Finding the Best Lacrosse Shafts for Your Style
When choosing a new lacrosse shaft, it’s important to find one that fits your playing style and gives you an edge on the field. The shaft material, flex profile, and weight can all impact performance. Here’s what to look for when shopping for your next shaft:
Composite shafts made from lightweight carbon fiber or graphite filaments are popular for their responsiveness and versatility. They provide excellent durability with more flex and whip than aluminum. This allows you to unleash faster shots with more velocity. Advanced players love the quick release and enhanced ball control from composite shafts.
For defensive players who want strength for stick checks, aluminum alloys like Scandium and Titanium offer maximum stiffness. Their rigid construction makes them ideal for withstanding checks. While heavy, the inflexible nature provides great defensive control. Goalies also prefer the solid structure and durability of aluminum shafts.
Flex profile refers to the bend and stiffness of the shaft. Attackers tend to favor more flexible shafts with a “high flex” or softer bend near the head. This allows loading energy to rocket shots on goal. Defenders need a “mid flex” or stiffer profile for solid pokes and accurate passing.
Consider your position and game type too. For example, box lacrosse players want durable yet lightweight shafts optimized for tight play. While field lacrosse middies need versatility to transition between offense and defense. Testing different shaft weights and flexes is the best way to find your ideal balance of speed, control, and power.
With the right shaft, you can maximize your talents on the lacrosse field. Keep shaft material, flex profile, weight, and your playing style in mind when investing in a new stick. This helps ensure you get equipment tailored to your needs for excelling at your position.
Customizing Lacrosse Sticks with Colorful Tape
One of the best parts of lacrosse is getting to personalize your stick and make it your own. An easy way to add personality and style is by wrapping the handle in colorful tape. With so many cool patterns and vibrant shades, you can create a unique lacrosse shaft that matches your preferences.
First, think about the main colors you want to feature. Bold primary shades like red, blue, and yellow are popular choices that stand out on the field. Or opt for your school colors to rep your team. You can also choose an unordinary color like lime green or neon orange to get noticed.
It’s all about picking colors that represent your personality too. Fiery red tape connotes power and intensity. Cool shades of purple symbolize creativity and imagination. Earthy greens and browns give off a relaxed, natural vibe. There are no rules – let your favorite hues be your guide.
The fun continues when selecting a design. Striped tape immediately calls to mind old-school vintage sticks. For a sleek modern look, go with solid blocks of color. Add pops of extra color with crisscross patterns over the main shades. Get artsy with swirls, shapes, and uneven lines. The options are endless for crafting a unique tape job.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors too. Fade from one color at the top of the shaft to another at the bottom. Or alternate two or more colors in stripes down the handle. Layer contrasting shades on top of each other for extra depth and dimension.
Application is also key for long-lasting style. Make sure to prep the shaft surface so tape adheres properly. Apply firm pressure when wrapping to prevent air bubbles and loosening. And finish up by cutting off any uneven tape edges for a seamless look.
With the right colorful tape and application techniques, you can make a lacrosse shaft that’s distinctly yours. So grab some eye-catching colors, cool designs, and get creative with customizing your stick handle this season!
Getting a Better Grip with Textured Tape
Having a solid grip on your lacrosse stick is vital for ball control, accurate passing, and powerful shots. But smooth lacrosse tape can lose traction when wet or sweaty. Adding texture is the solution for maintaining a tight handle, no matter the conditions.
Textured tape has built-in grip enhancers to help keep the stick in your hands. Look for tapes marketed as “grip”, “non-slip”, or “performance” to get extra traction. The tape surface is imprinted with raised dots, crosshatch patterns, mesh netting, or gritty textures to create friction.
You can also DIY texture with common household items. Here are some easy ways to add grip to regular lax tape:
- Lightly dust the tape with chalk before wrapping your stick. The powdery coating provides grab.
- Spray a mist of hairspray over the handle. The sticky aerosol creates tackiness.
- Apply a thin layer of spray adhesive or rubber cement before taping. They dry with a grippy finish.
- Wrap wider athletic tape underneath for cushioning. The cloth-like surface has natural friction.
Where you place textured tape matters too. Focus gripping tape on the handle area where your top and bottom hands rest. This prevents slippage as you cradle and pass. Windings closest to the head should remain smooth so the ball releases cleanly.
Don’t go overboard with too much texture either. Thick rubbery tape can hinder quick handling movements. Find the right balance of control and traction that suits your preferences.
With the array of textured tape options, it’s easy to upgrade your lacrosse shaft grip. Opt for pre-textured varieties or get creative with household add-ons. Dial in the right amount of traction to take your game to the next level.
Choosing Durable Lacrosse Heads for Performance
Your lacrosse head takes a beating from intense play, checks, and errant shots. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a durable head built to withstand the rigors of the game and perform at a high level.
Stiff yet resilient head materials are key for longevity. Hard plastics like Polycarbonate and Acetal offer ideal blends of toughness and flex. Premium alloys like Scandium and Titanium found in metal heads provide unmatched strength and structure.
Manufacturers also reinforce high-stress areas prone to breaking. Look for heads with added material around the scoop, sidewalls, and connection points. This fortifies weak spots and prevents cracking under pressure.
Advanced engineering provides innovative ways to deter denting and warping too. Features like TruOffset sidewalls, Sym-Rail sidewall geometry, and multi-point connection systems distribute checks evenly across the head. This maintains the original shape and performance over time.
For field players, focus on stiff mid-to-high pocket heads under NCAA guidelines. Maximum stiffness resists deforming from slashes, while mid-to-high pockets offer prime ball control. Meanwhile, flared heads are ideal for goalies to repel high-velocity shots.
Don’t neglect stringing either. Proper stringing with polyester mesh and nylon laces reduces sideways pocket stretch from constant use. Make sure to reset the pocket shape as needed between games.
While no head lasts forever, choosing a durable model aligned with your position gives you the most bang for your buck. With technology built to take a beating and maintain integrity, you get the consistent high-level play demanded at the top tiers of lacrosse.
Adding Pockets to Hockey Sticks for Floorball
Floorball is a fast-paced indoor hockey sport that’s gaining popularity worldwide. Since specialized floorball sticks can be expensive, many players add pockets to regular hockey sticks for converting to floorball.
Cutting a pocket into the blade allows better ball control and handling. The pocket cradles the ball on your stick for quicker passing and more accurate shots on goal.
There are a few methods for adding pockets:
- Use a Dremel tool to carve vertical channels into the blade on the concave side. Make crisscrossing grooves for creating a woven pocket.
- Melt small holes into the top of the blade using a soldering iron. Thread short lengths of hobby cord through the holes and knot below to form a mesh pocket.
- Glue stacks of pennies or washers at the tip of the blade. Wrap nylon cord around them in a woven pattern to make an inset pocket.
Aim for a pocket depth around 1-2 centimeters for best control. The ball should sit mainly above the blade, not sink down into it. A shallow pocket with an open face is ideal for passing and receiving passes quickly.
Make sure to tighten pocket cords regularly. The repetitive impact from floorball constantly loosens stringing over time. Periodically remove and restring the pocket to restore optimal tension.
With a properly crafted pocket, you transform an ordinary hockey stick into a high-performing floorball wand. The pocket lets you cradle, pass, receive, and shoot the ball with precision. Just make sure to maintain the pocket shape through restringing as needed.
Metal Lacrosse Shafts for Superior Strength
For lacrosse players that want unmatched durability, metal shafts are the go-to choice. Advanced alloys like Titanium and Scandium provide superior strength and stiffness for confident performance when the game gets rough.
The rigid construction of metal resists warping, denting, and breaking better than any other shaft material. You can unleash checks without worrying about damage. Solid metal shafts also maintain their structure and flex profile longer over time.
This strength comes from the molecular makeup of the alloys. Materials like Scandium, an ultra-lightweight structural metal, and Titanium, renowned for high strength-to-weight ratio, form durable crystalline structures. The tight atomic bonds prevent bending or buckling.
Superior stiffness gives you better control for accurate passes and shots. The zero flex of metal transmits all your energy straight to the ball for blistering velocity. You also get exceptional rebound response when cradling ground balls.
While ultra-strong, advanced alloys like Sc-Ti or 6061 aluminum keep weight low. Ounces shaved off help reduce fatigue, a must for transitioning between offense and defense. The right balance of heft and handling makes metal staple for middies.
For game-changing durability and command, step up to a metal shaft this season. With uncompromising strength and stiffness, you get confidence to charge ahead in any situation. Dominate ground balls, deliver pinpoint feeds, and rip shots knowing your metal shaft has your back.
Graphite Lacrosse Shafts for Lightweight Play
Graphite lacrosse shafts provide an excellent balance of lightweight feel and high-performance play. The graphite composite construction creates a super stiff yet lively stick for dominating on the field.
Shafts made of 100% graphite fibers or hybrid graphite/carbon blends are exceptionally lightweight. With ultra-strong graphite filaments woven together, these shafts weigh under 100 grams yet remain incredibly rigid.
The minimal heft reduces fatigue so you can go all out for four quarters. Quicker cuts, faster dodges, and extended offensive possessions become easier over a full 60 minutes.
Despite being lightweight, graphite offers zero flex thanks to the tightly bonded structure. This allows superior ball control and wicked fast shot speeds. All your power gets transferred through the shaft for sniping corners.
Graphite shafts also provide excellent responsiveness and “pop”. The lively feel gives you an advantage in quick stick situations for threading needles through traffic. And the snapback as you unwind for a shot generates major velocity.
Advanced resin systems like Dyneema polyethylene used by manufacturers help boost durability and weather-resistance too. So your graphite shaft maintains that featherlight speed and pop rain or shine.
For a lightning-quick stick that dominates between the lines, go graphite. The lightweight versatility allows you to wheel around the field while the power and control reward highlight reel plays.
Important Attack Stick Features for Scoring
When playing attack, having the right lacrosse stick is crucial for dodging, feeding, and burying goals. The optimal blend of quickness, hold, and shooting power gives you an attacking edge.
For speed, a lightweight handle in the 30-40 inch range allows you to juke defenders and dive unmarked areas. Pair it with a stiff, durable head designed for pinpoint accuracy like the Maverik Optik. Its asymmetric shape and EnduraForm rails maintain ball control on tight feeds.
Stringing defines hold and release just as much as head design. Focus on a mid-to-high pocket to cradle and corral passes one-handed. A soft mesh and nylon shooting strings give you TouchBack when redirecting shots on cage.
For added whip on corkscrewing sidearm blasters, incorporate a u-shape nylon into the middie triangle top stringing. You generate extra load and velocity while the hold maintains control.
To box out defenders on rolls to the crease, use a stiff alloy handle with an open face head like the ECD Rebel OG. Its wider face shape for absorbing checks helps you power through contact to tuck goals home.
Don’t underestimate the importance of your handle grip and tape either. Adding textured grip tape provides ultimate control for hanging onto the rock during physical rides. It also reduces inherent stick vibration to maintain touch and feel.
As an attacking threat, your stick helps you capitalize on every opportunity. With technologies tailored for ball control, crisp feeds, and wicked rips, you gain the edge for driving your team’s scoring.
Vital Defensive Lacrosse Head Characteristics
Having the right defensive lacrosse head is crucial for keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Key technologies help you control the field with disruptive checks, caused turnovers, and clean clears.
Opt for a stiff, narrow head profile to enhance poking and slapping accuracy. Strategic stringing also fine-tunes performance. A mid-to-low pocket helps scoop ground balls while a baggy triangle top aids checking leverage and ball deflection.
Advanced sidewall geometries like C-Channel or Sym-Rail designs distribute impact stress for retaining shape after vicious slashes. This ensures your head doesn’t lose its quickness and control as games wear on.
Upgraded materials like Competition-Grade nylons withstand temperature fluctuations and absorbed moisture better than basic plastics. You don’t have to worry about heads warping or becoming “noodle-like” mid-game.
For added ball control, opt for heads featuring unique sidewall hole patterns. Vertical stringing allows adjusting pocket height for on-the-fly adaption. Enjoy quicker reaction time for checking or scooping based on game situations.
Don’t neglect the handle either. Look for lightweight yet rigid shafts for quick transitions between attacking and defending. Legendary Scandium alloy technology offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for dominating all over the field.
With technologies purpose-built for denying opponents, causing disruption, and spurring transition, you gain an defensive edge. Master the art of shutdown lacrosse and enjoy the thrill of ruining everyone’s highlight reel dreams.
Taking Your Game to New Heights with Stick Skills
Developing your lacrosse stick skills opens up new possibilities for your game. Mastering the fundamentals of cradling, catching, scooping, and passing allows you to expand your abilities as a player.
Practice cradling with both hands to gain equal stick control. Start stationary, then incorporate walking and jogging to build coordination while moving. Work on cradling the ball all around your body so it becomes second nature in any situation.
Quick sticks catches off bad passes or checks require fast reflexes. Do one-handed reaction drills to snag wild throws one-handed. Switch up your hand positions and work both forehand and backhand grabs.
For superior ground ball scooping, position lead hands in front and guide hands in back. Keep wrists loose and let the head do the work as you roll balls into the pocket. Scoop through the ball in one fluid motion.
Master slick passes like behind-the-backs or no-looks for an unpredictability edge. Lead passes so teammates don’t slow down for off-target throws. Practice quick sticks and feeds on the run to develop chemistry.
Take time to experiment with unorthodox cradle positions too. Cradling upside down strengthens weak hand dexterity. Waist and neck cradling improves overall ball control for dodging through traffic.
Put in dedicated stick skill work outside of practice to open up your abilities. Before you know it, you’ll gain the confidence to attempt the incredible and expand what’s possible on the field.
Mastering Quick Stick Handling and Cradling
In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, quick stick skills are vital for maintaining possession and making plays under pressure. Mastering the arts of quick handling and cradling gives you a major edge.
Strengthen your hands and wrists through targeted exercises with hand weights and grippers. This builds the muscles and dexterity needed for rapid stick movements.
Practice shifting between cradling positions in one smooth sequence. Flow from regular cradling across the body to behind-the-back and under-the-leg cradles seamlessly.
Work on split dodges and roll dodges to evade defenders while keeping control. Time your cradle movements with body feints and juke steps to keep your hands safely concealed.
Develop ambidextrous quick-stick ability by cradling and passing equally with both hands. This expands your range for slick feeds from any angle.
Incorporate two-ball drills for overload training. Cradle one ball normally while quick-sticking a second ball back and forth to yourself. This sharpens your reflexes and coordination.
Maintain a relaxed grip on your stick through the fingers and bottom hand. This reduces tension for smooth handling. Let the top guide hand do more fine motor movements.
By honing quick stick versatility, you transform into an elusive dodger and adept feeder. Pull off highlight moves without missing a beat thanks to fluid skills and ambidextrous mastery.
Achieving Fast and Accurate Lacrosse Passes
Executing crisp, accurate passes in lacrosse requires honing proper mechanics. With good passing fundamentals and focused practice, you can deliver the ball on point, even at high speeds.
Grip the bottom of the stick lightly but avoid clenching so the top hand can whip and guide passes. Keep wrists loose and engaged throughout the motion.
Position your hands right below the head for optimal leveraging. This gives you maximum whip on overhand wind-up passes for velocity.
Follow through completely towards your target on all pass types. Extend your top hand fully towards the receiver with the head pointed at their chest.
Lead receivers on the run by passing 3-5 yards ahead. Aim above the shoulder and away from their body so they don’t break stride catching.
Practice quick release passes like behind-the-backs or side-arms for threading through traffic. Work both hands and turn your shoulders towards the target.
Do “3 man weaves” at game speed to master timing with teammates. Focus on selling fakes before hitting the open man with a crisp feed.
By nailing down proper passing technique combined with repertoire-building drills, you gain the skills to deliver darts on the money every time.
Developing a Powerful Lacrosse Shot on Goal
Unleashing powerful lacrosse shots that find the back of the net requires honing your shooting mechanics. With proper form and training, you can gain the velocity and accuracy to put up big goal numbers.
Grip down low on the shaft near the bottom for maximum leveraging on overhand shots. Let your top hand guide the head whip for control.
Load your weight on your back foot during the windup. Powerfully rotate your hips and transfer weight to your front foot as you follow through.
Keep your elbows tucked and hands in front of your body for optimal energy transfer down the shaft through the entire shooting motion.
Aim top left or right corners just inside the pipes. Practice hitting specific targets for precision rather than just shooting randomly on cage.
Incorporate lunges, squats, and core exercises to build lower body strength for driving shots with leg power.
Use shooting drills like the “three-step” to work on accuracy while moving. Master ripping shots after dodging defenders.
With mechanics tuned for maximizing power transfer and focused shooting practice, your shots gain the velocity and placement to beat any goalie.
Executing Trick Shots to Show Off Your Skills
Drawing ooohs and aaahs with wild trick shots is an exciting way to showcase your lacrosse talents. With creativity and practice, you can pull off incredibly difficult shots that wow fans.
Work on behind-the-back shots for an exciting fake out move. Wind up like normal then whip the stick around your back to switch hands and release for a mind-blowing goal.
Scoop up a ground ball while running then toss the ball behind you, catch it reversed, and fire a no-look shot in one smooth sequence. This highlight reel move dazzles the crowd.
Lean back and wind up between your legs for an off-balance under-the-leg shot. Whip your stick while stepping forward for extra power on the quirky release.
While cradling, catch a bounce pass one-handed behind your back. In the same motion, bring it to your front side and uncork a blistering shot without missing a beat.
Work on catching long alley-oop passes then diving to shoot in mid-air before you hit the ground. The flying circus-like shot brings fans to their feet.
Combine advanced stick skills like behind-the-back cradles and passes to set up unique shot attempts from all angles and body positions.
With creativity and stick skills, you can execute unimaginable shots that blow minds. Steal the show by scoring goals that no one sees coming.
Having Fun Expressing Yourself on the Field
One of the best parts of lacrosse is getting to showcase your personality and talents on the field. With the freedom to get creative, you can develop your own style and have fun expressing yourself.
Customize your gear with vibrant colors and designs that reflect your character. Wrap your shaft with colorful grip tape in your favorite patterns and shades.
String your sticks uniquely with funky shooting string angles, double traditionally stripes, and multiple color combinations across the head.
Stylize your game by developing signature moves and shot types. Become known for your behind-the-back antics or one-handed scooping skills.
Spice up your warmups and pregame with tricks and skills challenges. See who can pull off the most behind-the-backs or hit crossbar first for bragging rights.
Celebrate goals creatively with choreographed handshake lines, signature dances, or team stunts. Coordinate custom celebrations that get fans hyped.
Don’t be afraid to show emotion and energy when you make big plays. Channel your passion and excitement on the field.
At the heart of it, lacrosse is about expressing your athletic gifts and having fun. Don’t be afraid to infuse the game with your personal flair and creativity.