How does lacrosse stick flex affect shot power and accuracy. What factors should players consider when choosing the right stick flex. How can players optimize their stick flex for maximum performance on the field.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Anatomy: The Key to Optimal Flex

To truly master the art of lacrosse, players must first understand the intricate anatomy of their most essential tool: the lacrosse stick. This complex piece of equipment consists of three primary components, each playing a crucial role in determining the overall flex and performance of the stick.

The Lacrosse Head: Shaping Your Shot

The head of a lacrosse stick is the crown jewel of the equipment, responsible for cradling, catching, and releasing the ball. But how does the head’s design impact flex and performance?

• Shape variations: Oval, teardrop, and banana
• Flex ratings: Soft, medium, and stiff
• Position-specific preferences:
  • Attack players: Softer, more pinched flex heads for quick release
  • Defense players: Stiffer heads for improved ball retention during checks
  • Midfield players: Medium flex universal heads for versatility

The shape and sidewall style of the head significantly influence the overall flex of the stick. Players must carefully consider their position and playing style when selecting a head to optimize their performance on the field.

The Lacrosse Pocket: Fine-Tuning Your Flex

The pocket is where the magic happens in lacrosse. It’s the cradle for the ball and the secret to a player’s control and shooting accuracy. How can players customize their pocket to achieve the perfect flex?

• Stringing tension:
  • Tighter stringing: Increases stiffness for more power
  • Looser pockets: Softens flex for finesse players
• Customization options:
  • Different leathers
  • Mesh types
  • Stringing patterns
• Pocket depth: Affects release point and ball “hold”

By experimenting with these variables, players can fine-tune their pocket to complement the flex of their chosen head and achieve the perfect balance of power and control.

The Lacrosse Shaft: The Backbone of Your Stick

The shaft serves as the handle and lever for throwing, passing, and shooting. Its flex characteristics play a crucial role in determining the overall performance of the stick. What should players know about shaft flex?

• Flex ratings: X, Y, Z, 75, 80, etc.
• Position-specific preferences:
  • Attack: More flexible for quick stick maneuvers and passing
  • Defense: Stiffer for powerful checks
  • Midfield: Intermediate flex (around 70) for versatility
• Material options:
  • Aluminum alloy: Provides more rigidity
  • Carbon fiber: Offers a softer, smoother flex

The choice of shaft material and flex rating can significantly impact a player’s ability to control the stick and generate power in their shots. It’s essential to find the right balance that complements your strength and playing style.

The Impact of Stick Flex on Shot Speed and Accuracy

The flex of a lacrosse stick is not just about feel—it directly influences shot speed and accuracy. Understanding this relationship is crucial for players looking to optimize their performance on the field. How does stick flex affect shooting mechanics?

• Very flexible sticks:
  • Pros: Generate more “whip” for increased shot velocity
  • Cons: Can lead to decreased accuracy due to inconsistent release points
• Very stiff sticks:
  • Pros: Offer more consistent release points for improved accuracy
  • Cons: May limit ball control and quick release capabilities

The key to maximizing shot performance lies in finding the perfect balance between flex and control. This balance will vary depending on the player’s strength, size, and shooting mechanics.

Matching Stick Flex to Player Attributes

Not all players will benefit from the same stick flex. How can athletes choose the right flex for their individual needs?

• Stronger players: Can control stiffer shafts for increased velocity
• Smaller athletes: Benefit from more flex and “snap” for added whip
• Shooting style: Quick-release shooters may prefer more flex, while power shooters might opt for stiffer sticks

Finding the ideal flex requires experimentation and practice. Players should be prepared to test various combinations to discover their shooting sweet spot.

Harmonizing Lacrosse Shaft and Head Flex

Creating a well-balanced lacrosse stick involves more than just selecting individual components—it’s about ensuring that the shaft and head work together in harmony. How can players achieve the perfect match?

The Dangers of Mismatched Flex

Combining a stiff shaft with a super flexible head, or vice versa, can result in an unwieldy stick that’s difficult to control. What are some general guidelines for pairing shaft and head flex?

• Attack setups: Pair flexible shafts with softer heads for quick maneuvers
• Defense setups: Match stiffer shafts with rigid heads for powerful checks
• Midfield setups: Opt for intermediate flex in both shaft and head for versatility

By following these guidelines, players can create a stick that feels natural and responds predictably during play.

The “Butt Test”: A Simple Flex Assessment

How can players quickly gauge the overall flex of their stick? The “butt test” provides a simple yet effective method:

1. Hold the stick straight out with the butt end on the ground
2. Observe the amount of bend in the shaft:
   • Stiffer sticks will show minimal flex
   • Softer shafts will display more noticeable bend

This test allows players to compare different shaft-head combinations and find their ideal balance of whip and release.

Comparing Lacrosse and Hockey Stick Flex

While lacrosse and hockey are distinct sports, their equipment shares some similarities, particularly when it comes to stick flex. Understanding these parallels can help lacrosse players better grasp the concept of flex and its impact on performance.

Flex Ratings: A Numerical Approach

How do hockey stick flex ratings compare to those used in lacrosse?

• Hockey stick flex ratings:
  • Measured in set ratings: 75, 85, 100 flex
  • Lower flex (e.g., 85): Preferred for quicker wrist and snap shots
  • Higher flex (100+): Adds power for slap shots
• Lacrosse stick flex equivalents:
  • Attack players: Prefer softer flex similar to hockey’s 75-85 range
  • Defense players: Opt for stiffer flex comparable to hockey’s 100+ ratings

Both sports aim to match flex to a player’s height, strength, and playing style, emphasizing the importance of personalized equipment selection.

Selecting the Right Flex for Youth Lacrosse Players

Young athletes have unique needs when it comes to lacrosse stick flex. As players grow and develop their skills, their equipment should evolve with them. How should stick flex be chosen based on age and skill level?

Age-Based Flex Recommendations

• Under 13: More flexible heads and shafts to develop fundamentals
• High school: Medium flex sticks to accommodate increasing shooting power
• College and pro: Stiffer flex for high-velocity shots

By gradually increasing stick stiffness as players grow and gain strength, young athletes can develop proper technique and avoid injuries associated with using equipment that’s too advanced for their current skill level.

Skill Level Considerations

Age isn’t the only factor in choosing the right flex for youth players. How does skill level impact flex selection?

• Beginners: Softer flex to promote proper form and technique
• Intermediate players: Medium flex to balance control and power
• Advanced youth players: Stiffer flex to maximize shot speed and accuracy

Coaches and parents should work together to assess a young player’s skill level and choose a stick flex that will support their development without hindering their progress.

Women’s Lacrosse: A Different Approach to Stick Flex

Women’s lacrosse has its own unique set of rules and mechanics, which naturally impacts equipment design. How do women’s lacrosse sticks differ in terms of flex?

The Case for Less Flex in Women’s Sticks

Women’s lacrosse sticks are designed with less flex compared to their male counterparts. Why is this the case?

• Different rules: Women’s lacrosse has less physical contact, reducing the need for extremely stiff sticks
• Shooting mechanics: Less emphasis on high-velocity shots means extra stiff shafts aren’t necessary
• Ball control: Reduced flex promotes better ball control for precise passing and shooting

These factors contribute to a stick design that prioritizes finesse and accuracy over raw power.

Recommended Flex Ratings for Women’s Lacrosse

What flex ratings are typically suitable for female lacrosse players?

• Shaft flex: 50-60 flex rating suits most female players
• Head flex: Softer to medium flex for improved ball control

These flex ratings provide the ideal balance of control and power for the women’s game, allowing players to excel in accurate passing and precise shooting.

Fine-Tuning Your Stick: Adjusting Flex After Purchase

Sometimes, even after careful selection, a lacrosse stick’s flex might not feel quite right. Fortunately, players have several options for adjusting their stick’s performance without purchasing entirely new equipment.

Pocket Adjustments: A Quick Fix for Flex Issues

How can players use pocket adjustments to alter their stick’s flex characteristics?

• Tightening the pocket: Increases overall stiffness for more power
• Loosening the pocket: Softens flex for improved ball control and quicker release
• Adjusting pocket depth: Changes the release point and “hold” on the ball

These simple adjustments can significantly impact a stick’s performance and help players fine-tune their equipment to match their playing style.

Shaft Modifications: Proceed with Caution

Some players opt for more drastic measures to customize their stick’s flex. What are some common shaft modifications, and what precautions should be taken?

• Material removal: Some players remove material from areas like the throat to increase whip
• Caution with carbon shafts: Over-modification can compromise durability
• Testing is crucial: Always test modifications in practice before using in games

While shaft modifications can be effective, they should be approached with caution and only attempted by experienced players or equipment specialists.

The Role of Tape in Flex Adjustment

Can something as simple as tape affect a lacrosse stick’s flex? Surprisingly, yes. How does taping impact stick performance?

• Grip improvement: Tape can enhance a player’s hold on the stick, indirectly affecting flex control
• Weight distribution: Strategic taping can slightly alter the stick’s balance and flex characteristics
• Dampening vibrations: Tape can reduce vibrations, potentially changing the feel of the stick’s flex

While the impact of tape on flex may be subtle, it’s another tool in a player’s arsenal for fine-tuning their equipment.

Finding the perfect lacrosse stick flex is a journey of experimentation and refinement. By understanding the interplay between head, pocket, and shaft flex, players can optimize their equipment to unleash powerful, accurate shots and elevate their game to new heights. Remember, the ideal flex varies from player to player, so don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find your perfect match. With the right flex, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the field and achieving your lacrosse goals.

Lacrosse Stick Anatomy – Head, Pocket, Shaft

When it comes to lacrosse sticks, you need to look at the whole package – the head, pocket, and shaft – to find the right flex for your playing style and position. The head holds the pocket which cradles the ball, while the shaft acts as the main handle and lever for throwing, passing, and shooting.

The Lacrosse Head

Lacrosse heads come in various shapes like oval, teardrop or banana, and flex ratings like soft, medium, or stiff. Attack players often prefer softer, more pinched flex heads for quicker release shots, while defense rely on stiffer heads for better ball retention on checks. Midfield players can go middle-of-the-road with a medium flex universal head. The shape and sidewall style will also impact the overall flex.

The Lacrosse Pocket

Stringing the lacrosse head pocket properly is crucial – this is where you’ll fine tune the head’s flex and feel. Tighter stringing increases stiffness for more power, while looser pockets soften the flex for finesse players. Pockets can be customized with different leathers, mesh, and stringing patterns to complement a stiffer or more flexible head. The depth of the pocket also changes the release point and “hold” on the ball.

The Lacrosse Shaft

Lacrosse shafts are measured in flex ratings like X, Y, Z, 75, 80, etc. Attack shafts tend to be more flexible for quick stick maneuvers and passing, while defense shafts are stiffer for checks. Many midfielders use intermediate shaft flex around 70. Shafts come in aluminum alloy or lightweight carbon fiber, which affects the feel. Carbon shafts tend to have a softer, smoother flex, while alloy provides more rigidity.

Effects of Stick Flex On Shot Speed And Accuracy

The right lacrosse stick flex has a big impact on your shooting. The interplay between the head, pocket, and shaft flex influences hold time, release point, and shot power. Very flexible sticks often have too much “whip”, making shots less accurate, while very stiff sticks limit ball control and quick release.

Matching your stick flex to your strength and mechanics is key. Stronger players can control stiffer shafts for more velocity, while smaller athletes benefit from more flex and “snap” for added whip. Tuning the overall flex takes experimenting to find your shooting sweet spot.

Matching Lacrosse Shaft And Head Flex

When piecing together a full lacrosse stick, you’ll want to match the flex of the shaft and head. A major mismatch like a stiff shaft with super flexible head can make the setup unwieldy. Generally, an attack shaft pairs well with softer heads, while defense shafts match stiffer heads best. For midfield, going with an intermediate flex for both is a safe bet.

Testing Stick Flex With Butt End On Ground

A simple “butt test” lets you gauge the overall flex: hold the stick straight out with butt end on the ground. Stiffer sticks will barely flex while softer shafts will show more bend. This helps compare different shaft-head combos to find your ideal whip and release.

How Hockey Stick Flex Compares To Lacrosse

Hockey and lacrosse sticks share similarities in balancing power and finesse through flex ratings. Hockey sticks are measured in set ratings like 75, 85, 100 flex. Lower flex like 85 is preferred for quicker wrist and snap shots, while 100+ flex adds muscle for slap shots.

In lacrosse, attack players favor softer, quicker flex like hockey’s 75-85 flex range. Defense sticks are more like hockey’s stiffer 100+ ratings for powerful checks and passes. Both sports aim to match flex to players’ height and strength.

Choosing Youth Lacrosse Stick Flex By Age

It’s important to match your lax stick flex to your age and skill level. Youth players under 13 should use more flexible heads and shafts to help develop fundamentals. Intermediate high school players benefit from medium flex sticks as they gain more shooting power. College and pro players can handle the stiffer flex needed for high-velocity shots.

Women’s Lacrosse Sticks Require Less Flex

With different rules and mechanics than boy’s lacrosse, women’s sticks are designed with less flex for better ball control. Shooting doesn’t rely as much on velocity so extra stiff shafts aren’t necessary. Handles around 50-60 flex rating suit most female players for accurate passing and shots.

Adjusting Stick Flex – Pockets, Tape, Shaft Mods

If your stick’s flex feels off, you can tweak things like the pocket and tape to soften or stiffen it up. Some players customize their shafts by removing material from areas like the throat to increase whip. Just take care not to over-modify carbon shafts as this can compromise durability. Test any adjustments in practice first until the flex feels dialed in.

Finding your optimal lacrosse stick flex takes experimenting, but the payoff is unleashing your full shooting and passing potential. Match the flex to your age, size, position, and skills for the best performance.

Attack Stick Flex – Best For Quick Release Shots

When you think of lightning fast shots and nimble stick handling, attack players come to mind. The attack position demands agile reflexes to find angles around defenders and unload shots in the blink of an eye. This is why most attack players opt for lacrosse sticks with a more flexible shaft and head.

Attack shafts are designed with a softer flex rating, usually around 70 on the scale. This added flex gives the shaft more “whip” as you cradle and shoot, increasing the velocity as you release. Attack heads also utilize a softer sidewall plastic to allow for quicker, more effortless passing and shooting motion. The pinched, oval shape of many attack heads further complements this smooth release.

A more flexible attack stick better suits the mechanics of dodging, rolling back, and twisting your body to align shots on goal. Experienced attackmen rely on the instantaneous “snap” of their sticks to pick corners before a goalie can react. An extra rigid shaft would slow down the shooting motion critical for split-second shots.

Of course you still want some structure and control on attack, so finding the right balance of flex is key. Some players opt for a slightly stiffer carbon fiber shaft paired with a softer head, giving the best of both worlds. The ideal attack stick flex allows you to channel all your strength and finesse into deceiving defenders and hitting top speed shots.

Quick Release Shooting Style

The attack style of play informs the need for fast release sticks. With cutting, rolling back, and dodging in traffic, attackmen only have a fraction of a second to wind up and release shots once they break free. This is why you see players practicing quick sticks – flipping, twisting, and shooting in one fluid motion.

An attack stick engineered for this quick release shooting complements your arm and body mechanics. The flex adds vital whip to generate shot power in minimal time, while the head shape gives a smooth, effortless feel. As your shooting skills improve, you can graduate to stiffer shafts to add more velocity and range.

Finessing Checks and Pokes with Flexible Shafts

An attack stick built for finesse also aids your ability to cradle through checks and pokes from defenders. The flexible shaft almost absorbs some of the impact, allowing you to hug tight on the stick and retain possession. More rigid defense shafts are prone to being pried open on checks.

Likewise, softer heads cushion your cradling and absorb checks better to maintain control. Their shape also makes scooping up ground balls quicker – a must for attack players vying for possession.

In essence, the right attack stick flex empowers you to both unleash shots in the blink of an eye, while retaining precision ball control through all types of contact. Your stick becomes an extension of your hands, wrists, and arms as you finesse your way to goal.

Midfield Stick Flex – Balance Of Control And Power

The diverse role of the midfielder requires a lacrosse stick that delivers both finesse and power. Midfielders need the ball control for quick passing and cradling through traffic, along with the shot strength to bury goals from way out.

This is why most midfielders opt for a stick flex rating right in the middle – not too whippy for finesse players, but not too rigid for bruisers. A typical midfield shaft will be in the 70-75 flex range, with a complementing head in the medium stiffness range.

With midfield being the connector between offense and defense, you benefit from a stick offering the best of both worlds. The stick becomes an extension of your body, allowing you to thread passes between defenders, scoop tough ground balls, and wind up for blistering shots on the run.

Weight and Balance Are Key

Since midfielders cover so much ground, the weight and balance of your stick is crucial. A super lightweight shaft may seem appealing, but it could sacrifice durability and some power on shots. Going too heavy though will slow you down.

This is where a medium flex composite or alloy shaft around 70 flex hits the sweet spot. It keeps weight manageable but still gives you some mass in the shaft for checks and shots. Pairing it with a universal spec head maintains balance for quick transitions between offense and defense.

Play the Angles With a Midfield Stick

A versatile midfield stick also aids your ability to shoot and pass from all angles. You may thread a crisp pass from behind the cage, wind up a low-to-high shot on the run, or Zing a two-hopper from way out.

The uniform flex and forgiving pocket of a midfielder’s stick amplifies all these on-the-fly mechanics. A more rigid setup would limit your range of motion, while too much whip could reduce control and power.

Consider testing out different midfield stick flexes until you find your ideal synergy of responsiveness and stability. Your lacrosse stick is the critical piece of equipment that unleashes the full potential of your midfield game.

Defense Stick Flex – Maximum Control For Checks And Pokes

The demanding role of the defenseman requires a lacrosse stick engineered for stability, control, and durability. Defense relies less on quick release shots and more on disruptive checks, pokes, and positioning.

This is why defense shafts have an extra rigid flex rating typically 80+ on the scale. The stiffer shaft gives you more leverage for steering offensive players while withstanding constant body and stick contact. Heads are also firmer to support solid cradling through pokes.

While attack and midfield players consider speed and finesse, defense focuses on fortifying their sticks for physical play. The solid feel enhances your ability to direct opponents, sweep away passes, and scoop tough ground balls.

Withstand Barrages of Body and Stick Checks

As a defenseman, your stick endures a ton of abuse from slashing checks and jockeying for position. A flexible shaft may not hold up against this barrage and could get pried open more easily.

The rigid flex and sturdy construction of defense sticks gives you the confidence to absorb contact. Checks and slashes tend to glance off more, allowing you to retain possession through skirmishes. You sacrifice some handle speed, but gain reliability.

Disrupt Passing Lanes

A defense stick tuned for control really enhances your ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. You can poke check and sweep passes away with precision thanks to the stiffness giving you added extension.

Stiff defense heads hold their shape better as well when poking and jabbing. Attacker’s sticks often get pushed aside too easily. The end result is breaking up more feeds and keeping offensive players on their heels.

While the flex ratings vary by brand, most experts recommend defense sticks over 80+ flex. As your defensive skills progress, you may find benefits in going even stiffer for max power.

Goalie Stick Flex – Designed For Stopping Hard Shots

The specialized role of the lacrosse goalie requires a stick built to withstand and absorb high-velocity shots from all angles. While field players consider speed and finesse, goalie sticks prioritize durability and shock dampening.

Goalie shafts are constructed stiffer than even defense sticks, typically with an extra rigid 100+ flex rating. Heads are also reinforced and designed to direct shots into the pocket. The thick mesh helps cushion and smother shots rather than deflecting them.

The result is a unique lacrosse stick allowing goalies to step into blistering shots with confidence. The flex, materials, and stringing work together to help control and stop fuzzy bounce shots along with 100+ mph cranks.

Withstand the Impact of Close Range Shots

As the last line of defense, goalie sticks need to hold up against point blank range shots from dodging attackmen. Even shots missing the net crack the shaft, so durability is key.

The specialized stiff flex can absorb these impacts much better than field sticks. Goalie heads are also shaped wider with rounded scoops to corral shots from all angles. The thicker sidewalls and end caps further reinforce the head against cracks and warping.

Control Crazy Bounces and Redirect Shots

Goalie sticks allow you to redirect and smother errant shots with their reinforced yet forgiving pocket area. The mesh pocket cushions the ball on impact, dropping it straight down rather than spitting it back out.

You can also use the head to steer off-target shots wide or high, giving you time to reset. The extra width helps wrangle in skips and bounces. An attacking player’s whippy stick would often spit these back out.

While completely stopping a blistering shot requires top-notch technique, a properly strung goalie stick gives you some help. The ideal setup complements your skill to control, redirect, and absorb shots.

Stick Flex Rating System Explained

Understanding lacrosse stick flex ratings helps you choose the right shaft and head combo for your position and skill level. While there is no universal standard, most brands use a numerical scale like 70, 80, 100 to quantify stiffness.

Lower numbers around 60-70 indicate more flexible, whippy sticks best suited for quick release shooting. Higher ratings in the 90+ range represent much stiffer flex preferred for defense and goalies. Midfield players generally opt for intermediate flex in the 70-80 range.

What The Lacrosse Stick Flex Numbers Mean

Think of lacrosse stick flex on a scale of 1-100. Although brands vary, some common benchmarks are:

• 50-70 = Soft/Extra Flexible – Ideal for youth players and attack
• 70-80 = Medium Flex – Balanced for midfield play
• 80-90 = Stiff Flex – Extra control and durability for defense
• 90-100+ = Extra Stiff – Maximum stiffness for goalies

The material and construction of the shaft and head also affect overall flex. Carbon fiber shafts tend to be slightly more flexible than comparable aluminum.

Factors Like Weight and Position Impact Ideal Flex

You’ll want to match your lacrosse stick flex to attributes like your strength, age, and position. For example, an attack player may use a 70 flex carbon handle with a softer head, while a defenseman prefers an 80+ stiff aluminum shaft paired with a stiff head.

Testing out different flex ratings is key – a too flexible or rigid stick will hinder your skills. Find the rating that maximizes control, shooting power, and durability for your game.

As you gain experience and strength, you may benefit from graduating to a stiffer flex rating to add more velocity on shots for example. Flex ratings help narrow your stick search, but personal trial and error dial it in.

Stick Flex Chart By Position And Skill Level

Choosing the right lacrosse stick flex involves matching the stiffness to your position and skill level. Here is a general chart showing ideal flex ratings by player type:

Youth Lacrosse Players

• Ages 10 and Under – 50-60 flex
• Ages 11-13 – 60-70 flex

Younger lacrosse athletes benefit from more flexible shafts and heads to aid development of proper fundamentals like cradling, scooping, and passing. The additional flex helps generate shot velocity as strength builds.

High School Lacrosse Players

• Attack – 60-70 flex
• Midfield – 70-75 flex
• Defense – 75-85 flex
• Goalie – 85-90 flex

As teenage players grow and gain more experience, they can graduate to stiffer lacrosse sticks. Attack and midfield players gain precision on quicker shots, while defense and goalies control more powerful checks and shots.

College and Pro Lacrosse Players

• Attack – 70-75 flex
• Midfield – 75-80 flex
• Defense – 80-90+ flex
• Goalie – 90-100+ flex

At elite levels, athletes benefit from maximum stiffness to optimize the speed and power of their play. Attack may use slightly stiffer handles for more velocity, while defense and goalie sticks are extremely rigid.

Use this general guide as a starting point, but experiment to find your ideal flex within your position. An inappropriate stick could hinder your development, while the right flex improves skills and confidence.

Carbon Fiber Vs Alloy Lacrosse Shafts

Weight

Flex & Whip

Durability

Weather Resistance

Grip

Vibration & Feel

Customization

Price

Aesthetics

The Verdict

Effects of Stick Flex On Shot Speed And Accuracy

The Flex-Power Relationship

Flex Effects on Accuracy

Matching Flex to Pocket Depth

The Strength Factor

Finding Your Flex Sweet Spot

Other Factors In Shot Performance

Matching Lacrosse Shaft And Head Flex

Why Matching Flex Matters

Head And Shaft Flex Ratings

Tuning The Flex Profile

Adjusting Play Style

Avoiding Injury Risk

Testing Stick Flex With Butt End On Ground

Why Test With The Butt End Grounded?

What To Look For

Pressing From Different Angles

Butt Test During Pocket Break-In

Comparing Different Setups

Matching Your Strength and Style

How Hockey Stick Flex Compares To Lacrosse

Shooting Motion Differences

Shaft Construction

Balance And Handling

Flex Point Impact

Flex Rating Scales

Matching Stick To Skill Level

Choosing Youth Lacrosse Stick Flex By Age

5-7 Years Old

8-10 Years Old

11-13 Years Old

14-15 Years Old

The Role of Weight and Strength

The Importance of Skill Development

Women’s Lacrosse Sticks Require Less Flex

Ball Size Differences

No Body Contact

Arm Strength Differences

Defensive Needs

Adjusting For Experience

The Importance of Tuning

Adjusting Stick Flex – Pockets, Tape, Shaft Mods

Finding the right lacrosse stick flex is crucial for powerful and accurate shots. As a lacrosse player, you want a stick that feels natural in your hands and allows you to generate maximum speed and power. The flex profile of your stick shaft and head has a major influence on ball speed, hold, and release. While stick brands advertise different flex options, you can further customize flex through stringing, taping, and even physical mods. Let’s explore your options for fine-tuning lacrosse stick flex.

Pocket Stringing

The way you string your stick’s pocket changes the overall flex profile. Tighter stringing leads to a stiffer pocket, while wider meshes and shooting strings create more flex and “whip.” As a general rule, offensive players prefer some extra whip on shots while defenders opt for more control. Midfielders fall somewhere in between. Consider stringing patterns like a double U-triangle top to add some hold and stiffness for ripping shots. Or try a pinched diamond top string for extra flex. Just remember, pocket stiffness also influences ground ball scooping – you need just enough structure to control picks.

Adding Tape

A simple way to adjust flex on the fly is adding strips of tape. Wrap the throat of your stick just below the head to dampen vibration and stiffness. This allows you to fine-tune the flex point for more lively shots. You can also tape higher up the shaft for more rigidity on passes and pokes. Some players even tape between the top and bottom hands for enhanced control. Experiment with different tape placements and amounts to influence your flex profile.

Shaft Mods

For a more permanent flex adjustment, modify the physical shaft itself. Carefully shave down areas of the shaft using 220 grit sandpaper to target zones of stiffness. Focus on the throat and mid-shaft areas for more pronounced flex. This can create an customized kick point for extra velocity on shots. Just take it slow to avoid over-sanding. Another option is heating areas of the shaft to soften stiffness. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm sections of the shaft, flexing it as you heat. This can add “give” to rigid composites. However, don’t overheat carbon shafts to avoid damaging the epoxy.

Choosing Your Flex Profile

As you can see, flex adjustment involves balancing pocket feel, passing control, and shooting speed. Midfielders need an all-around profile for securing ground balls, breaking out in transition, and ripping shots. Close-range scorers depend on serious whip and rebound out of a deep pocket. Meanwhile, shutdown defenders prioritize hold and pokes over velocity. Consider your position and style of play when fine-tuning your flex profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with stringing, tape, heating or even shaft mods to achieve your ideal flex. Once you “break in” your personalized setup, it should feel like an extension of your hands.

The right lacrosse stick flex allows you to play to your strengths on the field. Whether you like power alley rips or quick stick finesse shots, you need a profile matched to your game. While brands offer different flex options, you can further customize stiffness through deliberate stringing, strategic taping, and even shaft modifications. Remember to balance control versus velocity based on your position. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for dialing in the optimal flex profile for uncorking screaming shots, scooping tough ground balls, or locking down opponents. Mastering lacrosse stick flex gives you an edge out on the field.