Choosing the Perfect Womens Lacrosse Stick for Attack in 2023

Choosing the Perfect Womens Lacrosse Stick for Attack in 2023

Finding the Right Pocket Shape and Depth

When looking for a new lacrosse stick, one of the most important considerations is finding the ideal pocket shape and depth to match your playing style and position. As an attacker, having excellent ball control and quick passing skills is crucial for executing plays and scoring goals. The shape and depth of the pocket significantly impacts how the ball sits in the head and how you handle cradling, catching, throwing and shooting.

Typically, attackers benefit from a medium to deep pocket that gives them extra ball retention while dodging defenders or winding up for a shot on goal. However, an overly deep pocket can slow down passing speed and make it harder to execute quick stick passes or shots on the run. Finding the right balance of control and release is key. A pocket that is too shallow may not hold the ball securely, causing turnovers from checks or missed passes. Testing out different pocket styles to find your optimal combo of hold and handling can make a big difference in your performance.

When stringing your pocket, focus on a rounded “U” shape that centers the ball well. Using multiple shooting strings or a bilaterally strung sidewall can create a deeper channel that retains possession when cradling or dodging checks. Mesh, nylon and leather lacrosse pockets all have different feels and ball placement. Mixing double and triple runners can also customize pocket depth for your needs. Be sure to follow women’s lacrosse pocket regulations for legal depth. With the right pocket shape tuned to your game, you’ll have the tools and control needed to power past defenders and finish attacking plays with confidence.

Choosing the Right Stick Length Based on Height

When selecting a new womens lacrosse stick, one of the key factors to consider is finding the ideal stick length based on your height and position. As an attacker who handles the ball frequently, having a stick length suited to your frame and reach is crucial for maintaining control, protecting possession and executing shots or passes successfully.

For most players, the optimal stick length correlates closely with their height. According to US Lacrosse rules, legal women’s stick lengths range from 35.5 to 43.25 inches. Typically, shorter players under 5’6″ will use sticks around 35.5-37 inches, average height players from 5’6″ to 5’11” will use 38-39.5 inch sticks, and taller players over 6ft will use sticks 40 inches and longer.

However, precise stick length depends on more than just raw height. Arm length, shoulder width and playing style preferences should also be evaluated. Shorter sticks allow for tighter cradling, quicker stick handling and increased maneuverability which can benefit dodging through traffic. Longer sticks provide a wider cradle for more protection, increased checking reach and added shooting power further from the net.

As an attacker, consider your needs for both control, like quickly changing direction to beat defenders, and power, like ripping shots from outside the 8m arc. Testing different stick lengths to find the ideal fit for your frame and playing tendencies is recommended. Cutting down the shaft or adding an extender can help customize sticks to match your needs and comfort level.

Ensure your bottom hand can grip the stick without reaching too far down when cradling. Your top hand should sit roughly chin level when holding the stick straight out in front of you. This allows for good leverage and range of motion when passing, catching and shooting. With the right length tuned to your physique and skills, you’ll have the quickness and shooting power to excel as an attacking threat.

Focusing on Passing and Catching When Training

As an attacking player in women’s lacrosse, having superior passing and catching abilities is essential for executing team plays, moving the ball downfield quickly, and scoring goals. Dedicated practice of these fundamental skills can give attackers a major edge over less skilled defenders. There are many drills and training techniques players can use to improve their passing and catching performance.

Start by working on basic throw and catch mechanics – establishing proper hand grip, body position, follow through and receiving form. Use a wall to practice firing different types of passes – chest, bounce, over the shoulder – working on both accuracy and velocity. Do the same with catching, concentrating on seeing the ball in, soft hands to absorb impact, and securing possession.

Add in footwork by combining passing and catching with dodging motions. Quick stick passes to teammates while cutting and rolling back and forth tests hand-eye coordination. Change of direction and body position upon receiving tests cradling and control. Work both right and left hands equally during training.

Use cones, ladders or obstacles to pass and catch on the move, simulating game-like scenarios. Practice catching high passes, low bounce passes, behind-the-back feeds, and outlet passes at various angles. Have a partner defend with checks to improve focus and protect possession.

Training with the whole offensive team builds timing on plays and sharpens instincts on where to lead teammates. Use rapid ball movement drills forcing fast decisions and reactions. Challenge players to execute passes quickly under time pressure. Emphasize communication and coordination when attacking together.

Range shooting on net also hones accuracy. Work on hitting corners, elevating shots, and quick release. Vary shooting angles and distances. Focus on catching and shooting in one smooth motion during rapid shot drills. Mastering passing and catching elevates an attacker’s overall productivity and potency on offense.

Testing Stick Flexibility for Quick Shots

Women’s lacrosse sticks come in a variety of materials, flex profiles and stringing setups that can significantly impact passing, shooting and ball control. As an attacking player who wants to rip quick-release shots on goal, testing stick flexibility is key to finding the right setup.

Stick flexibility influences how the head absorbs and releases energy when passing and shooting. More flexible sticks act like a slingshot, able to “whip” the ball faster with more clamping power on the follow-through. Stiffer sticks provide less “give” but offer more direct power transfer for heavier shots.

Carbon fiber composite sticks with multiple directional weave patterns tend to have the most flex. This allows for quick catch-and-shoot motions and tighter wind-ups for increased velocity. Full aluminum sticks are the stiffest while hybrid aluminum/composite sticks offer a balance of stiffness and flexibility. Pocket type and stringing tightness also impacts flex profiles.

To test flexibility, cradle the stick horizontally and push down on the sidewalls watching how deeply the head flexes. Gap tests measure how close the sidewalls come when pushed together. You want some flex for ball retention but not so much that ball control becomes difficult.

On the field, take some practice shots to get a feel for power on passes and difference in shot speed. Quick stick shots after a catch reveal if the flex profile suits your playing style. If the head is too stiff, it may be hard to achieve top ball speed on quick release shots without a full windup. With more flexible sticks, you may need to focus on accuracy and tight mechanics to avoid spraying wild shots.

Fine tune flex with pocket adjustments – tighter strings increase stiffness while looser pockets add whip. Finding your optimal level of stick flex takes experimenting, but the right amount of bend and rebound can be a game-changer for delivering blistering shots under pressure.

Balancing Power and Control in Checks

As a women’s lacrosse attacker, using stick checks aggressively is key for protecting the ball, creating space from defenders, and driving to the goal. Mastering the balance between generating power while maintaining control is critical for effective checking.

Power on checks comes from a combination of stick speed, body momentum and rotation, and grip strength. Faster arm movement through the check, driving through the shoulders and hips, and tight hand positioning on the shaft transfers more energy through the stick head for knockback. But power without discipline leads to flailing, missed checks, and penalties.

Control comes from proper form, focused technique, and targeted placements. Keeping the bottom hand anchored near the hip, rotating the lead elbow down and back, and following through directly towards the opponent’s stick head allows precise, controlled contact. Aim below the hands to dislodge possession.

Footwork provides balance, allowing bodyweight to drive through checks without overextending. Work on checking technique starting slow and with light contact, then increase speed and power over time. Use a teammate to provide realistic stick obstacles to practice both slap and poke checks.

Don’t sacrifice accuracy and proper form just to overpower checks. It’s better to execute many controlled, targeted checks that continually knock the stick vs. a few wild haymakers. Perfect timing on checks as defenders expose their sticks when cradling or passing.

Aggressive checking requires confidence. Trust your ability and play fearlessly but smartly. Intelligent checking to relieve pressure, create opportunities and force turnovers will elevate your attacking prowess. Stick skills combined with strength and strategy can make you a dominant threat.

Prioritizing a Smooth Throwing Motion

A polished, fluid throwing motion is vital for women’s lacrosse attackers looking to excel at passing, shooting, and dodging. Focusing on mechanics, technique, and form in your shot can pay huge dividends in consistency, power, and deception against defenders.

Start by developing sound fundamentals – proper hand placement, dominant bottom hand, rotated hips and shoulders, transferred body weight, and clean follow-through. Repetition builds muscle memory until the motions feel natural. Always emphasize smoothness first before trying to overpower passes or shots.

Break down the throwing process into segments. Generate torque by rotating your core and shoulders back, shifting weight to your rear foot. Focus on driving energy from your big power muscles groups first. Then explosively whip your hands forward, rolling over the lead elbow and stepping forward to transfer momentum through the stick.

Accelerate the stick head gradually, with the butt end lagging behind. This creates a whipping action for max speed at the end point. Follow through directly towards your target. Resist stopping the stick abruptly at release, let the natural motion fully extend.

Cradle and change direction smoothly between throwing motions to set up the next pass or shot. Eliminate any herky-jerky movements during the windup or finish. It should feel like one continuous, liquid sequence coiling up then striking out.

Throwing on the run or after a quick stick catch relies even more on fluid mechanics. Drills to build throwing rhythm and consistency will raise your passing, shooting, and dodging execution to an elite level.

Choosing Stick Length Based on Height

Selecting the right lacrosse stick length is a key factor for maximizing your performance and comfort as a women’s lacrosse attacker. With sticks ranging from 35.5 to 43.25 inches, choosing a length based on your height gives you an ideal starting point.

Shorter players under 5’6″ generally benefit from sticks around 35.5-37 inches. This allows you to cradle tighter to protect the stick, make quick cuts, and operate in traffic. The shorter length also provides more leverage for quicker release shots.

Average height players from 5’6″ to 5’11” usually favor stick lengths between 38-39.5 inches. This is the most common size for versatile all-around play. Long enough for expanded cradling and pokes, but still compact enough for good stick handling.

Tall attackers over 6ft can extend their reach and throwing advantage using longer sticks of 40+ inches. The extra length allows for a wider cradle, increased checking range, and more power on shots further from the goal.

However, height should not be the only factor. Consider arm length, shoulder width and playing style too. Test different lengths to find your optimum fit. Cutting down the shaft or adding an extender lets you customize sticks to your physique and needs.

With the right stick length matched to your height and skills, you’ll gain an edge when cradling through traffic, evading defenders, and firing off quick-release shots on net as an elite attacking threat.

Selecting a Stick to Match Skill Level

When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse stick as an attacker, matching the stick’s performance features to your current skill level is recommended. Selecting equipment above or below your abilities can make honing fundamentals more difficult.

For beginners, mid-tier complete sticks from reputable brands like STX, Maverik, or Brine provide quality construction with an accessible price point. Entry-level sticks help develop proper mechanics without overloading new players with advanced specs.

Intermediate players looking to take the next step should upgrade to sticks with higher-end shafts made from aircraft grade alloys or composite materials. Hybrid heads with a mix of durability and lightweight feel improve control. Custom stringing optimizes the pocket.

Elite and college-bound players need the very best equipment to excel against top competition. Pro-level sticks with ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shafts, aerospace aluminum heads, and meticulously strung pockets provide next-level passing, shooting, and handling required at higher intensities.

Don’t choose sticks with more features than you can utilize. Growing into your equipment over time is ideal. Seek input from coaches to identify areas for improvement then select gear to specifically address those needs in your game. With the right stick matched to your skills, you’ll be set up for success at your current level while still having room to progress.

Buying Within Budget but Not Sacrificing Quality

Finding a high-performing women’s lacrosse stick that fits your budget as an attacker can be challenging. While top-tier sticks carry premium pricing, excellent options exist at moderate price points without sacrificing quality.

Mid-range complete sticks from leading manufacturers like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer excellent construction and materials at accessible prices. These sticks utilize many similar technologies and engineering as pro models just with scaled-back cosmetics.

Newer brands like Epoch and StringKing also offer budget-friendly sticks with innovative specs rivaling top competitors. Expanding options means more choices that meet both performance and economic needs.

Avoid the cheapest sticks using substandard parts and questionable quality control. But also resist overspending on elite-tier sticks far exceeding current abilities. Consider last year’s top models too for potential deals.

With research and guidance from knowledgeable lacrosse retailers, finding sticks providing the right blend of value and performance is achievable. Develop skills this season using an affordable stick, then upgrade as your game expands.

Reading Reviews Before Purchasing

With so many women’s lacrosse stick options on the market, reading reviews from other players, coaches and experts prior to purchasing can help ensure you select the right gear as an attacker.

Look for sticks with overwhelmingly positive feedback on passing, shooting, cradling and durability. Video reviews showing the sticks in action can reveal how they perform for real users. Search for in-depth evaluations from lacrosse sources you trust.

Compare your needs to the review details. Seek sticks optimized for control and quick release as an attacker. Ensure any drawbacks or weaknesses won’t impact your key skills. Understand how factors like head shape, flex profile, and stringing affect performance.

Balance review details with your own preferences. Some aspects like feel or comfort depend on your playing style. If budget models rate well for beginners, start there before upgrading later as skills improve.

User submitted reviews can provide firsthand pros and cons from players with similar positions, experience levels and needs. Expert evaluations lend technical insights on construction, materials and engineering. Combining perspectives makes for informed buying decisions.

Shopping with Experts for Proper Stringing

Having your lacrosse stick properly strung by experts is key for optimized performance as a women’s attacker. The right stringing and pocket improves handling, control, and ball retention for your position.

Local lacrosse shops with skilled stringers on staff can customize sticks for your needs. Explain your playing style, position, and stringing preferences so they tailor the pocket specifically for you.

General guidelines for attackers are medium to deep pockets for control while preventing ball slowing. U-shaped pockets with defined sidewalls and multiple shooting strings help cradle and direct the ball. Leather, nylon mesh, and synthetic materials each have pros and cons.

Stringing experts can advise you on legal pocket requirements and playing rules to avoid penalties. They’ll shape an ideal pocket while advising on maintenance needs. Stringers continually perfect their craft and understand exactly how pocket features impact passing, catching and shooting.

Proper stringing right from the start prevents developing bad habits due to poorly optimized equipment. A custom pocket tuned for you provides an instant edge. Even pros routinely work with master stringers to dial in their sticks.

Practicing Cradling for Maximum Ball Control

Mastering cradling technique is vital for women’s lacrosse attackers seeking to maintain ball control under pressure. Precision cradling leads to better dodging, passing, catching and shooting when defenders are applying checks.

Use the entire lead hand to grip deep into the pocket, keeping the ball secure in the middle of the head. Position the bottom hand for support and direction changes. Keep elbows tucked with shoulders forward protecting the stick.

Cradle with the lead hand moving in a smooth circular motion, while the bottom hand acts as a guide. Soften the wrists to absorb checks while cradling tightly to keep possession. Always cradle with the head above the hands for maximum protection.

Practice cradling at different heights and angles. Cradle high when evading defenders in open space. Cradle tight to the body when maneuvering through traffic. Cradle sideways when shielding stick protection on the weak hand side.

Increase cradling speed with narrow, controlled motions to retain the ball against checks. Cradle low to ground when scooping ground balls. Emphasize cradling rhythm and changes of direction to mirror game moves.

Perfect controlled cradling technique before trying flashy behind-the-back or neck cradles. Precise fundamentals with the lead hand gives attackers the ball control needed to power past defenders with confidence.

Comparing Shooting Accuracy with Different Heads

Women’s lacrosse heads come in a variety of shapes, scoop curvatures, sidewall angles and stringing options that can impact passing, catching and shooting performance. As an attacker, testing sticks with different heads is recommended to compare shooting accuracy.

Narrower heads with minimal offset generate tighter ball channeling and quicker release while wide heads with dramatic scoops offer a deeper pocket for added ball control. Evaluating various combinations is key.

Test shooting accuracy with heads of different makes and styles in both stationary and dynamic drills. Shoot high, low, corners and on the run. Gauge consistency hitting targets or specific net locations from a range of angles.

Track precision for quick stick catch-and-shoot motions versus shots taken after a full cradle. Note if some heads provide a quicker, more responsive release. Wider heads may help sink closer shots with a deeper pocket.

Consider visual framing aspects as well. Do certain heads improve focus on the net for aligned shots? Does the ball sit centered in the scoop while aiming? Testing variables boosts shooting IQ.

Dialing in your stick setup for precision shooting elevates an attacker’s potency. Experiment with different heads to discover your accuracy sweet spot.

Maintaining Sticks Properly for Optimal Performance

Properly maintaining your women’s lacrosse stick is crucial for ensuring peak performance as an attacking player. With frequent use in all weather conditions, preventative care and maintenance is key.

Inspect sticks thoroughly after each use for any cracks, dents or damage, especially the head and pocket area. Tighten or replace loose screws to prevent further issues. Store sticks safely away from excessive heat or moisture.

Clean sticks regularly by removing built up dirt, grime and grass from shaft and head. Use mild soap and water, gently scrubbing caked-on debris. Rinse and dry completely. Spot treat scuff marks or stains.

Check pocket nylons and leathers for fraying, holes or loose stitching. Have restringing or repairs done immediately to prevent complete failure. Keep strings relaxed and properly tensioned.

Re-tape handles when grip wear occurs or moisture causes slippage. Shaft cracks can be covered with tape temporarily but require prompt replacement to avoid breakage during play.

Stick heads and scoops take a beating and may need periodic replacement from wear or damage. Have backups available just in case. With diligent care, your stick will deliver optimal feel, control and power all season long.

Maintaining Optimal Lacrosse Stick Performance

As a women’s lacrosse attacker, proper stick maintenance is essential for maintaining top performance all season long. With frequent use in varying weather conditions, diligent preventative care maximizes the life and playability of your lacrosse stick.

Thoroughly inspect sticks after each use, checking for any cracks, dents or damage on the shaft and head, especially around the scoop and pocket areas. Tighten or replace any loose screws right away to avoid bigger issues down the road.

Gently clean off any built up dirt, grass and debris with mild soap and water, scrubbing away grime on both the shaft and head. Be sure to fully rinse and dry afterwards. Spot treat any stubborn scuff marks or stains.

Closely check pocket nylons, leathers and laces for any fraying, holes, loose stitching or areas needing re-stringing. Have any repairs done immediately to prevent total pocket failure during play. Keep pocket and sidewall strings properly tensioned.

Replace worn or slippery grip tape on handles to maintain confident stick control. Shaft cracks can be temporarily reinforced with tape but require prompt replacement to prevent breakage when cradling or shooting.

Heads and scoops deteriorate over time and may need periodic replacement from general wear and tear or damage. Having backup sticks available provides options if issues arise. Taking care of your lacrosse stick ensures it takes care of you on the field.