Find the Best Lacrosse Sticks For Sale With This 2023 Buyers GuideFind the Best Lacrosse Sticks For Sale With This 2023 Buyers Guide
Choose the Right Lacrosse Stick Based on Your Position
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the position you play. As a specialized sport, lacrosse requires each on-field player to fill a specific role within the team’s offensive or defensive strategy. The design of your stick should complement your position’s unique needs and style of play.
For attackmen in particular, having a stick optimized for quick shots on goal is essential. Attackers are responsible for scoring, which means their sticks must provide excellent ball control for receiving passes, dodging defenders, and getting clean shots off around the crease. An offensive lacrosse stick with a tight pocket and lightweight construction gives you the agility and stick skills needed to fire the ball past the goalie. Attackmen also rely on their sticks for crisp, accurate passing to move the ball around the perimeter and set up scoring chances.
When shopping for an attack lacrosse stick, look for a head with a narrower channel and tighter sidewall stringing to keep the ball secure in your pocket. Heads with more defined scoops help contain the ball while twisting and turning. You’ll also want to string your pocket with a soft mesh in a mid to low depth, which allows for excellent hold while still providing quick release on shots and passes. Stiff traditional leathers tend to hold the ball too long for an attackman’s fast-paced style of play. Composite and alloy shafts offer the best blend of lightweight speed and durability to stand up to all the slashes, checks, and battles around the net.
The right lacrosse stick can give you the edge over defenders and help take your scoring to the next level. Keep your position’s specialized needs in mind, and you’ll find your perfect match!
Find Lacrosse Sticks Within Your Budget

When getting started in lacrosse, one of the biggest considerations is finding a quality stick that fits your budget. Lacrosse sticks can range dramatically in price from less than $50 up to $300 or more for elite models. While the priciest sticks offer top-notch performance and durability, excellent beginner and intermediate options are available at more affordable price points.
For new players just learning the sport, cheap lacrosse sticks under $50 are ideal for developing fundamental skills before investing in a more advanced stick. Many brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer entry-level sticks with alloy shafts and basic plastic heads to help keep costs down. While the head shapes and materials may lack some of the sophisticated engineering of elite sticks, these budget models allow you to work on skills like cradling, scooping, catching, throwing, and shooting without breaking the bank.
Mid-range sticks in the $50 to $150 range provide a noticeable step up in quality once you’re ready to upgrade. These sticks offer composite materials, improved head shapes, and aluminum alloy handles for increased durability and performance. Players at a middle school, high school, or club level can gain an edge over the competition with these sticks designed for intermediate players.
For committed youth, high school, college, and pro players, lacrosse sticks at the highest tier provide premium quality and specialization by position. Elite attack sticks with advanced pocket and head designs can run over $200, while specialized sticks for defensemen, midfielders, and goalies also command premium pricing. While expensive, these sticks offer the best-of-the-best performance that can give skilled players an advantage.
Regardless of your skill level, staying within a comfortable budget is key when picking out a new lacrosse stick. With the range of pricing available, players can find excellent options that fit how much they are looking to spend and get the most value for their money.
Attackmen Need Sticks Optimized for Quick Shots

When playing the attack position in lacrosse, having a stick optimized for quick shot-taking is paramount. As the primary goal-scorers, attackers rely on their lacrosse sticks to provide the quick ball release and shooting power needed to fire shots past the goalie time and again.
To get off shots quickly, attack sticks feature scoop and pocket designs to get the ball out of your stick rapidly. Scoops with a defined lip on the top help funnel the ball straight into your pocket as you cradle and wind up. Attack pockets are strung tight and shallow to hold the ball securely but still allow for lightning-fast passes and shots on goal. Mesh pockets or soft leathers are ideal for providing the right amount of hold without sacrificing quick release.
The head shape is also critical for giving attackers an edge in quick stick skills. Narrower head channels keep the ball centered while dodging and rolling away from defenders. A pointed scoop allows for precision in winding up on the run or shooting on the turn. Sidewall stringing systems like sigma pockets use interwoven shooters to fine-tune pocket tightness across every point of the head.
On the handle, lightweight composite and alloy materials allow for maximum speed and quick stick moves. Maneuverable yet stiff handles paired with an offensive head give attackers an advantage in separation and getting shots off before defenders can react. For added velocity on shots, handles with textured grip or overlaid graphics provide extra leverage when cranking your stick through the shot motion.
Every element of an attack stick, from the head shape to pocket type to handle design, directly impacts an attacker’s ability to rip quick shots. Optimizing your lacrosse stick for shot speed and accuracy will make you a dangerous weapon around the crease.
Find Lacrosse Sticks for Sale at All Price Points
- Narrower head channel for better ball control
- Tighter sidewall stringing for secure ball retention
- Defined scoop to aid in ground ball pickups
- Soft mesh or mid to low pocket depth for quick release
- Lightweight composite or alloy shaft for agility
These features combine to create a stick that allows attackmen to receive passes cleanly, dodge defenders effectively, and unleash rapid, accurate shots on goal. The right attack stick can be the difference between a saved shot and a game-winning goal.
Midfielders: Versatility is Key
Midfielders are the Swiss Army knives of lacrosse, playing both offense and defense. Their sticks need to be equally versatile. What characteristics define an ideal midfielder’s lacrosse stick?
- Balanced head shape for all-around performance
- Medium pocket depth for a blend of ball control and quick release
- Durable shaft to withstand checks and ground balls
- Slightly wider scoop for easier ground ball pickups
A midfielder’s stick should allow for smooth transitions between offensive and defensive play. It needs to be reliable for passing, shooting, and defensive checks. Many midfielders opt for a stick that sits between attack and defense specifications, providing the versatility needed for their multifaceted role.
Defensemen: Reach and Strength
Defensive players require lacrosse sticks that emphasize reach, durability, and power. What are the key features of a defensive lacrosse stick?
- Longer shaft (usually 60 inches) for increased reach
- Wider, more robust head for effective checks
- Stiffer pocket for powerful clears
- Reinforced sidewalls for durability
- Heavier overall weight for added power in checks
These characteristics allow defensemen to effectively disrupt opposing attacks, win ground balls, and make strong clears to transition to offense. A well-chosen defensive stick can be a formidable weapon in shutting down opposing scorers.
Goalie Sticks: The Last Line of Defense
Goalies have perhaps the most specialized stick in lacrosse. Their unique role demands specific features to help them make saves and clear the ball effectively. What makes a goalie stick different?
- Significantly wider head (up to 12 inches) for a larger saving area
- Deeper pocket to secure the ball on saves
- Shorter shaft (usually 40 inches) for quicker stick handling
- Reinforced sidewalls and scoop for durability
A well-designed goalie stick can improve save percentages and facilitate quick clears after stops. It’s a crucial tool in a goalie’s arsenal for anchoring the defense and initiating counterattacks.
Budget Considerations: Finding Value at Every Price Point
Lacrosse sticks come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end professional models. How can players find the best stick within their budget?
Entry-Level Sticks: Under $50
These sticks are ideal for beginners and young players just starting in the sport. They typically feature:
- Basic alloy shafts
- Simple plastic heads
- Standard pocket stringing
While they may lack advanced features, these sticks provide an excellent platform for learning fundamental skills like cradling, passing, and shooting.
Mid-Range Sticks: $50 to $150
As players progress, they may look to upgrade to a mid-range stick. These offer improved performance and durability, including:
- Composite materials in heads and shafts
- More advanced head shapes
- Better quality mesh or traditional stringing
Mid-range sticks are suitable for middle school, high school, and club level players looking to gain a competitive edge without breaking the bank.
Elite Sticks: $150 and Above
For serious high school, college, and professional players, elite sticks offer top-tier performance. These sticks feature:
- Advanced materials like carbon fiber
- Specialized head designs for each position
- Premium stringing and pocket options
- Enhanced durability for intense play
While expensive, these sticks can provide a significant advantage to skilled players who can leverage their advanced features.
Maintenance and Care: Extending the Life of Your Lacrosse Stick
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your lacrosse stick, ensuring it performs at its best for longer. How can you care for your stick effectively?
- Clean your stick regularly, especially after playing in mud or rain
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping
- Re-string your pocket when it becomes stretched or worn
- Check for and repair any cracks or damage promptly
- Apply wax to wooden shafts to prevent splintering
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your lacrosse stick in top condition, potentially saving money on replacements and ensuring consistent performance on the field.
Advanced Features: Understanding the Technology Behind Modern Lacrosse Sticks
As lacrosse equipment technology advances, sticks are incorporating increasingly sophisticated features. What are some of the cutting-edge technologies in modern lacrosse sticks?
Head Design Innovations
- Asymmetrical sidewalls for improved ball control
- Variable wall thickness for optimal strength-to-weight ratio
- Advanced plastics that offer flexibility and durability
Shaft Technologies
- Carbon fiber composites for lightweight strength
- Textured grips for improved handling in wet conditions
- Vibration dampening materials for reduced fatigue
Pocket Advancements
- Wax-coated mesh for consistent performance in all weather
- Hybrid pockets combining traditional and mesh elements
- Pre-formed pockets for out-of-the-box performance
Understanding these advanced features can help players make informed decisions when selecting a stick that suits their playing style and position.
Customization Options: Tailoring Your Lacrosse Stick to Your Style
Many players opt to customize their lacrosse sticks to suit their personal preferences and playing style. What are some common customization options?
Head Customization
- Pinching the sidewalls for a tighter channel
- Adjusting the face shape for different release points
- Adding or removing strut holes for different stringing patterns
Pocket Customization
- Experimenting with different mesh types (soft, semi-soft, hard)
- Adjusting pocket depth and placement
- Creating custom shooting strings for desired ball flight
Shaft Customization
- Adding grip tape for improved handling
- Cutting shafts to preferred length (within legal limits)
- Applying personalized wraps or designs
Customization allows players to fine-tune their sticks to their exact specifications, potentially enhancing their performance on the field. However, it’s important to ensure all customizations comply with league regulations.
Regulations and Legal Considerations: Staying Within the Rules
When selecting and customizing a lacrosse stick, it’s crucial to stay within the rules set by governing bodies. What are some key regulations to keep in mind?
Men’s Lacrosse Stick Regulations
- Total stick length: 40-42 inches for short sticks, 52-72 inches for long poles
- Head width: 6-10 inches at its widest point
- Pocket depth: Ball must be visible above the sidewall when in the pocket
Women’s Lacrosse Stick Regulations
- Total stick length: 35.5-43.25 inches
- Head width: 7-9 inches at its widest point
- Pocket depth: Mesh pockets not allowed, traditional pockets must be “shallow”
It’s important to note that regulations can vary between leagues and age groups. Always check the specific rules for your league before purchasing or customizing a lacrosse stick.
By considering position-specific needs, budget constraints, maintenance requirements, advanced features, customization options, and regulations, players can make informed decisions when selecting their lacrosse sticks. The right stick can significantly enhance a player’s performance and enjoyment of the game, making it a crucial piece of equipment for any lacrosse enthusiast.
Choose the Right Lacrosse Stick Based on Your Position
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the position you play. As a specialized sport, lacrosse requires each on-field player to fill a specific role within the team’s offensive or defensive strategy. The design of your stick should complement your position’s unique needs and style of play.
For attackmen in particular, having a stick optimized for quick shots on goal is essential. Attackers are responsible for scoring, which means their sticks must provide excellent ball control for receiving passes, dodging defenders, and getting clean shots off around the crease. An offensive lacrosse stick with a tight pocket and lightweight construction gives you the agility and stick skills needed to fire the ball past the goalie. Attackmen also rely on their sticks for crisp, accurate passing to move the ball around the perimeter and set up scoring chances.
When shopping for an attack lacrosse stick, look for a head with a narrower channel and tighter sidewall stringing to keep the ball secure in your pocket. Heads with more defined scoops help contain the ball while twisting and turning. You’ll also want to string your pocket with a soft mesh in a mid to low depth, which allows for excellent hold while still providing quick release on shots and passes. Stiff traditional leathers tend to hold the ball too long for an attackman’s fast-paced style of play. Composite and alloy shafts offer the best blend of lightweight speed and durability to stand up to all the slashes, checks, and battles around the net.
The right lacrosse stick can give you the edge over defenders and help take your scoring to the next level. Keep your position’s specialized needs in mind, and you’ll find your perfect match!
Find Lacrosse Sticks Within Your Budget
When getting started in lacrosse, one of the biggest considerations is finding a quality stick that fits your budget. Lacrosse sticks can range dramatically in price from less than $50 up to $300 or more for elite models. While the priciest sticks offer top-notch performance and durability, excellent beginner and intermediate options are available at more affordable price points.
For new players just learning the sport, cheap lacrosse sticks under $50 are ideal for developing fundamental skills before investing in a more advanced stick. Many brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer entry-level sticks with alloy shafts and basic plastic heads to help keep costs down. While the head shapes and materials may lack some of the sophisticated engineering of elite sticks, these budget models allow you to work on skills like cradling, scooping, catching, throwing, and shooting without breaking the bank.
Mid-range sticks in the $50 to $150 range provide a noticeable step up in quality once you’re ready to upgrade. These sticks offer composite materials, improved head shapes, and aluminum alloy handles for increased durability and performance. Players at a middle school, high school, or club level can gain an edge over the competition with these sticks designed for intermediate players.
For committed youth, high school, college, and pro players, lacrosse sticks at the highest tier provide premium quality and specialization by position. Elite attack sticks with advanced pocket and head designs can run over $200, while specialized sticks for defensemen, midfielders, and goalies also command premium pricing. While expensive, these sticks offer the best-of-the-best performance that can give skilled players an advantage.
Regardless of your skill level, staying within a comfortable budget is key when picking out a new lacrosse stick. With the range of pricing available, players can find excellent options that fit how much they are looking to spend and get the most value for their money.
Attackmen Need Sticks Optimized for Quick Shots
When playing the attack position in lacrosse, having a stick optimized for quick shot-taking is paramount. As the primary goal-scorers, attackers rely on their lacrosse sticks to provide the quick ball release and shooting power needed to fire shots past the goalie time and again.
To get off shots quickly, attack sticks feature scoop and pocket designs to get the ball out of your stick rapidly. Scoops with a defined lip on the top help funnel the ball straight into your pocket as you cradle and wind up. Attack pockets are strung tight and shallow to hold the ball securely but still allow for lightning-fast passes and shots on goal. Mesh pockets or soft leathers are ideal for providing the right amount of hold without sacrificing quick release.
The head shape is also critical for giving attackers an edge in quick stick skills. Narrower head channels keep the ball centered while dodging and rolling away from defenders. A pointed scoop allows for precision in winding up on the run or shooting on the turn. Sidewall stringing systems like sigma pockets use interwoven shooters to fine-tune pocket tightness across every point of the head.
On the handle, lightweight composite and alloy materials allow for maximum speed and quick stick moves. Maneuverable yet stiff handles paired with an offensive head give attackers an advantage in separation and getting shots off before defenders can react. For added velocity on shots, handles with textured grip or overlaid graphics provide extra leverage when cranking your stick through the shot motion.
Every element of an attack stick, from the head shape to pocket type to handle design, directly impacts an attacker’s ability to rip quick shots. Optimizing your lacrosse stick for shot speed and accuracy will make you a dangerous weapon around the crease.
Find Lacrosse Sticks for Sale at All Price Points
When looking to purchase a new lacrosse stick, it’s important to know that quality options are available at lacrosse sticks for sale across a wide range of budgets. Lacrosse sticks can vary greatly in price from under $50 for entry-level and intermediate sticks up to $300 or more for professional models. With such a broad spectrum of pricing, players can find the right lacrosse stick for sale to suit their needs and budget.
For beginners just starting out, lacrosse sticks for cheap under $50 provide an affordable way to learn the sport. Major brands like Maverik, STX, and Brine offer introductory sticks made with basic plastic heads and alloy handles to control costs. While limited in features, these bargain lacrosse sticks allow new players to develop fundamental skills before upgrading.
In the $50 to $150 range, lacrosse sticks for sale offer improved performance and durability as players’ skills progress. The heads are made with stronger plastics or composite materials, while the handles feature lightweight aluminum or alloy metals. Athletes at the middle school, junior varsity, and club levels benefit most from these intermediate-level sticks.
For elite high school, college, professional, and national team players, pro-level lacrosse sticks provide specialized designs and premium construction. Attach heads are engineered for quick shots and tight ball control. Defense heads offer maximum checks and pokes. Carbon fiber handles provide exceptional strength and responsiveness. While expensive, these pro sticks deliver unparalleled performance.
Regardless of age or skill level, lacrosse sticks for sale online and in stores offer options across the pricing spectrum. With the right stick, beginners can build fundamentals affordably, while experts gain an edge with advanced equipment.
Cheap Lacrosse Sticks Help Beginners Develop Skills
When first learning to play lacrosse, using one of the many cheap lacrosse sticks available can provide new players with an affordable way to gain experience and work on fundamental skills before investing in a more expensive stick.
Major lacrosse brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer budget-friendly sticks usually priced under $50. While made with basic plastic heads and standard alloy handles rather than premium composites, these cheap lacrosse sticks allow beginners to get a feel for the sport without a huge upfront equipment cost.
The head shapes on cheap lacrosse sticks may not offer specialized offensive or defensive designs, but they allow new players to understand the basics of cradling, scooping, passing, and catching. While limited in features compared to elite sticks, bargain sticks help develop proper fundamentals and mechanics.
With passing and shooting, beginners learn proper form and build strength using an inexpensive stick before moving up to a stick engineered for quicker, more accurate shots. When it comes to defense, cheap sticks give new players experience with checking, poking, and positioning yourself between opponents and the goal.
Once ready to upgrade, players can apply the skills and knowledge gained using a cheap stick toward getting the most out of a new intermediate or pro stick more suited to their position and skill level. The right beginner stick makes those early practices and games more rewarding.
For new players of any age, cheap lacrosse sticks remove the financial barriers to entry and allow anyone to give the sport a try and develop at their own pace. They turn intimidating first steps into exciting starts to a lifelong journey in lacrosse.
Training Lacrosse Sticks Hone Fundamentals
For lacrosse players focused on improving their fundamental skills, training lacrosse sticks can provide specialized equipment to hone the mechanics of cradling, scooping, throwing, catching, and shooting.
Training sticks feature head and pocket designs geared toward developing muscle memory and stick work. Heads may have wide channels with minimal stringing to force players to control the ball with their hands rather than relying on a deep pocket. Mesh pockets on training sticks also tend to be shallower to improve handling.
On the handle, training sticks may incorporate added weight to build strength. Extender shafts on training sticks lengthen the lever arm to improve throwing mechanics and increase wrist strength. Handles with textured grip patterns can help enforce proper hand placement for more consistent throwing motion and accuracy.
When used regularly for practice, training lacrosse sticks ingrain proper fundamentals through repeated reps and specialized equipment designed to target weaknesses. For example, a stick with an oversized head makes it second nature to swing through passes using your bottom hand only. An extender shaft trains you to step through shots and follow through fully.
By taking the time to run drills with a specialized training stick, lacrosse players at any level can refine their form. The improved muscle memory and mechanics translate directly to game situations when you pick up your normal stick. Investing in a training stick accelerates development for athletes looking to take their skills to the next level.
Whether training on your own, with a coach, or as part of a full team practice, a quality training stick is an invaluable tool for becoming the best lacrosse player you can be.
Shop Top Lacrosse Brands for Quality Sticks
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, purchasing from one of the top lacrosse brands ensures you get a well-designed, high-performing product that will meet your needs on the field.
Major brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior dominate in the lacrosse equipment market thanks to their continued innovation and dedication to crafting sticks optimized for every position and skill level. Their elite sticks are used by top professionals and college programs, while their beginner and intermediate models provide excellent value and performance.
Within their product lines, these brands offer sticks tailored to each position. Their attach heads feature defined scoops, tight sidewall stringing, and mid-low pockets perfect for controlling the ball during fast-paced dodging and shooting. Defense-focused heads have wider heads and flexible sidewalls to maximize checks and pokes. Goalie heads provide maximum surface area for blocking shots.
They also utilize advanced materials and precision manufacturing techniques to push lacrosse stick engineering forward each year. New alloys make shafts stronger yet lighter. Composite heads add durability and responsiveness on shots, passes, and checks. Pocket shapes are computer-designed for optimized ball control.
Beyond sticks, these brands offer a full ecosystem of lacrosse gear from protective pads to bags to accessories. Their gear is thoughtfully designed to work as an integrated system depending on your position and preferences.
With such established reputations for quality and innovation across their product catalogs, you can trust the top brands’ sticks to perform at a high level season after season.
Customize Your Lacrosse Stick for Optimal Performance
One of the great aspects of lacrosse is the ability to customize your stick to match your playing style and needs on the field. From length to head shape to pocket style, personalizing your lacrosse stick allows you to optimize its performance.
When sizing your stick, consider your height and position. Attackmen tend to prefer shorter sticks for tighter stickhandling, while defenders need extended reach on checks. Longer and shorter shafts help midfielders and face-off specialists gain advantages in speed or leverage. Goalie sticks are sized to cover more net.
Heads can also be chosen to align with your strengths and position. Tighter sidewall stringing on an attack head improves ball control. Wider heads for defenders allow for checking with maximum surface area. Scoop and channel designs affect handling, passing, cradling and shooting.
Stringing your pocket is another way to customize your stick’s performance. Tighter meshes and leathers give you more responsiveness on shots and passes as an attacker or midfielder. Deeper traditional pockets help defenders protect the ball while running it upfield through traffic. Goalies need deep pockets to smother and control hard shots.
You can also personalize your stick’s appearance with unique stringing dyes, leather laces, wrap designs, and custom graphics. This allows you to stand out on the field and intimidate opponents.
Don’t settle for an off-the-shelf stick that doesn’t maximize your abilities. With all the customization options available today, you can build your dream stick tailored exactly for your game.
Lightweight Lacrosse Sticks Maximize Speed
In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, the speed of your stickwork can make all the difference. Lightweight lacrosse sticks give players an advantage in quickness by allowing faster handling, passing, and shots on goal.
Many elite lacrosse sticks today utilize advanced lightweight materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and alloy metals to shed excess weight without sacrificing durability. Shafts made of these composites weigh far less than traditional wood or aluminum shafts, making it easier to whip your stick through passing and shooting motions.
Heads are also becoming lighter through engineering. Plastics and synthetic laces reduce mass while co-molded and hybrid heads fuse materials like carbon fiber and resin to optimize weight distribution and balance. The result is responsive yet robust heads for quicker releases.
With a lighter overall stick, players can achieve faster shot velocity by getting more speed on their windup. Quicker cuts and rolls away from defenders become easier as your stick feels like an extension of your hands rather than dead weight. Even small reductions in weight can pay dividends in lightning-fast stick skills.
While strength training to improve shooting power is important, a lightweight stick optimizes that strength into raw speed. Less mass to move means getting shots off faster before a goalie can react or a defender can close space. Lightweight speed gives you an edge all over the field.
Durable Yet Affordable Alloy Lacrosse Sticks
When looking for a quality lacrosse stick that combines durability and affordability, aluminum and titanium alloy sticks provide excellent value for players at all skill levels.
Alloy handles offer lightweight responsiveness and huge strength improvements over traditional wooden shafts. Metal alloys like aircraft grade aluminum, scandium titanium, and chromoly steel can be engineered for strength rivaling composites like carbon fiber without the premium price tag.
Metal handles stand up to hacks, slashes, and checks year after year while maintaining precise flex and balance. Their strength allows for consistently clean passes, commanding cradle control, and blistering shot power.
Alloy and metal heads are also extremely rugged and built to last. Repeated impact from checks, scoops, and ground balls won’t deteriorate their performance. Yes, alloy heads may lack some of the sophisticated engineering of elite composite heads, but they offer unmatched durability at every price point.
For every position, alloy sticks provide the perfect blend of affordability and resilience while still giving players responsive performance. They are especially ideal for younger players who are rough on equipment. With the right care and stringing maintenance, quality alloy lacrosse sticks will last you many seasons before needing replacement.
While the latest and greatest composite lacrosse sticks capture headlines, tried and true alloys remain the smart choice for maximizing value. Pick up an alloy stick and gain the confidence that it will hold up over the long haul.
Soft Mesh Lacrosse Pockets Provide Control and Quick Release
One of the most important customizations on any lacrosse stick is your pocket style. For players looking to optimize ball control and quick passing and shooting, soft mesh pockets are an excellent option.
Mesh pockets utilize woven nylon or polyethylene strands to create a netted pocket with some give. This soft, flexible feel allows the ball to sit deeper in the pocket while still providing quick release on shots and passes thanks to the natural trampoline effect of mesh.
The flexible pocket also moves with the ball as you twist, spin, and change direction quickly, keeping the ball centered and under control. Soft mesh makes it easier to receive errant passes one-handed without losing possession. The ball absorbs more energy to stay put, allowing you to bull dodge through sticks and bodies.
Many players also prefer the natural feel and improved grip from mesh over smooth leather pockets. The woven texture allows you to cradle and carry the ball more commandingly with reduced ball slippage.
With custom stringing techniques like stacks and channel locks, you can fine tune the pocket’s tension, hold, and release point. While mesh pockets have a learning curve for new players, once mastered they provide an ideal blend of security and quickness.
Give yourself an edge by restringing your stick with soft mesh. You’ll immediately notice improvements in handling, passing, catching, and shooting.
Traditional Pockets Offer Superior Ball Retention
In lacrosse, having a pocket that securely retains the ball is crucial for fielding ground balls and cradling upfield through swarms of defenders. Traditional leather pockets provide unmatched ball control thanks to thestiffness of materials like rawhide, kangaroo, and cowhide leather.
The inherent stiffness of quality leather laces allows pocket stringers to be woven tightly to grip and encapsulate the ball. Unlike soft mesh pockets, stiff leathers retain their shape and tension even when wet for consistent performance in all conditions.
Traditional knots like the triple threat provide multiple points of contact with the ball to keep in locked in. Intricate sidewall stringing also helps fine tune pocket tension. The result is a custom pocket formed perfectly around a lacrosse ball for commanding control.
While lacking some of the responsive quickness of mesh pockets, the superior hold from a stiff traditional pocket boosts confidence when tussling through pressure. Defenders can protect the ball while clearing through midfield dumps and slides. Goalies can smother rebounds and control bad bounces.
With practice, the nuances of a hand-crafted leather pocket reveal themselves. The ball almost becomes an extension of your stick, precisely responding to every cradle, fake, roll and shot. Master a traditional pocket and lacrosse balls will feel glued to your stick.
Pocket Depth Impacts Performance
One of the most critical factors to consider when stringing a lacrosse stick pocket is the depth. How deep or shallow you string your pocket significantly impacts performance in all aspects of the game from passing, catching, and shooting to cradling and protecting the ball.
For most attackers, a mid to low pocket depth in the 4 to 5 inch range helps optimize quick sticks skills. Shallower pockets hold the ball higher in the head for faster passing and shooting with crisp accuracy. Moving the ball in and out of a shallow pocket requires less stick movement and time.
Deeper pockets in the 5 to 6 inch depth extend your handling sweet spot for increased ball control. The deeper ball placement provides superior hold when cradling through pressure but sacrifices some quickness. Defenders benefit from deeper pockets to run the ball upfield with confidence.
Extremely deep pockets below 6 inches can make it harder to get clean scoops on ground balls. But extra deep pockets give goalies the ball control needed to swallow up point blank shots. Finding the ideal depth takes experimenting.
Factors like pocket materials, sidewall stringing, and head width also influence ideal depth. Wider heads typically accommodate deeper pockets without sacrificing handling. Tighter stringing offsets deeper pockets to maintain responsiveness.
Don’t settle for an average factory-strung pocket. Tailor the depth through stringing to get the exact performance your position demands.
Legal Pockets Maximize Safety and Fair Play
When stringing up a new pocket or making adjustments to an existing one, it is critical to adhere to pocket depth and shape regulations. Following the legal lacrosse pocket rules helps promote fair play while maximizing safety.
Across most men’s leagues, legal lacrosse pockets must be strung to a depth of 6 inches or less. Pockets stretched past 6 inches begin to withhold the ball from play for too long. The deepest point of the pocket must sit below the bottom of the head’s sidewall.
The pocket must also meet shape and hold tests. When placed in the pocket horizontally, the ball should fully see above the sidewalls. On a forward shot motion, the ball must come out freely with no pinching or withholding. Stringing should not allow the pocket to over-retain its shape.
For goalies, deeper pockets are legal to aid in protecting shots. But the same shape and hold tests apply. Officials will perform random stick checks during games to enforce regulations.
By maximizing ball visibility, legal pockets promote increased passing and pace of play. Limiting pocket depths also reduces ball hiding from officials. And open pocket shapes reduce stringing that could abrade skin or catch fingers on poke checks.
While pushing limits can help performance, safety and integrity must come first. Keep pockets legal and let your skills speak for themselves.
Women’s Lacrosse Sticks Built for Finesse
To align with women’s style of play, lacrosse sticks designed specifically for female players feature optimized dimensions and stringing for faster, finesse-based gameplay.
With no body checking allowed, women’s sticks emphasize agile stick skills over physicality. Shafts are made shorter for quicker handling and increased control. Heads are narrowed to keep the ball centered during tight cradling and maneuvering downfield.
Lighter composite and alloy materials shed excess weight from women’s sticks to maximize speed and responsiveness. With a lighter stick, players can get shots off quicker and react faster on draws and ground balls.
Pockets are strung shallower in women’s sticks, usually between 3 to 4 inches deep. This allows for quicker passing sequences and shots on net with tight placement. Shooting strings and sidewall stringing are also tailored to facilitate faster release points.
Offensively, precision is paramount with no second chances from physical rebounds. Defensively, footwork and positioning must be sound to counter offensive agility. Sticks built for women’s lacrosse optimize for these specialized skills.
While often overlooked, fit and feel can impact confidence and performance. With women’s lacrosse growing rapidly, female players now have more stick options than ever before to take their game to the next level.