Quick answer
Floorball gear lasts longer if you do five things: check sticks for cracks and replace worn grip tape, wipe tiles and pads clean, dry nets before you store them, fold the goal and keep it out of long-term wet conditions, and retire cracked balls. A weekly five-minute check is enough for most players. Good care also keeps training safe, because a cracked stick or a loose goal connection fails when you put force into it.
Key takeaways
- Do a five-minute check once a week: stick, balls, goal connections, net and tiles.
- A cracked stick shaft or blade should be replaced, not taped and used.
- Sweep or wipe tiles and pads with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them dry. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Dry a wet net before folding it, and do not leave it in a tight, damp pile.
- Fold or disassemble the goal for long storage, and keep small parts in one labelled bag.
- Store gear away from extreme heat and from direct sun for long periods.
Why does equipment care matter?
I have coached players who lost a whole season of sessions because a favourite stick snapped, and families who bought a new goal after leaving the old one in a garden through two winters. Most of this is avoidable. Care costs almost nothing, and it protects the money you spent. Everything we make at Better Floorball is designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability, but no product likes to be left in the rain with sand in every joint.
The rest of this guide goes through your gear piece by piece, then gives you a weekly routine you can actually follow.
How do you look after a floorball stick?
We do not sell sticks, so this advice is general and applies to any stick. If you are choosing one, read how to choose a floorball stick first.
- Check the shaft and blade. Look for cracks, splits and loose areas where the blade meets the shaft. Run your fingers along the whole stick. A damaged stick can break during a shot.
- Replace grip tape when it wears. The grip is at the top of the shaft. When it gets slippery, frayed or sticky from dirt, wrap fresh tape. It is a cheap fix that improves control.
- Keep the blade clean. Wipe off dirt and grit after training outdoors. Sand and gravel scratch the blade and change how the ball feels.
- Avoid rough surfaces. Dragging a blade over rough concrete or asphalt wears the edge quickly. Train on a smooth surface, such as tiles.
- Store it properly. Lean it in a rack or lay it flat, away from radiators, hot cars and freezing garages if possible.
The length and the flex of a stick are part of how it feels. If a stick has been shortened, it will feel stiffer. Keep this in mind if you wonder why a "new" stick suddenly feels different.
How do you clean and store tiles, pads and passers?
Surfaces and rebounders take the most beating, because every shot and every pass lands on them.
| Item | Cleaning | Storage | Check for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles (33 x 33 cm each) | Sweep or wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry | Stack flat or leave connected; keep clear of heavy objects | Gaps between tiles, cracked edges, grit in the joints |
| Shooting pad | Wipe with a damp cloth, remove grit | Carry by the handle, store flat or hung | Surface scratches, dents, curled edges |
| Passer | Wipe off dust and dirt | Store dry, away from heavy loads | Cracks, loose parts, worn rebound surface |
| Stickhandling Trainer | Wipe clean | Fold it and keep it in a bag | Cracks near folds, loose joints |
The tiles, passers and the Stickhandling Trainer are Made in Europe. They are built for hard use, but all plastic products last longer when they are cleaned of grit. The tiles and the pad can be used outdoors all year according to their product descriptions, yet I still sweep them off in autumn when leaves and sand collect. The pad is treated with a UV coating for longer life.
How do you look after goals and nets?
The goal takes impact, and the net takes everything that misses it.
The goal
The Extreme Floorball Goal (€149) is foldable, weighs 9 kg and is described as weatherproof and suitable for year-round outdoor use. Even so, treat it well.
- Tighten or check connections before each session. A goal that wobbles will eventually loosen.
- Wipe off mud and sand, especially around joints.
- Fold and store it in the garage over a long break or a severe winter, if you can.
- Do not climb on it, sit on it or use it as a ladder.
The net
Both the Backstop Net 5x2,5 m (€129) and the Safety Net 7,5x2,6 m (€139) are made for indoor and outdoor use and have a lead line at the bottom to anchor them.
- Dry a wet net before you fold it. A damp pile can smell and wear out faster.
- Check for snagged lines, holes and worn spots, especially where balls hit most often.
- Shake out leaves, sand and small stones.
- Do not leave a net hanging on a single point in strong wind. Fix the top edge at several points.
Choosing a net? Our net buying guide compares the sizes.
How do you keep balls in shape?
Wash dusty balls in lukewarm water with a little soap, let them air dry, and throw away any ball with a crack or a torn hole. Keep a separate set of clean balls for stickhandling. The details are in our floorball balls guide.
A five-minute weekly check
- Stick (1 minute). Run your hand along the shaft and blade, check the grip tape. Cue: if you hear a crack or feel a split, do not use it.
- Balls (1 minute). Roll each of your touch balls on the floor and look at the holes. Retire any damaged ball.
- Goal (1 minute). Check that connections are tight and that nothing is bent.
- Net (1 minute). Look at the bottom line and the top fixings, and check for holes.
- Surface (1 minute). Sweep tiles or the pad, and remove grit from joints. Watch for: small stones, which scratch the surface and the ball.
Coach Erik's tip: Make the check part of the end of your session, not a separate job. Put the last two minutes of every training into sweeping the surface and collecting balls. Players who do this almost never skip it, and the gear stays ready for tomorrow.
What should you do before a long break?
If you stop training for a few weeks, for example over summer, spend 15 minutes to put things away properly.
| Step | Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and dry tiles, pad, passer, trainer | 5 minutes | Grit left in joints wears the plastic |
| Dry and fold the net | 4 minutes | Avoids damp and smell |
| Fold the goal and bag the small parts | 3 minutes | Parts do not go missing |
| Count the balls and discard the cracked ones | 2 minutes | You start the next season with a known set |
| Wipe the stick and store it away from heat or cold | 1 minute | Protects shaft and grip |
For setup ideas when you restart, see how to build a floorball training zone in your garage and home floorball training setup: budget to pro.
Common mistakes
- Taping a cracked stick and playing on. It can break during a shot. Fix: replace it.
- Folding a wet net. Fix: hang it to dry first, then fold.
- Leaving grit on tiles and pads. It scratches the surface and wears the balls. Fix: sweep after each session.
- Ignoring loose goal connections. Fix: check them before every session.
- Leaving gear in a hot car. Fix: carry it in and store it indoors where you can.
- Using harsh cleaners. Fix: stay with a damp cloth and mild soap.
FAQ
How often should I check my floorball gear?
Once a week for five minutes. Check the stick for cracks, the balls for damage, the goal connections, the net for holes and the surface for grit. Replace anything cracked.
How do I clean floorball tiles?
Sweep off dirt, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap and let the tiles dry. Pay attention to the joints, where grit collects. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Can I leave my goal outside in winter?
The Extreme Floorball Goal is described as weatherproof and suitable for year-round outdoor use. It will still last longer if you wipe it down and fold it for storage during long breaks or severe weather.
How do I store a floorball net?
Dry it first, shake out sand and leaves, then fold it loosely and store it in a dry place. Check the lead line and the mesh for damage before you hang it again.
When should I replace a floorball stick?
Replace it as soon as you see a crack in the shaft or blade, or when the blade has worn so much that it changes how the ball behaves. Worn grip tape does not need a new stick; it only needs fresh tape.
How can I make my training gear last longer?
Train on smooth, clean surfaces, sweep grit after sessions, dry the net, use a weekly check and store gear indoors where possible. Small habits protect the money you spent.
Summary
Floorball gear rewards five minutes of care a week. Check the stick for cracks, keep tiles and pads clean, dry nets before storage, check goal connections and retire damaged balls. Do a proper clean before a long break and your training zone will be ready when you are. More guides are in the Equipment Guides hub, and you can find us on Instagram @better_floorball.
