There are many considerations to make when selecting a lacrosse stick. Lacrosse sticks come in a wide array of styles each with their own price point. Considerations when selecting a stick include shaft material, head, pocket, position played and height of the girl. Sticks are available at local sporting goods stores as well as specialized lacrosse stores. Beginner sticks usually come preassembled in stock sizes, but more advanced, pricier models can be assembled piecewise to customize it to the player. Whatever options you choose, it is important to ensure that your stick follows the US Lacrosse guidelines.
Step 1
Decide on a budget for a stick. Prices can range from a modest amount to several hundred dollars. Factors to consider include your playing level, how invested you are in the sport and your potential to outgrow the stick.
Step 2
Select a shaft material. Popular options include wood, plastic, aluminum, alloy and composite. Beginner players are most suited to plastic or aluminum from a functional and economic perspective. More advanced players gravitate toward the alloys and composites that are lighter and stronger.
Step 3
Choose a head type. Heads come fully molded in either non-offset or offset. Non-offset heads are most suitable for beginners and have a straight top. Offset heads have a curve throughout them that lets a technically proficient player have more accuracy when catching and throwing.
Step 4
Select a pocket type for the head. Pocket types come in a variety of styles that are composed of leather, strings, synthetic material or a hybrid of all three. Webbed pockets will be more stable if they get wet, while laced pockets are more adjustable but tend to loosen with use.
Step 5
Consider your position. If you are a goalie, you will need a specialized stick. If you are a field player considerations of defense, midfield or attack may affect the type of shaft and head selected.
Step 6
Determine the proper length of the stick. Place the shaft end of the stick into your armpit and extend your arm horizontally. Your fingers should reach to just below where the head attaches to the shaft. If a stick is too long, saw the end of the shaft off.
Step 7
Consult the local girl's lacrosse organization to ensure that the pocket depth and shaft length are legal.
Tips and Warnings
- Experiment with several types of sticks before deciding on a purchase.
- Ensure that the stick abides by the local and national organization's standards.
Member Comments