In 1636, a Jesuit missionary chronicled the first game of lacrosse. Though there is no written proof that lacrosse originated with Native Americans, there were reports by early explorers who provided substantial evidence that Native Americans used the sport as a way of resolving conflicts. The French gave it the name "lacrosse" or "curved stick." Indigenous people called it "the little brother of war." Since lacrosse can be an aggressive game, it is important that a beginner find a stick that corresponds with his abilities.
From Wood to Titanium
Once an all-male sport, lacrosse is now quickly becoming a sport dominated by women. A women's lacrosse style of playing closely emulates that of the Native Americans in terms of not using protective gear and eschewing delineated sidelines. Lacrosse sticks were generally made from hickory wood. Today, lacrosse sticks, or shafts, are made from aluminum, graphite, or titanium. The meshpockets or heads, where the ball is caught, are plastic. Lacrosse sticks can be plastic as well for boys or girls, since they are extremely lightweight.
Choosing the Head
If you are considering purchasing a lacrosse stick and you are a newcomer to the sport, you should choose a head with a more expansive opening. This will allow you the time to learn the necessary skills of catching the lacrosse ball. There are also differences in stick lengths depending on whether you are a man or a woman, and what position you are playing.
Attack And Defense Sticks
The two types of lacrosse sticks are the attack stick and the defense stick. With men, the attack sticks run between 40 and 42 inches; defense sticks are between 52 and 72 inches. Women's sticks are one length for both positions. The head of the stick should be lightweight if you are playing in an attack position; they should be heavier if you are a defensive player.
Beginners And Professionals
The six major commercial manufacturers of lacrosse sticks: Brine, Warrior, STX, Gait, deBeer and Harrow. Each of these companies has its own series of shafts, heads and mesh stringing. The mesh stringing is another factor in deciding which stick to buy. According to SportUnlimited.com, a soft mesh design is more accommodating to a beginning lacrosse player, so they suggest the Warrior stick as a good purchase. Warrior sticks are made from alloy, so they are lightweight. As with all the lacrosse stick brands, sticks in each series are used by professional players as well as beginners.
Member Comments