How to choose the right Gait lacrosse stick for women. What factors to consider when selecting a lacrosse stick. Which Gait lacrosse sticks are best for different positions and skill levels. How to optimize your lacrosse stick for better performance.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Length: A Crucial Factor for Performance

Selecting the appropriate lacrosse stick length is fundamental to a player’s success on the field. The ideal length varies based on age, position, and personal preference. For women’s lacrosse sticks, lengths typically range from 30 to 35 inches.

Youth players under 12 years old benefit from shorter sticks, usually between 30 to 32 inches. These compact designs allow for better control and skill development. As players mature, they can transition to longer sticks that offer increased reach and versatility.

Stick Length Recommendations by Position

• Midfielders: 33-35 inches for extended reach and draw control
• Attackers: 30-32 inches for quick maneuvers and precise ball handling
• Defenders: 32-34 inches to balance checking ability with control
• Goalies: 30-33 inches for swift reactions within the crease

How does stick length affect playing style? A longer stick provides better reach for intercepting passes and maintaining possession during draws. Conversely, a shorter stick offers increased maneuverability, ideal for dodging defenders and executing quick shots.

Pocket Design: The Key to Superior Ball Control

The pocket of a lacrosse stick is crucial for ball control, retention, and overall performance. When selecting a Gait lacrosse stick, consider the pocket design carefully to match your playing style and position.

Types of Pockets

1. Pre-strung pockets: Ideal for beginners, offering consistent performance out of the box
2. Custom pockets: Perfect for experienced players who want to fine-tune their stick’s performance

What aspects of pocket design should players consider? Key factors include pocket depth, shape, location, shooting strings, and sidewall strings. A deeper pocket provides better ball security but may slow release speed, while a shallower pocket allows for quicker passes and shots.

Pocket Customization Tips

• Adjust pocket depth based on position and playing style
• Experiment with U-shaped or V-shaped pockets for different cradle feels
• Modify pocket location to change release points on shots and passes
• Add or remove shooting strings to alter the pocket channel
• Adjust sidewall strings to fine-tune pocket width and ball control

Sidewall Stiffness: Balancing Power and Accuracy

The stiffness of a lacrosse stick’s sidewalls plays a significant role in determining power and accuracy. Gait offers a range of options to suit different player preferences and skill levels.

How does sidewall stiffness impact performance? Softer, more flexible sidewalls provide increased ball control and forgiveness, making them ideal for developing players. Stiffer sidewalls offer enhanced power and precision, favored by more experienced athletes.

Choosing the Right Sidewall Stiffness

• Beginners: Opt for softer sidewalls for easier ball control and skill development
• Intermediate players: Consider a balance of flexibility and stiffness
• Advanced players: Lean towards stiffer sidewalls for maximum power and accuracy

Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting sidewall stiffness. It’s advisable to test different options before making a final decision.

Top Gait Lacrosse Sticks for Women in 2024

Gait has established itself as a leading brand in women’s lacrosse equipment. Here are some of their top stick options for 2024, catering to various positions and skill levels:

1. Gait Apex Pro

The Gait Apex Pro is designed for elite-level players seeking maximum performance. It features a stiff sidewall construction for powerful shots and passes, coupled with a precisely engineered head shape for optimal ball control.

• Ideal for: Advanced midfielders and attackers
• Length: 33-35 inches
• Key features: Stiff sidewalls, customizable pocket, lightweight design

2. Gait Torque II

The Gait Torque II offers a perfect balance of control and power, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced players. Its versatile design accommodates various playing styles and positions.

• Ideal for: Versatile players across all positions
• Length: 32-34 inches
• Key features: Mid-flex sidewalls, pre-strung pocket with customization options

3. Gait Air

Designed for speed and agility, the Gait Air is perfect for attackers and midfielders who prioritize quick movements and precise ball handling. Its lightweight construction reduces fatigue during long games or practices.

• Ideal for: Agile attackers and midfielders
• Length: 30-32 inches
• Key features: Ultra-lightweight, flexible sidewalls, shallow pocket

4. Gait Defender Pro

The Gait Defender Pro is engineered specifically for defensive players. It offers extended reach and a stiffer construction to facilitate effective checking and interceptions.

• Ideal for: Defensive players
• Length: 33-35 inches
• Key features: Stiff sidewalls, wider head shape, reinforced construction

5. Gait Rookie

Perfect for beginners and younger players, the Gait Rookie provides a forgiving design that aids in skill development. Its softer sidewalls and pre-strung pocket make it ready for immediate use.

• Ideal for: Beginners and youth players
• Length: 30-32 inches
• Key features: Soft sidewalls, wide head shape, pre-strung pocket

Optimizing Your Gait Lacrosse Stick for Peak Performance

Once you’ve selected your Gait lacrosse stick, there are several ways to optimize its performance to suit your individual needs and playing style.

Breaking In Your Stick

How can you effectively break in a new lacrosse stick? Follow these steps to customize the pocket and improve overall feel:

1. Wall ball practice: Spend time throwing against a wall to soften the pocket
2. Pocket massaging: Gently work the pocket with your hands to increase flexibility
3. Wet forming: Dampen the pocket and shape it while drying to customize the channel

Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance ensures your Gait lacrosse stick performs at its best for longer. Consider these maintenance practices:

• Regular cleaning: Remove dirt and debris after each use
• String inspection: Check for wear and replace strings as needed
• Proper storage: Keep your stick in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Pocket reshaping: Periodically adjust the pocket to maintain optimal shape

Choosing the Right Gait Lacrosse Stick for Your Skill Level

Selecting a lacrosse stick that matches your skill level is crucial for continued improvement and enjoyment of the game. Gait offers options suitable for players at every stage of their lacrosse journey.

Beginner Level

For those new to the sport, what features should you look for in a Gait lacrosse stick?

• Wider head shape for easier catching
• Softer sidewalls for forgiving ball control
• Pre-strung pocket for immediate use
• Shorter length for better maneuverability

The Gait Rookie is an excellent choice for beginners, offering all these features in a user-friendly package.

Intermediate Level

As players develop their skills, they may benefit from a stick that offers more versatility and customization. Intermediate players should consider:

• Mid-flex sidewalls for a balance of control and power
• Customizable pocket options
• Slightly longer length for increased reach

The Gait Torque II is well-suited for intermediate players, providing a good balance of features that support skill progression.

Advanced Level

Elite players require sticks that offer maximum performance and customization. Advanced players should look for:

• Stiffer sidewalls for powerful shots and passes
• Highly customizable pocket designs
• Specialized features for specific positions

The Gait Apex Pro is an excellent choice for advanced players, offering top-tier performance and customization options.

The Impact of Technology on Gait Lacrosse Stick Design

Gait continuously incorporates cutting-edge technology into their lacrosse stick designs to enhance player performance. Understanding these technological advancements can help you make an informed decision when selecting your next stick.

Material Innovations

How have material advancements improved lacrosse stick performance? Gait utilizes state-of-the-art materials to create sticks that are:

• Lighter: Reducing player fatigue during extended play
• Stronger: Enhancing durability and longevity
• More responsive: Improving feel and control

For example, the Gait Air incorporates ultra-lightweight composite materials to maximize speed and agility on the field.

Aerodynamic Design

Gait’s research into aerodynamics has led to head designs that reduce air resistance, allowing for faster stick movement and more accurate passes and shots. The Gait Apex Pro, for instance, features a streamlined head shape that cuts through the air more efficiently.

Customization Technology

Advanced manufacturing techniques allow Gait to offer unprecedented levels of customization. Players can now fine-tune their sticks to an extent that was previously impossible, with options including:

• 3D-printed pocket components for precise shape control
• Variable stiffness sidewalls within a single stick
• Interchangeable parts for on-the-fly adjustments

These technological advancements ensure that Gait lacrosse sticks remain at the forefront of performance and innovation in women’s lacrosse.

Sustainability in Gait Lacrosse Stick Production

As environmental concerns become increasingly important, Gait has taken steps to make their lacrosse stick production more sustainable. This commitment to eco-friendly practices adds another dimension to consider when choosing your lacrosse equipment.

Eco-Friendly Materials

How is Gait incorporating sustainable materials into their lacrosse sticks? The company has begun exploring and implementing:

• Recycled plastics in non-critical components
• Bio-based polymers derived from renewable resources
• Sustainably sourced wood for traditional stick options

While performance remains the top priority, these material choices help reduce the environmental impact of lacrosse stick production.

Manufacturing Processes

Gait has also focused on optimizing their manufacturing processes to reduce waste and energy consumption. Some of these initiatives include:

• Implementing energy-efficient machinery
• Utilizing 3D printing for prototyping to reduce material waste
• Streamlining production lines to minimize transportation between manufacturing stages

Longevity and Repairability

Another aspect of sustainability is the longevity of the product. Gait designs their sticks with durability in mind, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, many Gait sticks feature replaceable parts, allowing players to repair rather than replace their entire stick when components wear out.

By considering these sustainability factors alongside performance features, players can make environmentally conscious choices without sacrificing quality in their lacrosse equipment.

Choosing the Right Length Lacrosse Stick Based on Age and Position

When selecting a lacrosse stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the length. Lacrosse sticks come in a range of lengths, typically varying from 30 to 35 inches for women’s sticks. The optimal length depends primarily on the player’s age and position on the field.

For young players under 12 years old, a shorter stick length is recommended. 30 to 32 inch sticks allow for greater control and quicker handling of the ball. Shorter sticks help build fundamental stick skills in youth players before moving up to a full-length model.

In women’s lacrosse, midfield players generally prefer longer sticks for added reach and passing range. Sticks 33 to 35 inches long give midfielders an edge in gaining possession on draws and providing effective outlet passing. Longer sticks also aid in protecting the ball from defenders.

In contrast, attack players favor shorter, more maneuverable sticks for tighter stick work in traffic around the crease. Sticks 30 to 32 inches in length provide the quick release and tight cradling needed for attackers to corral feeds and finish shots in tight spaces.

For defenders, a stick length in the 32 to 34 inch range allows for poke checking, intercepting passes, and stick checking without sacrificing too much control. Defenders must balance their defensive positioning and footwork with the ability to move the stick quickly to disrupt opponents’ passing and shooting.

Goalies also do best with a shorter, more maneuverable stick length to make dramatic saves on quick shot attempts. Sticks around 30 to 33 inches maximize a goalie’s ability to react and control the ball in all planes within the crease.

Testing stick lengths and getting input from coaches is recommended to zero in on the ideal length based on playing style, strengths, and position on the field. With the right length stick, players can reach their full potential in ball control, passing, shooting, and outmaneuvering opponents.

Choosing the Best Pocket Design for Optimal Ball Control and Holding

The pocket of a lacrosse stick plays a critical role in ball control and retention. When selecting a womens lacrosse stick, pay close attention to pocket design, shape, depth and location to find the optimal configuration for your playing style and position.

Beginners should start with a pre-strung, basic pocket that provides a balanced and consistent pocket shape. A mid-to-low pocket depth allows for easy scooping, catching, throwing and shooting as beginners develop their skills. Sticks with a basic pocket come ready to use right out of the packaging.

For more experienced players, a custom pocket allows you to customize the pocket to your exact preferences. A custom pocket provides more options to tweak the pocket shape, depth, and location on the head. This advanced level of customization gives elite players an edge in ball control and retention.

In a custom pocket, consider adjusting the following elements:

– Pocket depth – Deeper pockets help hold the ball securely, while shallow pockets allow for quicker release. Midfielders may prefer a deeper pocket for carrying the ball upfield while attackers need a shallow pocket for quick passing and shots on goal.

– Pocket shape – A rounded “U” shaped pocket helps cradle the ball, while a narrow “V” shaped pocket adds control. Beginners do best with a wider rounded pocket before transitioning to a narrower design.

– Pocket location – Centering the deepest part of the pocket under the scoop allows for easy ball pickup. For elite players, shifting the pocket slightly up or down changes release points on shots and passes.

– Shooting strings – Adding a shooting string narrows the pocket channel for accurate passing and shooting. Vertical or V-shaped shooting strings provide the tightest channel.

– Sidewall strings – More sidewall strings pull the pocket higher up the head for increased ball control. Fewer strands widen the pocket for easier scooping.

Testing pocket shapes at lacrosse shops and getting input from experienced players helps determine the ideal pocket design. With the right pocket dialed in, players gain an advantage in protecting the ball, receiving fast feeds, and firing off accurate shots.

Choosing the Right Sidewall Stiffness for Optimal Power and Accuracy

The sidewall stiffness of a lacrosse stick significantly impacts both the power and accuracy of passing, catching, and shooting. As you shop for women’s lacrosse sticks, pay close attention to the sidewall design and materials to find the right blend of flex and stiffness.

Soft, flexible sidewalls offer the benefit of increased ball control, especially for developing players. Sidewalls with some give allow the pocket to “hug” the ball, making it easier to cradle and protect. Soft sidewalls also provide a more forgiving margin of error on errant passes and shots.

The trade-off with a more flexible sidewall is decreased passing and shooting power. As the head gives with each cradle motion, some energy is lost. The ball will bounce out of a soft pocket on harder, faster shots. For elite players who prioritize shooting velocity and precise passing, a stiff sidewall is a must.

Stiffer sidewalls allow energy to transfer directly into the ball for maximum speed and accuracy. A tight channel and pinched hold on the ball prevents glancing shots. Advanced players can rip high-speed passes and laser shots into the corners with a stiff sidewall design.

To increase stiffness, manufacturers use stronger materials in the sidewall like aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, high-grade titanium, and composite alloys. Structural supports like Truss 2.0 and I-Beam technologies also amp up stiffness without adding weight.

For most youth and women’s field players, a mid-level sidewall stiffness provides the best of both worlds. A partially-flexible sidewall offers good control, feel, and accuracy while still providing solid passing and shooting power as skills progress.

Trying out sticks with varying sidewall stiffness, and getting advice from coaches and experienced players, helps determine the right amount of flex versus stiffness. With the ideal sidewall for your game, you’ll gain consistency in cradling, passing, catching and firing shots with precision.

Comparing Materials Like Aluminum, Titanium, and Scandium in Lacrosse Sticks

The materials used in constructing the head and shaft of a lacrosse stick have a direct impact on its performance, durability, and price point. As you shop for women’s lacrosse sticks, compare the pros and cons of common materials like aluminum, titanium, and scandium alloys.

Aluminum is a traditional material used in lacrosse stick heads and shafts due to its light weight, strength, and affordable cost. Aircraft grade aluminum alloys provide good stiffness for accurate passing and shooting. The main downside is that aluminum tends to dent easier than premium alloys.

Titanium alloys represent a step up in strength and dent resistance over aluminum. Titanium offers superior stiffness for improved ball control. It holds its structure well through body checks and repeated impacts. The trade-off is titanium weighs slightly more than aluminum and costs more as well.

Scandium is a rare, premium material prized for an ultra light weight along with tremendous strength. Scandium alloys weigh up to 25% less than aluminum while being 200% stronger against dents. The ultra light weight boosts handling and control. The downsides are scandium’s high cost and limited supply.

Alloy blends that combine multiple metals are also popular. Aluminum mixed with titanium or scandium creates lightweight sticks with added dent resistance compared to pure aluminum. Composite materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber are also sometimes used in shafts.

For most players’ budgets, straight aluminum or aluminum/titanium alloy blends offer the best balance of performance, durability, and value. Scandium and exotic alloys provide a lightweight, elite-level playing experience for those able to afford the higher cost.

Beyond materials, manufacturing techniques also affect durability. Brands use words like “ProForm” and “Ultraform” to denote heads forged from a single, seamless piece of metal for superior strength.

Handling sticks made with different materials helps determine the right blend of lightness, stiffness, and durability. Consider materials as one factor along with pocket design, sidewall structure, and length when selecting your ideal lacrosse stick.

Reviewing Top Brands Known for Quality Women’s Lacrosse Sticks

When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse stick, one of the most important considerations is brand. Top athletic equipment manufacturers produce sticks with key differences in materials, technologies, quality control, and performance. Review some of the leading brands known for excellence in women’s lacrosse sticks.

STX specializes in lacrosse sticks and equipment, making them a premier brand for women’s lacrosse. STX sticks offer excellent craftsmanship along with technologies like their Precision Pocket system for optimized ball control. STX focuses on elite-level gear for players looking for a championship-caliber stick.

Maverik is another brand that concentrates on lacrosse gear. Maverik engineers sticks for precise passing, excellent stick handling, and Maximum Offset technology for added whip on shots. Their sticks consistently rank at the top for quality and performance year after year.

Warrior makes lacrosse sticks along with other sports equipment. Warrior sticks feature technologies like Truss 2.0 and Tri-Flex sidewalls to create rigid yet lightweight sticks built for speed. Warrior offers sticks catering to every skill level and budget.

Brine is known for their innovative pocket and sidewall designs allowing for great ball control. Brine sticks also incorporate unique elements like splash graphics and neon colors to reflect players’ personalities. They make sticks tailored for all field positions.

Nike produces lacrosse gear under their Nike brand along with Swoosh and Houdini lines. These sticks offer premium quality with lightweight alloy metals and comfortable grips. Nike caters to developing youth players up through elite high school and college athletes.

Testing sticks across brands helps determine which one matches your playing style and feel preference. While pricing varies, all these major manufacturers create exceptional sticks thanks to their lacrosse focus and engineering innovations. Selecting a stick from a top brand ensures a balance of quality, performance, and value.

Shopping Top Models From Maverik, STX, and Warrior

Within the major lacrosse brands, each company produces their sticks in tiered product lines. The flagship models incorporate the latest technologies and materials for optimal performance. Shopping the top models from leading brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior is a great way to get a high-end stick.

For STX, their Crux 600 and Stallion 700 sticks represent their elite-level offerings. These sticks feature premium alloy metals like scandium for an ultra-lightweight feel. STX’s Precision Pocket system and memory mesh create optimal pocket shapes for excellent ball control. The sticks also incorporate carbon fiber strips for added strength.

Maverik’s Rome NXT lacrosse stick utilizes a hybrid titanium shaft for an ideal blend of stiffness, durability, and lightweight responsiveness. The head integrates Maverik’s Max Offset technology to deliver increased ball velocity for powerful shots on goal. Its Terminator pocket system creates a central channel for excellent ball control during cradling.

Warrior creates cutting-edge technologies like Tri-Flex sidewalls and Truss frames across their product line. The Burn Next stick exemplifies the pinnacle of their engineering. The Burn Next incorporates an asymmetrical frame optimizing the flex, feel, and scoop at key points on the head. Its Minimus Carbon Pro handle creates an incredibly lightweight yet strong grip.

While pricing is higher on flagship models, the performance gains and playing experience justify the cost for intermediate and elite players. The technologies trickle down over time into more affordable tiers. But getting a stick from the latest generation guarantees you the best materials and engineering the brand offers.

By testing out top sticks from leading manufacturers and reading reviews, players can experience the performance gains first-hand. Investing in your stick is investing in your game. So be sure to shop the premier models to get the most out of your play.

Customizing Lacrosse Sticks With Decorative Laces, Strings, and Leathers

Beyond performance technologies, another way to personalize a womens lacrosse stick is through custom decorative elements. Adding colorful laces, shooting strings, sidewall strings, and leather provide a way to showcase your style and personality.

Replacing the basic laces along the throat of the stick with vibrant, patterned laces amplifies style. Laces woven from glossy fabric or in neon hues make a bold statement. Weaving in leather strips or metallic accents levels up the look even further.

Swapping out standard nylon shooting strings for options in bright colors or premium leathers gives your stringing a stylish edge. Vertical shooting strings in alternating colors create an eye-catching checkerboard effect in the pocket channel.

likewise, sidewall strings on the head normally come in white or black from the factory. But you can customize the colors and materials to complement your pocket strings and laces. Mixing glossy nylon with softer leather cords provides contrast.

Adding touches like personalized nameplates and emblems on the top of the stick let you broadcast your brand. Display your number, name, or inspirational phrases with chrome, glitter, or holographic decals.

When modifying the decorative elements, be mindful not to overload on so many custom strings, leathers, or decals that it affects the playability. The underlying performance of the head and pocket should remain intact.

Customizing the cosmetic look makes a unique statement on the field. A lacrosse stick with vibrant colors and premium accents intimidates opponents and turns heads. The right styling lets your personality shine as brightly as your skills during gameplay.

Finding Sales and Deals to Get Lacrosse Sticks at Discounted Prices

With lacrosse sticks ranging in cost from $50 up to $300, finding ways to save money can make a big difference. Luckily, a number of sales and deals are available throughout the year to help buy women’s lacrosse sticks at reduced prices.

Monitoring holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day yields excellent lacrosse gear sales both online and in stores. Retailers deeply discount stick prices to drive customer traffic during major holidays.

Another prime sales opportunity is the off-season months of October through February. With most leagues on winter break, stores drop prices to clear old inventory before new models release in the spring.

Signing up for brand and retailer email lists grants access to special subscriber-only discounts and flash sales. Exclusive discount codes arrive right in your inbox so you never miss a deal.

Buying last year’s model sticks when the updated versions release in the spring cuts costs by 30% or more. Grab prior year clearance sticks and get big savings with negligible design differences.

Browsing the used sections on sites like SidelineSwap, Play It Again Sports, and Craigslist reveals steals on gently used sticks. Private sellers often list sticks at half off retail pricing.

Team up with teammates to buy in bulk direct from brands to unlock team and volume discounts. The more sticks purchased together, the lower the per-stick price will be.

With smart shopping tactics, buying a quality lacrosse stick doesn’t have to break the bank. Use sales events, clearance deals, used buys, and bulk orders to keep more money in your pocket while still getting top performing gear.

Reading Lacrosse Stick Reviews to Select the Best Stick for Your Skill Level

With so many lacrosse stick options on the market, reading reviews helps narrow down selections to find the optimal stick for your age and skill level. Focus on reviews that assess key performance factors like durability, passing, catching, shooting, and feel.

For beginners, look for sticks described as having excellent ball control, soft sidewalls for forgiveness, and easy scooping and passing. Brands like STX, Brine, and Maverik make sticks tailored specifically for new youth players. Reviews for starter sticks will emphasize how the sticks help build fundamentals and confidence.

Intermediate players need sticks balancing ball control with increased stiffness for developing shooting skills. Seek out reviews praising the combination of accuracy, power, and feel. The pocket shape should promote quick handling and release at medium speeds. Reviews will highlight stick versatility across all positions.

Elite player reviews focus on the pure performance factors. Look for consistent praise of the stiffness, channel, and precision on airborne passes, tight feeds, and high-velocity shots. Terms like “whip,” “pinpoint accuracy,” and “missile passing” indicate next-level sticks.

Also look for reviews by players at your position like goalie, attack, midfield, or defense. Reviews will call out features like stiff or flexible sidewalls, pocket types, and handling tailored for each position.

Reading 3-5 reviews for a given stick provides a well-rounded evaluation from different player perspectives. Watch for consistent high ratings and themes touching on feel, control, power, precision, and durability. Reviews help filter out marketing hype and find your perfect match.

Watching Lacrosse Stick Demo Videos to Evaluate Performance Before Buying

Beyond reading reviews, watching video demos represents another excellent way to evaluate lacrosse sticks before you buy. High quality demo videos showcase sticks in action to provide a visual assessment of key traits like throwing, catching, shooting, scooping, and cradling.

Look for demo videos showing sticks being used by players with skills matching your level. A stick review by a beginner focuses on fundamentals, while elite player videos demonstrate advanced techniques and power.

See how smoothly balls feed into the pocket when passing and catching. Ample room in the pocket along with secure holds indicates excellent ball control. Pay attention to the ball’s trajectory coming out on shots for an indicator of power and precision.

Also observe how cleanly ground balls are scooped up into the head from different angles and at speed. Repeated easy scooping shows off good ground ball performance.

Watch for smooth, even cradling across transitions between hands. Consistent cradling form signifies excellent overall maneuverability and handling.

Use slow motion views to inspect details like pocket shape, sidewall stiffness, and stringing configurations. Close-ups showcase premium materials and technologies on high-end sticks.

View videos from real gameplay when possible to see how sticks perform in live action. Demos of sticks in motion ultimately provide the best sense of speed, ball control, and feel leading up to purchase decisions.

Considering Starter Sets With Protective Lacrosse Gear Included

For new youth players, selecting a starter set with protective gear bundled together represents a great option. Starter sets include a beginner lacrosse stick along with essential protection like goggles, gloves, and pads to get started playing.

Typical starter sets feature a lightweight alloy or composite stick designed specifically for developing players. The head and pocket optimize scooping, cradling, passing, and catching fundamentals. Included gloves help handle the stick while providing protection.

Eye protection is essential for girls’ lacrosse, so quality goggles prove an invaluable addition in starter kits. Throat protectors also guard against dangerous checks to the neck area. Sets may include mouthguards as well.

Padding for the arms, shoulders, and ribs defend against routine contact. Softer pads allow for full motion and comfort during practice and games. Fitting pads properly boosts protection and minimizes interference.

Sticks bought individually usually cost around $50 – $100, but bundles discount full starter sets down to $150 – $200. The bundled savings make starter sets an affordable way to gain all the gear needed to begin playing lacrosse.

For parents equipping a young athlete new to the sport, starter sets remove the hassle of piecing together gear. High quality beginner packages conveniently provide everything required for those exciting first steps onto the field!

Joining Lacrosse Forums to Get Stick Recommendations

With so many equipment options, it helps to go straight to the source and ask experienced lacrosse players for their stick recommendations. Joining lacrosse forums and online communities provides the perfect place to get suggestions tailored to your needs.

On forums, you can outline key factors like your skill level, position, age, and budget. Fellow players who have tested a wide variety of sticks then provide personalized recommendations based on what works best for players like you.

For example, a midfielder might ask about sticks with excellent ball control and checking durability. Defenders may need a stick for elite poke checking and quick transitions. Goalies will request sticks optimizing reaction time in the crease. The community provides on-point guidance.

Narrow your questions down to the exact type of sticks and features you need guidance on. Ask about brands known for quality construction vs budget picks, pocket shapes for your position, optimal materials for your level, and the like.

Beyond recommendations, forums allow you to ask follow-up questions on details like stringing techniques, breaking in sticks, maintenance tips, and suggested drill work. The collective wisdom from the lacrosse community proves invaluable.

Sites like Lacrosse Forums Online, Lacrosse Forums, and Reddit Lacrosse host helpful discussions. Join the conversation, search existing threads, or start a new thread to tap into the collective experience of fellow players worldwide.

Getting Properly Fitted for Lacrosse Sticks by Sales Associates

To ensure you select the ideal lacrosse stick size and fit, visit a sporting goods store and ask sales associates for professional fitting advice. Experienced sales reps take key measurements and assess your needs to determine the perfect stick dimensions and construction.

Sales associates will measure the length of your dominant arm from your shoulder to fingertips. This arm length helps determine the proper stick length to allow for full range of motion when cradling and throwing. Add or remove inches from the arm length based on your position and skill level.

Hand size also comes into play for finding the best handle diameter – an overlooked but critical fitting factor. Skinny handles make it hard to grip strongly while thick handles prove uncomfortable and slow response time.

Your height factors into overall stick length as well. Taller players need longer sticks for greater reach when poke checking, intercepting passes, and covering ground. Stick length typically increases along with player height.

Beyond measurements, reps ask about your experience level, position, and aspects you want to improve on like shooting power, precision passing, or checking ability. This context helps select construction elements like stiff or flexible sidewalls, pocket depth, and shooting strings.

Onsite product testing with the sales associate provides instant performance feedback before purchase. Test cradling, scooping, passing, and simulated shots with properly fitted sticks.

With professional fitting guidance, you can hone in on the stick dimensions, materials, and features that align with your physique, skills, and goals on the field.

Joining a Lacrosse League to Learn and Improve Your Skills

Once you’ve purchased a lacrosse stick, joining a league represents the next step to hone your skills in a structured environment. Youth, high school, college, and adult lacrosse leagues provide coached games and valuable practice time with feedback.

Structured leagues teach you positional play, set plays, and key offensive and defensive strategies through repetitive drills. Skills develop rapidly with focused practice and applied coaching.

League play against different teams and opponents improves reaction time, decision making, and composure with the ball. You learn to adjust your game to match strengths and expose weaknesses.

Having set games schedules incentivizes regular practice to build muscle memory and stick handling abilities. Tracking your progress game-to-game keeps you motivated to continuously improve.

Most leagues divide teams based on age and ability levels to ensure fair matchups. Leagues enable you to compete and succeed against players at your current skill level.

Beyond your personal growth, leagues build camaraderie and sportsmanship through teamwork. Bonding through wins, losses, and hard work leads to lifelong memories and relationships.

Seeking out lacrosse leagues creates the structure and community to propel your development as an athlete. Dedicated practice, coaching, and game experience prepare you for elevated competition and unlock your potential.

Practicing Wall Ball Drills to Improve Stick Skills

Once you have a lacrosse stick, one of the best ways to develop stick skills is through repetitive wall ball drills. Wall ball provides focused practice in throwing, catching, scooping, and cradling to rapidly build stick handling abilities.

Set up a rebounder or find a solid wall without obstructions. Initially stand 5-10 yards away and throw overhand at the wall, concentrating on keeping your throw smooth, level, and accurate on the rebound.

Work both right and left hands equally to build ambidextrous coordination. Move up closer to the wall as your handling improves to quicken reaction time.

Incorporate scooping by tossing balls on the ground and scooping them with precision back up into the pocket. Scoop cleanly from both forward and reverse angles.

Practice catching high and low rebounds off the wall to extend your range. React quickly on errant throws using fast footwork to extend and snag the ball.

Maintain tight cradling form throughout the workout to reinforce muscle memory. Change cradling planes frequently from right shoulder to left shoulder.

Perform sets of 10-25 repetitions before retrieving all balls and starting over. Varying moves like sidearm throws, behind-the-back catches, and FTPs mixes things up.

Dedicate 10-30 minutes per session to wall ball 2-3 times per week along with field work. Wall ball strength and control translate directly onto the field. Mastering the wall elevates your game.