Lacrosse stick lengths. Lacrosse Stick Sizing Guide: Choosing the Perfect Stick for Youth Players

How to select the right lacrosse stick length for young athletes. What factors influence stick sizing for different positions. How to ensure comfort and performance when choosing a youth lacrosse stick.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Lengths for Youth Players

Selecting the appropriate lacrosse stick for young players is crucial for their comfort, performance, and enjoyment of the game. The primary goal is to find a stick that the athlete can handle comfortably while adhering to official guidelines. Experts recommend that the stick length should be equal to the player’s height, never exceeding it.

Are there specific guidelines for different age groups? For male players aged 4 to 7, stick length is typically determined by individual height. For girls, the measurement is often based on arm length, from the back of the shoulder to the tip of the index finger.

Position-Specific Lacrosse Stick Lengths

Lacrosse stick lengths vary depending on the player’s position on the field. Here’s a breakdown of typical stick lengths for players over seven years old:

• Attackers: 36 inches
• Midfield players: 36 to 42 inches
• Goalies: 37 to 72 inches (based on personal preference)
• Defensemen: 37 to 72 inches (combined length)

Why do different positions require different stick lengths? Shorter sticks allow attackers and midfielders greater maneuverability, while longer sticks give defenders more reach for checking and regaining possession.

Considerations for Younger Players

For the youngest lacrosse enthusiasts, a shorter stick can help build confidence. A useful guideline is to consider cutting the stick if a player can’t cradle without exposing the butt end. It’s essential to remember that variables such as a child’s height relative to their age can affect the optimal stick length.

How can parents ensure they’re making the right choice? Before purchasing, it’s crucial to check if the league allows sticks shorter than 40 inches. Additionally, parents should be prepared to buy another stick as their child grows or transitions to middle school.

The Importance of Proper Sizing and Cutting

To ensure safety and comfort, parents should consider having the stick cut professionally. Many sporting goods retailers offer measuring and cutting services. This personalized approach helps guarantee that the stick is perfectly suited to the young player’s needs.

Why is professional cutting recommended? It ensures precision and can help prevent injuries or discomfort that might result from an improperly sized stick.

The Role of Comfort in Stick Selection

Above all, the most critical factor in choosing a lacrosse stick for youth players is comfort. A comfortable stick allows players to focus on developing their skills and enjoying the game, rather than struggling with unwieldy equipment.

Lacrosse Stick Components: Heads and Shafts

Understanding the different parts of a lacrosse stick can help in making an informed decision. The stick consists of two main components: the head and the shaft.

Lacrosse Heads

The head is the top part of the stick where the ball is caught, carried, and thrown. Some popular lacrosse heads include:

• Under Armour Command
• Nike CEO
• STX Super Power
• Maverik Optik
• Warrior Evo 4

How do lacrosse head regulations affect youth players? The NCAA and NFHS have established standard sizing specifications for lacrosse heads, mandating the width of the head’s scoop and throat. These regulations ensure fair play and consistency across the sport.

Lacrosse Shafts

The shaft is the handle of the stick. Some popular lacrosse shafts include:

• Maverik A1
• Epoch Dragonfly
• Warrior Burn Pro
• STX Surgeon Sc-Ti
• Nike Vapor Elite

Is it common to buy heads and shafts separately? Yes, many players choose to purchase these components individually to create a customized stick that suits their playing style and preferences.

The Growing Popularity of Lacrosse and Equipment Quality

As lacrosse continues to gain popularity, the demand for high-quality equipment has increased. This growth has led to a wide variety of options for players of all ages and skill levels.

How has the popularity of lacrosse affected equipment development? The increased interest in the sport has driven manufacturers to innovate and improve their products, resulting in better performance and durability for players.

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Stick: A Comprehensive Approach

Selecting the perfect lacrosse stick involves considering multiple factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:

1. Determine the player’s position
2. Consider the player’s age and physical characteristics
3. Check league regulations
4. Measure for the appropriate stick length
5. Choose a suitable head and shaft combination
6. Ensure the stick feels comfortable and manageable

By following these steps, you can find a lacrosse stick that will help young players develop their skills and enjoy the game to its fullest.

The Impact of Proper Equipment on Player Development

Using the right lacrosse stick can significantly influence a young player’s development. A properly sized stick allows for better control, improved technique, and increased confidence on the field.

How does equipment affect skill development? Appropriate equipment enables players to focus on learning and refining their techniques without being hindered by ill-fitting or unsuitable gear. This can lead to faster skill acquisition and a more enjoyable playing experience.

Building Confidence Through Proper Equipment

When young players feel comfortable with their lacrosse sticks, they’re more likely to engage fully in practices and games. This confidence can translate into improved performance and a greater love for the sport.

Can the right equipment really make a difference in a player’s enjoyment of the game? Absolutely. When players aren’t struggling with their equipment, they can focus on the fun aspects of lacrosse, such as teamwork, strategy, and skill development.

Maintenance and Care of Youth Lacrosse Sticks

Proper care and maintenance of lacrosse sticks can extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips for keeping youth lacrosse sticks in top condition:

• Clean the head and shaft regularly
• Check for loose screws or damage
• Store the stick in a cool, dry place
• Avoid leaving the stick in extreme temperatures
• Replace worn-out parts as needed

How often should lacrosse sticks be inspected? It’s a good practice to check the stick before each practice or game to ensure it’s in good condition and safe to use.

When to Replace a Youth Lacrosse Stick

As young players grow and develop, they may outgrow their lacrosse sticks. Signs that it’s time for a new stick include:

• The stick feels too short or light
• The player’s skills have significantly improved
• The stick shows signs of wear or damage
• The player has moved to a new position

How often should youth lacrosse sticks be replaced? This varies depending on the player’s growth rate, playing frequency, and care of the equipment. On average, young players might need a new stick every 1-2 years.

The Role of Parents and Coaches in Equipment Selection

Parents and coaches play a crucial role in helping young players select the right lacrosse stick. Their guidance can ensure that players have equipment that’s safe, comfortable, and suitable for their skill level.

What can parents and coaches do to assist in equipment selection? They can:

• Stay informed about league regulations
• Help measure players for proper stick length
• Provide advice on different stick options
• Ensure the chosen stick meets safety standards
• Monitor the player’s comfort and performance with the equipment

Balancing Cost and Quality in Youth Lacrosse Equipment

While high-quality lacrosse sticks can be expensive, it’s important to find a balance between cost and quality. Investing in a good-quality stick can lead to better performance and durability, potentially saving money in the long run.

Are expensive lacrosse sticks necessary for youth players? Not always. Many manufacturers offer quality options at various price points. The key is to find a stick that meets the player’s needs and league requirements without breaking the bank.

The Future of Lacrosse Stick Technology

As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, manufacturers are investing in new technologies to improve stick performance and durability. Some emerging trends in lacrosse stick technology include:

• Lightweight, high-strength materials
• Improved grip technologies
• Customizable head shapes
• Advanced stringing techniques
• Smart stick technologies for performance tracking

How might these advancements benefit youth players? These innovations could lead to sticks that are easier to handle, more durable, and better suited to players’ individual needs, potentially enhancing skill development and enjoyment of the game.

Adapting to New Technologies in Youth Lacrosse

As new technologies emerge, it’s important for players, parents, and coaches to stay informed about the latest developments. This knowledge can help in making informed decisions about equipment upgrades and understanding how new technologies might impact gameplay.

Should youth players always opt for the latest technology? Not necessarily. While new technologies can offer benefits, it’s important to consider the player’s skill level, the league’s regulations, and the overall cost-benefit ratio before investing in cutting-edge equipment.

Promoting Inclusivity Through Equipment Access

As lacrosse grows in popularity, it’s crucial to ensure that quality equipment is accessible to players from all backgrounds. Some initiatives to promote inclusivity in lacrosse include:

• Equipment donation programs
• Community lacrosse stick libraries
• Discounted equipment for youth leagues
• Grant programs for underprivileged players

How can ensuring equipment access benefit the sport of lacrosse? By making quality equipment more accessible, these initiatives can help attract a diverse range of players to the sport, fostering its growth and development at all levels.

The Role of Community in Youth Lacrosse Development

Community support plays a vital role in the development of youth lacrosse players. Local businesses, schools, and sports organizations can contribute to the growth of the sport by:

• Sponsoring youth teams
• Hosting lacrosse clinics and camps
• Providing field space for practice and games
• Supporting equipment recycling programs

How does community involvement impact youth lacrosse? Strong community support can make the sport more accessible, provide additional resources for player development, and create a positive environment that encourages long-term participation in lacrosse.

Sizing Lacrosse Sticks for Youth Players

The first rule of lacrosse sticks for youth players is to find one that the athlete can handle comfortably while remaining within official guidelines. Youngsters should be strong enough to wield the stick and to do so easily. Experts recommend that the stick length be equal to the height of the player – never taller.

It’s important before parents go shopping for a stick to determine if their league allows sticks shorter than 40 inches. Parents should also be aware that they may be back to buy another stick if their child is still playing when they reach middle school. To ensure the safety and comfort of their child, parents should have the stick cut themselves. Many retailers specializing in sporting equipment offer measuring and cutting services.

The length of the stick for young male lacrosse players in the 4 to 7-year age range is determined by individual height. Lacrosse sticks for girls are typically determined by measuring the arm length from the back of the player’s shoulder to the tip of the index finger. The following are typical stick lengths for players over the age of seven.

• Attackers will require a short stick that measures 36 inches.
• Midfield players should have a stick with a shaft of 36 to 42 inches.
• Goalies can have a stick ranging from 37 to 72 inches and is dependent upon personal preferences.
• Defensemen can have a stick with a combined length of 37 to 72 inches long.

For the youngest players, a shorter stick can help them gain confidence. A good rule of thumb is if a player can’t cradle without the butt end of the stick being exposed, consider cutting it. There are a number of variables that can affect optimum stick length for the individual, among them are youngsters that are shorter or taller for their age. The important thing is that the player is comfortable.

Due to the popularity of lacrosse, the need for high-quality equipment is absolutely necessary for practice and gameplay. 

We want YOU to have the best product at the best price. We want the game of Lacrosse to be promoted anywhere and everywhere around the globe and hope to be part of its growth. 

Every ball we sell is officially approved and meets all the NOCSAE standards. We believe in offering top quality products and unparalleled customer service, therefore, we offer a money-back guarantee for every single ball sold.

How to choose a lacrosse stick

Whether you’re brand new to the sport, or you’re a seasoned player, buying a lacrosse stick can be a daunting task. The good news is that you have thousands of head and shaft combinations to choose from. While this is a nice problem to have, so many choices makes the ultimate decision of which lacrosse stick to purchase more complicated than you may think. Here, we’ll outline the basics and point you in the right direction for how to buy the lacrosse stick that’s best for you.

One of the main things that determines which lacrosse stick you should buy is what position you play. Lacrosse sticks vary greatly in length and design depending on what position you are on the field. For offensive positions such as attack and midfield, you’ll want a shorter stick to help you weave and dodge around big defenders as you try to find your way to goal. For defenders, a long pole is a must, as your chief objective is to check the ball and regain possession back from the opposing attack.

Lacrosse stick length

Stick length refers to the combined length of a lacrosse shaft and lacrosse head. For attack and middies, a shorter stick is preferred. Complete attack or midfield sticks can be as short as 40 inches in total length. For Long Stick Middies (LSMs), a defensive stick is the move. Defenders and LSMs must have sticks that are no longer than 72 inches in combined length.

Lacrosse head regulations

Over the years, the NCAA and the NFHS have come up with a standard sizing specification for lacrosse heads. These regulations mandate how wide a head’s scoop and throat are allowed to be. This chart, borrowed from US Lacrosse, best explains the regulations for men’s lacrosse heads:

(Courtesy of US Lacrosse)

Best lacrosse heads

You probably want to know which lacrosse heads have been making headlines this year, right? Here are some of the top-selling lacrosse heads on the market today, all of which you can find on SidelineSwap:

1. Under Armour Command
2. Nike CEO
3. STX Super Power
4. Maverik Optik
5. STX Stallion 700
6. Nike Lakota 2
7. Maverik Centrik
8. STX Proton Power
9. East Coast Dyes Mirage
10. Warrior Evo 4
11. Warrior Warp Pro

Best lacrosse shafts

If you’re planning to buy your head and shaft separately, don’t worry — it’s a really common thing to do. To help you narrow your search, here’s a list of some of the most popular lacrosse shafts.

1. Maverik A1
2. Epoch Dragonfly
3. Warrior Burn Pro
4. STX Surgeon Sc-Ti
5. Nike Vapor Elite
6. East Coast Dyes Carbon Pro
7. TRUE Alloy SC 4. 0
8. East Coast Dyes Carbon
9. Maverik Wonderboy

Youth lacrosse sticks: What do the experts say?

As we said earlier, if you’re new to the sport of lacrosse, you’re probably looking for as much advice as possible when it comes to buying lacrosse equipment. We asked our resident lacrosse gear experts for recommendations of their favorite sticks that are on the market right now. Specifically, if you’re a parent shopping for a youth lacrosse player, here are a few expert stick recs:

“For youth players, I would recommend a standard stick with very low maintenance such as the Warrior Evo Warp Next complete lacrosse short stick. This stick is very sturdy and durable. The Evo Warp lacrosse head comes with sewn-on mesh, meaning that it will never have to be replaced, an attractive feature for beginner players as stick stringing is a very tedious part of maintenance. This stick is very standard and will help youth players learn to play the game.” — Nick S. , college lacrosse player

“I would recommend looking into StringKing Complete Sticks. For a beginner, these sticks will do the job just fine, and they are relatively inexpensive. StringKing offers three kinds of complete sticks: the Complete 2 Jr (Ages 9 and Under), the Complete 2 INT (Ages 10-14), and the Complete 2 Sr (Ages 15+).” — Robert G., high school lacrosse player

How To Choose A Youth Lacrosse Stick – Get Hyped Sports

When your children become more active in the world around them, one of the first things they may ask to do is join a sport. When taking an interest in lacrosse, it can be a bit shocking, with a select few parents excitedly pushing their children towards the sport, unaware of the needed equipment.

You need to consider the position that your child may play in with defenders and goalies allowed longer sticks than the rest. You must measure your child’s arm with the stick as well, ensuring they can pass the stick underneath their shoulder when moving and running.

You need to be aware of many things when choosing the right lacrosse stick, with many leagues and schools having their limitations. Apart from talking to the lacrosse captain about which one to get, you will need to know some of the basics of the sticks to get the best one.

Which Stick Lengths Work Best?

When looking at the lacrosse field, to an untrained eye, it can look like many people all running at each other, trying their best to keep a ball in a basket. However, many rules need to be understood; these rules heavily affect the kind of stick that youth can use.

First, we need to look at the limitations placed on each position and how the stick lengths are limited for each. Usually, these rules will decide which stick you need to focus on and what kind of grip the stick will have.

Attackman

Attackers are the only people that will rarely stand still or wait on their side of the field; they are constantly running. For youth leagues, the sole length allowed is a 36-inch stick, with any longer being against the rules might be considered dangerous to use safely.

The shortest sticks on the field will always be the attackers, as they are the ones that have to get the ball into the opponent’s net, stay on the offensive side of the field, and receive the ball. If they were too long, they would be unwieldy, lose accuracy, and generally cause too many problems.

Midfielders

As the only players allowed to move across the field, midfielders do both defensive and offensive moves. This means that their sticks can be between 36 inches to 42 inches in total length, depending on what is comfortable for the player to use.

These are the key players that may not be as fast or versatile in handling the ball as attackers, but they focus on moving the ball from a defensive position to an offensive one. Passing it between each other and working with the attackers to create an opportunity to score a goal.

Defender

The defender has one of the most complicated positions and jobs as they are required to help the goalkeeper defend the goal and block the opponents from passing the ball to each other. This means that they should be able to intercept the ball before or during a passing maneuver.

Because of this, we recommend that their sticks be around 37 inches to 72 inches in length, depending heavily on the length the player is comfortable with. Longer sticks are much harder to control when passing or blocking but offer a lot more reach than attackers may not be able to block.

Goalkeeper

The most challenging position in lacrosse is the goalkeeper as they can be hit with the ball, organize the defense with the defenders, catch an impossible fastball, and pass the ball to others. Unlike other sports where they may put the extra person on the goal, lacrosse has the best player.

A goalkeeper’s stick can be 52 inches or 71 inches, depending on what the player is comfortable with, with each player have a specific length they may use. No two goalkeepers will have the same length of lacrosse stick with longer goalies possible, even using sticks as short as 36 inches.

See Our Complete List Of Helpful Lacrosse Articles Here.

How To Adjust A Lacrosse Stick Length?

When you have just paid several hundred dollars on an excellent lacrosse stick, you may wonder just how you can adjust it. These sticks are all solid pieces of wood that have no clips or twist-off parts to allow for easy adjustment, which also makes them a nightmare to transport.

The only way to adjust the length of a lacrosse stick is to saw off the part that is too long for use by your child. You must do measurements properly beforehand to ensure the length is exactly right; you can permanently remove a bit more but never add on cut.

We highly recommend that you have your child or you go and test a few different lengths so that you can learn which stick length is comfortable. We have seen many people make the mistake of cutting off before testing, ending with a useless lacrosse stick.

Which Lacrosse Sticks Would Work Best For Youth Players?

It is essential to know that there are two parts to all lacrosse sticks, the handle that makes up around 80% of the length and the basket that makes up the rest. When measuring the size of a lacrosse stick, they are counted together, making the total length with the stick.

When you choose a stick for youth, you always need to consider this, as you may end up almost cutting a stick in half if you only measure the handle. Fortunately, all lacrosse nets are the same length because of league regulations, while the width and depth may differ.

The Best Lacrosse Heads

More lacrosse nets, or heads as they are called, out in the world than could ever be listed in just a few thousand words. Each of them has its advantages and specialties. We have three that we know are pretty good and robust enough to last for several years.

As people grow, they may replace the lacrosse stick several times; however, a good head may last for a lacrosse lifetime. It is important to choose comfortably, easy to fix, quick to clean, and capable of withstanding being hit against another player’s head.

• Under Armour Command: The Under Armour Command 2. 0 is a familiar and comfortable head that usually comes unstrung when bought. Most lacrosse players love these heads because of their simplicity and their inexpensive cost at $65. Purchase the Command 2.0 on Amazon here.
• Nike CEO: We know it can be hard to choose the best products when first entering the world of a new sport. The Nike CEO is easily one of the best $70 lacrosse heads that is available in a multitude of colors and means you won’t have to question if an unfamiliar brand is good or not. Check Out The Nike CEO Here.
• Warrior Evo 5: A bit less expensive, topping out at a reasonable price, the Warrior Evo 5 looks much more complicated than it is. We recommend this for a player who wants to create a deeper pocket than the standard pocket used when playing. Get The Warrior Evo 5 Here.

The Best Lacrosse Shafts

The simple answer to this will always be what is comfortable for the player and what is available in the stores around you. While lacrosse heads can be purchased online with ease, we do not recommend new players buying a lacrosse stick online.

It will always be better to go to the local sports hardware store and have your children test out the available sticks. This allows everyone involved to feel more comfortable and know what the stick will feel like when the time comes actually to start playing.

Conclusion

We will always recommend that you do not buy a lacrosse stick on a whim; instead, make sure that the player tests everything about the stick. This saves money down the line and allows you to know how much may have to be removed from the stick before buying it.

Whatever you do, please don’t try exchanging lacrosse sticks like you would exchanging rumors!

Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive

Sticks

There are two types of sticks:

1. The traditional wood stick comes with a rawlon sidewall and a choice of pockets of leather, mesh or nylon lace with leather runners. (not used)
2. Sticks with molded heads; pockets with mesh, rawlon lace or synthetic lace with leather runners and wood or metal handles.

The lacrosse stick should measure not more than 116.84 cm (40″), nor less than 101.6 cm (46″) in overall length, and not more than 20.32 cm(8″), nor less than 11.43 cm (4 1/2″) in width. In Pee Wee and all lower divisions, the minimum length of the stick can be 86.36 cm (34″).

Balls

The balls used in all matches should conform to CLA standards and be approved by the CLA. The approved ball is the same used in field lacrosse.

Goalie Equipment – Box

The RMMLA supplies all goalie equipment to our Novice, Tyke and Mini-Tyke Divisions.

The RMMLA supplies Uppers, Pants and Legs to all Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget (and Jr. Girls) goalies.

All Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget (and Jr. Girls) goalies are responsible to supply their own sticks, gloves, helmets and beards.

Player Equipment by Division:

Mini Tyke

• Helmet with Face Shield – both CSA approved.
• Shoulder Pads.
• Gloves – Hockey gloves are okay.
• Athletic Support – Boys must wear a “Jock” with plastic cup. Girls must wear a “Jill”.
• Mouth guard (“Boil & Byte” are acceptable).
• Elbow Pads (recommended).
• Knee Pads (recommended).
• Junior Canadian Lacrosse Stick

Tyke

• Helmet with Face Shield – both CSA approved.
• Shoulder Pads.
• Gloves – Hockey gloves are okay.
• Athletic Support – Boys must wear a “Jock” with plastic cup. Girls must wear a “Jill”.
• Mouth guard (“Boil & Byte” are acceptable).
• Elbow Pads.
• Knee Pads (recommended, not mandatory).
• Arm slash guards (recommended, not mandatory).
• Kidney/rib/back slash guards (mandatory).
• Lacrosse Stick with a minimum length of 34 inches.

Novice 

• Helmet with Face Shield – both CSA approved.           
• Shoulder Pads.            
• Gloves – Hockey gloves are okay.           
• Athletic Support – Boys must wear a “Jock” with plastic cup. Girls must wear a “Jill”.           
• Mouth guard (“Boil & Byte” are acceptable).           
• Elbow Pads.           
• Knee Pads (recommended, not mandatory).           
• Arm slash guards (mandatory).           
• Kidney/rib/back slash guards (mandatory).           
• Lacrosse Stick with a minimum length of 34 inches.  

Peewee

• Helmet with Face Shield – both CSA  approved.           
• Shoulder  Pads.           
• Gloves – Hockey gloves are  okay.           
• Athletic Support – Boys must wear a “Jock” with plastic cup. Girls must wear a “Jill”.           
• Mouth guard (fitted).           
• Elbow Pads.           
• Knee Pads (recommended, not  mandatory).           
• Arm slash guards (mandatory).           
• Kidney/rib/back slash guards (mandatory).            
• Lacrosse Stick with a minimum length of 34 inches.         

Bantam and Midget

• Helmet with Face Shield – both CSA   approved.           
• Shoulder   Pads.           
• Gloves – Hockey gloves are   okay.           
• Athletic Support – Boys must wear a “Jock” with plastic cup. Girls must wear a “Jill”.           
• Mouth guard  (fitted).           
• Elbow Pads.           
• Knee Pads (recommended, not mandatory).           
• Arm slash guards (mandatory).           
• Kidney/rib/back slash guards   (mandatory).           
• Lacrosse Stick with a minimum length of 40 inches.

Field Lacrosse Equipment – Youth

As per Rule 17  Personal Equipment:  All players are required to wear protective gloves, suitable boots or shoes, shoulder pads, mouth guard, cup, and a protective helmet equipped with a face-mask and a chinstrap which must be properly fastened on both sides.   In addition, the designated goalkeeper shall wear a throat guard, a chest protector and a box/cup. Optional: Slash Guards

Field Lacrosse Equipment – Women

Field Stick (a women’s field stick is different than a box stick or a youth field stick), Goggles, Cleats and Mouth Guard are mandatory

Which Lacrosse Stick is Right for Me?

There’s really no way around it — the only way to ensure you’ll be playing lacrosse to the best of your ability is to have the right gear and equipment at your fingertips. Talent can take you a long way, but if you’re not paying attention to those details and your opponents are, then they’re eventually going to finish ahead of you when it comes to one-on-one competitions. 

So with this in mind, it’s important to get everything you need to be successful on the lacrosse field to stop worrying about those small details during the heat of battle. It’s a crucial part of the experience of our campers at GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp, too. Our overarching goal is to make sure everyone in attendance is elevating their game while having fun in a safe environment. We bring in some of the game’s top coaches and players from across the country, and the best way to take advantage of top-notch instruction is to be properly outfitted with the correct equipment. 

If we had to pick a piece of equipment that was most important to a lax player’s success, it’s definitely their lacrosse stick. Why? Well, it’s the one piece of equipment that’s key to making everything happen once you step on the field. So for those just beginning in the sport, how are you supposed to know what length is the best for you and what you’re planning on using it for in between the lines? 

Source: Lacrossemonkey.com

When talking generally about lacrosse stick lengths, there are three different measurements for men’s lax: 30 inches for attack and midfield, 60 inches for defense, and 40 inches for goalies. What’s important to keep in mind is that while companies manufacturing these products will specifically be measuring the shaft of a lacrosse stick, some leagues and/or tournaments will include the length of the head in their measurements (which can add about another 10 inches).  

The sticks used for those playing attack and midfield positions are considered the “classic” lacrosse stick. While the above measurements are for college and adult players, the same general rule exists. However, youth players can cut their lax shaft as short at 26 inches at these positions. What’s important to remember, though, is that as a player grows and matures into their body, it could be difficult for them to adjust from a short stick to a long stick. 

For youth players who are defensemen, their stick length can vary from 42 inches, all the way up to that 60-inch length discussed earlier. Defense is a game of inches, so it’s vital to pay attention to the details here, with the general rule of thumb being that the combined length of the shaft and head of a lacrosse stick should be about the same size as a player’s height. Meanwhile, the combined length of a goalie’s stick can be anywhere from 40 to 72 inches long, mostly because they need to clear the ball much more than anybody else. It is based on personal preference and how comfortable a player feels while using sticks of all different sizes. 

What size lacrosse stick Should a 10 year old have? – AnswersToAll

What size lacrosse stick Should a 10 year old have?

How to Know What Size Lacrosse Stick to Buy: Illustrated Guide

How do I choose a lacrosse stick for kids?

PROPER STICK LENGTHS BY PLAYER Defensive and midfield players should try a longer shaft of 52 to 72 inches. Goalies can have a stick between 40 and 72 inches based on their preference. Youth players need a stick they can handle comfortably. Choose the stick that fits them regardless of position.

What lacrosse stick should a beginner get?

Warrior Mako Jr. Warrior Mako Jr. – Youth Lacrosse Stick is a beginner’s friendly lacrosse stick. Shorter in size, Warrior Mako Jr. – Youth Lacrosse Stick is ideal for young lax players who just want to learn the basics of the game.

How long should a lacrosse stick be for a child?

Youngsters should be strong enough to wield the stick and to do so easily. Experts recommend that the stick length be equal to the height of the player – never taller. It’s important before parents go shopping for a stick to determine if their league allows sticks shorter than 40 inches.

How long should a 12 year old girls lacrosse stick be?

The length of the stick is 35.5 – 43.25 inches with the pocket 7 – 9 inches wide and strung traditionally or with mesh.

What is the mercy rule in girls lacrosse?

MERCY RULE – Applies to the 5th/6th division when there is a four (4) goal deficit in pool play, not in playoffs. Teams down by four (4) or more goals will get a free position on the center line after each goal.

What makes a lacrosse stick illegal?

The exact location of the shooting strings on a lacrosse stick must also be placed within a distinct sector of the lacrosse head. Specifically, the shooting strings must fall within 4 inches from the top of the scoop. Any shooting string that goes beyond this 4 inch threshold makes the entire stick illegal.

Is there a mercy rule in high school girls lax?

MERCY RULE – Applies to the 5th/6th division when there is a four (4) goal deficit in pool play, not in playoffs. Teams down by four (4) or more goals will get a free position on the center line after each goal. The Mercy Rule will not be applied in playoff games.

Can a lacrosse game end in a tie?

It is possible for lacrosse games to end in a tie depending on the league or tournament rules. However, the majority of lacrosse games continue on into overtime if the score is tied after regulation. High school and collegiate games have a sudden death overtime, according to the NFHS and NCAA.

What age should you start lacrosse?

It’s recommended that players start lacrosse at the age of 7. Around this age, children gain the necessary strength and coordination needed to hold a lacrosse stick and perform fundamental skills. Starting lacrosse early is the best way for players to fully reach their playing potential.

How do you fix an illegal pocket in lacrosse?

Second, DRY YOUR STICK AFTER EVERY GAME OR PRACTICE. A wet pocket is one of the most common causes of an illegal stick. When you get home take you stick out of your bag and stuff your pocket with old newspaper or even paper towels. The paper will absorb the water and help your pocket retain its’ shape.

What is the penalty for an illegal stick in lacrosse?

All illegal stick and deep pocket fouls are two-minutes non-releasable. A player may be assessed an additional one minute non-releasable foul for adjusting the crosse prior to inspection.

What is the most important part of the catch in lacrosse?

Foot Foundation is Fundamental The foundation for a lacrosse player to throw and catch the ball is the positioning of the feet.

How To Choose A Youth Lacrosse Stick

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In the sport of lacrosse, lacrosse sticks come in all different shapes and sizes. From d-poles to youth sticks, choosing the right size can be a task in its own right.

Why are youth lacrosse sticks different? Well, with most youth equipment, youth lacrosse sticks are smaller in order to accommodate for children’s sizes compared to that of teenagers and men.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at how to choose a youth lacrosse stick and dive into the differences a bit deeper between youth sticks and regular lacrosse sticks. 

Choosing a Youth Lacrosse Stick

If you are a parent or a player that is needing to purchase a youth stick, then the process can be intimidating, considering just how many options and selections there are to choose from.

Position

Before you dive into deciding what stick you want, you’ll first have to figure out your position.

• If you are a goalie, then looking at a youth stick isn’t really an option, as all goalie heads are all the standard size.
• For long poles, you can get a youth lacrosse head, but the shaft that comes with it won’t be enough.
• If you are an attack/midfield player, then you are in luck, as many companies and lacrosse stores carry complete youth lacrosse sticks that are suitable for these positions.
• To get a d-pole capable of use for a youth player, simply get a regular-sized long stick and cut it down.

At the youth ages, it is important to find a length that the player is comfortable with playing d-pole, and it may take some adjusting to find out what is best for them.

Price

Youth sticks vary in price and can go from anywhere from $30-$40, all the way to over $100. When it comes to lacrosse equipment, you do get what you pay for, and I cannot stress that enough.

So, if you are worried about sticks being priced high just for the name, it generally isn’t the case here with lacrosse; however, if you cannot afford a top-of-the-line stick, no worries! 

Many websites always run great sales on equipment, and it usually isn’t difficult to find a good deal on a quality stick.

Brand

When it comes to lacrosse, there are some giant names out there. Some of these brands include:

• Warrior
• STX
• ECD (East Coast Dyes)
• StringKing

These are all brands that are highly popular and trustworthy in terms of making quality sticks. 

So, if you come across any of these, I’d make time to check it out to see if it may be the right fit for you. 

There is a limited number of brands that produce youth sticks, and I’d say STX and Warrior are at the top in this specific area.

Hopefully, more companies begin to make youth sticks with the sport of lacrosse growing, but only time will tell just how much efforts are put into this field.

Comfort

One of the most important things when it comes to youth sticks is a comfort. At such young ages, the players should feel as comfortable as possible with their sticks.

Comfortable equipment that fits right will not only help them develop a passion for the sport of lacrosse, but it will also help grow their confidence as well, which is yet another important aspect for young athletes.

TIP: Tape is a great addition to add to shafts, as it will help with the grip, as well as indicate where a player’s hands need to be for a shot and/or pass.

Why Are Youth Lacrosse Sticks Different?

As I mentioned before, the reason that youth sticks are made different is to accommodate for the size of youth players. 

Also, standard size sticks would be much harder for youth players to control. With youth sticks, they are able to control and play the game much easier.

Before youth sticks rose in popularity, many young players would struggle using larger sticks as they were too long and weighed them down as well. 

This allows for this new era of youth players to develop much more quickly and become acquainted with the game.

Having these new waves of players becoming comfortable with playing at an early age will only continue to help grow the game of lacrosse and bring it into a new light that it has yet to be in. Sometimes we dismiss the importance of minor details, but they can be game changers for the new generations to come. 

Because of the raise of awareness on the impact of these minor details, more people are investing on formation, not only in the clubs but at a personal level. That’s why courses like the one sponsored by Rob Pannell are becoming more and more popular nowadays.

Our recommendation is to provide as much formation and knowledge as possible, but always respecting your kids’ opinion, and never forcing them as if they were professionals.

What Are the Differences between Standard and Youth Lacrosse Sticks?

The main difference between youth and standard sticks is, of course, size. The head and shaft are made smaller from standard-sized sticks. 

The price difference is noticeable as well, which I’m sure you’ll find out by yourself when you go shopping for your stick.

As I mentioned before, though, there are no goalie sticks and/or d-pole sticks that are made custom for youth players on a large scale. 

This is something I’d hope will change as the sport of lacrosse grows, but only time will tell.

Besides size and price, though, there isn’t that much difference between sticks. They look and play similar, and if you order, they are great for working on your stick skills, which we’ll get into more a bit later.

Are Youth Lacrosse Sticks Similar to Standard Sticks?

While there are differences, there are also similarities between youth and adult lacrosse sticks as well. 

In fact, besides size and weight, they are practically the same thing.

The head and shaft all are similar and have many of the same traits. Also, in terms of the stringing, it follows identical patterns as well.

Differences Between Types of Lacrosse Sticks

In lacrosse, one thing is subject to change throughout age and competition levels, and that is the head. 

In case you aren’t familiar with what a lacrosse head is, it is what is attached to the shaft, and is what holds the mesh as well.

Head shape changes throughout competition, from youth to high school, to college. 

It has to do with the amount of “pinch” a head can have, which gives a player more/less hold on a ball, depending on how much a head is indeed pinched.

Also, certain rules continue to change in terms of what you can do in stringing jobs as well throughout the various types of competition. This typically deals with shooters, which are strings that go through a stick to help guide the ball in a certain direction and give the player a certain type of feel as well.

#Best Stick Youth Lacrosse

Overall, lacrosse equipment choice is based on a player’s preference. So, when it comes to equipment, certain players will gravitate to certain brands.

However, if you are clueless as to where to start for a youth lacrosse stick, I do have a great recommendation.

STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Lacrosse Complete Stick

Complete youth stick, designed for development. 

Check it on Amazon

STX is a fantastic lacrosse brand that is on the rise. Although it has been primarily known for its mesh, it is quickly growing in size and what all they offer. Their youth sticks are at the mid-end of the budget, making their sticks a great option.

Also, the quality is great, in the head, shaft, and mesh. 

The reason this sticks out to me so much is due to the fact that these come strung usually pretty well. 

If you are a beginner or buying this for your child, then you’ll most likely get a stick that is factory strung.

This means that the stick comes pre-strung and is “ready” for use, but usually, these stringing jobs are terrible to play with. StringKing, on the other hand, usually does a good job on their factory stringing, which is a blessing in disguise.

What’s Wrong with Factory Stringing on a Lacrosse Stick?

To be honest, there shouldn’t be anything wrong with factory stringing. However, there is a large issue right now, which is, in my opinion, hurting youth lacrosse as well.

Typically, a factory-strung stick will be done poorly, making it difficult to control the ball, let alone pass and catch. 

Having a bad stringing job can really deter players away from the sport, especially if they aren’t able to perform it properly.

This needs to come to an end, as the lacrosse community does not need to lose players due to bad stringing jobs – especially at the youth level. 

Places such as Dick’s are offering stringing jobs in-store, but depending on the location, this won’t be much better, if any, than factory-strung heads.

Alternatives and Solutions to a Factory-Strung Lacrosse Stick

If you have fallen victim to purchasing a stick with a poor stringing job, don’t worry. 

Many companies, such as ECD and StringKing allow you to order your stick for special stringing, which will be done at a higher quality level than the standard factory stringing.

Also, if you are up for the challenge of stringing yourself, there are quite a few tutorials available on YouTube that can help tremendously as well.

Are Fiddle Sticks the Same as Youth Lacrosse Sticks?

One common misconception I see is that some think that youth sticks and fiddlesticks are the same. Although these do look similar, they are indeed not the same.

What is a Fiddlestick?

Fiddlesticks are primarily used for small, fun games like beach lacrosse and setting up in the backyard for fun, and they should not be used in games, or at practices.

Although the fiddlesticks are fun, they are not the same as a youth stick, so make sure you do not confuse the two when it comes time for purchasing a stick.

However, fiddlesticks are a great way to introduce the sport of lacrosse to new players and allow them to become comfortable with the game before they even officially step on a field for an official practice.

Should an Adult Ever Use a Youth Lacrosse Stick?

For starters, obviously, these are meant for youth players. However, if you are an older player, these types of sticks can have benefits to your game as well.

In fact, I highly recommend these sticks to help develop your stick skills, no matter what position you play. It can develop quicker hands, better handling, and even improve your passing/catching as well.

If you are looking for a great way to develop stick skills and incorporate some new training new methods, this is a great route to take.

Other Youth Equipment for Lacrosse

Sticks are not the only pieces of equipment that are used for youth-specific athletes. Pads and gloves are also made for youth players as well, so that is something that you’ll certainly want to keep an eye out for when getting ready to play lacrosse.

Also, there are youth helmets, cleats, and so on, which you’ll also need as well in order to play. In total, the equipment required is (Amazon links):

This equipment can usually be found in stores that carry lacrosse sticks, but there are many online options out there as well, and you may find yourself getting a better deal with this route.

We have made a guide on all you need to know about lacrosse equipment. Get all the details by clicking here.

How Much Should I Budget for My Lacrosse Equipment?

With the laundry list of lacrosse equipment that is needed, you are probably wondering just how much this will end up costing. Well, lacrosse is certainly an expensive sport, and cost you quite a bit of money.

It is hard to create an average for how much you’ll be spending, considering the wide spectrum of prices on equipment, but you should at least expect to spend over $500 when getting all of the equipment.

However, as I mentioned, equipment cost varies quite a bit and can go lower, depending on the deals you can find, to much higher, if you get the best equipment out there.

If you are on a tight budget, sideline was a great place to find cheaper lacrosse equipment, and many of it is in great condition as well.

Even if you have a larger budget, I recommend checking out the site and doing a scan over the equipment that is available.

When Should a Youth Player Switch to a Standard Stick?

This is a tricky question, as lacrosse is in an awkward stage in terms of rules and regulations and varies from place to place. 

Generally, once a kid reaches middle school lacrosse, then the switch is made to a regular-sized stick.

Changes in weight will be the biggest difference, as well as ball control during the change for previously youth players. 

If you are a parent, expect to have to spend more money from your pocket for a regular-sized stick as well, as they are more expensive.

However, the good thing about the switch at this point is that a player is given more customizable options for their stick, which is certainly a fault at this point for youth sticks, which we’ll be getting into later.

Issues with Purchasing a Youth Lacrosse Stick

The sport of lacrosse is currently growing at a rapid pace. However, despite the growth, there are still many challenges that are facing/stalling its growth.

One of the largest issues, in my opinion, lies in the youth of the sport. 

Youth sticks are extremely limited in their range of options compared to regular sticks, and I feel like this certainly needs to change.

There needs to be a large increase in the variety of youth sticks available, and I also believe that customization needs a makeover as well.

Giving more variety of products for youth players to choose from can only help the sport of lacrosse grow, which I hope we see in the next few years.

Is Lacrosse Too Dangerous a Sport for Youth?

Many parents are concerned with their children playing lacrosse at such a young age. 

The truth is, lacrosse certainly can be dangerous, but no more than any other sport young kids play.

With the proper protection, you should have hardly any worries about your child being seriously harmed. Bumps and bruises should be expected, but these are minor and won’t cause any serious harm to your child.

Benefits of Playing Lacrosse as a Youth

There are also many benefits to playing lacrosse, which can help your child tremendously in many ways. Some of these include:

• Confidence
• Physical & mental strength
• Overall well being

Yes, lacrosse is certainly a full-contact sport and the risk of injury will indeed always be there. But this risk is not unique to lacrosse. Lacrosse is truly a unique sport, and it has many benefits attached to it that any kid can benefit from.

If you want to learn a bit more about the mental preparation from a professional’s perspective, check out this interesting course by the pro lacrosse player Rob Pannell.

Wrap-Up

Overall, youth lacrosse sticks won’t be too hard to find. There is quite a large selection not only online, but stores can also carry great youth sticks as well.

As I mentioned, I highly recommend STX (Amazon link) as a great youth stick to pick up. 

However, if you don’t have a lacrosse store around you, no worries, online shopping can be just as effective, especially if you know what you want to get as well.

In terms of how they differ from other sticks, it mainly comes down to size. Not only are youth sticks smaller in size, but they are also lighter. They can also be used as a great training tool for stick skills as well, so you don’t just have to be a youth player to pick one of these types of sticks up.

Arrangement of a hockey stick with multiple tubular structure

The invention relates to the implementation of a sports stick. The sports stick contains a handle, which is held by the player, and a striking end adapted to contact and advance an object. The handle is made of at least two hollow tubes (23, 25). Tubes (23, 25) are made of composite material. The first parts of the tubes form the outer wall of the handle (22) and define the inside of the handle. They are attached to one another along most of the length of the handle to form an inner reinforcing wall (28).The second parts of the tubes are separated from each other at least in one place in the axial direction to form at least one opening (58). The second parts face each other at the indicated locations in the axial direction to form at least one surface of at least one opening. The technical result of the invention is to increase strength and rigidity, improve aerodynamic properties. 10 p.p. f-ly, 12 ill.

Background to the invention

The invention relates to a composite structure for a hockey stick.

Hockey stick devices are traditionally made of wood. Wood is a convenient and traditionally used material, but has limited strength and weight capabilities. The wooden stick is one-piece and can be made of multi-layer material for added strength.

Recent developments have improved hockey sticks by allowing them to be made from metal such as aluminum. These clubs are usually made from a single piece of extruded aluminum tube to which a hook and handle can be attached.The tubular design provides lower weight and easy hook and handle attachment.

More recent developments have improved the performance of the hockey stick through the use of composite materials such as fiber-reinforced resins such as carbon fiber in epoxy. These clubs are tubular in order to maximize strength and minimize weight.

Composites are an attractive alternative to wood because there is a wide variety of fiber and resin types that can be combined to create a variety of substitutes for wood.These composite laminates are more rigid, tough and less susceptible to the environment than wood.

One of the first patents to describe composite materials used in hockey sticks is US Pat. No. 4,086,115 issued to Sweet, which discloses a tubular hockey stick made using fiberglass fibers in polyester resin obtained by a reverse loading process.

US Pat. Nos. 5,419,553 and 5,303,916 to Rogers describe an improved hockey stick made from composite materials, also made by a reverse loading process, with the addition of a specific fiber orientation to increase the rigidity and strength of the stick.

The reverse loading process is also used to create a hockey stick from two tubes with an inner wall between them. US Pat. Nos. 5,549,947, 5,688,571, 5,888,601, 6,129,962 to Quigley et al. Describe a continuous manufacturing operation for the manufacture of continuous fiber reinforced hockey sticks. Limitations in the manufacture of hockey sticks using the reverse loading process are the inability to change fiber placement along the length of the structure and the inability to vary the cross-section along the length.

US Pat. Nos. 5,636,836 to Carroll, 5,746,955 to Kalapp, 5,865,696 to Kalapp, and 6,241,633 to Conroy disclose tubular hockey stick systems made from fiber-reinforced resin materials with specific fiber orientation performance characteristics.

There remains a need for an improved hockey stick system. In this regard, the present invention largely satisfies this need.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a hockey stick having a generally tubular structure, where a single tube is replaced by multiple continuous tubes, preferably a pair of tubes fused together with facing surfaces to form an inner reinforcing wall, as well as holes or “channels” between the tubes for achieving certain performance benefits.

In particular, the design is based on the replacement of a single tubular part with a double tubular design while maintaining the same or similar geometric outer shape characteristic of the original single round tube design.This allows for a structure with an inner wall between the tubes that has improved strength and rigidity. In addition, the tubes can be split at different locations to form holes or channels between the tubes that act as opposing arches for added strength, rigidity, comfort, and aerodynamic benefits.

The design of the hockey stick according to the present invention differs significantly from the conventional principle and designs hitherto used, thereby resulting in a device primarily intended to achieve improved aerodynamics, strength and aesthetics.

The present invention has been designed to provide a combination of non-standard stiffness, higher strength, lighter weight, greater comfort, improved aerodynamics and improved aesthetics beyond current levels.

Based on the aforementioned general characteristics of known hockey stick designs and configurations currently in use, the present invention provides an improved hockey stick arrangement.

In accordance with the invention, a sports stick is claimed, comprising:

a handle held by the player and an impact end adapted to contact and advance an object;

wherein the handle is made of at least two hollow tubes, and these tubes are made of composite material; wherein the first parts of the tubes form the outer wall of the handle and define the inner part of the handle and are fastened to one another along the greater part of the length of the handle, thus forming an inner reinforcing wall, characterized in that the second parts of the tubes are separated from each other at least in one place in in the axial direction to define at least one opening, said second portions facing each other at said locations in the axial direction, thus forming at least one surface of the at least one opening.

Preferably, the stick is a one-piece hockey stick.

Preferably, the stick consists of two pieces of a hockey stick, and in which the striking end includes a hook separating from the handle.

Preferably, the duct includes a plurality of openings with a plurality of inner walls, one wall in each opening, the walls being parallel to one another.

Preferably, the striking end of the club comprises a hockey hook and the inner reinforcement wall is oriented generally perpendicular to the hook.

Preferably, the handle contains more than two tubes.

Preferably, the handle comprises four tubes defining two inner reinforcing walls at least generally perpendicular to one another.

Preferably, the club is made of metal.

According to another embodiment, the stick is made of composite material.

Preferably, the hollow tubes comprise a composite material along said second portions, said second portions being bonded to each other and defining at least one opening.

Preferably, the stick is an ice hockey stick, a roller hockey stick, a field hockey stick, a lacrosse stick, or a polo stick.

More important features of the invention are outlined in this way, perhaps rather broadly, in order to better understand the following detailed description and to better appreciate this contribution to the art. There are, of course, additional features of the invention which will be described below and which form the essence of the claimed claims.

In this regard, prior to explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention allows other implementations to be obtained in practice and can be carried out in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as having a limiting meaning.

Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principle upon which this disclosure is based can be readily used as a design basis for other structures, methods, and systems in order to achieve several of the objectives of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be construed as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides a new and improved hockey stick design that can be easily and efficiently manufactured.

The present invention provides a new and improved hockey stick design that has a durable and reliable construction.

The present invention provides a new and improved hockey stick design that can be manufactured at low cost in both materials and labor.

The present invention also provides a hockey stick arrangement that can have specific zones of stiffness in various directions and locations along the handle.

The present invention provides an improved hockey stick design having higher strength and fatigue resistance.

The present invention provides an improved hockey stick design with improved vibration damping and damping characteristics.

The present invention provides an improved hockey stick design that has improved aerodynamics.

The present invention provides an improved hockey stick design having a unique appearance and improved aesthetic properties.

Finally, the present invention proposes a new and improved hockey stick arrangement made with a multi-tube design, where tubes fused together along their length are spaced apart at specific locations to form holes that serve as double opposing arcs to create an improved means for regulating stiffness, elasticity, strength, convenience and aerodynamics.

For a better understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and description, in which they illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a hockey stick, body, and hook apparatus made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the hockey stick assembly of Figure 1 exploded in detail;

of Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the hockey stick assembly of Figure 1 illustrating the openings in more detail;

in FIG.4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken along lines 4-4 and 5-5 in FIG. 3;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a portion of a body showing various laminates used;

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a hockey stick, body, and hook apparatus made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an end view of the bottom of a stick according to an embodiment of the invention after being removed from the mold;

in FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of a four-tube handle according to the location shown in FIG. 4;

in Fig. 10 is a view of the handle of Fig. 9 in accordance with the location shown in Fig. 5;

in Fig. 11 is a view of the handle of Fig. 9 in accordance with the location shown in Fig. 5, showing an alternative embodiment;

in FIG. 12, a longitudinal section of a tube at the perforated portion showing an alternative construction is shown.

In various figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts.

Detailed description of the invention

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 1-6, the subject of the present invention is a hockey stick 10 device. The device features geometric body features aimed at improving flexibility, strength and other playing characteristics of the system. The device comprises a handle 12 and an impact end 34, i. E. hook. As shown in FIG.6, club handle 12 is made up of a plurality of layers of aligned carbon filaments 14 and 36 that are held together by epoxy resin 16. The fibers in the different layers are parallel to each other, however, the different layers preferably have varying fiber orientation.

The stick 12 has an elongated and generally hollow rectangular configuration with an upper end 18, a lower end 20, a front surface 22, a bottom surface 24, and a pair of side surfaces 26. As shown in FIG.3-4, the club shaft has a central wall 28 extending vertically and generally parallel to the side surfaces to form two adjacent tubes 30 with hollow interiors along the length of the club shaft end. The stick has a recessed opening 32 at its lower end 20.

The hammer end 34 of the club is preferably also made from a plurality of layers of aligned carbon filaments 14 and 36 that are held together by an epoxy resin 38, as shown generally in FIG.6 (however, the hook layers may have a different fiber orientation than the handle).

The hammer end 34 of the club has a generally rectangular shape with a small thickness, with a first surface 40, a second surface 42, an upper edge 44, a lower edge 46, a proximal end 48, and a distal end 50. The proximal end has a bend 52 at an angle of 45 degrees to 80 degrees, and preferably 65 degrees, measured between the club handle end flanks and the top edge and bottom edge.The lower end 20 of the club handle end has a male attachment 54 extending therefrom, the attachment 54 being adapted to be inserted into an opening in the lower end of the club handle.

Adhesive 56 secures the club handle to the impact end of the club between the connecting rod and the opening at the end of the club handle.

The shaft end and the hammer end of the club are assembled together to form a body having a generally linear shape.

A plurality of oval openings 58 are formed in the club handle, preferably near the lower end 20.The openings extend between the front surface and the back surface. Each opening is preferably oval in shape, with the long axis of the oval being in line with the vertical axis of the body. Each opening includes an inner wall defining the corresponding opening. The openings separate the adjacent body tube parts to form openings with increased surface area.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the handle is molded from two tubes 23 and 25 in a process further described below.The portions of the two tubes 23, 25 form the outer wall of the handle 12. In addition, the other portions of the tubes are fastened together to form the inner wall 28. However, at the locations of the holes 28, the facing surfaces 59 of the two tubes 23, 25 are separated from one another, thus forming hole 58.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the inner wall 28 and holes 58 are oriented in the direction in which the hockey stick is swinging. Alternatively, the inner wall 28 and openings 58 can be oriented perpendicular to this direction.

In addition, the handle can be made of more than two tubes. For example, the handle can be made of four tubes as shown in FIG. 9. As can be seen, the four tubes 61, 62, 63, 64 form inner reinforcing walls that extend both in the swing direction and perpendicular to this direction. The use of four tubes provides a choice when forming openings 58a in both the swinging direction as shown in FIG. 10, by separating tubes 61 and 62 from tubes 63, 64, or perpendicular to this direction (by separating tubes 61 and 64 from tubes 62 and 63) …If desired, as shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to form four openings 64a-3 by separating all of the tubes from each other.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. Such an embodiment is a one-piece hockey stick with a stick 12 and an impact tip 34 made with through holes 58. In this alternative embodiment, the hockey stick is preferably made of metal, preferably aluminum. It is understood that such an embodiment can also be made from a composite.Likewise, the two-piece embodiment shown as composite in FIGS. 1-5 may also be made of metal.

As described below, a hockey stick is formed from two or more tubes that are molded together. Along most of the length of the handle 12, the tube sections are welded together during molding to form a common wall 28 (or walls if more than two tubes are used). However, at certain locations, the facing surfaces 59 of the tubes are left separated during molding to form the holes 58.As shown in FIG. 5, on each side of the openings 58, tubes are interconnected. The holes 58 thus formed are referred to herein as “channels”. The channels are formed without drilling any holes or damaging the reinforcing fibers.

The resulting structure was found to have improved performance for a number of reasons. The channels are in the form of double opposite arcs, which allow the structure to bend, deforming the channels, and return to its previous state with greater elasticity.The channels also provide greater flexibility than would normally be achieved with a separate tubular structure. The inner wall between the inner tubes also increases the ability to resist compressive critical loads. The design also offers improved comfort by absorbing shock and vibration due to channel deformation. Finally, ducts can improve aerodynamics by allowing air to pass through the body in order to reduce wind resistance and improve maneuverability.

Processes for preparing uniaxially oriented fibrous plastic are not suitable for use with the present invention due to geometric changes in body design along the length of the body. A conventional composite hockey stick has a constant cross section and a solid wall. In the present invention, openings are formed in many places along the body length, which requires special molding techniques.

Each tube is preferably made from a long, fiber-reinforced material such as prepreg.Traditional lightweight composite structures are made by preparing an intermediate material known as prepreg, which will be used to form the final structure.

The prepreg is formed by dipping fibers such as carbon, glass and others into resin. This is usually done on a pre-impregnation machine that applies uncured resin to the fibers so that they are all wetted. The resin is in “stage B”, which means that only heat and pressure are required to complete cross-linking and harden and cure the resin.Epoxy-type thermosetting resins are preferred because they are offered in liquid form at room temperature to facilitate dipping.

Reaktoplast is formed during a chemical reaction of two components that form a material in an irreversible process. Typically, the two components are applied in liquid form and, after mixing, remain in liquid form for some time before the cross-linking process begins. It is during this “stage B” that the prepreg process takes place, in which the resin coats the fibers.Common thermosetting materials are epoxy, polyester, vinyl, phenol, polyimide, etc.

The prepreg sheets are cut and stacked in sequence, paying attention to the orientation of the fibers in each layer, as shown generally in FIG. 6. It is generally desirable to have a symmetrical sequence, meaning that in the final laminate, the same fiber orientation occurs above and below the centerline of the laminate at the same distance from it. Each layer will have a specific fiber orientation depending on the required performance.

Each prepreg layer contains an epoxy resin combined with unidirectional parallel fibers from a class of fibers including, but not limited to, carbon filaments, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers.

The prepreg is cut into strips at various angles and placed on the table. The strips are then stacked on top of each other in an alternating manner so that the fibers in each layer are distinct from the adjacent layers. For example, one layer might be at +30 degrees and another layer at -30 degrees.If higher bending resistance is required, a smaller angle such as 20 degrees can be used. If increased torsional resistance is required, a larger angle such as 45 degrees may be used. In addition, 0 degrees can be used to achieve maximum bending resistance, while 90 degrees can be used to resist impacts and to maintain the geometric shape of the tube.

This bag, which contains the various strips of prepreg, is then rolled into a tube.Thereafter, a thin-walled polymer balloon is inserted into the tube. This balloon will be used to inflate the tube from the inside as it is placed in the mold.

Another similar tube is made. The two tubes are then placed in a mold to form a hockey stick. The two tubes are placed side by side such that the common wall between the walls is the short dimension of the rectangular cross-sectional body. If the mold and tubing is longer than the final desired size of the hockey stick, a final length-cutting operation can be performed on the handle 12 after molding.

Air fittings are applied to the inner cavity of the cylinder at each end of each tube. The mold is then closed over the tubes and placed in a heated platen press. In the case of epoxy resins, the temperature is typically around 350 degrees F. As the mold heats up, internal pressure is created in the tubes which compresses the prepreg material and causes the epoxy to cure. After curing, the mold is opened and the product is removed.

If openings or gaps between the tubes are required, the mold must be equipped to accommodate this.The mold will have pins positioned in the mold between the two tubes designed to keep the tubes apart and thus form these holes. Studs can be installed using side plates in the mold. The manufacturing process should consist of placing the tube first in the bottom of the mold. Then the side plates with the pins are placed over the tube. After that, a second tube is placed on top of the studs. Finally, the top of the mold is installed and the mold is closed.If desired, additional reinforcement may be wrapped around each stud prior to placement in the mold.

When the mold is heated and air pressure is applied, the prepreg material softens and wraps around each stud. After curing, the mold is opened in the reverse order of laying. Remove the top of the mold, then remove the side plates. Special care must be taken when removing the side plates and studs to ensure that all studs are punched out in a linear fashion.After removing the studs from the product, the product can be removed from the bottom of the mold.

The composite material used is preferably carbon fiber reinforced epoxy as the goal is to achieve reinforcement at the lowest possible weight. Other fibers can be used such as fiberglass, aramid, boron and others. Other thermosetting resins such as polyester and vinyl ester can be used. It is also possible to use thermoplastic resins such as nylon, acrylbenzenesulfonate, polybutylene terephthalate and others.

The resulting structure is unlike any other hockey stick ever produced. First, the inner wall adds strength as it helps prevent the tube from breaking when bent. Hollow tubes are susceptible to bending failure if bent too much. This is because, when bent, part of the tube is subjected to compressive forces, and the thin wall of the tube will bend. In the presence of an inner wall, the bending strength is significantly increased, since bending of the tube wall is not allowed.

The hockey stick design of the present invention becomes exceptional in the molding of openings in a structure. There is no need to change the outer dimensions of the body when forming holes. Therefore, the body becomes much more aerodynamic due to a significant reduction in frontal area. This is a great advantage of the hockey stick design. A hockey stick is long and can make it difficult to develop high speeds on a swing. For example, compared to a golf club, which is about the same length, the hockey stick arrangement has about four to six times the frontal area while being significantly less aerodynamic.

The presence of aerodynamic openings in a hockey grip can significantly reduce aerodynamic drag. The dimensions of each hole and the amount of space between them can vary depending on the desired performance. The orientation, or axis, of the holes coincides in direction with the body swing direction, thus maximizing aerodynamic gain.

The dimensions of each hole and the size of the gaps between them can influence the stiffness of the body in the desired way.If desired, these holes can direct the knee point of the body towards the lower body. It is believed that the design of a hockey stick with a low inflection point contributes to an increase in the speed of the throw.

An unexpected benefit of having holes in the body is that they actually increase the durability and strength of the body. This is because they act like arches, distributing stress and stress very effectively. This is because during a normal hockey throw, the hook of the hockey stick touches the ice with great force, causing the body to bend “out of plane”.Shaped openings in the body allow more bending in that direction, which can improve the fatigue strength of the body.

A design modification is used to secure the hockey stick of the present invention to a typical hook. A typical hockey hook has an attachment 54 that fits into the lower end 20 of the handle 12. The attachment 54 will not fit if the inner wall 28 extends to the lowest end 20. Therefore, it is necessary to change the internal structure in the region of the lower end 20 to accommodate the attachment 54.This can be done in several ways.

One option assumes two different prepreg tube lengths. the tube must be of full body length, and the other must begin at a point some distance from one end and continue its full length to the other end. The joint section where the shorter tube connects to the longer tube will usually require additional reinforcement, which is not a problem with fiber-reinforced composites.

A second embodiment is the manufacture of a hockey rim according to the present invention using three tubes.The two tubes must be of the same design and length. Both will be slightly shorter than full body length. A third tube is then placed at one end on top of both tubes. The balloons in both inner tubes extend beyond the rear end of the third tube. When inflated, the balloons will compress each of the longer tubes, as well as the third tube wrapped around them, creating an integrated structure. And here, as in the first option, additional reinforcement may be required in this area of ​​the connection.

A third option is to use a joint, or sleeve, as a third piece for attaching the hockey body of the present invention to the hook. In this case, the end section of the body must be made in the same shape as a similar section of the hook. A short length tubular sleeve can then be installed on the hook section and the body section, holding them in place.

A fourth embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown here, a socket-forming element 31 is inserted longitudinally between the tubes 23, 25.The seat-forming member 31 extends between the tubes 23, 25 a distance of at least the same length as the attachment 54. After molding, the member 31 is removed from the seat 32. Although the member 31 is shown to have a generally rectangular cross-section, any cross-section is possible. provided that it corresponds to the cross-section of the fastening 54.

The fifth embodiment is shown in Fig. 12, which shows a longitudinal section of the body in the region of the channels. In this case, one long tube 65 starts at the upper end of the handle, continues to the lower end, and after the last channel reverses and returns to the upper end on the other side of the channels.This leads to the formation of a tube in the form of a “hairpin”, where the U-shaped section of the hairpin forms an inner wall 66, creating an interface between the channel section 67 and the lower hook receiving section 68. The hook receiving section 68 is formed by a separate tube 69 which has an inner geometrical shape allowing for mounting 54.

The inner wall 70 formed in the handle portion may vary in length outside of the channel portion. For example, the inner wall 70 may terminate shortly after the first channel 71, leaving a single tube for the remainder of the body.

It is also possible to design a hook attachment using two male protrusions, each of which must be placed in each of the tubular portions of the hockey stick body.

The hockey stick of the present invention can be formed into a single piece with a hook attached, allowing the entire hockey stick to be formed. In this case, there is no connection between the body and the hook. The body is made from longer prepreg tubes that are connected to the hook structure prior to molding.Each club with all its components (body and hook) is molded together in one operation. It is also possible to have a pre-cured hook which is then placed in a mold to bond to the prepreg body as it cures. It is also possible to have a pre-cured (or molded) body and hook and place them in a mold with prepreg reinforcements wrapped around the joint or interface between the body and hook to form a single piece.

The article of the present invention can also be made of 4 tubes, each tube occupying a quarter of the cross-section of the hockey body.This design provides flexibility by creating channels in two directions: in line with the direction of travel of the hook to improve aerodynamic properties and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hook to improve flexibility. With this design, it is also possible to place ducts with two orientations in one location to give the body a truss appearance.

Another option is to use a partial length extruded aluminum (or other metal) tubing that is then attached to a two-tubular apertured body.Specifically, the aluminum tube should start at the end of the handle and then connect to the carbon fiber tube somewhere along the body length depending on how many holes are required. This leads to a cheap alternative to the all-carbon fiber construction.

The hockey stick arrangement of the present invention is not limited to ice hockey stick arrangements. They can be applied to field hockey sticks. In fact, aerodynamic advantages have greater potential in field hockey because the frontal width of field hockey stick arrangements is much larger than that of ice hockey stick bodies.

The hockey stick device can also be applied to lacrosse sticks. Lacrosse clubs are very long and therefore have a significant frontal area, and the aerodynamic improvement that the channels provide will contribute to their improvement.

With regard to the method of use and operation of the present invention, it should be obvious from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion related to the method of use and operation of the present invention is offered further.

With regard to the above description, it should be clear that the optimal ratio of sizes of parts of the invention, including options for sizes, materials, profile, shape, function and method of application, assembly and use, seems quite clear and obvious to a person skilled in the art, and all of these relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the description of the invention are to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, all of the above is considered only as an illustration of the principles of the invention.Further, since those skilled in the art will appreciate the possibility of numerous changes and modifications, it is undesirable to limit the invention to the particular construction and method of use shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention may be referred to.

1. A sports stick comprising a handle
held by a player and a striking end adapted to contact and advance an object;
in this case, the handle is made of at least two hollow tubes, and these tubes are made of composite material, while the first parts of the tubes form the outer wall of the handle and define the inner part of the handle and are attached to one another along most of the length of the handle, thus forming the inner reinforcing wall, characterized in that the second parts of the tubes are separated from each other in at least one place in the axial direction in order to form at least one opening, while the said second parts face each other at the indicated places in the axial direction, thus forming thus at least one surface of at least one opening.

2. A hockey stick according to claim 1, which is a one-piece hockey stick.

3. A hockey stick according to claim 1, which consists of two pieces of a hockey stick, and wherein the striking end includes a hook separating from the handle.

4. The club of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a plurality of openings with a plurality of inner walls, one wall in each opening, the walls being parallel to one another.

5. A hockey stick according to claim 1, wherein the striking end comprises a hockey hook and wherein the inner reinforcing wall is oriented generally perpendicular to the hook.

6. The club of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises more than two tubes.

7. A club according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises four tubes defining two inner reinforcing walls at least generally perpendicular to each other.

8. The stick according to claim 1, which is made of metal,

9. A club according to claim 1, which is made of a composite material.

10. A club according to claim 9, wherein the hollow tubes comprise composite material along said second portions, said second portions being bonded to each other and defining at least one opening.

11. A hockey stick according to claim 1, which is an ice hockey stick, a roller hockey stick, a field hockey stick, a lacrosse stick or a polo stick.

How to choose a golf club for a child? – Article

Often you have to face a choice when buying a particular product, and, unfortunately, the seller does not always come to the rescue. Best of all, if you clearly know what you need, then the choice will be right.What buyers most often ask and what are the recommendations for the selection and processing of clubs, this review will help to understand.

How to choose a golf club for a child?

Answer : First of all, you need to choose the length of the club, and also determine the hook bend that your child needs.

• Never buy adult golf clubs for children, as the characteristics of rigidity, handle thickness and hook shape of an adult golf club are not intended for children, which not only adversely affects the child’s play, but can also cause injuries!
• If your child picks up a golf club for the first time, buy a flat (straight) club to help you and your child determine which grip is more comfortable – left or right.
• For small children (up to 10 years old) wooden or combined (wooden handle, plastic hook) golf clubs are best suited, the child will “feel” the club faster in his hands.
• Inspect your golf club carefully for splinters, poorly painted handle, or mesh and laminate delamination prior to purchase. The presence of one of these signs indicates that you have a marriage or products of a low-grade manufacturer, which does not guarantee the durability of the club, as well as the absence of injuries!

How to choose the length of your club?

Answer : As a rule, the length of the club should be at the level of the nose (not below the chin and not above the eyebrows).It is also possible to shorten the club to the required length (saw off with a saw), but not more than ј of the total length of the club, otherwise the rigidity of the handle will increase significantly. The length of the club is matched with normal shoes (no skates).

How are golf clubs treated and with what?

Reply : The main processing steps are as follows:

• the club is sawn off to the required length, the cut edges are processed with a file;
• stick hook is wrapped with electrical tape along its entire length in one layer;
• the handle of the club (upper grip) is wrapped with electrical tape in several layers to the required thickness, depending on the player’s grip.It is recommended to use the following method of wrapping the handle: first, make the wrapping in one layer about 15 cm long from the top. Without tearing off the tape, unwind it about 50 cm and make a pigtail (twist). Apply this pigtail from bottom to top in turns on the first layer with an interval of about 2 cm.At the very top, make a thickening from the remains of the pigtail. Without tearing off the tape, make the last winding in one layer from top to bottom, which will fix the pigtail. Now the club will fit well in your hand and will not slip out during the game.

Cloth tape (non-slippery) is used to wrap the stick. It is possible to use both specialized tape, which is sold in hockey stores, and ordinary electrical tape, which is sold in ordinary hardware stores, but the durability of the latter will be much lower.

What is the difference between club bends?

Answer : In addition to the fact that the clubs are made with a left or right bend of the hook, depending on which grip the athlete is playing, the hooks differ in the number of bends.Each bend number implies that the hook has several basic parameters:

• hook bend (curve) value, i.e. large or small bend;
• the presence of a bend (propeller), i.e. open or closed hook;
• hook angle, i.e. flatness of the hook in relation to the handle;
• hook shape, i.e. hook length and width, and perimeter curves.

As a rule, hook bend numbers are standardized for all manufacturers, although some companies use the names of famous hockey players as markings for the hook bend.

What does hook bend affect?

Answer : Of course, hook curvature affects all aspects of the game, such as handling the puck, passing, shooting. Perhaps, in terms of the significance of the influence on the technique of a hockey player’s play, the bend of the club can only be compared with skates, which have a huge impact on the technique of skating of an athlete. Therefore, when choosing a club, you need to be very careful about this issue. For example, a club with a large curl and especially a propeller is easier to do overhead wrist throws, but with a club with such a curl it is more difficult to control the accuracy of passes and lows.It is generally not recommended for children under 10–12 years old to offer clubs with such a bend, since it (bend) will interfere with the setting of the correct technique of throws and passes of young athletes.

How to choose a bend depending on the role (striker, defender)?

Answer : For the striker, a club with a small hook and a more than average bend is more suitable for dribbling and sharp wrist throws from above. For a defender who often passes, lows, and uses the stick in defense (interrupting opponents’ passes), a hook that is larger than average and with a slight bend is better suited.

However, all of the above is not an axiom, and in many ways the choice of a hook depends on many anatomical factors of the hockey player that affect his technique, so the best advice is to try different hook bends to find the most suitable one.

What kind of golf clubs are there?

Answer : Classic sticks are wooden, recently combined sticks, or, as they are called, hybrid ones, are in great demand, in the design of which there is not only wood, but also plastic and carbon fiber.The newest sticks are composite (composite – from the English. “Combined”), which implies a one-piece (cast) construction of a stick with consistently stable performance, high strength and very low weight. Composite sticks are made from the most modern materials and using the most advanced technologies that are used in the aerospace and automotive industries, which is the reason for the very high price of this category of clubs.

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Lacrosse Shooting Science Exhibition Project – Science

Lacrosse is a team sport in which the opposing sides use sticks with small baskets at the ends and a small rubber ball.Players try to carry and pass the ball across the field and kick it at the opponent’s goal. In this experiment, your students will compare the speed of a lacrosse strike to a freehand step and learn how instruments affect mechanical energy.

Materials and Preparation

For this experiment, you will need one lacrosse stick, one rubber lacrosse ball, radar, writing utensils, and three volunteers. Conduct the experiment in an open area, such as a football or baseball field.If possible, try using volunteers who have a wide range of age and physical abilities, which will give you a wider sample of data from which to draw your own conclusions.

Conjecture

In this experiment, you will test whether an ordinary person can make a lacrosse ball reach a higher velocity by shooting it with a lacrosse stick or throwing it with his bare hands, like in a baseball field. Write a hypothesis in one or two sentences that predict the outcome of the experiment and scientifically explain your prediction.If you are unsure of the result, do some research on the mechanics of both ball throwing methods.

Procedure

Place the radar gun in the open area of ​​your choice, at a distance far enough away from being hit. Ask each of your volunteers to fire five shots with a lacrosse stick and five steps by hand, in both cases throwing as hard as possible, and measure their top speed using radar. If your volunteers are unfamiliar with using a lacrosse stick, ask them to hold the stick with their dominant hand about a foot above the bottom end and with their other hand at the very end, pull it back over their shoulders and punch the ball forward.

Conclusion

Write a conclusion that confirms or refutes the hypothesis. If your hypothesis was wrong, you also need to find a scientific explanation for why the results were not what you expected. While it is possible that some of the volunteers threw the ball with their bare hands several times, especially if they have experience playing baseball, in general, the lacrosse shots should have been faster. This is because the lacrosse stick acts as a lever and the hand acts as a fulcrum.The arm works in a similar way, but the increased length of the club creates more mechanical energy, making the ball move faster.

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