Go to a sporting goods store or website and you'll find a wide array of men's field lacrosse sticks. In shafts alone, you have your choice of alloy, color, shape and length. The length of midfielders' lacrosse sticks is determined partly by official game rules and partly by player preference.
Position
Midfielders in men's field lacrosse are required to be versatile players. Rather than specializing in attack or defense, the three midfielders -- often called "middies" -- cover the entire field. Sometimes they help to advance the ball toward an opponent's goal. At other times they play defense, preventing opponents from passing, shooting and scoring. Middies' choice of stick length partly depends on whether they spend more time playing attack or playing defense.
Rules
In addition to the goalie, a men's lacrosse team has nine players on the field: three attackers, three defenders and three middies. Of these players, four are allowed to use the long sticks associated with defensive play. These sticks can range from 52 to 72 inches in length, including the head, according to U.S. Lacrosse. The remaining players must use short sticks that are 40 to 42 inches in length and are geared toward offensive play.
Preferences
A midfielder may play with either a short or a long stick as long as the total number of a team's players using long sticks does not exceed four. Short sticks, also known as short crosses, make quick stick work, passing and shooting easier. They enable good ball handling and control. Long sticks, or long crosses, help defenders by enabling them to reach higher to block passes or stretch farther forward to retrieve ground balls.
Other Adjustments
A midfielder, like other lacrosse players, can tailor a stick to suit his game while still staying within the game rules. He can customize, creating his own ideal stick, by pairing a preferred head with a favorite shaft. Some prefer a lighter stick while others prefer a heavier stick. Some may prefer a certain type of mesh in the head's netting. And although some players like a high pocket in their stick, others may prefer a low pocket.
Member Comments