Best Hockey Sticks for 5 Year Olds: Safe, Fun Options for Little Players

Finding the right hockey stick for a 5-year-old requires balancing safety, age suitability, and future growth. This guide highlights beginner-friendly sets that emphasize easy handling, soft materials, and lightweight design. The selections below are best for kids starting out in floor hockey, knee hockey, or driveway play, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Each product includes a clear use case to help you decide which is best for your child’s skill level and play space.

Product Snapshot

Product	Best For	Why It Stands Out	Limitations
Franklin Sports NERF Proshot 2-in-1 Set	Indoor/outdoor beginners, ages 4+	Two sticks, adjustable length, includes foam ball for safe play	Plastic construction; best with soft surfaces
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Starter Set	Outdoor pavement and outdoor-first players	Two sticks; durable ABS for outdoor wear and tear	Optimal on rough surfaces may require care
Franklin Sports NHL Indoor Sport 2 In 1 Set	Growing players, indoor/outdoor versatility	Two goals included; easy fold assembly; multiple sticks	Includes goals; space required
Liberty Imports Kids Floor Hockey Set	Toddlers and beginners, 3-7	Lightweight ABS, soft puck and ball; easy to handle	Smaller scale; check age range for older siblings

Note: All products use lightweight materials and soft components to reduce impact, making them suitable for homes with limited space or carpeted floors. When choosing, consider age-appropriateness, surface compatibility, and whether you want a standalone stick set or a larger, all-in-one goal ensemble.

Franklin Sports NERF Proshot Kids Hockey Sticks + Ball Set

Best for: Families seeking a compact, all-in-one starter kit for indoor and outdoor play. This 2-in-1 set includes two NERF Proshot sticks and a foam ball, with an adjustable stick that grows from 26″ to 35.5″. The design supports knee hockey and floor hockey, making it versatile for small spaces and quick setup. The pair of sticks is ideal for siblings or friends to practice 1-on-1 games without heavy equipment. A caution: plastic construction means durability is surface-dependent, so avoid rough outdoor pavement for long-term use.

Franklin Sports NHL Youth Street Hockey Starter Set

Best for: Beginners who want two sticks for 1-on-1 outdoor play and early street hockey skills. The set uses durable ABS plastic to withstand pavement wear, and it supports outdoor practice and floor hockey alike. It’s a straightforward way to introduce kids to stick handling and passing with minimal setup. Limitation: ABS plastic is flexible but may show wear with heavy use on rough outdoor surfaces.

Franklin Sports NHL Indoor Sport 2 In 1 Set #14213

Best for: Households needing versatile play with quick assembly. This set includes two easy-fold goals and multiple sticks plus knee hockey options, enabling kids to switch between floor and knee hockey. The Insta-Set corner joints fold and lock for fast setup and breakdown, which is helpful for short play sessions and storage. Caution: Requires space to set up both goals and sticks, which may limit use in very small rooms.

Liberty Imports Kids Floor Hockey Stick Set

Best for: Toddlers and beginners needing a lightweight, safe starter kit. The 2-pack includes sticks with soft, hollow designs and a plastic puck plus ball, making it easy for toddlers to practice stance and basic puck control. Choose this if you want a cost-effective option for multiple young players. Limitation: May be smaller in scale and better suited for younger children than older 5-year-olds with growing hand size.

Franklin Sports Hockey Goal, Ball, and Stick Set

Best for: Kids who want a longer play experience with a real goal in the driveway or basement. This all-in-one starter set includes a 46″ PVC goal, two sticks, and a ball, which can help a child practice shooting and passing from a fixed target. The lightweight PVC design aids portability and quick setup. Caution: The goal requires a bit more space and may be challenging to pack away after play.

GoSports Street Set

Best for: Young players who want a complete street hockey setup with quick assembly. The GoSports set includes a pop-up goal, two sticks, and two balls, designed to be assembled quickly and used on driveways or indoor spaces with sturdy flooring. It helps new players learn basic techniques, including shooting and passing. Limitation: The pop-up design may be less stable on uneven surfaces; ensure flat ground for best use.

Franklin Sports NHL Flex Play Hockey Sticks and Ball Set

Best for: Families seeking flexible blade sticks for faster action and indoor play. The set includes two sticks with flexible blades and foam balls, suitable for safe, fast-paced practice in small spaces. Choose this if you want a compact, family-friendly option that supports quick shooting practice. Caution: Foam balls are best used indoors or on soft flooring to prevent damage to delicate surfaces.

Franklin Sports NHL Youth Street Hockey Goalie/Player Stick Set

Best for: Kids who want a more complete street hockey kit including a goalie stick and a junior stick. This set emphasizes durability with ABS sticks and provides an official size street hockey ball designed for low bounces, enabling longer play on smoother outdoor surfaces. Limitation: The goalie stick may be larger than needed for younger children, so consider their height and hand size before purchasing.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right 5-Year-Old Hockey Stick

• Space and surface: If you have a small indoor area, prioritize sets with soft balls and lightweight sticks designed for carpet or hardwood floors.
• Growth and adjustability: Look for adjustable-length sticks to accommodate a growing child and longer-term use.
• Safety: Favor foam balls or soft plastic pucks to minimize impact on hands and furniture.
• Type of play: Decide between knee hockey, floor hockey, or street/hockey-on-pavement based on your living space and outdoor options.
• Durability vs. price: Durable ABS or plastic sticks are common at this age; balance cost against expected playtime and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What size hockey stick should a 5-year-old use? A stick around 26″ to 28″ is typical for younger kids, with room to grow as they gain height and skill.
• Are foam balls safer for beginners? Yes. Foam or soft plastic balls reduce impact and are better for indoor use.
• Is a goal or target necessary for a beginner? A small goal or target helps with aiming and motivation, especially for driveway or basement play.
• Can these sets be used outdoors and indoors? Many are designed for both, but check the product details for surface recommendations and durability on pavement.
• Should I buy multiple sticks? If siblings or friends will play together, a 2-stick set can support cooperative practice and games.
• What features indicate a beginner-friendly kit? Look for adjustable lengths, lightweight construction, and included soft balls or pucks.