What are the essential components of a lacrosse stick. How can you create your own custom lacrosse stick at home. What materials and steps are involved in crafting a homemade lacrosse stick. How long does it take to make a wooden lacrosse stick. What makes a lacrosse stick legal for official play.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Lacrosse Stick
Before diving into the process of making a homemade lacrosse stick, it’s crucial to understand its key components. A lacrosse stick consists of several parts, each serving a specific purpose in the game:
- The shaft: The long handle of the stick, typically made of wood or metal
- The head: The upper part of the stick that holds the ball
- The pocket: The netted area within the head where the ball sits
- The scoop: The top edge of the head used for picking up ground balls
- The sidewall: The sides of the head that provide structure and support
- The throat: The narrow part connecting the head to the shaft
Understanding these components will help you create a functional and effective homemade lacrosse stick.
Selecting the Right Materials for Your Homemade Lacrosse Stick
Choosing the appropriate materials is a critical step in crafting your lacrosse stick. The type of wood you select will significantly impact the stick’s performance, durability, and weight. Some popular wood options include:
- Hickory: Known for its strength and flexibility
- Ash: Offers a good balance of strength and weight
- Maple: Provides durability and a smooth finish
- Cedar: Lightweight and resistant to decay
Consider factors such as availability, workability, and personal preference when selecting your wood. For the pocket, you’ll need sturdy string or leather lacing. Modern synthetic materials can also be used for a more contemporary design.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Lacrosse Stick
Step 1: Preparing the Shaft
Begin by selecting a straight piece of wood for your shaft. The length should be appropriate for your height and playing position. Generally, attack and midfield players use shorter sticks (40-42 inches), while defensive players prefer longer sticks (up to 72 inches for long poles).
- Cut the wood to the desired length
- Sand the shaft to remove any rough edges
- Apply a sealant or lacquer to protect the wood
Step 2: Shaping the Head
Creating the head requires patience and precision. You’ll need to steam and bend the wood to achieve the desired shape:
- Soak the upper portion of the shaft in hot water for several hours
- Carefully bend the softened wood into a U-shape
- Secure the bent wood in a form to maintain its shape as it dries
- Once dry, sand and refine the head’s shape
Step 3: Adding the Pocket
The pocket is crucial for ball control and throwing accuracy. To create the pocket:
- Drill small holes along the rim of the head
- Thread your chosen material (leather or synthetic) through the holes
- Create a diamond pattern for the pocket
- Adjust the tension to achieve the desired depth and feel
Customizing Your Homemade Lacrosse Stick
One of the advantages of making your own lacrosse stick is the ability to customize it to your preferences. Consider these options for personalization:
- Carve designs or patterns into the shaft
- Add grip tape or a textured finish for better control
- Experiment with different pocket materials and patterns
- Apply paint or stains to create a unique look
Remember that while customization is fun, it’s important to ensure that your stick remains legal for official play if you intend to use it in games.
Ensuring Your Homemade Lacrosse Stick is Game-Legal
To use your homemade lacrosse stick in official games, it must meet certain specifications. These requirements vary between men’s and women’s lacrosse and may differ by league or level of play. Generally, key considerations include:
- Overall stick length
- Head dimensions
- Pocket depth
- Material safety
Consult your league’s official rulebook to ensure your homemade stick complies with all regulations. This will prevent any issues during equipment checks before games.
Maintenance and Care for Your Homemade Lacrosse Stick
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your homemade lacrosse stick and ensure optimal performance. Follow these tips to keep your stick in top condition:
- Regularly check for cracks or splits in the wood
- Re-apply sealant or lacquer to the shaft as needed
- Clean the pocket after each use to remove dirt and debris
- Adjust the pocket tension periodically to maintain the desired depth
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place when not in use
With proper care, your homemade lacrosse stick can last for many seasons of play.
Comparing Homemade vs. Commercial Lacrosse Sticks
While making your own lacrosse stick can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to understand how it compares to commercially produced sticks:
| Aspect | Homemade Stick | Commercial Stick |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower, especially for multiple sticks | Higher, but with consistent quality |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited to available models |
| Consistency | May vary between sticks | Typically more consistent |
| Durability | Depends on craftsmanship and materials | Usually designed for longevity |
| Regulation Compliance | Requires careful attention to rules | Typically pre-approved for play |
Consider these factors when deciding whether to make your own stick or purchase a commercial one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Lacrosse Sticks
How long does it take to make a wooden lacrosse stick?
The time required to make a wooden lacrosse stick can vary significantly based on your experience, the complexity of your design, and the drying time for wood and finishes. On average, expect the process to take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. The most time-consuming parts are often waiting for the wood to dry after steaming and bending, and for any applied finishes to cure properly.
Can I use my homemade lacrosse stick in official games?
Whether you can use your homemade lacrosse stick in official games depends on whether it meets the specifications set by the governing body of your league. These specifications typically cover aspects such as overall length, head dimensions, and pocket depth. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these rules and ensure your stick complies before attempting to use it in an official game. When in doubt, consult with league officials or have your stick inspected prior to play.
What tools do I need to make a lacrosse stick?
To craft a lacrosse stick, you’ll need a variety of tools. Some essential items include:
- Saw (hand saw or power saw)
- Sandpaper of various grits
- Drill and drill bits
- Clamps
- Steaming equipment (for bending wood)
- Chisels and carving tools
- Measuring tape
- Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, dust mask)
Additional tools may be needed depending on your specific design and customization plans.
How do I make a Native American style lacrosse stick?
Creating a traditional Native American style lacrosse stick involves similar steps to making a modern wooden stick, but with some key differences:
- Select a piece of hickory or ash wood
- Steam and bend the entire length of the wood to create the distinctive curved shape
- Carve out the head portion to create a larger, rounded scoop
- Use rawhide or leather strips to create the pocket, often in a spiral pattern
- Add traditional decorative elements such as beadwork or feathers
This process requires patience and respect for the cultural significance of the stick in Native American traditions.
What are the advantages of making my own lacrosse stick?
Creating your own lacrosse stick offers several benefits:
- Customization: You have complete control over the design, feel, and performance of your stick
- Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment in tools may be high, making multiple sticks can be more economical in the long run
- Craftsmanship pride: There’s a unique satisfaction in playing with equipment you’ve crafted yourself
- Learning experience: The process teaches you about the physics and engineering behind lacrosse stick design
- Connection to tradition: Making your own stick connects you to the historical roots of the sport
These advantages make stick-making an appealing option for dedicated lacrosse enthusiasts.
How do I adjust the pocket on my homemade lacrosse stick?
Adjusting the pocket on your homemade lacrosse stick is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s a basic guide:
- Loosen or tighten the sidewall strings to adjust overall pocket depth
- Adjust the shooting strings to control the release point of the ball
- Experiment with different knots and patterns in the pocket to change ball retention
- Use a ball to test the pocket after each adjustment
- Remember that pocket depth must comply with league regulations
Fine-tuning your pocket may take time and practice, but it’s essential for achieving the best possible performance from your homemade stick.
Crafting your own lacrosse stick is a rewarding process that connects you with the rich history and tradition of the sport. While it requires time, patience, and attention to detail, the result is a unique piece of equipment tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to save money, explore your creativity, or deepen your appreciation for the game, making a homemade lacrosse stick can be an enriching experience for any lacrosse enthusiast.
Women’s Shaft Tech – Epoch Lacrosse
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WOMEN’S SHAFT TECHNOLOGY
The Purpose™ is available with a matching Dragonfly, the most technologically advanced carbon fiber, composite shaft in the game. Available in a 1” concave diameter or a slim 7/8” diameter. Like all Dragonfly shafts, the Dragonfly Purpose™ comes with an industry leading 1-year warranty and is manufactured with pride here in the USA.
CHOOSE YOUR GEOMETRY
C SHAPE GEOMETRY
1″ diameter. Traditional Concave Geometry. Most popular.
S SHAPE GEOMETRY
7/8″ Diameter. Slim Concave Geometry. Control.
DRAGONFLY PURPOSE 32″ ATTACK/MID/DEFENSE
The Purpose Dragonfly™ shaft is the ideal composite shaft for all positions on the field, from attack to middies to defense.
With a Flex iQ of 9, players get a solid amount of flex within the shaft, perfect for making those quick passes, and goal scoring shots.
THE TECH YOU GET. . .
The Purpose™ is available with a matching Dragonfly, the most technologically advanced carbon fiber composite shaft in the game. Available in a 1” concave diameter or a slim 7/8” diameter. Like all Dragonfly shafts, the Dragonfly Purpose™ comes with an industry leading 1-year warranty and is manufactured with pride here in the USA.
FLEX iQ TECH
We achieve flex by manipulating the orientation of the carbon fiber. Our shaft’s bend when you need it to, but retains its firmness for maximum control. Conventional shafts that tout flex often use fiberglass, a cheaper, less durable material, to increase the bendability. Don’t sacrifice your game, choose Epoch.
ADVANCED CARBON LAYERING
Our Advanced Carbon Layering (A.
C.L.) is engineered for the best of the best. A.C.L. uses advanced materials and layers low F.A.W., uni-directional carbon fiber pre-preg in a specific manner we can control several aspects of the shaft’s performance, including flex, durability, weight and release point.
RELOAD TECH
When passing or shooting, a load is introduced to the shaft causing it to flex back, which causes the carbon fibers to be stretched along the front of the shaft and compressed along the back. Reload Technology takes advantage of this situation by using low F.A.W. (Fiber Areal Weight) and high-modulus carbon fiber, which creates urgency for the fibers to return to their natural position for maximum recoil.
MICRO-BEADTEXTURE
MICRO-BEAD TEXTURE
We have taken the Dragonfly Purpose shaft and improved the texture on the shaft, giving a new “Mirco-Bead” texture. This texture improves the overall grip and feel of the shaft, giving you the best connection.
MADE IN USA
The Dragonfly is Made in America with Pride. With access to the world’s best engineers, raw materials and the latest manufacturing processes. Epoch continues to lead the development of technology in the lacrosse by designing, engineering, manufacturing in-house.
How to Make a Homemade Lacrosse Stick?
Making a lacrosse stick from scratch might seem challenging for any lacrosse player.
Don’t be intimidated, though. The necessary materials and steps to construct your homemade wooden lacrosse stick are surprisingly easy! In this blog post, we will walk you through all the necessary details you need to know if you want to make a sturdy and playable traditional style or modern-day stringing pattern in the comfort of your home.
Read on as we discuss different types of wood, textile supplies, strings & mesh components – plus much more – so you can create an iconic piece of functional sporting equipment right at hand.
Let’s start learning how to make a homemade lacrosse stick with everything at your disposal in 2023! The process might be long, but the result is worth it!
More…
Take Away Key Points:
- Before beginning, it is significant to ensure you have the right supplies, such as a piece of wood for the shaft, head, screws, and tools.
- Ensure that the head of the lacrosse sticks is the right size for the shaft.
- Making your lacrosse sticks will give you a unique design and save you money in the long run.
- Lacrosse sticks can be made from various types of wood, and you can opt for a lighter alternative.
Table of Contents
- What are the parts of a lacrosse stick?
- How to make your own lacrosse stick?
- Step 1: Choose the type of wood
- Step 2: Decide on the length
- Step 3: Start cutting!
- Step 4: Final touches
- FAQs
- What makes a lacrosse stick legal?
- How long does it take to make a wooden lacrosse stick?
- How to make a Native American lacrosse stick?
- How to make a mini lacrosse stick?
- How do you screw in a lacrosse head?
- How do you make a lacrosse head fit a shaft?
- Conclusion
What are the parts of a lacrosse stick?
A lacrosse shaft is an essential piece of equipment for any player.
It consists of four main parts: the head, shaft, pocket, and stringing.
1. The head: The top part of the stick that sits on the shaft is the head. This contains a rounded plastic scoop used to pick up and cradle the ball. It also acts as a channel for the ball to be passed or shot for it to reach its target.
2. The shaft: The shaft is made from either aluminum or composite material and provides control when passing or shooting. The length can vary depending on age and level of play; however, most regulations state that adult players must use a 40-inch long stick.
3. The pocket: The pocket is a pouch made from leather and nylon, which holds the ball between the head and shaft when catching, cradling, or throwing. Many different varieties are available with pockets ranging from traditional leather mesh to modern ‘fully-loaded’ softer mesh pockets, allowing improved accuracy when shooting or passing.
4. The stringing: This refers to the network of strings that connect the pocket to the head and shaft, allowing it to hold its shape while enabling manufacturers to customize shapes according to individual requirements.
How to make your own lacrosse stick?
Making your game lacrosse sticks is a great way to save money and get the perfect fit for you. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Choose the type of wood
There are many types of wooden lacrosse sticks and materials suitable for making sticks, but the most popular options include ash, birch, hickory, and maple.
– Ash: Ash is lighter yet strong, creating a durable stick with good response. It is also known for its shock-absorbent properties, which add an extra layer of light protection to your hands when catching or shooting the ball.
– Birch: This type of wood is known for its strength and flexibility. It’s often preferred by experienced players who want a stiffer feel when shooting or passing.
– Hickory: Hickory is hardwood with excellent shock absorption and durability. Its strength makes it a popular choice among new players just starting in the sport and still practicing their angles and shooting skills.
– Maple: Maple is another durable and secure hardwood that offers great impact resistance and power transfer when hitting the ball. It’s usually only used by experienced lacrosse players due to its heavier weight compared to other types of wood.
Step 2: Decide on the length
Choosing the length of your game lacrosse sticks depends on a few factors, including size and preference.
Consider the circumference and length of your shaft before buying a pre-made head for accurate measurement. The standard measurements usually consists of the head, so measure the head separately and make any necessary adjustments. Subtract the length corresponding to the slot at the end of the head from your calculation to get an accurate size.
Take note of the connecting portion of the head to determine which thickness should be chosen for your stick. If you have a standard head, then it should automatically fall under legal regulations about shafts.
Lastly, there is no need to cut down into octagonal shapes unless you are used to using a cut saw, as that requires precise side cuts to obtain a good grip on your stick.
Step 3: Start cutting!
Before cutting down your homemade lacrosse sticks to the desired length, grab all the necessary tools and a friend who can safely operate them. A planer should be used to ensure that the wood board is of equal thickness throughout – this should measure approximately 1 inch in thickness.
Then, use a table saw to cut the board’s width to 1 inch. Note that when you are finished cutting, the dimensions should be marked as 1″ x 1″ x 72″.
Once you have chosen an edge for the hoop to go on, further trim the wood down to about ¼ inch thick for 14 inches of length and then taper it back out to its original thickness.
To complete the tongue shape, sand its edge and round off any corners at their ends. Finally, a tool like a dremel can be used to create notches at its end to secure the hoop later on.
Step 4: Final touches
Sand down all rough edges using sandpaper for smoothness. Next, drill a hole in each piece so that they can be connected with string later on (you can find kits with pre-measured strings).
Finally, attach your pocket or mesh to the head of your stick using epoxy glue designed for lacrosse sticks. If you prefer, you can further paint the stick or stain it and adjust it to your liking.
Allow enough time for the process to dry overnight before playing with it, and add the rest of the netting!
FAQs
What makes a lacrosse stick legal?
For a lacrosse shaft to be considered legal, it must meet specific standards set by the current governing body of the sports games.
Ideally, this includes specific requirements, such as a pocket depth not exceeding four inches and a shaft length not exceeding six feet.
The materials used in construction also need to comply with specific guidelines – typically, wooden lacrosse sticks should use ash or hickory, while metal lacrosse sticks must adhere to NCAA specifications. Additionally, if strung according to regulations, the head of the stick should be able to maintain its shape when holding the ball without using a lot of extra force.
How long does it take to make a wooden lacrosse stick?
On average, it usually takes about two hours to make a wooden lacrosse stick from scratch.
This time frame may vary depending on the type of wood, tools being used, and the individual’s play experience in putting it together.
Essential steps include cutting down and sanding the wood, stringing the head, and finally shaping it into its final form. To ensure a professional result, due care should also be taken at each process step.
How to make a Native American lacrosse stick?
Making a Native American lacrosse stick typically involves sourcing suitable wood, such as hickory or red oak, cutting it down to size, carving out the head and handle, and drilling holes for stringing, sanding, and shaping the final product.
Once finished, the stick should be decorated with traditional Native American motifs and colors. To ensure the authenticity of your work, you may want to consult with tribal elders who have expertise in these crafts.
How to make a mini lacrosse stick?
Making a mini lacrosse stick usually involves sourcing suitable materials such as wood, PVC pipe, or bamboo, cutting it down to the desired size, and drilling a hole for stringing and attaching a head. The final step is sanding and shaping the stick.
Decorations such as stickers can be added to personalize the finished product.
Depending on the materials used and the individual’s crafting abilities, it may take anywhere from one to three hours to make a mini lacrosse stick from scratch.
How do you screw in a lacrosse head?
To screw in a lacrosse head, start by ensuring the head’s jaw faces up. Next, use a wrench to loosen the screws and carefully remove them from the head. Next, insert the shaft into the appropriate slot on the head and thread two screws through each of them. Finally, securely tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench, and you should be ready.
How do you make a lacrosse head fit a shaft?
To make a lacrosse head fit a shaft, start by ensuring the head is the right size for the shaft.
Measure both the shaft and head to determine if one needs to be adjusted before proceeding. If needed, sand down any rough edges of the shaft using sandpaper and cut off any extra length with a saw. Once this is done, attach the head by slipping it over the end of the shaft.
