Modern Lacrosse Sticks: Attack, Midfield & Defense Shaft Comparison

How have modern lacrosse sticks evolved for different positions. What are the key differences between attack, midfield, and defense shafts. Why do stick preferences vary by player role.

The Evolution of Modern Lacrosse Sticks

Lacrosse sticks have undergone significant changes over the years, evolving to meet the demands of the modern game. Today’s sticks are designed with precision engineering and advanced materials to enhance player performance across all positions. But how exactly have lacrosse sticks changed?

Modern lacrosse sticks are generally smaller, narrower, and more specialized compared to their predecessors. The pocket designs and head shapes have been refined to allow for better ball control, faster shots, and more accurate passing. This evolution has had a profound impact on how the game is played at all levels.

Key Changes in Modern Lacrosse Sticks:

• Lighter and stronger materials like carbon fiber and titanium
• More defined pocket shapes for improved ball retention
• Narrower heads for quicker release on shots and passes
• Position-specific designs for attack, midfield, and defense
• Advanced stringing techniques for customized pocket performance

These advancements have made it easier for offensive players to retain possession and execute complex maneuvers. However, some argue that this has led to a decrease in the physicality of the game, particularly in terms of stick checks and ground ball battles.

Attack Lacrosse Stick Shafts: Precision and Speed

Attack players require sticks that allow for quick stick handling, precise shooting, and agile dodging. How do attack shafts differ from other positions?

Attack shafts are typically shorter and lighter than those used by midfielders or defenders. This design prioritizes maneuverability and quick release, enabling attackmen to navigate tight spaces around the crease and fire off shots with minimal wind-up.

Characteristics of Attack Shafts:

• Length: Usually 30 inches
• Weight: Lighter materials for quick stick movements
• Flex: Some flex for added shot power
• Grip: Often textured for secure handling

Many attack players prefer shafts made from carbon fiber or advanced alloys that offer a balance of strength and lightweight performance. The shorter length also allows for better control when cradling and executing quick stick fakes.

Midfield Lacrosse Stick Shafts: Versatility is Key

Midfielders play both offense and defense, requiring a stick that can perform well in various situations. What features make midfield shafts unique?

Midfield shafts are designed to be the jack-of-all-trades in the lacrosse world. They typically fall between attack and defense shafts in terms of length and weight, offering a balance that allows players to transition smoothly between offensive and defensive roles.

Key Aspects of Midfield Shafts:

• Length: Usually 30-40 inches
• Weight: Balanced for both offense and defense
• Durability: Must withstand checks and ground balls
• Versatility: Suitable for shooting, passing, and defensive play

Many midfielders opt for shafts with some flex to aid in shooting, but not so much that it compromises their ability to play defense. The material choice often reflects this balance, with many players choosing composite shafts that offer a mix of strength and responsiveness.

Defense Lacrosse Stick Shafts: Strength and Reach

Defensive players need sticks that can withstand the rigors of checking and provide extended reach. How are defense shafts constructed to meet these demands?

Defense shafts are the longest and typically the strongest of all lacrosse stick types. They are designed to give defenders the reach needed to disrupt passes and shots, as well as the durability to deliver powerful checks without breaking.

Features of Defense Shafts:

• Length: 60 inches for maximum reach
• Strength: Reinforced to withstand aggressive play
• Weight: Heavier than attack or midfield shafts
• Material: Often aluminum or high-strength alloys

While some defensive players prefer traditional metal shafts for their proven durability, advanced composite materials are gaining popularity. These newer shafts offer comparable strength with reduced weight, allowing for quicker reactions and less fatigue during long games.

The Impact of Modern Sticks on Player Development

As lacrosse sticks have evolved, so too has the way players develop their skills. How have modern stick designs influenced player development at various levels?

The ease of ball control afforded by modern sticks has allowed players to focus more on advanced stick skills and game strategy. This has led to a higher overall skill level, particularly in offensive play, but it has also changed how fundamental skills are taught and learned.

Effects on Skill Development:

1. Increased focus on finesse and stick tricks
2. Earlier specialization in positions
3. Greater emphasis on shot accuracy and variety
4. Changes in defensive techniques to counter improved offensive control
5. Adaptation of coaching methods to capitalize on stick technology

While the improved ball retention of modern sticks has made certain aspects of the game easier, it has also raised the bar for what is considered high-level play. Players must now master a wider array of skills to stand out, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a lacrosse stick.

Choosing the Right Stick for Your Position and Style

With so many options available, selecting the right lacrosse stick can be overwhelming. How can players ensure they choose a stick that complements their position and playing style?

Choosing the right lacrosse stick involves considering several factors, including your position, level of play, and personal preferences. It’s important to try out different options and seek advice from coaches and experienced players.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stick:

• Position-specific requirements (length, weight, durability)
• League regulations and restrictions
• Personal comfort and feel
• Playing style (aggressive, finesse, versatile)
• Budget and long-term value

Remember that the most expensive or technologically advanced stick isn’t always the best choice. Find a stick that feels natural in your hands and allows you to perform the skills required for your position effectively.

The Future of Lacrosse Stick Technology

As materials science and manufacturing techniques continue to advance, what can we expect from the next generation of lacrosse sticks?

The future of lacrosse stick technology is likely to bring even more specialized and high-performance designs. We may see further integration of data-tracking capabilities, smart materials that adapt to game conditions, and even more position-specific customization options.

Potential Innovations in Lacrosse Sticks:

• Smart sticks with built-in sensors for performance tracking
• Adjustable flex and weight distribution
• Advanced materials with improved durability and responsiveness
• Customizable heads and pockets through 3D printing
• Environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and materials

As these technologies develop, it will be interesting to see how they are integrated into the sport and what impact they have on player performance and the overall game of lacrosse.

Maintaining and Caring for Modern Lacrosse Sticks

With the advanced materials and designs of modern lacrosse sticks, proper maintenance is crucial. How can players ensure their sticks remain in top condition throughout the season?

Proper care and maintenance of your lacrosse stick can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its performance. This is especially important for modern sticks with complex pocket designs and advanced materials.

Tips for Lacrosse Stick Maintenance:

1. Regularly check and tighten screws on the head
2. Clean the pocket after use, especially in wet or muddy conditions
3. Store the stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping
4. Avoid leaving the stick in extreme temperatures, such as a hot car
5. Restring or adjust the pocket as needed to maintain optimal performance

For composite shafts, be mindful of any signs of wear or cracking, as these can compromise the integrity of the stick. With proper care, a high-quality modern lacrosse stick can last for several seasons of play.

As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so too will the equipment used to play it. Modern lacrosse sticks have already transformed the game, allowing for faster play, more precise ball control, and position-specific specialization. By understanding the unique characteristics of attack, midfield, and defense shafts, players can choose equipment that enhances their natural abilities and supports their role on the field.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, taking the time to select the right stick and maintaining it properly can make a significant difference in your performance and enjoyment of the game. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more exciting developments in lacrosse stick design, further pushing the boundaries of what players can achieve on the field.

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Tier Lacrosse: Modern Sticks and Player Development

Editor’s note: Please welcome Trevor Tierney back to the Lax All Stars! This week, we posed a few questions to Trevor about today’s modern lacrosse sticks and how they impact the development of high school lacrosse players. For more information on recruiting, make sure you check out his “How To Get Recruited” series at TierLacrosse.com!

Got a question you want Trevor to answer in next week’s post? Drop it in the comments section below and we’ll make sure he sees it!
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To start off, we’d love to hear a little bit about your perspective on modern sticks.  They’re smaller, more narrow and make it very easy for offensive players to retain the ball.  How has this affected the game and changed how it is played?

It completely cracks me up when I hear old-timers talk about how modern sticks have ruined the game. It’s so ridiculous. First of all, it has nothing to do with the actual heads! When I was growing up and playing in the 80s and 90s (I know…I am getting up there!), having a nice pocket was nearly impossible. You either had to string your head with this nasty, crusty mesh that barely stretched across the entire head, or you had to use leathers that were as soft as sandpaper. For this reason, no one really had deep pockets in their stick unless they found the perfect leathers or found a completely new way to string their stick.

Now, you can actually buy a stick at the store with a deep pocket and play with it right off the shelves! That is unbelievable to someone my age. If I had a factory strung stick, it was like a tennis racket and pretty much worthless. I would have to take everything out and completely restring it. Now, the people who are stringing sticks for all the companies are actually taught by some of the endorsed pros and know how to make it nice, right out of the box!

Also, if you string your own sticks, the materials are so much nicer to use. Barely anyone uses leather anymore, but if you do, the leathers are like butter and you can make a sweet pocket if you know how to string traditional. If you string with mesh, all the different meshes can easily give you a deep pocket that holds the ball well and allows you to shoot over 70 mph, even if you have no clue what you are doing.

I think one of the first college players that I saw play with a really deep pocket was Michael Watson at Virginia in the mid-90s. He had a complete bag in his stick and no one could take the ball from him. He would top-step his defender from the wing and drop his stick down to his ankles and then let it go over the top or underhand. It was unstoppable and it was the coolest thing to watch!

This brings me to my main point, which is that the game is incredibly fun to watch, and there is now so much more speed and creativity out on the field thanks to the pockets that players can now string. Ever gone back and watched a game from the early 90s or 80s? I mean, don’t get me wrong…the players were incredibly skilled and probably had better stick work than the players today. But, it is not the same. It is slower passes, slower shots, everything is overhand. The moves that guys can make now with their sticks is incredible. I get to watch Mark Matthews at University of Denver do things that people would have never dreamed of when I was playing as a kid. Plus, the game is now WAY faster! The speed of the passes, ball movement and shots is what has people falling in love with this game as soon as they see it!  Why would we want to change that?

The game is evolving. That’s a good thing.  Imagine if snowboarders made a rule that they could only use a snowboard that was like the first one ever invented. You think we would have the Winter X games and Shaun White hulking 720s at the drop of a hat? No chance!  What about tennis?  You want to watch Nadal and Federer duke it out with two wooden sticks?  That would be lame compared to what we are watching now at Wimbledon! It’s the same thing with lacrosse.  Paul Rabil would not be able to shoot 110 mph with no pocket, I guarantee it. John Grant Jr. would not be able to pull off some of the amazing shots and passes that he does with no pocket, trust me.

The actual heads have definitely changed, but I don’t think the the width is going to make a difference. Look what happened the past couple years in college lacrosse. The NCAA made rule changes about head widths and it has not changed anything. The players just find a new way to string a deep pocket and get used to the new feel. Actually, some of the head shapes that the NCAA created have made for even tighter, deeper pockets. It cracks me up!

When ever someone starts talking about rule changes with sticks, notice who it is.  It is the “elder statesmen” of the game who want to keep the game just like it was when they were playing. Let the game evolve and let the young lacrosse players be creative with it and use the new technology to their advantage.

Has this change in technology changed the kind of player that gets recruited to a NCAA D1 school?  Are coaches looking for a different type of player now than they were 20 years ago?  Does that have anything to do with the sticks?

The biggest difference the new technology has made is that it has allowed for some more big-time athletes to cross over to the game. A lot of the players that you see playing in college that also could have been playing football in college started playing lacrosse later in life. The new technology has allowed for better athletes to pick up a stick, develop fairly quickly and play the game at a high level.  Don’t get me wrong, if you want to be a very skilled lacrosse player, it takes years of work against the wall and stick work is the number one key to being a great player. But, there are spots for great athletes on the field now who may not be as skilled, like face-offs, wings, d-mids, and defensemen. The technology allows for these “stud” athletes to be competent enough to fill their roles out there and do a great job. It also allows for the game to grow more throughout the country and allows athletes who have not played the game to pick it up more easily. It also makes the sports world take our game more seriously as we have more bigger, stronger, faster athletes playing the game. All good things…

What advice would you give to a high school player trying to get the best looks they can?  Is there a type of pocket or stick that could actually help or hurt a player getting recruited?  For instance, could a player who relies on a ton of whip, or a really deep pocket, possibly be too one-dimensional to play at the next level?  Do college coaches look at what kind of stick/pocket a player uses?

Now, you would actually think from reading all of the above, that I am totally pro-deep pocket, which I am for the game. But, for young players who are just learning to play, I actually think deep pockets can hold their development back as a player. When I do individual lessons with a young boy’s lacrosse player, I like to make him use a girl’s stick. The problem with deep pockets for beginners and intermediate players is that they allow them to survive on the field with bad habits. For instance, a lot of players will “stab” at the ball when they try and catch it, which you can actually do with a deep pocket and still make the catch. The problem is then you cannot get off a quick pass or shot and you will probably get it checked a way in a game. To develop soft hands and learn to catch the ball behind your head, which is proper technique that all the best players use, you should learn to catch with a stick with no pocket or a girls stick.

In fact, my best friend, Josh Sims (former MLL and NLL All-Star) learned to catch with a shovel!  You think you are a good lacrosse player and can do cool stick tricks? Try and go catch with a shovel! That will teach you something that you can really use as a lacrosse player, which is exceptionally soft hands.

When I watch youth or high school lacrosse, I think the girls stick work is so much better. The reason is obvious, as they have to learn to catch and throw with no pocket, which is extremely challenging. So, if you want to get better as a boys’ lacrosse player, go buy a girl’s stick and get against the wall.  Then, after years of developing great stick work, the things you will be able to do with a deep pocket will be limitless, and you will have the technique that will allow you to be successful on the field.

– Trevor

Check out TierLacrosse.com for more great articles from Trevor Tierney.

Hockey sticks: recommendations for choosing

A stick is undoubtedly the main attribute of a hockey player. Decades of improvements have turned it from a simple stick into an ideal puck control tool in terms of shape and ergonomics, although it is still simple in design: a handle – a stick, a handle, a pipe, a shaft and a hook, otherwise called a pen.

Professionals place high demands on modern clubs in terms of strength, balance and resilience. The player must feel the club as an extension of his body, and she must respond to every movement of his hands, so high-quality clubs are made in such a way that each of their sections has a strictly adjusted degree of thickness, concavity and elasticity.

What materials are used to make clubs?

The stick was born at the same time as hockey and was originally made from maple and later oak. However, the maple broke into chips from impacts, and the oak, although it could withstand significant loads, made it unnecessarily heavy. When aluminum was chosen as the main material, it turned out that in this case the stick loses flexibility, and the player cannot fully control the puck.

Hockey sticks are now made from advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass and Kevlar. There are also sticks made of light wood species, coated with a special composition, which greatly increases their durability. These clubs show excellent qualities in the game, but they are not cheap and therefore are used mainly in professional sports.

How to choose a hockey stick?

When choosing this essential piece of equipment, you need to decide on the following characteristics:

— The length of the stick. To date, there are children’s (youth, yth), junior (junior, jr), teenage (intermediate, int) sticks, as well as sticks for adult hockey players (senior, sr) on sale. However, it should be remembered that both children and adults of the same age can vary greatly in height, so the stick is chosen by placing it vertically in front of you: the correct stick should reach the tip of its handle to the person’s nose.

– Grip. In hockey, there is such a thing as a right or left grip. For example, a right grip is inherent in a person if, when picking up a stick, he places his right hand below his left. Based on this, a suitable hook bend is selected. For players who have not decided on their grip, as well as for children, clubs with a straight hook are produced.