Choose The Perfect Lacrosse Head For Your Position and Play Style This Season

Choose The Perfect Lacrosse Head For Your Position and Play Style This Season

Choose Heads That Align With Your Position and Playing Style

When selecting a new lacrosse head, the first step is to consider your position on the field – attack, midfield, or defense – and your personal playing style. The optimal head for an attackman who dodges defenders and zips pinpoint passes will differ greatly from the ideal choice for a bruising defenseman tasked with causing turnovers. Not all heads are created equal, so your on-field role and approach to the game should drive the decision-making process from the start.

For attack players who inhabit the offensive end of the field, the priority is heads that provide superb ball control and quick passing at close quarters. You’ll want an head with a narrower sidewall, more defined scoop, and fuller ball pocket to cradle and protect the ball while dodging and looking to feed open teammates. Pinpoint accuracy is critical for an attackman, so consider offset heads with asymmetrical sidewalls to optimize the passing sweet spot. Attack heads also tend to be more lightweight for increased mobility and quicker shots on cage. Stringing the pocket higher can improve control.

In contrast, midfielders often benefit from slightly stiffer, more durable heads in order to take and dish out physical punishment at both ends of the field. Deep offset pockets are ideal for gripping ground balls scooped at midfield. The ability to rip accurate shots on goal is also key, so middie heads offer a balance of ball control and shooting performance. Finding the right combination of hold and release will allow you to succeed as a dominant two-way midfielder. Testing out pocket placement and stringing on practice shots is recommended.

For bullying defensemen who exert their will on opponents, wider heads with bigger scoops excel at clamping down on the ball carrier and forcing turnovers. These heads are built strong to withstand slashing, pinching, and other physical defensive techniques. While offensive skills take a backseat, defensive players still need adequate ball control for clearing situations after a change of possession. With clearance being a priority, defensive heads allow for quick one-touch passes to efficiently move the ball upfield.

In the end, determining which style of play suits you best on the lacrosse field will allow you to narrow down the list and find an ideal head for your position. Understand how you approach the game, then select equipment optimized for your personal on-field role.

Optimize Shooting and Passing With Pocket Placement

One of the most critical factors in lacrosse head performance is proper pocket placement and depth. The pocket is where you carry and control the ball, so its construction directly impacts your ability to catch, pass, and shoot effectively on the field. Whether you string your own head or get it restrung, finding your optimal pocket placement could give you an edge over opponents this season.

For midfielders, a medium pocket is ideal, as it combines the control needed for scooping up ground balls and passing accurately, along with the hold and release capabilities required for ripping shots from distance. The sweet spot sits about midway down the head. Midfielders take the brunt of face-offs, so a pocket that grips ground balls is key, but you also need to be able to adjust the angle and quickness of your release on the fly when an opening to goal emerges. A pocket too high or too low compromises versatility.

Attackmen rely on quick touch passes in tight space and tend to prefer pockets placed higher in the head, above the midpoint. This gives excellent control for sticking close to defenders while protecting possession and dodging. It also allows attackmen to make fine-tuned feeds to cutters or open teammates. The trade-off is that higher pockets can reduce shooting speed and accuracy. Take the time to test different pocket placements in shooting drills to find your ideal setup.

For defensemen who focus on physicality over finesse, wider and deeper pockets below the midpoint help secure possession whether it’s scooping a key ground ball or clamping down on an opponent’s stick check. Control and security trump quick passing or shooting for defenders, so a lower, deeper pocket satisfies those needs while also withstanding the constant slashing and cross-checking. Focus more on durability over ball skills for your ideal defensive pocket.

No matter your position, consult with teammates and coaches to dial in the optimal pocket placement and depth for your style of play. Properly stringing the head pocket can be a difference-maker, allowing you to maximize control, passing, catching and shooting when it matters most on the lacrosse field.

Select Strong yet Lightweight Defensive Heads

For defensemen who play an aggressive, physical style, lacrosse heads that can withstand constant abuse are a must-have piece of equipment. Defenders employ checks, slashes, cross-checks and anything else necessary to jar the ball loose from offensive players. As such, strength and durability should be prioritized when selecting a new defensive head this season.

Look for defensive heads constructed from durable yet lightweight materials like composite alloys. Brands like Warrior and STX use space-age metals and alloys to build rigid heads that don’t bend or warp under pressure. This allows you to play relentlessly without sacrificing ball control. Newer technologies like flick shots and multi-rail sidewall designs also improve stiffness and strength. The wider the head, the more ball protection it provides as well.

In addition to materials, the shape of the best defensive heads maximizes your ability to lock down opponents. An extra wide flare and scoop allows you to pin an attacking player’s stick more easily when engaged. This makes it harder for them to curl around you or roll back to a shooting stance. The scoop itself should have a flat or minimal taper to provide a broad base for clamping down during ground ball scrums.

While built to take punishment, defensive heads can’t be too cumbersome and heavy. Superior modern alloys allow for thinner yet stiff sidewalls, reducing excess weight while maintaining robust protection. The goal is gain strength without compromising mobility or ball skills for clearing after a turnover. Multi-shot co-polymer heads are popular for balancing these factors.

Don’t neglect the intangibles either. Many defensive players opt for heads with intimidating colors and designs to gain a psychological edge. Luxury brands like Gait offer custom color and graphic options. Ultimately, the right defensive head combines brute force with intelligent engineering and design to fulfill the specific demands of your position on the field.

New Technologies Provide a Performance Edge

With lacrosse equipment engineering constantly evolving, the latest tech innovations allow heads to deliver unmatched performance advantages on the field. Offset sidewalls, customizable stringing holes, composite materials, and other recent advances all aim to give players an competitive edge. If you’re using an outdated head, upgrading to a newer model with groundbreaking features can provide a major boost this season.

Offset sidewall heads highlight the tech trend, with asymmetrical sidewall designs that optimize the sweet spot for superior ball control, passing, and shooting. Maverik’s Ops Head features a triple rail sidewall for added stiffness, while Epoch’s Dragonfly line uses technology borrowed from stealth fighters for extra responsiveness and quickness. These heads provide more power and feel than traditional options.

Heads with changeable sidewall stringing holes allow you to customize pocket placement and fine-tune depth based on your position and style. Brands like Nike offer different hole patterns to shift hold and release points incrementally. Stringking takes customization even further, with an open sidewall design utilizing a weaving stringing system rather than typical holes and anchors. The ability to tweak your pocket is invaluable.

Materials science has also led to huge performance gains, with heads constructed from aircraft grade alloys, titanium, scandium and other ultra-light and rigid composites. Together with CNC precision molding, these space-age metals allow better energy transfer and responsiveness. Don’t settle for outdated materials when new ones offer strength and finesse.

With lacrosse skills and strategy constantly evolving, relying on outdated equipment can put you a step behind the competition. Investigate the latest tech innovations and choose heads with features that match your on-field needs. Advancements in engineering deliver measurable performance benefits.

Test Flex and Scoop Size for Personal Preferences

When evaluating new lacrosse heads, two key factors that rely heavily on personal preference are the flex profile and scoop dimensions. Both can directly impact your on-field comfort, control, and performance. Taking the time to test different flex patterns and scoop variations will help determine the optimal setup for your playing style and needs.

Head flex ranges from rigid to extremely flexible, with most players preferring a moderate flex that’s stiff enough for accurate passing but with some “give” for ball control when cradling. Stiffer flex adds shooting speed but can reduce feel, while more whippy flex aids ball handling but diminishes passing precision. Consider your position and skills to find your ideal flex. Try out diferentes brands and models to compare.

Scoop shape also varies widely, with some defensive oriented heads featuring wide, shallow scoops and more offensive minded options having narrower, deeper pocketing. Scoop size affects ground ball pickup ease, stick checks, and visibility when carrying the ball. Bigger scoops provide more ball protection but less handling agility. Go with your gut based on feel during drills and practice.

Factors like weather, pocket wear, and stringing further influence flex and scoop effectiveness over time. For example, heavier rain can soften a stiff head’s flex profile. Expect to make ongoing adjustments as you log hours with a head in various conditions. Don’t be afraid to tweak and experiment until you unlock your perfect setup.

In a sport of inches where the smallest equipment advantage can prove decisive, dialing in lacrosse head flex and scoop configuration best suited to your strengths and tendencies can give you an edge. Test a range of options to determine the ideal blend of performance, control and comfort that will transfer onto the field.

Focus on Proven Brands Known for Quality

With so many equipment manufacturers in the lacrosse marketplace nowadays, it’s important to focus your search for a new head on established brands with reputations for engineering excellence and innovation. Trusted names like Warrior, Maverik, STX, and Brine have earned their status through years of delivering consistent quality and performance to players at all levels.

These leading brands dedicate significant resources towards constant product testing and improvement. For example, STX employs top lacrosse players to rigorously play test prototypes under real game conditions and provide detailed feedback that influences final designs. Maverik utilizes advanced computer modeling to simulate stress and strain on heads. This testing data then optimizes durability and structural integrity.

In addition to robust R&D operations, premier brands maintain strong partnerships with elite college programs and prominence on the professional circuits. This high-profile presence keeps them intricately tuned in to the latest techniques, trends, and technologies advancing the sport. Exposure under the bright lights often translates into next-level engineering insights.

Reputation and legacy matter as well when separating the premier hardware brands. Maverik, for instance, has been hand-crafting heads in their New York workshop for over 40 years, while Brine was an early pioneer in synthetic lacrosse sticks. That kind of longevity speaks volumes. Newer companies may offer flash but lack the pedigree.

While the lure of picking up a bargain on an unproven head might be tempting, sticking with established brands renowned for quality lacrosse equipment provides peace of mind. Their reputation has been earned through decades of engineering excellence and on-field success at the highest levels.

Compare Prices to Find Budget-Friendly Heads

With lacrosse gear spanning a wide range of price points, doing your homework and comparing costs for heads can help identify deals to maximize value. While the latest and greatest models from premium brands carry higher price tags, there are ways to find budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality and performance.

Online retail sites like Lacrosse Unlimited, Lax.com, and Amazon make price comparing across brands a breeze. Sorting search results from low to high price is an easy way to surface more affordable heads that still offer solid features. Looking at prior year models is another tactic, as discounts are often applied to older generations. Signing up for brand newsletters for exclusive savings alerts helps too.

Expand your search beyond the major manufacturers to uncover less familiar yet high quality brands with lower costs simply due to lack of name recognition. For example, brands like Epoch and StringKing offer innovative heads at more wallet-friendly rates. Scouring consumer reviews helps vet quality. Stay patient and keep searching to find well-reviewed heads at the intersection of cost and performance.

WhileBeginner and intermediate players can also save money by opting for mid-tier heads with proven design fundamentals but fewer bells and whistles targeted at elite players. Focus more on durability, comfort and balanced characteristics when starting out rather than the latest tech tricks. Shop by skill level on retail sites to further refine options.

Some cost cutting corners like sketchy materials or subpar stringing should be avoided, smart shopping strategies make finding an affordable yet high-performing lacrosse head within reach. With the right research, undervalued gems exist at prices matching your budget constraints.

Stand Out on the Field With Color and Customization

Adding some personal flair to your lacrosse gear with colored or customized heads is a great way to stand out on the field. While traditional white lacrosse heads get the job done, today’s manufacturing processes give players tons of options for unique styles and designs that match your personality.

Nearly every major equipment brand now offers heads in a wide variety of stock colors and graphics. Popular choices beyond basic white include black, grey, red, orange, green, and blue shades. Color-coded heads by position are common as well, with red for attack, blue for midfield, and green for defense. Coordinating with your team colors shows spirit too.

For full customization, many brands give you the ability to create your own one-of-a-kind head designs. Options include custom dying the shell or sidewalls in any color imaginable, adding text for your name or number, embedding logos or images, and more. The graphics capabilities rival what can be achieved on custom cleats and gloves.

Aside from looking awesome on the field, colored and customized heads provide other practical benefits. Darker colors hide ball stains and markings over time much better. Unique designs allow you to quickly identify your stick on the sidelines. Custom heads with your name stand out to coaches and scouts too.

Expressing your lacrosse passions through a custom head design or just choosing a unique colorway that deviates from standard white helps you show off your personality out on the lacrosse field. With so many color and graphic options at your disposal, why settle for boring?

Ensure Proper Fit with Your Shaft

Achieving full performance from your new lacrosse head requires properly fitting it with the right shaft. Optimizing the head-shaft connection enables maximum energy transfer for passing, shooting, and ball control. Take time to consider length, flex, and sizing needs when pairing a shaft.

Matching flex between shaft and head is crucial, as imbalance can make the setup feel awkward. Test head and shaft flex together by bending side-by-side to ensure harmony. Having a rigid shaft with a whippy head, or vice versa, compromises feel and control. Brands like Maverik sell coordinated flex bundles to eliminate guesswork.

Consider length based on your height and position. Longer sticks from 60 to 72 inches help defensemen disrupt passing lanes but can sacrifice shooting and handling quickness. Middies and attack often prefer shorter sticks in the 52 to 60 inch range for better maneuverability in traffic. Your needs impact ideal shaft length.

Be sure to factor sidewall thickness and any special shaft fitting adapters needed to join head and shaft cleanly. Attack or women’s heads often have thinner sidewalls requiring adapters for snug insertion onto shafts. Improper fitting leads to annoying rattle that destroys ball control and feel during play.

Since shafts and heads work in tandem, make pairing them effectively a priority. Dialing in flex harmony, ideal length, and a tight fit allows you to get the most out of your new head. Take time testing different shaft combinations to maximize performance.

Proper Stringing Optimizes Pocket Performance

While lacrosse head technology has evolved tremendously, stringing the pocket properly is equally as important for achieving top performance. The materials, weaving techniques, pocket placement, and shooting strings used all directly impact the pocket’s hold, release, and ball control capabilities. Dialing in your stringing for optimal feel requires testing and customization.

Synthetic materials like nylon allow for greater consistency and less stretching over natural materials like leather. Waxed mesh stringing offers superior control and feel with built-in grip, while advanced weaves like double wide diamond mesh help fine tune pocket depth. Combining different string types gives you options for customization.

Pocket placement targets specific needs. High pockets aid control for dodging attackmen, while low pockets help defensemen protect ground balls. Midfield pockets balance hold with quick release. Shooters often prefer mid-high placement for ball security and aim. Tailor your stringing to your position and style.

Shooting string placement also directly enhances performance. Lower nylon shooters add whip and velocity while higher cross-lacing improves accuracy. Double shooting strings or unique ladder and diamond lacing deliver advanced ball control. Take time to test what shooting string configurations give you the best feel and results.

Much like flex and pocket depth, lacrosse pocket stringing comes down to personal preference. Keep an open mind, continuously experiment with different stringing styles and placements, and don’t be afraid to change things up until the optimal configuration clicks. Custom stringing gives your stick a unique feel.

Analyze Trends Among Elite Players

One insightful strategy when selecting your next lacrosse head is to analyze the gear choices and trends among elite college and professional players. At the highest levels, subtle equipment advantages can be the difference between winning and losing, so studying what the top players use provides helpful guidance.

NCAA stars and Major League Lacrosse pros have access to unlimited heads from all manufacturers, yet many elect to use and endorse models from certain trusted brands year after year. For example, reigning Tewaaraton Award winner Grant Ament of Penn State has long favored the Maverik Optik. Loyalty speaks volumes.

Beyond overall brands, analyze signature heads launched by superstars based on their own performance feedback and insights. For instance, Lyle Thompson worked closely with Maverik to design the Runway head perfect for his electrifying, high-speed playing style. Michael Sowers did the same to create his extreme offset Eclipse head made for highlight reel passing.

It’s also instructive to study equipment usage trends by position at the highest levels. Attack and middies often opt for heads with a defined channel and mid-high pocket placement for control when dodging in traffic. Defense relies more on wider heads with lower pockets to start fast breaks after turnovers.

While every player has unique needs, learning from how the best players at your position in the world optimize their gear provides helpful clues. Stay on top of new signature gear launches and keep a close eye on NCAA and MLL standouts to ensure your equipment choice aligns with elite-level trends.

Consider Replacing Old Heads for Better Performance

As lacrosse heads age and accumulate hours of usage, their performance inevitably declines over time. Sidewalls lose stiffness, materials wear down, and strings stretch out of shape. At a certain point, trying to eke out another season from an outdated head costs you on-field performance. Replacing heads annually or even every two years ensures optimal results.

Advances in engineering and materials over the past decade have made current heads far superior to vintage models in key areas. Offset sidewall designs, composite alloys, customizable stringing systems, and other tech improvements boost passing, shooting, scooping, and durability compared to old school heads.

Newer heads also retain their shape, flex profile, and pocket integrity for longer, even when subjected to heavy use and abuse. Multi-shot co-polymer plastic and aircraft grade metals used today hold up better through constant play, weather, and checks. Don’t settle for a warped, wonky old head.

Sticking with a faded, worn out head simply because you’ve grown familiar and comfortable with it may seem safe, but in reality newer heads deliver better feel, control, and performance once broken in. Avoid new gear reluctance and upgrade to a current model for measurable improvement.

Much like getting a fresh haircut invigorates your look, replacing your lacrosse head routinely does wonders for restoring that crisp, responsive play. Treat yourself to improved passing, shooting, ground ball play and durability with a shiny new head this season.

Consult Coaches and Teammates for Guidance

With so many lacrosse head variables to weigh like flex, scoop size, and stringing, gaining insights from coaches and teammates who observe your game closely can provide helpful guidance in narrowing down options. Those familiar with your playing style are well equipped to recommend ideal heads to match your on-field needs.

Ask your coach to analyze areas for skills improvement, then use their feedback to select a head addressing those needs. For example, if your shooting accuracy is suspect, your coach may suggest a stiffer head with a mid-high pocket for better ball control. Let your coach’s technical critiques guide the decision-making process.

Leaning on teammates who pass and catch your throws daily in practice can also steer you away from heads creating inconsistency. Middies might advise picking a head with more hold to reduce wild passes. Attackmen may push you toward quicker releases to improve feeding. Trust their familiarity.

Take time as well surveying teammates about what heads they prefer and why. Comparing impressions across positions and skill sets brings valuable perspectives. An elite face-off middie’s favored head may handle completely differently than a rangy defender’s ideal choice.

While reviewing manufacturer specs and trying out demo heads is crucial, don’t undervalue insights from those who know your game best. Blend external research with internal feedback from your coaches and teammates to find your perfect match.

Read Lacrosse Head Reviews to Inform Your Decision

Performing due diligence by reading lacrosse head reviews from authoritative sources provides valuable independent perspectives to factor into your buying decision. Online reviews and locker room chatter only get you so far. Expert assessments back up hype with in-depth analysis.

Trusted review sites like LaxAllStars.com and Nasklax.com offer detailed technical breakdowns on the latest heads from all major brands. Experienced players provide impressions on passing, shooting, durability, and stringing ease after extensive testing. This feedback spotlights real-world strengths and weaknesses.

Seeking out head reviews focused on your specific position is also advantageous. For example, LaxRat.com has reviews dedicated to the top ten lacrosse heads for attack, midfield, and defense. Position-specific needs are called out. Narrow your search to match your needs.

Video reviews on lacrosse equipment sites and YouTube channels add the visual element to assessments, allowing you to see flex profiles and pocket placement on heads in action rather than relying solely on descriptions. Watching heads perform complements reading about them.

While trying out heads firsthand is ideal, thorough reviews expedite the research process by quickly identifying leading candidates worth demoing based on your criteria. Let expert reviewers be your guide, then validate through testing to make the final call.

Prioritize Needs Based on Your Position and Skills

With so many factors to consider when choosing a new lacrosse head, from materials to stringing to price and more, it’s important to prioritize the needs most relevant to your playing position and skill strengths. Focus first on the must-have features that will provide the biggest on-field impact tailored to you.

For example, elite face-off middies may rank ground ball scooping and control as their top priorities, leading them to heads with stiff flex and wide flared scoops. Meanwhile, flashy attackmen adept at dodging may place more value on quick passing in tight spaces from heads with defined offset channels.

Younger players still honing fundamentals should emphasize durability and consistency over flashy features. Proper flex, comfortable feel, and balanced performance take precedence when skills need refinement. Don’t overthink things or get distracted by hype when establishing areas for improvement.

Be realistic about your abilities as well. If your shooting mechanics are a work in progress, for instance, focus more on flex, stringing and pocket placement than the latest tech tricks and materials. Matching heads to existing skills fast tracks development.

With so many enticing options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Stay focused on your personal needs and buy heads accordingly. Tune out the noise and trust your lacrosse instincts when determining those must-have characteristics that will elevate your game this season.