where the stick loads and springs back during a shot. When you lean into the stick, the shaft bends, stores energy, and snaps forward to launch the puck — the kick point is where that bend concentrates.

That single design choice changes your shot’s feel. A lower kick point releases the puck faster; a higher (mid) kick point builds more power. Most players notice the difference immediately on their first few shots.

Low Kick Hockey Sticks: Built for a Quick Release

A low kick point flexes low on the shaft, closer to the blade, so the stick loads and releases fast. That short, quick load is ideal for snap shots, quick wrist shots, and one-timers taken in tight spaces.

Low kick suits forwards who shoot off the rush or in traffic, where there’s no time for a big wind-up. If your game is about getting the puck off quickly and deceptively, this is your kick point.

Current low-kick lines include Bauer Vapor, CCM Ribcor, Warrior Covert, and True HZRDUS. Pair one with a lower flex from our hockey stick flex guide for the fastest possible release.

Mid Kick Hockey Sticks: Built for Power

A mid kick point stores energy in the middle of the shaft, creating a longer, more powerful load. That bigger flex zone delivers maximum velocity on slap shots, heavy wrist shots with a wind-up, and one-timers from distance.

Mid kick suits defensemen firing from the point and power forwards who prioritize shot velocity over release speed. The trade-off is a slightly slower release than a low kick.

Current mid-kick lines include Bauer Nexus and Supreme, CCM Tacks, True Catalyst, and Warrior Novium. This is the classic choice for anyone whose job is to score from the blue line.

Hybrid and Variable Kick Sticks: Built for Versatility

A hybrid kick point combines low- and mid-kick traits, adjusting to the type of shot you’re taking. It aims to give you a quick release when you need it and extra power when you wind up.

Hybrid kick suits versatile, two-way players who switch shooting styles shift to shift. If you don’t want to commit fully to release speed or power, a hybrid is the safe middle ground.

Current hybrid-kick lines include CCM JetSpeed, Warrior Alpha, and Sherwood Code. Many of the pro stock hockey sticks that NHL players use come from these versatile hybrid lines.

Low vs Mid vs Hybrid Kick Point Compared

Here’s how the three kick points stack up so you can match one to your game.

Kick point	Where it loads	Best for	Ideal player	Example stick lines
Low kick	Lower shaft, near the blade	Quick release: snap & wrist shots, in tight	Forwards, quick shooters	Bauer Vapor, CCM Ribcor, Warrior Covert, True HZRDUS
Mid kick	Middle of the shaft	Power: slap shots, heavy one-timers	Defensemen, power forwards	Bauer Nexus/Supreme, CCM Tacks, True Catalyst, Warrior Novium
Hybrid / variable	Adjusts to the shot	All-around versatility	Two-way, versatile players	CCM JetSpeed, Warrior Alpha, Sherwood Code

How to Choose Your Hockey Stick Kick Point

Start with your position and shot style. Forwards who live in tight and rely on a quick release lean low kick; defensemen and anyone who scores from distance lean mid kick; do-everything players lean hybrid.

Then stack it with your other specs. Kick point pairs with flex and curve to define your whole setup — see what the pros run on our NHL player stick specs page, and match a pattern from our hockey stick curves guide.

Manufacturers build entire lines around a kick point, so choosing the model is choosing the kick point. You can compare construction details on the official Bauer and CCM Hockey sites, then find the pro stock version at a discount in our pro stock hockey sticks selection.

Stick-line examples reflect current model families and are updated by manufacturers over time; confirm the kick point on the specific model before you buy.