Lacrosse is considered the oldest sport in the U.S. In the 15th century, American Indians played on mile-long fields with hundreds of players. Today, lacrosse is played differently among men and women teams. Men's lacrosse is more physical while women's lacrosse focuses more on finesse and passing.
The Lacrosse Stick
A lacrosse stick has three parts: a handle, pocket or head and shooting strings. Women's lacrosse stick handles are made out of either aluminum or wood. Typically, heavier, thicker handles are used for defense while lighter, rounder handles are used for easier maneuverability. When choosing a lacrosse stick for a beginner, choose one that has a head with a wider throat at the base of the head. This makes it easier for beginners to learn how to catch the ball.
Choose from two types of pockets. Beginners should learn using a stick with mesh pockets. Mesh pockets require little to no adjustment, make it easier to run with the ball and require less maintenance. Some drawbacks of mesh netting include lack of accuracy when passing or shooting and poor absorbency and control of the ball. As you gain experience and knowledge of the game, upgrade to the more traditional woven pocket.
Shooting Strings and Pocket Depth
Shooting strings are found at the top of the head and control the ball's balance and direction. Depending on the type of string used determines the kind of shot made. To create a smooth ball path out of the pocket, use heavy skate laces. Pocket depth depends on your playing style as well as position on the field. For short passes, use a deep pocket. For ball passes over a wide area, use a shallow pocket. If you're an overhand shooter, choose a stick with an average of one ball pocket width. For sidearm and underhand shooters, choose a stick with an average of a little bit more than one ball pocket width.
Stick Length
The stick length depends on your position on the field. Women's sticks come in sizes of 36 to 44 inches. Typically, defender players use sticks that tend to be on the longer side of the spectrum while attackers use sticks that tend to be on the shorter side. Younger girls should pick a stick they are comfortable using.
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