What are Mini Lacrosse Sticks?
Mini lacrosse sticks, also known as fiddlestix, are smaller versions of regulation lacrosse sticks. They are designed for beginning youth players, typically ages 5-8, as an introduction to the sport before moving up to a full-sized stick.
Mini sticks are much lighter and shorter than standard lacrosse sticks, with shaft lengths ranging from 25-30 inches. The heads are proportionately smaller as well, usually around 4-5 inches wide. This allows young players to more easily cradle, scoop, pass, and catch the ball.
The primary benefit of mini sticks is that they help build fundamental lacrosse skills at an early age. Their lightweight design and shorter length allows young children to develop proper technique in cradling, handling, and passing the ball before progressing to heavier standard sticks.
Many mini sticks today are made of durable composite materials. However, classic wooden mini sticks are also still popular. The best mini lacrosse sticks have an optimized head design and pocket depth to provide excellent ball control for beginners.
Key Takeaways:
- Mini lacrosse sticks are smaller, lighter versions of standard lacrosse sticks.
- They are designed for beginning youth players ages 5-8.
- Mini sticks help young kids develop fundamental lacrosse skills.
- Many are made of composite but classic wooden mini sticks are also popular.
History and Origins of Mini Lacrosse Sticks
The origins of mini lacrosse sticks can be traced back to the Native American roots of the sport itself. Lacrosse was first played by indigenous tribes using handmade wooden sticks with small netted heads. These early sticks were much shorter and lighter than modern lacrosse sticks.
In the 1930s, Canadian box lacrosse leagues introduced “mini” lacrosse divisions for young kids to learn the sport. Players used sawed-off wooden sticks with smaller heads modeled after the sticks used by Native Americans centuries earlier.
The term “fiddlestix” emerged in the 1960s to describe these mini lacrosse sticks. It referred to the fiddle-like shape of the early Native American sticks. Fiddlestix Lacrosse was one of the first companies to manufacture mini sticks.
Today, mini sticks are designed with durability and playability in mind. Advanced materials like composite polymers and lightweight alloys allow for mini heads and shafts optimized for first-time youth players. However, classic wooden mini sticks remain popular for their retro look and feel.
Key Takeaways:
- Mini lacrosse sticks originated from Native American sticks and 1930s “mini” leagues.
- The name “fiddlestix” comes from the fiddle shape of early sticks.
- Modern mini sticks use advanced materials but classic wooden sticks are still popular.
- They’re designed for optimal durability and playability for young beginners.
Benefits of Using Mini Lacrosse Sticks
Using mini lacrosse sticks offers many advantages for young players just starting out in the sport. Here are some of the key benefits:
They are lightweight and appropriately sized for small hands. This allows young kids to properly cradle and control the ball right away. A full-size stick would be too heavy and awkward.
The mini stick shaft length promotes proper hand positioning. Kids learn correct arm extension and hand placement up the shaft early on.
Smaller mini stick heads encourage accurate passing and catching. Tight pocket depths help the ball stay in the stick while passing and catching.
Mini sticks build confidence by allowing beginners to perform lacrosse skills successfully. This builds a strong foundation before advancing skills.
They are inexpensive so parents can get mini sticks for an entire team affordably. This expands access and growth of youth lacrosse.
Key Takeaways:
- Lightweight size is appropriate for small hands
- Proper shaft length teaches correct hand positioning
- Small heads improve passing and catching skills
- Builds confidence by allowing beginners to perform skills well
- Inexpensive cost expands youth participation
Choosing the Best Mini Lacrosse Stick
With so many mini lacrosse stick options out there, it can be tricky to pick the best one for your young player. Here are some tips on what to look for:
Consider materials – Composite sticks are more durable but classic wooden mini sticks have a great retro feel. Avoid plastic sticks as they tend to break easily.
Pay attention to head shape – Wider heads with a tight channel and pocket depth help optimize ball control for beginners. Avoid heads that are too pinched.
Get the right shaft length – Look for shaft lengths between 25-30 inches. Any longer will be too awkward for small beginners. The shaft diameter should fit comfortably in small hands.
Review pocket depth – Shallow pocket depths around 1.5-2 inches deep encourage proper catching technique. Pockets that are too deep will hinder stick skills.
Test cradling – Before buying, have your kid test cradle different mini sticks to find one that feels the most comfortable and balanced in their hands.
Key Takeaways:
- Consider composite vs wood material types
- Look for wider head shapes with tight channels
- Get a 25-30 inch shaft length
- Shallow 1.5-2 inch pocket depth is best
- Test cradling for comfort and balance
Mini Lacrosse Stick Sizing Guide
Finding the right sized mini lacrosse stick is crucial for helping young players develop skills properly. Use this quick sizing guide when selecting mini sticks:
For kids ages 5-6, look for shaft lengths between 25-27 inches. Head widths around 4 inches work best for better ball control. Pocket depths should be around 1.5 inches.
Kids ages 7-8 can use shaft lengths up to 30 inches. Head widths around 5 inches provide a bit more scooping power as skills improve. Optimal pocket depths are 1.5-2 inches.
Kids shouldn’t move up to a full-size lacrosse stick until age 9+ or until they have developed solid cradling, scooping, throwing, and catching skills with a mini stick. Arms should extend comfortably when holding a mini stick.
Heads that are too big make proper technique difficult. Avoid mini sticks where kids have to pinch heads with their thumb and fingers to cradle. The ball should sit snugly in mini stick pockets while cradling and passing.
Key Takeaways:
- Ages 5-6: 25-27″ shaft, 4″ head, 1.5″ pocket
- Ages 7-8: Up to 30″ shaft, 5″ head, 1.5-2″ pocket
- Don’t size up too early – ensure solid skills development
- Heads too big hinder proper technique
Best Brands for Mini Lacrosse Sticks
When shopping for a mini lacrosse stick, you’ll want to look for brands known for quality construction and playability. Here are some top manufacturers to consider:
STL (Salisbury Township Lazer) – One of the original and most popular mini lacrosse brands. They offer a wide selection of wooden and composite sticks tailored for beginners.
Maverik – This leading lacrosse equipment company makes the Mirage, a great composite mini stick perfect for developing young players.
STX – A lacrosse powerhouse, STX offers the Mini Link, an ultra durable composite mini stick designed to take a beating from new players.
Brine – The Brine Clutch is a customizable mini lacrosse stick available in different colors to suit any kid’s style.
Warrior – The Mini Nitro is Warrior’s lightweight and sturdy composite mini lacrosse option built for superior handling.
Key Takeaways:
- STL – A popular, trusted name in mini lacrosse sticks
- Maverik, STX, Brine & Warrior – Leading brands making quality mini sticks
- Look for composite and wooden options from top manufacturers
- Focus on playability, durability and handling
Wooden vs. Composite Mini Lacrosse Sticks
When selecting a mini lacrosse stick, one of the main decisions is whether to go with a traditional wooden stick or a modern composite stick. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:
Wooden sticks have a classic, timeless feel and tend to be lighter. They allow for better feel and control of the ball. However, wooden sticks are less durable and can break more easily from checks or impacts.
Composite sticks are extremely strong and can really take a beating from new players. Materials like polymer and Scandium/Titanium alloys make them ultra lightweight yet very rigid. Composite sticks lack some of the soft touch of wood though.
For beginners ages 5-6, wooden mini sticks are recommended to start in order to develop stick skills with optimum ball feel. Around age 7-8, players can transition to composite sticks for more durability as contact increases.
Keep in mind weather conditions too – composite sticks withstand rain and humidity better than wood. Whichever material you choose, look for mini sticks with smooth, tapered shafts and curved heads for optimal control.
Key Takeaways:
- Wooden sticks provide better feel, control, and lightness
- Composites are extremely durable and can take abuse
- Wood recommended for starters ages 5-6
- Transition to composite around age 7-8
- Composite better withstands weather elements
Mini Lacrosse Stick Head Styles
Mini lacrosse heads come in a variety of shapes and styles, each with their own benefits for young players. Here are some of the most common mini head types:
Curved – Curved mini heads are contoured to help cradle and control the ball. This traditional shape is best for improving stick skills.
Hybrid – Hybrid heads combine a curved sidewall with a flat scoop. The flat scoop gives some added power while the curve maintains control.
Offset – Offset mini heads angle the scoop to one side. This encourages proper hand positioning in the bottom hand during cradling.
Pinched – Pinched heads have a very narrow channel which keeps the ball extra tight in the stick, ensuring secure catches.
For beginners, curved and hybrid heads are recommended. Pinched and some offset heads are better suited for intermediate players with some experience. Test different head shapes to find the best fit for your young player’s needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Curved – Optimized ball control for improving stick skills
- Hybrid – Blends curved sidewalls with a flat scoop
- Offset – Angled scoop teaches proper hand placement
- Pinched – Keeps ball extra secure in narrow channel
- Curved & hybrid best for beginners starting out
Mini Lacrosse Stick Stringing Tips
Proper stringing can make a big difference in mini stick performance. Here are some stringing tips for optimizing mini heads:
Use a double runner stitch pattern. This creates the optimal pocket shape and ball control for mini sticks. Avoid using traditional mesh – it’s too saggy for mini heads.
String pockets very tight up top near the scoop. This helps secure the ball while catching passes. Leave the lower third of the head unstrung for flexibility.
Use hockey laces or vertical nylon strings to string mini sticks. These add durability without extra bulk. String the runners straight across horizontally.
Make sure stringing knots are snug and tight. Added knots produce bulge that alters the pocket shape and ball control.
Aim for pocket depths around 1.5-2 inches deep. Any deeper hinders proper catching technique. The ball should sit above the sidewall when nested in a mini stick pocket.
Key Takeaways:
- Use a double runner stitch pattern
- String tight near scoop, leave lower third unstrung
- Use hockey laces or nylon strings
- Snug knots to avoid excess bulge
- 1.5-2 inch pocket depth is ideal
Using Mini Lacrosse Sticks for Training
Incorporating mini lacrosse sticks into training is a great way to develop players’ skills. Here are some tips for using mini sticks effectively:
Use mini stick drills at the start of practice to warm up hands and work on fundamentals. Quick stick passing, catching, and cradling mini stick drills get players focused.
Have players perform drills like scooping ground balls with mini sticks to ingrain proper technique. The light weight builds hand-eye coordination.
Add mini stick circuits or stations into practice plans to hone specific skills like dodging, shooting, passing. Change up drills each session.
Use small-sided box lacrosse games with mini sticks to teach stick protection, possessions, and decision making in a competitive setting.
Take mini sticks on the road for easy portable training. Players can get extra reps cradling and handling during car rides or downtime.
Key Takeaways:
- Warm up hands and work on fundamentals
- Scooping and drills build technique
- Skill station circuits
- Small-sided box games
- Portable extra reps on the go
Mini Lacrosse Stick Drills and Games
Here are some fun mini lacrosse stick drills and games to build skills:
Rapid Fire Passing – Players stand 5 yards apart and quickly pass back and forth to work on quick sticks and reaction time.
Obstacle Course – Set up cones for players to weave through while cradling a ball. Emphasizes stick control.
Ground Ball Scramble – Coach rolls out balls for players to compete scooping up as many as they can.
Alley Dodge – Players line up and take turns dodging through an alley of defenders using good stick protection.
Mini Box Lacrosse – Play small box games working on passing, catching, cradling in a competitive setting.
Key Takeaways:
- Rapid fire passing
- Cone obstacle course cradling
- Ground ball scramble
- Alley dodging
- Small-sided box lacrosse games
The key is keeping drills and games fun, competitive and engaging to build skills and excitement. Get creative and mix up mini stick activities!
Goalie Fiddle Sticks for Mini Lacrosse
Goalies in mini lacrosse need specialized fiddle sticks designed for their position. Here’s what to look for in goalie mini sticks:
Extra wide heads up to 6 inches give goalies maximum surface area for stopping shots. Most mini sticks have narrower 4-5 inch heads.
Look for a curved head shape to help scoop up ground balls. Avoid flat scoop shapes which limit control.
Goalie sticks should have minimal offset if any. Offsets angle the scoop making ground balls harder to pick up.
Deep pocket stringing improves ball control and retention for goalies after making saves. Pockets around 2-2.5 inches deep are ideal.
Get a lightweight shaft for quick maneuverability in tight spaces. Composite or scandium/titanium shafts are preferable to wood for durability.
Key Takeaways:
- Extra wide 6 inch heads
- Curved head shape
- Minimal to no offset
- Deep 2-2.5 inch pocket
- Lightweight durable shaft
The right goalie mini stick gives young goalies the tools needed to develop their position skills.
Caring for Your Mini Lacrosse Stick
Taking proper care of mini sticks will help them last longer. Here are some tips for maintenance:
Inspect sticks regularly for cracks or damage, especially wooden sticks. Use waterproof sealants on wood sticks to protect from weather.
Replace sidewall strings as needed. Fraying or loose strings impede ball control and catching ability.
Check heads and shafts for warping. Heat and humidity can warp plastic components over time. Keep sticks stored in controlled conditions when possible.
Wipe sticks down after use to remove dirt, grime, and sweat which can deteriorate materials. Remove caked mud from heads.
Avoid excessive heat exposure which can damage heads. Don’t leave sticks sitting in hot cars for extended periods.
Key Takeaways:
- Inspect for cracks and damage, especially wood
- Replace fraying sidewall strings
- Check for warping of heads and shafts
- Wipe down after use
- Avoid excessive heat exposure
Proper mini stick maintenance preserves playability and extends their useful life for young players.
Mini Lacrosse Stick Sets and Kits
Mini lacrosse stick sets or kits that include multiple sticks and balls can be a convenient way to outfit a team. Here’s what to look for:
Set sizes – Most sets come in quantities of 6, 12, 18 or 24 mini sticks to accommodate teams. Make sure to get enough sticks for all players.
Extra items – Many sets include additional accessories like balls, cones, scorebooks. These provide more value for the price.
Carrying bag – Carrying cases make transporting mini stick sets much easier and keep gear protected.
Custom options – Some brands allow customizing mini sticks with team colors and logos for a unified look.
Price – Shop around for the best deals. Buying in bulk brings costs down versus individual sticks.
Key Takeaways:
- Available in set quantities for teams
- May include extra accessories
- Carrying bags for transport
- Custom logo and color options
- Buying in bulk lowers cost
Mini lacrosse sets provide a turnkey solution for starting a youth team.
Gifting Mini Lacrosse Sticks to New Players
Giving mini lacrosse sticks as gifts is a great way to introduce the sport to kids. Here are some tips for gifting mini sticks:
Include a mini lacrosse ball and instructions for basic handling drills to start playing right away. Demonstrate proper cradling technique to new players.
For very young kids under 6, choose a smaller rubber ball rather than a solid lacrosse ball to match their abilities.
Start players off with softer, lightweight balls before moving to solid lacrosse balls to build confidence.
Give gloves and shoulder pads too for protection as kids start playing catch, especially once incorporating solid balls. Helmets are recommended for full contact play.
Inspire kids to play by taking them to see box or field lacrosse games after gifting mini sticks. Lead by example and play too!
Key Takeaways:
- Include ball and drills to start playing immediately
- Use rubber ball for under age 6
- Start with soft balls then progress to solid balls
- Add gloves and pads for protection
- Take kids to live lacrosse games
Sharing mini lacrosse sticks ignites a lifelong love of the game in young athletes.