Players use a lacrosse stick to carry the ball, pass it, shoot it and defend in this competitive game. The lacrosse stick, often called a "crosse," varies in size depending on the position of the player. The stick is a long metal pole that has a net attached to it. Players use the net for catching and propelling the ball.
Short Crosse Size Rules
Attack players and midfielders use the short crosse. It measures between 40 and 42 inches long, and the head of the stick used to catch and propel the ball can be no wider than 6.5 inches wide. The shorter lacrosse stick is easier to maneuver than the longer stick used by defensemen. The attack player and the midfielder have to make quick shots, passes and decisions. The shorter stick helps these players accomplish that goal.
Long Pole Size Rules
Defensive players use a lacrosse stick called a long pole. The rules allow this stick to be anywhere between 52 and 72 inches. The long pole can have a head that is no wider than 6.5 inches. The long pole is used to stick check offensive players, deflect shots and passes and keep the ball out of reach of attack and midfield players. The length and weight of the stick make it a strong defensive weapon. However, it is difficult to use the long stick in a fluid motion, and it's hard to catch a pass and then send it to a teammate.
Goalkeeper's Stick Rules
The goalkeeper's stick may be the most important piece of equipment used by any lacrosse player because the goalkeeper is charged with keeping the ball out of the lacrosse net. The goalkeeper's stick may be anywhere between 40 and 72 inches long because some goaltenders like the maneuverability of the shorter stick, while others like the protection that comes from the long stick. The big difference with the goalkeeper's stick is that the catching head is 12-inches wide, almost twice as wide as the sticks used by the other players.
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