What are the top lacrosse sticks for girls and women in 2024. How do you choose the right lacrosse stick for different positions and skill levels. What factors should you consider when buying a women’s lacrosse stick.
The Evolution and Popularity of Women’s Lacrosse
Lacrosse, one of North America’s oldest sports, has seen a significant rise in popularity among women and girls in recent years. Originating in the 15th century among Native American tribes, the sport has evolved into various forms, with women’s lacrosse emerging as a distinct and dynamic version. The game’s rapid growth has led to an increased demand for specialized equipment, particularly lacrosse sticks designed specifically for female players.
How does women’s lacrosse differ from men’s? Women’s lacrosse rules are designed to minimize player contact, resulting in a faster-paced, more strategic game. This difference in gameplay is reflected in the equipment used, especially in the design of lacrosse sticks for girls and women.
Anatomy of a Women’s Lacrosse Stick
Understanding the components of a lacrosse stick is crucial for selecting the right equipment. A women’s lacrosse stick consists of three main parts:
- The shaft (or handle)
- The head
- The pocket
Each component plays a vital role in a player’s performance and must meet specific regulations. For women’s lacrosse, the total length of the stick must be between 35½ to 43¼ inches, striking a balance between control and reach.
The Shaft: Foundation of Control
The shaft is the backbone of the lacrosse stick, providing the player with control and leverage. When choosing a shaft, consider the following factors:
- Material: Options include aluminum, composite, and alloy
- Shape: Octagonal shafts offer better grip than circular ones
- Weight: Lighter shafts provide better maneuverability but may sacrifice durability
For beginners, aluminum or composite shafts are recommended due to their durability and affordability. Advanced players might prefer lighter, high-performance alloy shafts for improved speed and control.
The Head: Precision and Power
The head of the lacrosse stick is crucial for ball control, passing, and shooting. Key considerations for selecting a head include:
- Width: Regulation width for women’s lacrosse is 7-9 inches
- Material: Typically made of durable synthetic materials like fiberglass or plastic
- Design: Options include offset, non-offset, open sidewall, and closed sidewall
Beginners should opt for non-offset heads with closed sidewalls, which offer better ball retention and easier catching. As players advance, offset heads with more open designs can provide increased speed and accuracy in shots and passes.
The Pocket: The Heart of Ball Control
The pocket is where the ball sits in the lacrosse stick head. In women’s lacrosse, pockets have specific regulations:
- Material: Usually made of leather or nylon thongs
- Stringing: Must have 4 or 5 vertical leather or synthetic thongs and 8-12 stitches of cross-lacing
- Depth: Shallower than men’s pockets to promote quicker ball movement
The pocket’s depth is crucial and must comply with US Lacrosse regulations. When held horizontally, the top of the ball should remain above the sidewall when pressure is applied.
Choosing the Right Stick for Different Positions
Different positions in lacrosse require specific stick characteristics to optimize performance. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve a player’s game.
Goalkeeper Sticks
Goalkeepers have unique stick requirements:
- Head width: Up to 12 inches wide for better shot blocking
- Stick length: Can be up to 48 inches for extended reach
- Pocket: May have 6-7 vertical thongs and can use mesh netting
Defensive Player Sticks
Defenders typically prefer:
- Longer shafts for increased reach when checking
- Stiffer, less flexible sticks for stronger checks and ground ball pickups
Midfielder Sticks
Midfielders often choose:
- Versatile sticks that balance offense and defense
- Length based on personal preference and playing style
Attacker Sticks
Attackers generally opt for:
- Shorter sticks for better ball control and quicker shots
- More flexible heads for improved shooting accuracy
Top 13 Women’s Lacrosse Sticks for 2024
After extensive research and considering factors such as performance, durability, and player feedback, we’ve compiled a list of the top 13 women’s lacrosse sticks for 2024:
- STX Crux 600 Complete Stick
- Brine Dynasty Elite II
- Under Armour Strategy Complete Stick
- Maverik Ascent Women’s Complete Stick
- Nike Lunar Elite Complete Stick
- Warrior Noz 2 X Complete Stick
- ECD Infinity Pro Complete Stick
- StringKing Women’s Complete 2 Pro
- Epoch Dragonfly Elite
- True Frequency Women’s Complete Stick
- Gait Whip Women’s Complete Stick
- East Coast Dyes Carbon Pro 2.0
- Adidas EQT Bertha Complete Stick
Each of these sticks offers unique features catering to different player preferences and skill levels. It’s important to consider individual playing style, position, and experience when selecting from this list.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Women’s Lacrosse Stick
Choosing the right lacrosse stick involves considering several factors beyond just the stick’s components. Here are key aspects to keep in mind:
Skill Level and Experience
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player? Your skill level should guide your choice:
- Beginners: Opt for more forgiving, easier-to-use sticks
- Intermediate: Look for sticks that offer a balance of control and performance
- Advanced: Consider high-performance sticks that offer maximum control and power
Budget Considerations
How much should you invest in a lacrosse stick? While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, consider your commitment to the sport:
- For beginners: A mid-range stick offers good quality without breaking the bank
- For committed players: Investing in a high-quality stick can improve performance and last longer
Remember, a very cheap stick might hinder skill development, while an overly expensive one might not be necessary for a beginner.
Grip and Comfort
The feel of the stick in your hands is crucial. Consider these aspects:
- Shaft texture: Some players prefer a smooth shaft, while others like more grip
- Weight distribution: Ensure the stick feels balanced when you hold it
- Shaft diameter: Choose a size that feels comfortable in your hands
Durability and Maintenance
A lacrosse stick is an investment. Look for:
- High-quality materials that can withstand regular play
- Warranties or guarantees offered by manufacturers
- Ease of maintenance and repair
The Impact of Technology on Lacrosse Stick Design
In recent years, technological advancements have significantly influenced lacrosse stick design. How has this affected the game and player performance?
Advanced Materials
Modern lacrosse sticks often incorporate cutting-edge materials:
- Carbon fiber shafts for lightweight strength
- Composite plastics in heads for improved flexibility and durability
- Innovative pocket materials for better ball control
Customization Options
Many manufacturers now offer customization options, allowing players to tailor their sticks to their specific needs:
- Adjustable pocket depths
- Interchangeable heads and shafts
- Personalized color schemes and designs
Performance Analytics
Some high-end sticks now come with built-in sensors or compatibility with tracking devices, offering players insights into their performance:
- Shot speed measurement
- Stick movement analysis
- Pass accuracy tracking
Maintaining and Caring for Your Lacrosse Stick
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick is crucial for its longevity and performance. How can you ensure your stick remains in top condition?
Regular Cleaning
Keep your stick clean to prevent damage and maintain its feel:
- Wipe down the shaft and head after each use
- Use mild soap and water for deeper cleaning
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the materials
Pocket Maintenance
The pocket requires special attention:
- Regularly check and adjust the strings
- Replace worn-out strings promptly
- Keep the pocket properly shaped when not in use
Storage
Proper storage prevents warping and damage:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid leaving in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
- Use a stick bag for protection during transport
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your lacrosse stick and ensure consistent performance on the field.
The Future of Women’s Lacrosse Equipment
As women’s lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, what can we expect in terms of equipment evolution? The future of women’s lacrosse sticks is likely to be shaped by several factors:
Sustainability
With increasing focus on environmental concerns, manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly options:
- Biodegradable materials for stick components
- Recycled plastics in production
- Sustainable manufacturing processes
Smart Technology Integration
The integration of technology into lacrosse sticks is expected to advance further:
- Enhanced performance tracking capabilities
- Augmented reality features for training
- Improved connectivity with mobile devices for real-time feedback
Customization and Personalization
The trend towards personalized equipment is likely to continue:
- 3D-printed components tailored to individual players
- Advanced fitting technologies for optimal stick sizing
- Greater variety in design options to suit personal style
As the sport evolves, so too will the equipment, offering players increasingly sophisticated tools to enhance their game.
Here’s a Detailed Guide to Buying Lacrosse Sticks for Girls
Are you or your daughter interested in playing lacrosse? Do you need help in choosing the right kind of stick? If yes, then, here is a detailed guide to buying girls lacrosse sticks, whether you are a beginner or a pro at the game.
Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports played in the US and Canada. It came into existence in the 15th century, and was traditionally played by the Native American people. It is played with long-handled racquets or sticks, and a solid rubber ball. It has four major types – men’s field lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, box lacrosse, and intercrosse. The equipment differs in all the variations of the game.
Lacrosse rules for women are designed such that they allow minimal contact between players. Lacrosse sticks for girls vary slightly in design than the ones for men. The stick consists of a handle (also called the shaft), the head, and the pocket (made of shooting strings). The length of the stick must be between 35½ to 43¼ inches.
Choosing the Shaft
When buying a girl’s stick, make sure you choose the right kind of shaft. You will find shafts of all materials like wood, aluminum, plastic, composite or alloy. If you are new to the game, opt for aluminum or plastic, these are pocket-friendly, more durable and better from a functional point of view. You may be required to wear gloves if you use aluminum shafts while playing in cold weather. If you are a professional player, you can buy lighter and sturdier shafts that are made of alloys and composites. An octagonal shaft, rather than a circular one, allows the player to get a firm grip on the stick.
Choosing the Head
Choosing the appropriate kind of head is also an important criteria. Ideally, it should be made of a synthetic material like fiberglass, plastic, or it should be wooden. It should be 7-9 inches wide, and attached securely to the shaft with screws. The most popular ones are ‘molded head lacrosse sticks’. There are numerous options available: offset, non-offset, open sidewall, and closed sidewall.
If you are a novice, choose non-offset heads with closed side walls. Being straight at the top, you can use them to quickly learn how to pick, catch, and throw balls. Advanced players should go in for offset heads for better speed and accuracy because they are curved throughout.
Choosing the Pocket
Selecting the right kind of pocket for the head is crucial too. Pockets for girls’ sticks are generally made of leather or nylon thongs. Girls who have just begun learning the game can use mesh pockets too. The pockets must be strung with 4 wide thongs running vertically and should be interlaced with 8 or 12 strings. This provides strength to the pocket to hold the ball. The pocket should be shallow. US Lacrosse, the governing body for the sport in the US, clearly states that while holding the stick horizontally, if the ball is placed in the pocket and pressure is applied, the top of the ball must remain above the top of the sidewall. This means that the depth of the pocket is right.
Other Factors
Apart from the above particulars, the positions of the players and the pricing are also important factors to bear in mind when buying the right stick.
Based on Player’s Position
The primary lacrosse positions are the goalkeeper, defensive and offensive positions, and the midfielders. If the player is a goalkeeper, opt for a wider head (but not more than 12 inches wide), and you stand a better chance at saving the opposing team’s shot. The length of the stick can also be up to 48 inches. The pocket can have 6 or 7 vertical thongs, whereas other field players are only permitted 4 or 5. You can select a mesh netting for your pocket if you are the goalie. If you are a defender, choose a longer stick that is stiffer and not very flexible. Midfielders can opt for either a shorter or longer stick, according to their preference. Attackers usually go in for a shorter stick.
Based on the Price
The budget is an important factor, especially when the player’s commitment to the sport comes into picture.
Spending a fortune on buying a stick may come to nothing if the player is not sure how long she will continue with the sport. But at the same time do not buy a cheap or low-quality stick for a beginner, for if she cannot grasp it right and play well to begin with, she might lose interest in the sport altogether.
There is a wide variety available in the market to choose from. Or else, you can always seek your coach’s guidance on buying the latest gear that’s just right for you.
Like it? Share it!
Uncategorized
Get Updates Right to Your Inbox
Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)…right to your inbox.
Blog Updates
Email Address
*
Lakeville South’s Emily Moes – Twin Cities
Lakeville South is the defending state champion, undefeated and the top seed heading into this week’s girls lacrosse state tournament, where it will kick off quarterfinal play at 5 p.m. Tuesday against Elk River/Zimmerman at White Bear Lake Area High School.
The Cougars are quickly developing a dynasty of sorts. The success is all built off a philosophy of teamwork on both ends of the field.
“That’s the kind of offense and defense we play at South, just kind of that mentality of it’s not a singular person scoring a goal or making a good play,” senior attack Emily Moes said. “It’s a team doing it together.”
That’s the mantra the program has possessed for years. Of course, mindsets and approaches only stick if they’re represented by a team’s best players. Which is why Lakeville South has been so successful with its ways.
Moes lives that philosophy.
“She moves the ball, she gives it to other people, she drives and draws attention,” Cougars coach Joel Tornell said. “She’s a part of our team and that’s been our goal the whole time, a team-first mentality. And she’s bought into that from the very beginning.”
The senior leads the state in goals (68) and points (109). And yet Tornell said those numbers could “probably be a lot higher if we let her go more.
”
But that’s not in the Cougars’ DNA, nor is it in Moes’. Six Lakeville South players have 25-plus goals this season. In their 16 victories, the Cougars are outscoring opponents by an average score of 19-3. So there have been plenty of opportunities to get reserves into games. And when that has happened …
“She worked really hard … to find them, get them the pass to be able to score,” Tornell said. “Just that team-first mentality piece is huge, too.”
The identity of the best team in the state, Moes is the 2023 East Metro girls lacrosse player of the year.
“Assists mean just as much to me as goals. I love making plays myself, but then also seeing teammates make plays is an amazing feeling,” Moes said. “I love to do crease rolls, I love making things happen and definitely having a vision of the field and seeing what plays are out there and what needs to happen, and reading the defense is super fun for me.”
Asked how Moes has grown the most during her varsity lacrosse experience, the Cal-Berkeley commit points to leadership.
She values being an example for others and fostering a positive environment in which all can thrive.
Moes experienced the benefits of that first hand last spring. She played a key role in Lakeville South’s state title run in 2022, but not before battling through adversity. Moes tore her ACL in the summer leading into her junior year. Her reintegration into the spring season was gradual. She would play five minutes in a half to start, then 10 and so on. Moes cherished the support she felt from her teammates throughout the journey.
“They celebrated every moment of that with me, which is just an unbeatable feeling,” she said. “Even when I wasn’t super confident in myself, to have others so confident in me and like, ‘You got this! You’re coming back,’ and to trust me after not playing for so long, it was an awesome, awesome feeling.”
And Moes couldn’t be more grateful to be healthy for her senior season to get the full-fledged final experience with her teammates, which reaches its conclusion this week.
“Obviously, I loved lacrosse before I got injured, but now it’s just so much more sweet to be on the field and playing the whole game. Stuff still comes up with my knee, but you work through it and you move on, and the hard work mindset stays with me,” she said. “I’m going to work through whatever comes my way. It’s an awesome feeling to get back on the field.”
Finalists
Ella Berg, junior midfielder, Gentry: Louisville commit notched 77 points while leading the Stars to a section final.
Gabby Bouman, senior attack, Lakeville South: Xavier commit has 53 goals to help guide lethal offense for undefeated Cougars.
McKenna Cunnington, senior midfielder, Mahtomedi: Oregon commit had 63 goals and 25 assists this spring.
Shelby Hansen, senior attack, Park: Concordia-St. Paul commit scored 64 goals to lead Wolfpack to 12 wins and first Suburban East Conference title.
Tori Liljegren, senior midfielder, Stillwater: Lindenwood commit dominates the draw for the state-bound Ponies.
