11 Insider Lacrosse Stick Secrets Coaches Want You To Know

11 Insider Lacrosse Stick Secrets Coaches Want You To Know

The Ideal Attack Stick Length for Accuracy and Quickness

When choosing an attack stick, length is one of the most critical factors. The ideal length allows you to wield your stick with precision while maintaining the quickness needed to dodge defenders. But what exactly is that magic number?

Most elite attackmen opt for sticks between 30 and 32 inches. This relatively short length gives you ultimate control and dexterity for stick handling, passing, and shooting in tight spaces around the crease. The compact size also makes it easy to protect your stick while dodging. You can swiftly swing it across your body or tightly tuck it to shield against checks.

Longer sticks around 34 inches provide a bit more reach which can be beneficial for picking corners on longer shots. But they may come at the expense of quickness and precision. Whipping an extra long stick around can make it harder to cradle and finish on the run.

So if you’re an attackman looking to take your game to the next level, getting a stick between 30 and 32 inches is ideal. This gives you the perfect blend of accuracy, power, and maneuverability needed to dominate around the net. Work on your shooting daily with a stick in this length range. You’ll be sniping top corners and dodging through traffic before you know it.

Customizing your attack stick length based on your height and style of play is key. Don’t just copy what the pros use or go with what feels “standard.” Take the time to experiment in practice with different lengths until you find your accuracy sweet spot. This small customization could be the difference between hitting the back of the net versus clanging one off the pipe!

How Midfield Shafts Impact Speed and Ball Control

As a midfielder, your stick shaft has a huge impact on your overall speed and ball control. Choosing the right shaft length and material for your playing style is crucial.

The typical midfield shaft length is 60 inches. This longer pole gives you better reach for scooping up ground balls and intercepting passes. The extra length also generates more whip on shots for increased velocity. However, some players prefer shafts as short as 52 inches for quicker footwork and tighter cradling.

In terms of material, most midi shafts today are made of lightweight metals like titanium and scandium alloys. The durability and strength of metal resists warping and denting, while the light weight prevents fatigue over long possessions. Advanced alloys and engineering allow shafts to flex for better ball feel and control.

Some players still prefer the classic feel and handling of a wooden shaft. Wood offers a smooth, consistent flex pattern and “hold” for the ball. It’s also better at dampening vibration. The main drawback is the extra weight compared to metal, which can slow you down over four quarters. Composite shafts aim to provide the best of both worlds.

Testing out various shaft lengths and materials is the best way to find your ideal balance of speed and control. Think about how you like to play and what elements of your game need the most improvement. Do you want faster footwork to beat defenders but already have good stick skills? Then a shorter, composite shaft could be the perfect fit. Are you all speed but want softer handling? Maybe a wooden shaft around 58 inches does the trick.

Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the shaft that feels like an extension of your arm. With the right midi shaft, you’ll have the confidence to create offense anywhere on the field while backing down from no one in transition.

Why Lightweight D Poles Give You an Edge on Defense

As a defender, a lighter d-pole gives you a significant advantage in foot speed, endurance, and stick checks. With technology improving stick materials every year, you no longer need to use a heavy wooden pole to get stopped power.

Titanium and scandium alloy poles that weigh under 300 grams are now the norm at the college and pro levels. Some carbon fiber shafts even dip below 200 grams. This extreme lightweight allows for quicker footwork and recovery during slides and isolations.

Lighter poles also reduce fatigue over the course of a game, keeping your legs fresher in the fourth quarter. You’ll have more energy to lock off cutters and throw takeaway checks late into the second half.

Despite their lightweight feel, modern metal alloys maintain excellent durability and resistance to bending. They have more than enough stiffness to jar the ball loose while holding up play after play. Advanced engineering provides specific flex points for improved handling too.

Of course, a lighter pole may take some adjustment coming from a traditional wooden stick. It’s important to develop your strength training so you still have stopping power. But once you get used to it, a sub-300 gram d-pole will transform your defense through speed and endurance.

Don’t be the slowest defender on the field simply because of your pole choice. Invest in the latest lightweight shaft technology and watch your game rise to new heights.

When to Use Extra Long Lacrosse Shafts

While attack and midfield sticks are typically 30-60 inches, some players opt for extra long shafts over 72 inches. But when does it make sense to use these extended poles?

On defense, tall players in the 6’3″-6’6″ range can leverage extra long poles for superior reach on checks, knockdowns, and ground ball pickups. An 80″ defender can protect a huge amount of space just by holding their stick out. Extra long poles are also great for defensemen who like to press out high and play aggressively.

At midfield, some fogo specialists use oversized 72-84 inch shafts to gain a leverage advantage at the faceoff X. By pushing their bottom hand far down the shaft, they can generate immense clamping power while still keeping their top hand close to the head for control. This allows them to overpower opponents on the draw.

On the offensive end, midfielders sometimes use poles over 72 inches to maintain distance from defenders during dodges. By holding the stick at the end and away from their body, they can ward off checks and create space for their shot. An extended pole can also provide insane velocities on passes and shots.

The main downside of extra long shafts is reduced maneuverability in traffic. Quick stick handling and tight cradling becomes challenging with so much length. For most players under 6’4″, a 72″ pole or longer may simply be unwieldy on the field.

In the end, long pole length comes down to leveraging your body type and playing style. If you can utilize the extra reach to your advantage without sacrificing too much mobility, go for the extended shaft.

The 60-Inch Lacrosse Shaft Sweet Spot for Versatility

When it comes to men’s lacrosse shaft lengths, 60 inches is considered the ideal all-around size. This versatile length works well for a variety of positions and playing styles.

For midfielders, 60 inches provides excellent balance between reach and maneuverability. You gain enough length to scoop ground balls and throw longer passes, yet the pole is still short enough to cradle and shoot accurately on the run.

On defense, 60 inches is on the shorter end for close defenders. But it gives you better foot speed and recovery for defending quick attackmen behind the cage or pressuring hands up top. Takeaway checks also gain velocity compared to extra long poles.

For offensive middies and attackmen, 60 inches can be used to add distance from defenders during dodges while still allowing good stick control. You’ll have the range to hit corners on shots too.

The main drawback of the 60-inch pole is that it doesn’t maximize any one skill set. Extra short or long shafts provide more specialized benefits. But in terms of versatility across positions and situations, 60 inches is right in the lacrosse shaft “sweet spot.”

Many high school and youth players start off with a 60-inch pole because of its do-it-all nature. As you get more experienced and transition into a set position, you may want to size down or up. But you really can’t go wrong developing your skills with a 60 inch shaft.

Old School Wooden D-Poles – Vintage Vibe, Modern Performance

Wooden lacrosse shafts have been around since the Native American origins of the sport. And while metal and composite poles now dominate, some defenders still swear by the old school wooden d-pole.

Wood offers a solid yet flexible feel prized by stick traditionalists. The soft “hold” as you cradle provides excellent control. Wooden shafts also provide great touch on checks – you can feel exactly when the ball pops free. The extra weight over metal requires strength but builds power.

Modern wooden shafts utilize advanced laminates like rock elm and fiberglass to reduce weight while retaining strength. This helps prevent splintering or warping over time. High-end wood shafts from brands like Epoch and Thompson weigh just over 300 grams – on par with many alloy models.

The iconic look and vintage vibe of a handcrafted maple or hickory pole also appeals to some players. And the sound of wooden shafts colliding on checks just feels nostalgic.

In the end, wooden lacrosse d-poles offer a timeless classic feel with plenty of modern engineering for today’s game. While not as ubiquitous as the past, they remain a popular choice at all levels. So don’t sleep on wood – with the right shaft, you can uphold tradition while still dominating between the lines.

Optimal Men’s Stick Lengths By Position and Skill

Selecting the right lacrosse stick length is crucial for maximizing your skills and comfort on the field. While personal preference comes into play, here are some general guidelines for men by position:

For attackmen, 30-32 inch sticks are recommended to enable precise shooting and quick dodges in tight quarters. Exceptional ball handlers can sometimes get away with lengths down to 28 inches for insane control.

Midfielders generally benefit from longer shafts of 52-62 inches. This improves reach for scooping, passing, and shooting on the run. Shorter poles from 52-56 inches optimize speed and cradling for finesse players.

Defensive poles typically range from 60-72+ inches. Length helps with checks and knocking down passes. Extra height above 6’4″ can warrant bumping up to 80″+ shafts.

Faceoff specialists benefit from oversized poles of 72-84 inches to gain leverage advantages at the X. The extra length allows them to clamp and control their opponent’s stick.

In the end, optimal lacrosse stick length correlates closely with player height and position. But you should always take into account your personal style, strengths, and preferences too. Don’t be afraid to experiment below or above the norms if it suits your game.

Customizing Pocket Depth for Superior Cradling and Passing

Dialing in the optimal pocket depth is vital for enhancing your lacrosse stick’s handling, cradling and passing. While stick specs have certain legal limits, you still have some room for customization based on your preferences and needs.

In general, a medium pocket depth around 3-4 inches tends to provide the best all-around performance. This gives you enough of a “sweet spot” for clean cradling and maintaining control of the ball. But it’s not so deep that the ball gets stuck or bounces out on passes.

For midfielders and attackmen who do a lot of dodging through traffic, a slightly shallower pocket around 2-3 inches can help. The tighter channel lessens ball rattle to protect possession on slashes and checks. It also provides crisp passing and the quick release needed around the crease.

Defenders who want maximum ball retention and security can usually get away with drop pockets at the 4-5 inch legal limit. This deeper pocket helps shield ground balls and intercepted passes from being jarred free during clears.

No matter your position, don’t settle for a factory pocket tie-in. Get your stick restrung to match your playing style and skills. Bring it to the ideal depth for cradling, control, quickness and confidence. Dial in your pocket, then dominate the game.

Are You Holding Your Stick Too Tight? Proper Grip for Control.

It’s a common mistake for lacrosse players to choke up and death-grip their stick handles. While an overly tight grip provides a sense of security, it actually hinders your control, precision, and quickness.

The ideal lacrosse stick hold keeps the top hand looser for more fluid cradling, passing, and shooting. Think light grip, not white knuckles! This allows your stick to pivot smoothly as you swing it side to side.

Your power should come from the bottom hand near the butt end. This hand can clench tightly to generate whip on passes and shots. But keep those top fingers relaxed.

Precise stick checks also require a looser grip up top for snap and recoil. If your hand tenses up, the check will lose speed and control. Keep the head sort of floating while your bottom hand drives through.

Start practicing with a light top hand hold during drills. At first it may feel awkward losing that vice grip security blanket. But you’ll notice cleaner handling and more fluid mechanics. Break the death grip habit now so your skills reach new heights.

Reduce Checks and Improve Stick Protection with these Drills

Getting your stick checked can lead to turnovers and frustration. Use these training drills to improve your stick security and evasive maneuvering.

To reduce poke checks, have a partner swing at your stick from different angles as you cradle. Concentrate on angling your body while hugging the stick close to shield it. Develop an awareness of open space and learn to cradle into it.

For slap checks, cradle with pressure coming from the side. Have your partner lightly slash so you can maintain possession. Keep your hands active to absorb the impact while concentrating on smooth transitions.

To evade lift checks, recruit a teammate to approach from behind and lift near your gloved hand. Switch hands quickly and scoop the ball across your body into open space. This mimics real game motions to protect possession.

Finally, do rapid fire checks and cradling with a partner. Exchange lightning quick checks from all directions, forcing each other to cradle out and regroup. The rapid reactions will hone your evasive reflexes.

By rehearsing different check scenarios at full speed, you’ll gain the confidence to weather any contact. Incorporate these drills into your routine and good luck prying the ball away!

Stick Tricks to Develop Dexterity and Lacrosse IQ

Mastering lacrosse stick tricks does more than just look cool – it develops hands skills and feel that translate directly to game performance.

Behind-the-back cradling is a crowd favorite that improves hand-eye coordination and body awareness. Start by cradling waist level, then bend your elbows sharply to swing the stick behind your back. Switch hands after each rep and build up speed.

The can opener develops dexterity in isolating and turning your wrists – perfect for stick handling. Flip the head over 180 degrees while opening and closing your wrists, like a can opener. Do it behind the back for a challenge!

Around-the-worlds strengthen split-second hand transitions needed for quick passing and dodging. Swing the stick over your shoulder and across your body to your opposite hand in one smooth, circular motion.

Finally, toe pops teach you to sink your bottom hand for power. Place the butt end on your shoe and flick firmly downward to pop the ball up. Control the bounce with your top hand to snag it.

Not only will stick tricks give you style points, they’ll lead to noticeable improvements in handling, passing, shooting and confidence. Even just 10 minutes daily will hone your skills exponentially. Lax bros unite!

Customizing Your Attack Stick Length Based on Height

Finding your ideal attack stick length has a lot to do with your height and reach. Here are some general guidelines based on height:

For shorter attackmen around 5’3″ – 5’7″, sticks in the 27-30 inch range allow you to wield the stick quickly in tight quarters. You gain superior control for threading passes near the crease and ripping accurate shots.

Average height attack players from 5’8″ – 6’0″ are usually most comfortable with attack sticks measuring 30-32 inches. This gives you good stick control while still providing some added reach on shots.

Taller attackmen over 6’1″ may prefer slightly longer sticks in the 32-34 inch range. The extra length allows bigger players to protect their stick while dodging against larger defenders. The added reach also provides high velocity shooting.

No matter your height, it’s important to test out different lengths to find your accuracy and comfort sweet spot. Don’t just grab any 30-inch stick and assume it’s right for you. Take the time to tailor your stick to your game for optimal precision.

With the right length customized to your height and playing style, you’ll have the quickness, control and confidence to become a dominant scoring threat anywhere near the crease.

Finding the Right Midfield Shaft Flex for You

The amount of flex or stiffness in your midfield shaft impacts handling, passing, and shooting. Here’s how to find the flex profile that fits your game.

Stiffer shafts with minimal flex provide more stability and consistency when passing and shooting. They resist warping at high speeds while giving you more power. Stiff flex works well for midfielders who like to rip shots and deliver crisp feeds.

Moderate flex shafts offer a blend of stability with some added “give” for better ball feel and control. The shaft acts like a shock absorber to soften passes and improve touch. Mod-flex suits finesse middies.

Maximum flex shafts bend the most on cradle and deliver an extra “whip” on passes, much like a wooden stick. While great for ball control, they can lack consistency due to excessive warped pocket placement.

Test out poles across the flex spectrum to see what works for you. Control freaks may like max flex for soft handling, while power middies need a stiffer profile. Match your shaft flex to your style for next-level performance.

Don’t settle for an “okay” factory flex – get a shaft tuned for your specific handling, passing and shooting style. The right flex paired with your skills will give you an instant edge on the competition.

Wooden Vs. Metal D-Pole: Making the Classic Vs. New School Choice

Choosing between a traditional wooden d-pole or modern metal shaft comes down to personal preference for feel, durability, and performance.

Wooden shafts offer unmatched “hold” and control when cradling, thanks to the soft flexibility of materials like rock elm. Wood also provides great touch for checking – you can feel exactly when the ball pops free. That satisfying wooden “clack” on checks just feels right.

However, wood is easily dented and warped, leading to a shorter lifespan. Extra weight from materials like hickory and maple also increase fatigue over the course of a game.

Advanced metal alloys provide consistent performance nearly immune to warping. Scandium, titanium, and carbon shafts are ultra-lightweight for maximum foot speed and endurance. They have enough flex for control but maintain stiffness for power.

On the downside, some players feel like metal shafts transmit too much vibration on checks. The slick surface can also reduce ball control compared to wood. There’s no replicating that classic wooden “hold.”

At the end of the day, it comes down to feeling out your preferences during stringing and practice. Try poles of each material to determine if old-school wood or new-school metal suits your playing style.

Achieving the Optimal Faceoff Stick Length for Leverage

In the never-ending arms race for faceoff dominance, pole length is a key weapon. Longer sticks allow fogos to achieve optimal clamping leverage and control.

The average length for faceoff sticks is 72-78 inches. This provides excellent clamping torque at the X by enabling a bottom hand far down the shaft, while still allowing maneuverability. Longer poles also help box out opponents during scrums.

Elite fogos are increasingly moving to oversized poles of 80+ inches for even more clamping power and deny ability. Longer shafts allow them to pin their opponent’s sticks with ease for early possession wins.

On the other hand, some faceoff specialists opt for shorter, quicker sticks of just 60-65 inches. While sacrificing length, shorter poles provide better ground ball scooping agility and rapid direction changes during scrambles.

As with midfielder and defender shaft lengths, personal height and wingspan should factor into your ideal faceoff pole length. Test out different lengths to find your optimum balance of clamping leverage versus mobility for owning the X.

Don’t get caught with a factory attack or defense shaft on faceoffs. Arm yourself with an oversized pole tailored to maximizing your leverage and giving you that initial clamping edge.