Lacrosse Equipment Essentials – Stick, Gloves, Helmet & Pads
As any lacrosse player knows, having the right gear is essential for success on the field. The true key to upping your lacrosse game is ensuring you have high-quality equipment that enhances your performance. Let’s explore some of the must-have lacrosse gear and how to select equipment that aligns with your playing style and needs.
Your lacrosse stick is arguably the most important piece of equipment. For optimal ball control and quick, accurate passing, you need a stiff yet lightweight stick with a strung head that’s tailored to your position and skills. Attackmen typically favor more flexible sticks for quicker shots on goal while defensemen opt for stiff sticks to drive checks. Midfielders need an all-around stick that balances both. Custom stringing gives you options like adjustable pocket depth for clean scooping and ball retention. The shaft material also affects performance – composite shafts like True Temper Titanium offer durability and responsiveness that aluminum lacks.
When choosing a lacrosse head, pay attention to details like scoop shape, stiffness, and sidewall hole patterns. Heads like the True Temper EZ Curve have an arched scoop and open sidewalls to grab ground balls more easily. Offset heads like the Maverik Tank angle the scoop for quicker shots after scooping. For added ball control, some players use lacrosse mesh or leathers instead of traditional nylon stringing. Testing out sticks to find your ideal combination is time well spent.
Gloves protect your hands from bruising checks while allowing dexterity for cradling and passing. Mitt-style gloves with thick padding work well for defense while attackmen favor thinner gloves with segmented fingers for shooting. Goalies need oversized gloves to handle hard shots. Try on different sizes and brands to get the right flexible fit. Break in leather gloves over time for optimal performance. Replace those gloves at the first sign of wear and tear.
The helmet shields your head from injury during physical play. Proper helmet fit ensures it stays put and absorbs impact. Avoid hand-me-down helmets and get professionally fitted for a new helmet with certified eye protection. Look for light yet sturdy materials like polycarbonate or abs plastic shells with compression padding inside. Chin straps should fit snugly under the chin. As with all protective gear, replace old helmets that show structural damage or cracks.
Pads protect the torso, arms, and legs during play. Shoulder pads cushion checks and enable freer arm movement. Options like molded plastic caps disperse impact while flexible padding maintains mobility. Arm guards like Nike Vapor or STX Assault defend elbows and wrists from slashes and pokes. Rib pads add extra torso protection. Consider lightweight, low-profile pads that won’t hinder your speed and range of motion.
For leg protection, lacrosse knee pads safeguard the vulnerable joint from bruising dives and checks. Hard plastic caps and padding balance impact absorption with flexibility for running. Most players wear pads with compression sleeves to keep them from shifting. Cleats provide traction for quick cuts, pivots, and direction changes on the field. Opt for cleats with a slightly raised heel to prevent ankle rolling yet allow swift footwork. Breathable synthetics help dissipate heat and moisture.
While the gear mentioned above constitutes the core equipment, there are a few extra items that can enhance your performance. Mouthguards protect teeth and prevent concussions by absorbing shocks. Lacrosse gloves improve grip and save wear-and-tear on gloves. Athletic tape stabilizes vulnerable joints like wrists and ankles. Water bottles and nutrition keep you hydrated and fueled during intense games and practices. Carrying a personal equipment bag keeps your gear organized and accessible.
With the right lacrosse equipment tailored to your needs, you can reach new heights on the field. Do your research and try out different gear options to discover your ideal setup. Invest in quality sticks, pads, and helmets that align with your playing style, experience level, and physical build. Take time to properly break in and maintain that equipment for best performance. With the true key lacrosse gear in your bag, you’ll be fully equipped to take your game to the next level!
Finding the Right Lacrosse Stick Length & Weight
Selecting a lacrosse stick with the optimal length and weight makes a huge difference in your performance on the field. With the wrong stick dimensions or heft, you’ll struggle with ball handling, shooting accuracy, and speed. Invest time into finding that true key stick that feels like an extension of your arm for lacrosse domination.
For starters, stick regulations dictate length ranges depending on your position and age group. Attackmen and middies use 30-42 inch sticks in youth leagues. Defenders carry 40-72 inch sticks due to the wider checking area allowed. Adult field players wield 40-42 inch sticks, up to 52 inches for defenders. Goalies use enormous 40-72 inch sticks to defend the net. Choose a length based on your size, strength, and position needs.
Taller players often benefit from max length sticks for wider ball control and checking range. Shorter sticks allow smaller players quicker handling and improved accuracy on shots, passes, and checks. Stick length also influences mechanics – longer poles require more arm extension for scooping versus shorter sticks allowing tighter cradling. Test different lengths to find your optimum fit.
Stick weight affects both your endurance and precision. Traditional wooden shafts offer lightness yet may lack durability. Many players prefer the strength of composite materials like scandium or titanium alloy despite added weight. Attackmen tend to use lighter shafts for quicker shots while defense relies on heavier sticks for potent checks. Consider your position’s needs and strength when selecting shaft weight.
Heads range dramatically in weight too. For example, the Maverik Tank weighs 5 ounces while the STX Hammer clocks in at over 9. Heavier heads maintain ball control even through checks, while lighter heads offer finesse and responsiveness. Pocketing and stringing add weight also – heavy meshes and leathers increase heft. Balance preferences with an unstrung head before stringing to optimize weight.
Overall stick weight combines the shaft and head. Aim for the lightest stick that still provides sufficient strength and control. Middies run several miles per game, so light sticks prevent fatigue yet withstand checks. Defenders need heavier sticks to drive checks but not so heavy their arms tire quickly. Goalies rely on extremely light sticks for fast reaction saves. Test stick weights to find your personal sweet spot.
Your strength factors greatly into ideal stick weight. Young players need light sticks suiting their smaller frames and reduced muscle mass. Female athletes often benefit from lighter sticks tailored for their physique. Stronger male players can wield heavier sticks and benefit from the added force. Match the stick weight to your current fitness level as you progress.
Balance point also affects playing feel. The balance point is where the stick naturally tips forward when held parallel to the ground. Balance closer to the head provides a “whippy” feel for quicker passes and shots. Balance closer to the grip gives more control for cradling, scooping, and protecting the ball. Test balance points by tying ribbons on the shaft to find your preference.
Consider customizing your stick weight in innovative ways too. Some players use weighted end caps to shift balance forward for quicker releases. Others insert weighted sidewall stringing for added ball control and security. You can further customize pockets with shooting/hold strings to fine-tune the stick feel.
Don’t simply use the same lacrosse stick length and weight as your teammates. Spend time experimenting to discover the true key dimensions and heft tailored for your height, strength, experience, and position. Keep testing sticks until you find that “broken in” feel that boosts your performance. With the right length and weight stick as your trusty sidekick, you’ll be ready to excel this season.
Choosing Between Men’s & Women’s Lacrosse Stick Styles
When selecting a new lacrosse stick, one key decision is whether to go with a men’s or women’s style. While both share basic design elements, there are several differences that impact performance based on your gender and position. Understanding those variations is crucial for choosing the stick that will provide the true key to unlocking your potential on the field.
The most obvious distinction is stick length. Women typically play with 35.5-43.25 inch sticks for all positions except goalie. Men’s sticks span 40-42 inches for close combat positions like attack, and can extend to over 60 inches for defensemen. The longer male sticks allow wider checking arcs and greater defensive coverage downfield.
Head shapes also differ significantly. Men’s heads have a deeper sidewall and scoop design that cradles more stringing area for greater ball control. Many men’s heads have an angular scoop to channel balls into the pocket smoothly. Women’s heads are typically shallower with a curved or round scoop for quicker passes and shots.
Pockets vary between men’s and women’s sticks too. Men often string traditional four-nylon shooting strings or use mesh for deep, secure pockets that protect balls from checks. Women usually string more open pocket designs with two nylons for faster release on shots and passes. However, some women use deeper pockets for more possession-focused roles like draw control.
Stick materials reflect different needs as well. Men tend to use stiff composite shafts paired with rigid heads engineered for maximum durability against hard checks. Many women utilize more flexible shafts and heads to allow quicker movement for fast-paced passing and cutting on attack.
Even lacrosse gloves differ based on typical contact levels and hand size between genders. Men’s gloves have thick padding across the fingers and back of hand to absorb crushing poke checks. Women’s gloves offer dexterity with less padding since stick and body checking is limited in women’s lacrosse.
While men’s and women’s sticks serve different functions, some unisex design elements suit both genders equally well. For example, offset heads that angle the scoop forward benefit male and female players with quicker ball handling and release. Advanced composites like Scandium alloy shafts provide exceptional strength yet lightweight responsiveness for all field players.
Rather than blindly buying a “gendered” stick, carefully test options to find your ideal head shape, pocket, and materials without limiting yourself. Some female players love the superior ball control of traditionally male sticks for draw controls and cradling through traffic. Male goalies may opt for a women’s style head for improved passing and clearing.
By understanding how men’s and women’s lacrosse stick engineering targets different needs, you can select the true key stick setup that aligns with your skills, experience and position – regardless of gender. Don’t settle for average performance and let your stick hold you back. Experiment boldly and discover the men’s or women’s style lacrosse stick that brings out your full potential!
Top Brands for Lacrosse Stick Heads & Shafts
Looking to improve your lacrosse game this season? The true key to success on the field starts with having the right equipment, especially your lacrosse stick. Your stick is your main tool for catching, cradling, and shooting the ball, so investing in a high-quality head and shaft from a top brand is crucial.
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, you’ll first want to consider the position you play. Attackmen typically prefer a lighter stick for quick handling and passing, while defensemen opt for more durable sticks that can take a beating. Midfielders need an all-around versatile stick to transition between offense and defense. The head shape and pocket style also impact ball control, scooping, passing, and shooting technique. Once you settle on the right head, pairing it with the ideal shaft length and stiffness completes your custom setup.
With so many equipment options out there, it helps to narrow your search to sticks from the leading manufacturers. Here’s an overview of some of the top lacrosse stick brands on the market and what makes them stand out:
Warrior
Known for advanced technologies and bold aesthetics, Warrior makes some of the most popular lacrosse heads and shafts today. Their signature sticks include the Burn lacrosse head, ideal for precise passing and catching, and the Platinum shaft, constructed from premium alloys for unmatched durability. Warrior caters to all positions and play styles with heads ranging from the light and whippy to the extra stiff and rigid.
STX
STX is a go-to brand for many elite college and pro players. They offer a deep catalog of lacrosse sticks engineered for power and control. Top choices include the Surgeon head for pinpoint accuracy and the Sci-Ti shaft, crafted from an innovative titanium alloy. STX sticks also feature unique technologies like an asymmetrical sidewall design on heads for optimal pocket placement.
Maverik
Known for their stand-out stringing options, Maverik manufactures some of the most customizable lacrosse sticks around. Their Optik head highlights this with interchangeable side panels to tweak flex and pocket placement. For shafts, the Carbon Pro offers an ultra-lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber construction. Maverik also makes complete sticks for every position ready to take straight to the field.
Nike
The athleticwear giant lends their innovative expertise to lacrosse sticks as well. The Nike CEO head stands out with an angular scoop and extended sidewall for extra ball control. Their shafts utilize composite materials like high-grade alloys and carbon fiber for optimal durability and lightweight feel. For a top-to-bottom Nike setup, they offer pre-strung complete sticks too.
Epoch
This newer brand brings innovation to their lacrosse sticks utilizing advanced technologies and materials. The Dragonfly head incorporates a groundbreaking IsoBlast technology, which allows the sidewalls and scoop to flex for improved handling and control. Their Carbon Pro shaft pairs ideal strength and stiffness by weaving multiple carbon fiber layers. For an all-Epoch setup, they offer pre-assembled Dragonfly sticks too.
Gait
Gait sticks bring a blend of performance and flair with their lacrosse heads and shafts. Choices like the Recon XLC head feature a uniquely angular design for enhancing ball control and shot power. Their lacrosse shafts utilize alloys like Scandium for an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. Along with individual heads and shafts, Gait also offers fully assembled sticks ideal for players at all levels.
StringKing
As their name implies, StringKing is all about perfect pocket stringing and optimal ball control. Their Mark 2V lacrosse head highlights these strengths with an elongated design and dual sidewall holes for versatile stringing options. The Metal 2 Pro shaft brings pro-level performance through a lightweight aluminum build. For an all-in-one option, StringKing’s complete sticks feature premium heads and shafts.
East Coast Dyes
While best known for head dyeing and pocket stringing services, East Coast Dyes also produces their own high-end lacrosse shafts. Options like the Carbon Pro offer an ultra-strong and lightweight carbon fiber construction. For elite-level performance, the Legend Pro utilizes advanced alloys like Scandium and is endorses by pro players. Along with shafts, ECD offers customized dye and stringing upgrades to take your stick to the next level.
While this covers some of the top brands, there are many other excellent manufacturers to choose from. Do your research to find the right head and shaft combo that matches your playing style and skills. Consider attending lacrosse clinics or demo days to try out different equipment too. With the true key lacrosse stick in hand, you’ll be on your way to dominating the field this season!
What Makes the True Temper Shaft So Durable?
Looking to improve your lacrosse game this season? A key part of your equipment that impacts performance is your lacrosse shaft. And when it comes to durability, one of the top brands players trust is True Temper. But what exactly makes True Temper shafts so strong and long-lasting?
There are a few key factors that contribute to the exceptional durability Lacrosse players have come to expect from True Temper shafts:
Premium Alloy Construction
At the core of True Temper’s ultra-durable shaft design is the proprietary alloy blend used in manufacturing. The exact composition is a closely guarded trade secret, but it contains a specialized mix of lightweight metals like aluminum, scandium, and titanium. Through precision engineering, these metals are combined and heat-treated to create an alloy optimized for strength, durability, and balanced flex.
Innovative Wall Design
In addition to premium materials, True Temper shafts feature an innovative wall design that improves overall toughness and impact resistance. Rather than a standard solid or hollow wall, True Temper shafts have a unique multi-layer composite wall structure. This advanced engineering disperses stress more effectively throughout the shaft for enhanced durability during checks, slashes, and rough play.
Reduced Vibrations
An underrated contributor to a shaft’s longevity is vibration dampening. Constant harsh feedback and vibrations can wear down materials over time. True Temper shafts incorporate technologies like memory foam grips and internal vibration dampeners to reduce vibrations. This allows the shaft to better maintain its integrity after repeated use and absorb hard impacts.
Reinforced Throat
The throat area of the shaft where the head attaches is especially vulnerable to damage. True Temper strengthens this critical area in several ways. The shaft walls are often double layered here for added toughness. They also utilize extra supports and protected screws to make the throat highly resistant to warping, cracking, and breakage.
Weatherized Coatings
Being exposed to the elements can degrade lacrosse shafts over time. To combat this, True Temper treats their shafts with weatherized coatings that maintain durability. These specialized treatments guard against corrosion, fading, and degradation from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and temperature swings during outdoor use.
Precision Manufacturing
True Temper’s advanced manufacturing process also improves consistency and structural integrity. Using techniques like cold metal forging and CNC machining allows them to optimize the grain alignment and precision tolerances of their shafts. This minimizes structural weaknesses and enhances the uniformity of their construction for maximum durability.
Rigorous Testing
Before any True Temper shaft hits the field, it undergoes rigorous lab testing. Engineers simulate the most intense gameday slashing, checking, and impacts shafts endure. Only designs that pass durability thresholds earn the True Temper name. This extreme testing ensures each shaft can withstand the toughest lacrosse conditions over the long run.
With their premium alloy composition, smart structural design, protective coatings, precision manufacturing, and rigorous testing, it’s easy to see why True Temper lacrosse shafts stand apart for their unmatched durability. Players know they can trust a True Temper shaft to stand up season after season.
Pairing a True Temper shaft with a high-quality head can help take your game to the next level. And caring properly for your equipment is key too. Be sure to check for cracks or warping, replace worn grips, and store sticks properly during the offseason. With the right moves, you’ll be on your way to dominating the field this season and beyond!
Lacrosse Mesh & Stringing Patterns for Optimal Ball Control
So you’ve got a new lacrosse stick and you’re eager to string it up and start ripping shots. But before you grab the first piece of mesh you see, it’s important to understand how lacrosse mesh and stringing patterns impact ball control. The key is finding the right combination of pocket style, mesh, and stringing adjustments to maximize your command of the ball.
Let’s break it down:
Pocket Style
The first step is deciding on a pocket style. There are generally three types:
- Low pocket: Best for quick release shots.
- Mid pocket: Most versatile and balanced for passing, catching, and shooting.
- High pocket: Favors control over power, ideal for face-off specialists and LSMs.
Mid to low pockets tend to offer the best all-around ball control. Just keep in mind that low pockets will bag out faster from heavy use.
Mesh Properties
Lacrosse mesh comes in a variety of materials, hole sizes, and weaves. This greatly impacts ball control:
- Materials – Nylon mesh has a smooth, slick feel and releases cleanly. Traditional string meshes have more grip and a slower release. Hard meshes favor power, while soft meshes prioritize control.
- Hole size – Smaller holes increase ball retention and allow for deeper pockets. Larger holes have less friction for quicker releases.
- Weave – Tighter string spacing equals more friction and control. Wider spacing creates a quicker release.
In general, start with a mid to wide weave nylon mesh if you want optimal ball control. Tighter stringing enhances hold, while wider spacing gives you quicker releases as needed.
Stringing Patterns
How you interlace the sidewall strings is key. Some techniques that maximize control include:
- Double up sidewalls – Adding a second sidewall string boosts hold at the cost of release speed.
- U-strings – Creates deeper channel pockets that “hug” the ball on catches.
- V-strings – Cradles the ball from below for added security on dodges and picks.
- Shooter’s strings – Nylon laces let you adjust pocket depth for customized ball retention.
You can also experiment with 1, 2 or 1, 3, 1 sidewall patterns to find your performance sweet spot. Just don’t overtighten – you want some sag to act as a ball “hammock.”
Personalize With Adjustments
Finally, tailor your pocket with tweaks like:
- Shift shooting strings higher or lower to change release points.
- Loosen/tighten knots to adjust pocket depth.
- Widen/tighten mesh diamonds for quicker/slower releases.
It takes trial and error to find your optimal setup. Luckily you can easily tweak stringing patterns until you dial in your dream pocket. With the right adjustments, you’ll enhance ball control for quicker reaction time on passes, better ball security dodging through traffic, and pinpoint shot accuracy.
In the end, remember it’s about balance. Aim for maximum ball retention without sacrificing too much release velocity. Pay attention to how mesh, stringing, and adjustments impact handling. With the right lacrosse pocket, you’ll gain an edge with every catch, pass, and shot.
The Strengths of the True Temper EZ Curve Handle
If you’re looking to step up your lacrosse game, upgrading to the True Temper EZ Curve handle can give you an edge. This specialized handle is designed to boost performance with its innovative curved shape and lightweight durability.
Let’s explore the strengths that make the EZ Curve one of the top lacrosse handles on the market:
Ergonomic Curve
The EZ Curve handle gets its name from the unique 15-degree curve along the lower shaft. This bent shape mimics the natural grip position of your top hand, keeping the head upright on cradles and passes without awkward wrist bending.
By eliminating unnatural hand movements, the EZ Curve reduces fatigue and strain for smoother, more controlled play. The angled end also brings the lower part of the head closer to your hand, enhancing feel and quick reaction time.
Strategic Wall Thickness
True Temper optimized wall thickness in key areas to remove unnecessary weight. The upper shaft is thickened for durability during checks. The lower bend is thinned for lighter feel on quick stick moves.
This strategic tapering shaves ounces without sacrificing robustness in high-impact zones. The end result is a supremely lightweight handle with unbelievable strength.
Textured Grip
The EZ Curve incorporates a tactile grip pattern right where your hands naturally rest. This textured zone prevents slippage for ultimate control in all weather conditions.
Whether it’s pouring rain or you’re dripping sweat, the handle notch locks into your gloves for no-slip dodging, passing, and shooting. A secure grasp translates to faster reaction times with the ball.
Multiple Flex Options
True Temper offers the EZ Curve handle in a range of flex profiles – super stiff, stiff, and standard. This lets you pick the perfect flex to match your position and playing style.
Defenders can go super stiff for maximum checks. Attackmen might prefer standard flex for quicker release shots. Having options ensures you get a handle tuned for ideal performance.
Strong yet Lightweight
The EZ Curve is constructed from True Temper’s patented Scandium titanium alloy. This high-tech material blends unbelievable strength and low weight.
Thanks to Scandium, the EZ Curve offers rugged durability at an ultra-light 5.8oz. Lighter handles require less effort to wield, preventing fatigue so you can go full throttle all game.
Perfectly Balanced
True Temper engineered the EZ Curve with a precise balance point just above the grip area. This ideal center of gravity makes the handle incredibly responsive in your hands.
With perfectly tuned balance, the EZ Curve delivers razor sharp cuts, quick release passes, and blistering shots. You get snappy agility that translates into split-second reaction times.
So if you’re looking to gain an edge over your matchup, upgrading to the EZ Curve handle is a surefire way to boost handling, control, speed, and power. The strategic shape, grip, flex options, and lightweight strength come together to provide a high performance handle designed for dominating the field.
Why True Temper Titanium is Ideal for Faceoff Specialists
In the fast-paced world of lacrosse faceoffs, victory goes to the specialist who reacts quickest. That’s why more and more FOGOs and FO specialists are turning to high performance titanium handles from True Temper. This advanced material offers unbeatable benefits perfect for gaining an edge at the X.
Let’s look at why True Temper titanium is the top choice for faceoff dominance:
Ultra-Lightweight
Speed and quickness are everything in faceoffs. True Temper titanium handles are engineered with an incredibly lightweight 6.0 oz design. By removing unnecessary mass, titanium handles accelerate hand speed for lightning fast clamp and rake techniques off the whistle.
Titanium’s feather-like feel also prevents early fatigue during extended faceoff battles. You stay fresh and quick all game long.
Ideal Strength
Durability is crucial for faceoff specialists who endure constant physicality. True Temper titanium maintains robust strength and stiffness while flexing on checks. This resistance ensures your handle stays intact despite heavy collisions at the X.
Titanium also retains its lively responsiveness far longer than other materials. You get enduring quick-reacting performance from the opening draw to the final whistle.
Reduced Vibration
All the clamping, grinding, and battling subjects handles to intense forces. True Temper titanium acts as a shock absorber by dampening vibrations exceptionally well. This decreased shake keeps handles from rattling in your hands on faceoff scrums.
With muted vibrations, you maintain complete control and feel. Minimal feedback distraction also helps you focus on technique and gaining leverage.
Weather Resistant
As a faceoff specialist, you battle every game situation – including rain, snow, and mud. True Temper titanium handles are unaffected by temperature swings and water. You get perfect stability and response in all weather extremes.
The smooth titanium surface also stays debris-free and wipes clean easily. No matter the conditions, your handle performs consistently all game long.
Customizable Flex & Grip
True Temper offers different titanium handle flexes from rigid to soft along with a range of grip patterns. This makes it easy to customize a handle tuned for your faceoff style.
Stiff flex and pronounced texture provide absolute clamp lock. Moderate flex with smoother grip optimizes quick hand transitions during counters. You get a handle tailored to your technique.
Superior Balance
A perfectly centered balance point creates a titanium handle that almost plays itself. True Temper positions the balance either in the grip area or just below it for incredible control with minimal hand effort.
This intuitive and lively feel makes it easy to gain leverage quickly on faceoffs. Your hands instinctively end up exactly where they need to be.
When fractions of seconds determine faceoff supremacy, choosing the right handle is critical. True Temper titanium provides the quickness, durability, balance, and weather-resistance that FOGOs need to dominate the X.
Getting the Best Performance from Your Lacrosse Stick
Looking to take your lacrosse game to the next level this season? We’ve all been there – putting in the hours at practice, hitting the wall ball religiously, but still feeling like your performance is lacking. What’s the true key to success? Surprisingly, it’s not fancy stick tricks or a killer shot – it all comes down to having the right lacrosse stick setup for your game.
The importance of a properly strung lacrosse head and well-balanced shaft cannot be overstated. Your stick is your main tool on the field, so you need it tuned perfectly for your personal style of play. Whether you’re a midfielder, attackman, defender or goalie, there are certain specs that will give you an edge over the competition. Let’s break it down position-by-position and discover the true keys to optimizing your lacrosse stick performance.
Attack
For attack players, it’s all about having a lacrosse head that scoops, retains and passes the ball with precision. You want a head with a medium to deep pocket that gives you great hold on the ball when dodging and shooting in tight quarters around the crease. A deeper pocket also helps absorb some of the impact when you take a slash to the stick, allowing you to hang on to possession.
In terms of stiffness, you generally want a more flexible head with a little “give” or “whip” when shooting. This helps generate more velocity and a quicker release. An attack stick that’s too stiff will feel rigid and slow through your shooting motion. Dialing in the right flex takes some experimentation to find your personal sweet spot.
For your shaft, look for a lightweight composite material like Scandium or Carbon fiber. This allows quicker handling and shot release without sacrificing durability. Make sure your shaft length is on the shorter side, ideally 40-42″. This enhances your ability to protect your stick in tight spots while still giving you good leverage on checks, passes and shots.
Midfield
As a midfielder, you need a lacrosse stick that can scoop ground balls cleanly, deliver crisp passes in transition, and fire accurate shots on the run. A medium pocket depth is ideal for balancing ball retention and quick ball movement.
When it comes to head stiffness, midfielders generally benefit from a “hybrid” flexibility – not too stiff and not too soft. This gives you some hold on the ball while still allowing you generate velocity on passes and shots.
Your shaft should strike a balance between lightweight handling and added durability. Look for a composite material shaft in the 30-40″ length range. This longer length will allow you to gain separation from defenders with your strides up the field while giving you leverage for passing and shooting on the move.
Defense
For defensemen, ground ball scooping and checking abilities are most important. Look for a lacrosse head with a medium pocket depth to balance scooping and ball retention after caused turnovers. You’ll also want more stiffness in the head to give you added durability when poking and slapping checks.
When it comes to your shaft, durability and checking strength are key. Look for a composite material shaft in the 46-60″ range. This longer shaft length will allow you to keep attackmen at bay with your range. It also provides added leverage when pressing out on ball carriers.
Goalie
Goalies have the most specific lacrosse stick requirements based on their unique role. For your head, you want an extra deep pocket to help absorb the impact of shots. The added depth also gives you better control cradling the ball in the pocket during clears. In terms of stiffness, look for a softer, more flexible head. This will “give” more on shots, helping retain possession after saves.
When it comes to shafts, goalies need extra durability and checking strength. Look for a solid titanium shaft in the 36-42″ range. The shorter length will allow you to maintain mobility in the crease while the titanium material gives you added durability when checking attacking players within close range.
No matter what position you play, following these guidelines will help you optimize your lacrosse stick performance. Dialing in the right specs takes experimentation, so don’t be afraid to adjust pocket depth, head stiffness, shaft material and length until you find your ideal setup. Once your stick is tuned for your game, you’ll notice incredible gains in ball control, shooting, passing and confidence. Just remember – the true key to success on the lacrosse field starts with having a stick that brings out the best in your abilities. Get that dialed in, and take your game to the next level this season!
Maintaining Your Stick – Stringing, Pocketing & Upkeep
Your lacrosse stick is your most important piece of equipment. Having it perfectly tuned and maintained can be the difference between dominating the field or sitting on the bench. While the basics of stringing and pocketing seem simple, they require constant attention and refinement. Let’s break down the keys to optimizing your lacrosse stick through proper stringing, pocketing, and upkeep.
Proper Stringing
Many players think of stringing as a “set it and forget it” process, but your lacrosse head’s stringing needs regular adjustment and maintenance. As you put wear and tear on the stick, the stringing will loosen and shift. This affects crucial aspects like pocket depth, hold, and ball control. Staying on top of stringing adjustments ensures you get peak performance from your stick.
After each game or intense practice, do a quick check of the stringing. Give the shooters a firm tug – do they feel looser than normal? Next, push your thumb into the pocket and move it around. Does the pocket feel deeper or shallower than your preference? If you notice loosening or shifting, it’s time to tighten things up.
Use a strong nylon stringing cord and give all shooters, V’s, and diamonds a few extra wraps of string to snug everything back into place. Don’t over-tighten – slight adjustments here make a big difference. This quick tightening maintenance helps retain the pocket shape and hold you’ve worked so hard to dial in.
Pocketing the Sweet Spot
Along with keeping strings tight, maintaining the right pocket depth is crucial. As you string and re-string your stick, you’ll come to find your personal “sweet spot” for pocket depth based on your position and style of play. For attackmen and midfielders, a medium depth is ideal for securing possession on dodges while still allowing quick passing and shooting. Defenders need a slightly shallower pocket for scooping ground balls, while goalies prefer a deeper pocket to help control saves and clears.
No matter what depth you settle on, keeping the pocket consistent is key. Use a lacrosse ball and measure from the base of the head to the top of ball to monitor your depth. If the pocket begins to bag out or get too shallow from wear, drop the ball in and give it a few hard stomps into the ground. This will help “reset” the shape and depth of the pocket back to your desired specs.
Upkeep for Durability
In addition to dialing in stringing and pocket depth, don’t neglect the overall durability and condition of your stick. As the head and shaft absorb slashes, checks, and ground ball scrums, they weaken over time. This leads to decreased performance in key areas like scooping, passing, and shooting.
Be sure to check your stick for cracks or warps along the head and shaft. This could indicate structural damage that requires a re-string or replacement. Also keep an eye out for significant paint chipping, which exposes the materials underneath to moisture and debris damage.
To prolong the life of your stick, wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to prevent dirt buildup. Avoid leaving it sitting in extreme cold or heat, which can cause the materials to become brittle. When not in use, keep your stick stored upright in a ventilated area.
These preventative maintenance steps allow you to maximize the longevity of your stick. Combined with proper stringing and pocket adjustments, they ensure you get the highest level performance all season long.
The True Key is Consistency
Lacrosse sticks require constant tuning and tweaking to adapt to your evolving game. Don’t just string it once and assume you’re all set. Staying on top of stringing maintenance, pocket depth, and overall durability is crucial. The time invested will pay off with big dividends in the form of enhanced ball control, shooting, scooping, and passing abilities.
Your lacrosse stick is your main tool on the field, so treat it with care and keep it fine-tuned. Follow these stringing, pocketing, and upkeep tips religiously throughout the season. Consistency is the true key to optimizing performance. With a dialed in stick that accentuates your strengths, you’ll dominate the field and take your game to the next level.
Customizing Your Lacrosse Stick to Match Your Playing Style
You’ve put in the work perfecting your skills and lacrosse IQ. But simply having talent isn’t enough – you need the right lacrosse stick setup to truly maximize your abilities on the field. The key is customizing your stick’s specs to fit your unique style of play. Finding that perfect match between player and equipment makes all the difference when it comes to dominating the competition.
Customizing your lacrosse stick starts with understanding your strengths and role on the team. Are you a crafty attackman who needs superior ball control around the crease? Or an athletic midfielder who needs to scoop, run and gun? Knowing your style allows you to dial in a pocket depth, head stiffness, shaft material and length that accentuate your skills.
For Finesse Attackmen
If you’re an attackman who relies on stick skills and creativity to slice up defenses, focus your customization on enhanced feel and ball control:
- Pocket Depth – Medium to deep for cradling in traffic and absorbing checks
- Head Flex – More whip for quicker release on shots
- Shaft Material – Scandium or lightweight composite for precision handling
- Shaft Length – 40-42″ for mobility in tight spaces
For Athletic Midfielders
If you’re a dominant athlete at the midfield who likes to run and gun, prioritize pocket hold and durable materials:
- Pocket Depth – Medium for securing possessions on the move
- Head Flex – A hybrid stiffness to add velocity on passes/shots
- Shaft Material – A composite/alloy hybrid for durability and handling
- Shaft Length – 46-60″ for clearing range and shooting leverage
For Shutdown Defenders
If your game is built on smothering opposition dodgers, focus on ground ball scooping and checking durability:
- Pocket Depth – Shallower pocket for easier ground ball pickups
- Head Flex – Stiffer for added protection during poke checks
- Shaft Material – Strong alloy for maximum durability when slashing
- Shaft Length – 52-60″ range to dictate engagement distances
For Reactionary Goalies
If you make your living in the crease, look for ball control and high impact absorption:
- Pocket Depth – Extra deep for controlling saves and clears
- Head Flex – More flexible to absorb heavy shots and retain possession
- Shaft Material – Titanium for its strength-to-weight ratio
- Shaft Length – 36-42″ for mobility in the crease
These specs are a great starting point for your customization journey. The key is not being afraid to experiment until you find your ideal setup. Swap out heads, adjust pocket depth, cut down shafts – make incremental changes and track how your performance responds. The hours spent finding your customized sweet spot will pay off all season long.
Match Your Gear to Your Game
Lacrosse sticks come generalized from the factory, but you are not a generalized player. By taking the time to customize your pocket, head, shaft and length to your personal style, you gain an edge over the competition. Don’t settle for an ill-fitting stick – get customization to work enhancing your strengths. With the right lacrosse stick customized to your game, you unlock the true key to performing at your peak potential.
Important Checking Techniques for Defensive Players
As a defensive player in lacrosse, your top priority is preventing goals. Mastering key checking techniques is essential for disrupting offenses and causing turnovers. From pokes to slaps to body positioning, defensive dominance requires honing an arsenal of physical and mental checking skills.
But throwing checks haphazardly will land you in the penalty box. Effective checking is equal parts strategy, timing and controlled aggression. Let’s break down the essential techniques for delivering clean, devastating checks that shut down attackers.
The Poke Check
The poke check is a quick one-handed jab used to dislodge the ball from an attacker’s crosse. To execute:
- Slide your top hand up near the head of your stick.
- Keep your eyes on the ball in the attacker’s pocket.
- In a short, controlled motion, jab the head of your stick directly at the ball.
- Aim to make solid contact with the ball, knocking it loose without slashing recklessly.
The key is timing your poke as the attacker switches hands or brings his stick back to pass or shoot. If done right, he won’t see it coming and you’ll jar the ball free cleanly.
The Slap Check
The slap check uses a powerful two-handed swinging motion to smack the ball out of an attacker’s pocket. To execute:
- Start with hands spaced apart in ready position.
- Swing the stick in a forceful circular motion and make contact with the ball.
- Follow through the slap so your momentum carries through the attacker’s stick.
- Time the slap as the attacker rears back to pass or shoot for maximum disruption.
The slap check takes great hand-eye coordination and timing. But done right, it’s extremely effective for causing turnovers.
Leverage Your Body
Checking isn’t only about stickwork – effective body positioning is critical. As the defender:
- Keep your feet active and your stance low to react quickly.
- Maintain inside position between attacker and the goal.
- Use legal contact to block shooting angles and disrupt dodging lanes.
- Anticipate cuts and use hips and shoulders to steer attackers away from the center.
Leveraging your athleticism and defensive savvy is just as crucial as technical stick checks. Combining both is the true key to stopping attackers in their tracks.
Anticipation and Disruption
Master checkers rely on more than just reaction time and stick skills. They use lacrosse IQ to read situations and anticipate the perfect check opportunity:
- Study your matchup’s go-to moves to predict playmaking tendencies.
- Recognize common stick positions, cuts and dodges that expose the ball.
- Time your check for critical moments like passes, catches and shots.
- Disrupt rhythm and chemistry between attackers with physical, relentless pressure.
The mental side of checking is just as important as the physical execution. Analyze your opponents, look for patterns and openings, then strike decisively at the ideal moments to cause game-changing turnovers.
Defensive excellence is the true key to team success in lacrosse. Mastering fundamental check techniques, positioning your body intelligently, and developing high lacrosse IQ gives you the tools to shut down even the shiftiest attackers. Put in the work perfecting your checking game, and you’ll be a dominant force on defense this season.
Developing Your Cradling & Scooping Skills
Having the ball is everything in lacrosse. Without possession, you can’t attack, defend, or make plays. That’s why honing cradling and scooping skills needs to be a top priority for players looking to improve. Securing ground balls and maintaining control while running and dodging should be practiced religiously.
Cradling and scooping are often seen as basics – skills you either have or you don’t. But the truth is they require nuance and constant refinement as the speed and physicality of the game increases. Let’s break down the essential techniques for taking your ball control to the next level.
Protecting Possession While Cradling
Keeping the ball locked in your pocket on the run and under pressure takes practice. Here are some tips for cradling through traffic:
- Use a pocket depth that holds the ball snugly but allows for quick release passes and shots.
- Cradle with your hands apart for maximum leverage when absorbing checks.
- Initiate cradling motion from your wrists and fingers rather than whole arm movement.
- Keep your elbows tucked in close to protect the stick when defenders close in.
- Switch hands frequently and change pace to keep defenders off balance.
Making these cradling techniques second nature ensures maximum control and security in chaotic game situations.
Scooping Up Ground Balls
Whether caused by errant passes, checks, or contested possession, ground balls are a huge momentum swing. Scoop them up consistently by:
- Using a shallower pocket depth to grab and secure the ball off the ground.
- Approaching ground balls at an angle rather than straight on for better positioning.
- Keeping your stick out in front as you run through balls for an extended pickup radius.
- Using your body to shield defenders from knocking the ball away as you scoop.
- Quickly transferring from scoop to cradle in one fluid motion to maintain possession.
Making scooping skills instinctual gives your team a major advantage in ground ball battles.
Wall Ball Drills for Improvement
Spending time hitting the wall with a purpose takes cradle and scoop abilities to the next level. Effective wall ball drills include:
- Quick Stick – Work on snapping passes back to the wall with barely any windup or cradle.
- 1-Handed Cradling – Switch hands each catch to build strength and feel.
- Ground Ball Scoops – Roll balls out and work on approaching at an angle to scoop.
- Random Bounces – Vary wall toss heights to mimic erratic passes and catches.
10-15 minutes of focused wall ball before or after practice pays huge dividends in game situations.
Strong cradling and scooping skills are the true key to dominating possession battles. Treat them as seriously as shooting or dodging. Put in the work perfecting your technique through game reps and wall ball training. Own the ground ball game, dictate the pace of play, and control possession to lead your team to success this season.
Mastering Accurate Passing & Catching with Your Stick
Connecting passes upfield and out of doubles is the key to fueling a high-powered offense in lacrosse. But sloppy passing and dropped catches kill momentum and lead to turnovers. Taking your passing and catching skills to an elite level requires honing technique, timing, vision and feel with your lacrosse stick.
Start with fundamentals – proper mechanics for throwing and receiving accurate passes. Then layer in situational variables as you advance to master-level skills. Let’s break down the keys to developing laser-guided passing and vacuum-like catching abilities.
Throwing Fundamentals
Delivering crisp, on-target passes begins with dialing in proper throwing mechanics:
- Grip lower on the shaft to generate power from your core and shoulders.
- Step toward target as you wind up for momentum transfer.
- Rotate hips and torso for added force.
- Follow through toward your target after release for directional precision.
- Snap the wrists at release to add velocity.
Rep these fundamentals until they become muscle memory. Sidearm, overhand or shovel passes should all use this basic throwing motion for accuracy.
Catching the Imperfect Pass
Securing passes thrown off target or with velocity requires solid catch technique:
- Extend your stick arm out for an expanded catching radius.
- Keep your stick vertical and eyes on the ball’s flight path.
- Absorb the impact in your stick’s pocket and arms, not hand or body.
- Cradle immediately after the catch to maintain control.
- Position your body between defender and ball when catching in traffic.
Great catchers make the difficult grabs look routine. Practice adjusting to errant throws to become a reliable receiver.
Developing Chemistry
Perfect passing requires building chemistry and trust with teammates:
- Learn each player’s catching preferences – sidearm, overhand, away from the body, etc.
- Establish non-verbal cues – make eye contact, call for the pass, etc.
- Refine pass velocity and placement to match their catching ability.
- Work together off the field – communicate, give feedback and analyze tendencies.
You can’t force chemistry – it develops over time as you become familiar with teammates’ styles and strengths.
Strong passing and catching skills are the foundation for executing any offense. Apply proper technique, build chemistry with teammates, and use reps to handle any game situation. Become a passing and catching wizard, and you’ll unlock your team’s full offensive firepower this season.
Training Drills to Improve Stick Skills & Overall Game
Looking to take your lacrosse game to the next level this season? While many players focus on strength training, conditioning, and strategy, the true key to success on the field lies in honing your fundamental stick skills through targeted practice and training drills.
Having elite stick skills gives you a major advantage in lacrosse. The ability to confidently catch, cradle, pass, scoop, and shoot can be the difference between scoring and turning the ball over. But stick skills don’t just develop on their own – they require consistent, focused practice. The good news is that with the right training plan, any player can make dramatic improvements.
Here are some of the best drills and exercises to incorporate into your training regimen if you want to have the best stick skills on the team:
Wall Ball
The wall ball drill should be a staple in every lacrosse player’s routine. Simply throw the ball against a wall and work on quickly catching it with your stick after one bounce. Concentrate on maintaining soft hands to absorb the ball and control the rebound. Start close to the wall and then work your way back as your skills improve. Change up the types of throws – overhand, sidearm, one-handed, behind-the-back, etc. You can spend hours with this classic drill developing lightning quick hands.
Box Drills
Set up four cones in a box formation and continuously run through all the fundamental stick moves while staying inside the box. Practice quick sticks, catching high passes and low bounce passes, pivoting, switching hands, roll dodges, face dodges, and anything else you want to incorporate. The stationary box forces you to focus on tight stick work and body coordination rather than just running around. Do these drills every day to ingrain excellent fundamentals.
Agility Ladder Drills
Agility ladders are excellent lacrosse training tools for improving footwork, coordination, and ball control. Set up a ladder on the ground and experiment with different patterns – two feet in each box, one foot in each, hop scotch, crossover, etc. Bring your stick and lacrosse ball and add elements like rolls, quick sticks, cradling, switching hands, and passing. The stationary patterns plus the hand-eye coordination required to control the ball help develop quick feet and soft stick skills.
Rapid Fire Passing
Partner up with a teammate and stand 10-15 yards apart. Chest pass back and forth as quickly as possible, focusing on making crisp, accurate passes using proper form. You can also add components like throwing bounce passes, one-handed passes, changing passing angles, faking throws, etc. This is a great competitive drill to sharpen passing technique and reaction time while working cooperatively with a teammate.
Water Jug Scooping
Fill up a five gallon water jug and tip it over to let the water spill out. As the water runs out, work on cleanly scooping up the ball from the wet surface. This mimics scooping loose balls in a game when the ball is sitting in wet, muddy conditions. The water creates an unpredictable bounce and roll, forcing you to adjust your scooping technique on the fly. Doing these reactionary scoop drills will pay off in game situations.
Behind-the-Back Mirror Drills
Facing a mirror, practice moving the ball behind your back and switching hands as quick as you can. Watch yourself in the mirror to get visual feedback and make sure you are executing cleanly. You can incorporate crossovers, fakes, pivots, rolls and other off-ball moves. Mirror training helps ingrain proper mechanics so you can perform these challenging techniques at full speed during games.
Quick Stick Shooting Drills
Work on catching passes from a teammate and immediately redirecting them into a quick stick shot on goal. Concentrate on shooting right off the pass without cradling first. Develop the hand-eye coordination to catch and release in one rapid motion. You can do this drill stationary or on the run – incorporate catch-and-shoot maneuvers that mimic how you’ll apply them in a game situation. Shooting without cradling forces you to absorb the pass softly and shoot accurately.
Mastering these lacrosse training drills and more will give you the stick skills and overall playing ability to dominate on the field. Don’t expect to see major improvements overnight; stick skill development requires a long-term commitment to proper technique and repetitions. Set aside time every day throughout the offseason and preseason to focus on deliberate, precise training. Lay that solid foundation and you’ll have the confidence to utilize your skills when it matters most during the heat of competition.