Though individual manufacturers may define the abbreviation differently, men's lacrosse sticks with an "A/M" designation are generally made for use by a team's attack or midfield players -- those whose main job is to move the ball toward and get the ball into the opponent's goal. Sticks made for attackers and middies are shorter than those used by defensive players.
Field Positions
A men's field lacrosse team has 10 players. There are three attack players, who are positioned near the opponent's goal. There are three defensive players, who are positioned in front of the team's goal, helping prevent the opponent from scoring. Between the attackers and the defenders are the three midfielders, or middies, who play both offense and defense. Inside the goal is the 10th player, the goalie.
Short Crosses
Sticks made for attackers and midfielders are sometimes referred to as short crosses or short sticks. Their length may vary from about 40 to 42 inches, according to US Lacrosse. The shorter length enables better ball handling and shooting, which are primary activities for players in these positions. No matter their shaft length, short crosses must be 6.5 to 10 inches wide at the top of the head, the netted area that holds the ball.
Long Crosses
As many as four players on a men's field lacrosse team can use what's known as a long crosse or a long stick. Often, the three defensive players and one of the middies will use these longer sticks, which range in total length from 52 to 72 inches. Like short sticks, long sticks must be 6.5 to 10 inches wide at the top of the head. Extra-long stick shafts enable defenders to perform important maneuvers such as scooping up distant ground balls and reaching high into the air to block opponents' passes.
Goalie Sticks
Men's field lacrosse goalies use sticks with wider heads than those used on attackers', middies' or defenders' sticks. A goalie stick head may measure 10 to 12 inches wide. This enables the goalie to cover a wider portion of the 6-by-6-foot goal that he protects. According to Lacrosse America, total goalie stick lengths can range from 40 to 72 inches, depending on the player's preference.
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