Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Lacrosse Stick
When selecting your first lacrosse stick as a novice player, it can be overwhelming with so many options on the market today. But fear not fledgling laxer, by keeping some key factors in mind, you’ll be cradling and shooting in no time! Stick with me as we review several vital considerations when choosing the best starter lacrosse stick for your needs.
First and foremost, pay close attention to the materials used in lacrosse stick construction. For beginners, both men and women, plastic and alloy sticks offer maximum durability. Unlike higher-end carbon fiber and titanium models designed for experienced players, these sticks can really take a beating as you learn proper throwing, catching, and defense techniques. The last thing you want as a lacrosse greenhorn is your stick warping or fracturing before you’ve developed fundamental skills. So stay away from those advanced composite sticks early on in favor of materials made to withstand hard hits and checks.
Secondly, ideal stick length and weight dramatically affect your ability to control the ball as a lacrosse newcomer. For youth players under 20 years old, a stick between 40 to 42 inches with a lighter overall weight is recommended. This improves handling as younger athletes develop coordination and upper body strength. For adults just starting with lacrosse, go for a stick in the 50 to 54 inch range, with a weight between 10 to 12 ounces. This gives optimal leverage for cradling, shooting, and checking without excessive heaviness compromising novice techniques. Check manufacturer guidelines for sizing, but stays toward the low ends of those spectrums when in doubt. Mastery of stick handling comes with time, so begin with lengths and weights where success can start quickly.
Recommended Stick Materials for New Players
When starting out in lacrosse, one of the most critical gear decisions you’ll make is choosing the right stick materials for your skill level. As a beginner, you’ll want to avoid advanced sticks made from materials like carbon fiber or titanium alloys. Though lightweight and high-performing, these meticulously engineered composites require specific handling skills mastered only through extensive play. Diving right into an elite stick as a novice is a recipe for frustration and lackluster development. Instead, turn your focus toward more durable, forgiving materials ideal for new players learning the lacrosse ropes.
For both male and female stick standards, plastic and alloy lacrosse sticks offer the perfect blend of strength and maneuverability for fledgling laxers. While professional players utilize advanced carbon sticks and shafts for their responsive flex and tight ball control, these materials lack the ruggedness needed for an introductory stick. As a beginner, you’ll inevitably take some tough checks and suffer through clumsy catching attempts – moments where rock-solid plastic and alloy constructions really shine.
By starting off with sticks made from more heavy-duty polymers or rugged aluminum alloys, you give yourself the durability and room for error vital in early skill development. While the elite carbon lacrosse sticks seem enticing, the hardware is ahead of a beginner’s capabilities. Once you’ve honed the basics like cradling, scooping, throwing, and catching through focused practice, stepping up to a carbon stick will make far better and safer use of the high-end design.
Additionally, plastic and alloy lacrosse stick shafts reinforce solid fundamentals by slightly increasing weight versus composite materials. As a novice, the extra ounces promote correct throwing form and follow-through, rather than relying on the stick to do work for you. So embrace the challenge as a learner and see your skills excel. Then down the road, you’ll fully utilize elite carbon lacrosse sticks for their speed, ball control and technical advantages.
For now, stick to more rugged plastic and alloy lacrosse sticks as you get started. Focus on building skills through practice rather than equipment advantages. The right beginner’s stick lays the groundwork so you can eventually maximize advanced materials down the road.
Ideal Stick Lengths and Weights for Beginners
When taking up lacrosse for the first time, selecting a stick with the proper length and weight is crucial for building skills effectively. But with such a wide range of sizes on the market, how do you choose the ideal specs as a novice? Generally for starters, shorter and lighter sticks allow tighter control as you develop proper cradling, throwing, catching and shooting technique.
For youth players under 20 years old, lacrosse sticks between 40 to 42 inches in length are recommended. This shorter shaft makes it easier for young athletes with smaller frames to control the head for scooping, passing and directing shots. Lacrosse sticks also weigh less in youth sizes, normally between 8 to 10 ounces strung. This keeps the overall heft manageable for developing coordination and arm strength.
Transitioning into adult sizing, stick lengths between 50 to 54 inches are preferred for beginners. This gives new players adequate leverage for controlling the ball, while not being an excessive length that compromises handling abilities. Stick weights for adults also increase moderately, ranging from 10 to 12 ounces strung. This allows for solid feel and force when passing, shooting and checking, without weighing down novice arms.
While intermediate and advanced lacrosse players utilize longer and lighter sticks for added speed, ball control and quicker release, these specs hamper early skill progression as a beginner. Lacrosse mastery develops over time by building confidence with ideal starter stick dimensions. Once your abilities advance through diligent practice, you can then start optimizing length and weight for competitive play.
Remember to reference manufacturer guidelines based on age and skill level when selecting an introductory lacrosse stick. If unsure, go for more conservative sizing on the shorter and lighter ends until proficiency improves. With the proper stick proportions for where you are developmentally, you’ll be cradling and netting goals like a pro before you know it.
Importance of a Proper Pocket for Developing Skills
As a beginning lacrosse player, you’ll quickly discover that a stick’s pocket—the strung netting that cradles the ball—is just as vital as the length and materials. With so many stringing styles out there though, how do you ensure optimal pocket performance as a novice? The key lies in selecting a pocket that readily holds the ball after catches, provides accurate passing and smooth shooting, all without excess wobble slowing you down. By starting out with a properly strung pocket, it will make mastering fundamentals like cradling, scooping and catching far easier.
For starters, choose a stick with a medium pocket depth to easily secure possession, before you advance to more intricate stringing preferences. Shallow pockets struggle to contain the ball on errant passes, while over-deep pockets inhibit quick releases when shooting. Aim for a pocket with a Balanced overall shape, avoiding styles like a Deep U that engulf the ball. Also ensure the pocket placement centers the ball in the stick head through cradling motions. Off-center pockets make for awkward ball control and sloppy passing.
When it comes to pocket materials, beginners do best with softer nylon stringing rather than hardened meshes like plastic. Softer pockets absorb energy when catching passes, securing possession for developing players. Stiff string beds often send the ball bouncing out of the stick. Focus on softer synthetic leathers as well for pocket strips to further enhance ball retention as you hone coordination.
With the right pocket for your skill level, you’ll build confidence quickly through improved passing, easier catches, and more accurate shots. Don’t get overwhelmed with advanced pocket stringing before you’ve mastered basic throwing, cradling and catching technique. A properly strung pocket designed for new players alleviates frustration and speeds up skill development.
Top Pre-Strung Starter Sticks from Reputable Brands
When looking to buy your first lacrosse stick as a beginner, quality pre-strung models from leading brands offer key advantages. Rather than attempting to string a stick to your current ability level, pre-strung starter sticks come game-ready with ideal pocket set-ups right out of the box. This allows you to focus efforts on building skills, not wrestling with stringing intricacies above your experience level. But with so many options on the market, which reputable brands offer the best pre-strung sticks for new players?
For young athletes, Brine and STX offer excellent starter sticks with pre-installed pockets designed for developing players. The Brine Debut III is highly recommended, with its wider head shape, nylon strings and mid-depth pocket ideal for beginners working on passing, catching and scooping. STX also produces the Mustang Lax Starter Set, which includes their excellent Clutch Beginner stick pre-strung to get novices playing fast. The Clutch excels through its sturdy alloy frame and smooth nylon pocket.
Transitioning to adult pre-strung lacrosse sticks, Maverik is a trusted choice via their Optik and Charger models. These sticks feature durable alloy or composite frames with specialized stringing like the Charger’s wider Diamondback pocket, promoting crisp throwing and easier catching for new players. Warrior also offers the excellent low-cost Wolverine stick, pre-installed with a supple leather pocket optimized for beginners.
While advanced players obsess over pocket customization, pre-strung starter sticks allow you to bypass the steep stringing learning curve early on. As skills improve through practice, you can experiment further with personalized pockets to match your evolving style. But in the beginning, proven pre-stringing by the top brands fast-tracks your development.
Value Stick Sets That Include All Gear for New Players
When taking up lacrosse for the first time, finding a starter set that bundles all the basic gear you need can be a huge value. Rather than piecing together equipment item by item, complete stick sets provide beginners with the essentials in one affordable ready-to-play package. They typically include a pre-strung stick ideal for novices along with a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads and elbow pads to get you padded up for practice and games.
For youth players, the Warrior Rabil Next Lacrosse Complete Stick Set provides stellar value. Featuring their intro-level Competitor stick, it also contains a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads and even a ball. STX also produces the excellent Mustang Lax Starter Set for young beginners. Along with the pre-strung Clutch stick, it includes the same protective gear to start playing right away.
On the adult side, Maverik’s Optik Lacrosse Package equips grown-up beginners with their reliable Optik stick complemented by a Maverik helmet, gloves, pads and ball. Brine also offers the King Complete Lacrosse Set for a turnkey starter package. With the King stick as centerpiece, a cascade helmet, gloves, arm guards and ball fill out the set.
While purchasing items separately allows maximum customization, value stick sets fast-track new players with thoughtfully matched gear for getting in the game quickly. Eventually you may tailor pieces to preference as skills develop. But complete starter packages offer an affordable one-stop shop for beginners to play right away.
Ensuring Proper Protective Equipment for Safety
When gearing up to play lacrosse for the first time, choosing protective equipment that properly shields your body from harm should be priority one. While the exhilarating speed of the game is a big draw, lacrosse can also be a hard-hitting physical contest. Ensuring the right protective pads and helmet fit and perform correctly is vital for keeping beginners safe on the field.
Starting from the top down, be sure to get professionally fitted for a helmet to protect your head from errant checks and shots. Helmet sizes vary, so always try them on for a snug fit with no interior slipping. Pay special attention to eye shields that fully cover your vision range without obstruction. Shoulder pad fit is equally crucial, with padding completely covering the shoulder joints for maximum protection during checks.
On the arms, properly sized elbow pads should overlap slightly with your gloves, ensuring no gaps in safety. Look for elbow pads with extended padding that wraps from mid-forearm to above the joint. For gloves, ensure a close fit with thick foam or plastic over the fingers and back of the hand to absorb checks.
Don’t neglect lower body protection either. While lesspadding than other contact sports, well-fitted lacrosse shorts with protective cups and tailbone padding are a must. Cleats with proper ankle support also safeguard against foot and lower leg injuries from pivots and lunges.
In a fast, high-impact game like lacrosse, gearing up without sacrificing mobility or comfort keeps you injury-free. Take the time to ensure equipment fits right and covers adequately. Your safety as a beginner lacrosse player relies on complete, quality protection.
Tips for Properly Stringing and Breaking In a New Stick
Once you’ve chosen the right beginner lacrosse stick, properly stringing the head and breaking the stick in are vital final steps. While pre-strung models remove guesswork, adjusting pocket tension or swapping out factory strings still requires some stringing finesse. Additionally, correctly prepping and wearing-in a new stick saves headaches and improves performance.
When restringing pockets, maintain a medium depth and balanced shape ideal for developing players. Keep tested stringing patterns simple early on, improving complexity over time. Focus on softer nylon strings and leathers to generate hold without rigidly trapping the ball. Ensure consistent pocket tension across the top, sides and bottom for even control. Loosen ropes and knots regularly during break-in to prevent over-stiffening before pocket sweet spot is found.
For breaking in new sticks, gradually widen pockets via repeated catching and passing drills to mold strings without overstraining. Use hanging weights like ball buckets for hours at a time to deepen pockets through controlled pulling. To hasten break-in, apply stringing wax or pocket pounder tools to accelerate mesh softening and settling. Reserve any radical stringing adjustments until after a stick is fully broken-in to avoid sizing issues.
With the right stringing adjustments and break-in regimen, even beginner sticks quickly reach peak performance. While it takes trial and error to master stringing, focus on fundamental techniques with starter sticks instead of complex weaves. Let your first lacrosse stick evolve with your developing skills for best results.
Drills and Training to Quickly Improve with a Beginner Stick
Once you’ve got a properly strung beginner lacrosse stick in hand, consistent practice with the right drills and training is key for expediting skill development. While new players are eager to dive into full games, focused repetition of fundamentals builds proficiency far faster. Drilling proper throwing, scooping, cradling and catching with your starter stick ingrains muscle memory faster than sporadic play alone.
For developing smooth, accurate throwing, practice sidearm passing against a wall to work on follow-through and aim. Add catching rebounds to reinforce framing and absorbing passes cleanly. Cradling drills like plunging stick repetitions build wrist coordination and ball control. For scooping and catching, repetitive ground ball grabs teach you to rake and secure possession quickly.
As skills improve, add shooting drills like ‘around the worlds’ on a goal for precision shooting technique. Split time between solo training for fundamentals and engaging friends or teammates to practice game-like passing, dodging, spacing and communication.
Of course scrimmages remain vital, but avoid overplaying unready skills. Supplement with aerobic training for stamina and weightlifting for protection against checks. Proper cross-training combined with focused lacrosse drilling accelerates development for beginners far faster than game repetition alone.
Setting aside dedicated practice with the right starter stick drills fast tracks your skills for contributing in games sooner. Patience and persistence with the basics pays off.
Transitioning from a Starter to Intermediate Lacrosse Stick
As your lacrosse skills progress as a beginner, you’ll eventually reach the point where upgrading from a starter stick to an intermediate model is appropriate. But how do you know when it’s time to graduate? And what capabilities should you look for in an intermediate stick to match your developing abilities?
Generally after 6 months to a year of frequent play and practice, you’ll notice your starter stick’s limitations in terms of lacking ball control, slower releases or inconsistent shooting. When you’ve built up solid fundamentals and feel held back by entry-level gear, the shift to an intermediate stick makes sense.
In your next stick, target key upgrades like composite shafts for improved handling and passing speed. Opt for mesh or leathers with a more customizable pocket versus basic starter stringing. Seek out head shapes with advanced scooping and ball retention capabilities.
While length and weight can remain similar to starter gear initially, evaluate adding inches for greater checks and control once skills adjust. Pocket and sidewall stringing can also utilize more intricate weaves now that you have honed basic throwing and catching.
Be wary of over-advancing too quickly however, as pro-level sticks still sit beyond most intermediate players’ handling capability. But strategically bridging the gap between beginner and elite gear helps unlock your evolving potential.
Joining a Team vs. Playing Lacrosse Recreationally
When starting out with lacrosse, newcomers often wonder if they should join an organized team right away, or begin playing casually on a recreational basis first. So which path is better for developing skills as a beginner? Typically for adults and younger players alike, getting started recreationally allows focusing on individual growth at your own pace.
With recreational lacrosse, you control when and how often you practice skills like cradling, scooping, passing and shooting without mandated team sessions. You can tailor drills to your exact ability level and needs. Rec play also provides low-pressure game scenarios to try executing fundamentals at different positions without rigid requirements.
Once skills progress, joining a competitive team against opponents of similar ability then allows testing yourself in a structured environment. Having built capabilities recreationally first, you’ll contribute to the team more versus struggling just to keep up. Teamwork, game strategies and positional play also come easier with solid individual abilities.
That said, some still benefit starting on a beginner-friendly team for camaraderie in the learning process. Just ensure coaches foster skill development at your pace rather than overly-intense competition. Weigh your needs, but recreational play to start allows focusing on growth.
Lacrosse Camps and Training Resources for Beginners
When starting out in lacrosse, specialized camps and training programs tailored for beginner skill levels can expedite development in the sport’s fundamentals. While practicing on your own has merits, structured guidance from experienced coaches well-versed in teaching lacrosse basics significantly shortens the learning curve.
For developing solid fundamentals like cradling, scooping, passing and catching, multi-day lacrosse camps focusing on sound mechanics for new players provide intensive hands-on instruction. One-on-one position clinics also offer focused training by seasoned coaches to engrain proper novice techniques.
Investing in a few private lessons with experienced lacrosse trainers helps correct any flaws in your form before they become ingrained habits. Later on, expanding into small group clinics adds important game scenario and competitive drills not possible solo.
Resources like online video tutorials, training apps and lacrosse gear forums also provide community support during the beginner phase. Just ensure any self-directed learning aligns with fundamental techniques proven most effective for new players.
While persistence practicing on your own pays dividends, structured lacrosse training accelerates beginners’ skills exponentially faster when executed consistently. Seek out programs catering to new player development needs.
Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations Early On
When beginning any new sport, lacrosse included, it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations around your skill development timeline. With its fast pace and steep learning curve, lacrosse challenges even athletic beginners. Avoid frustration by establishing goals focused on incremental fundamentals versus unrealistic benchmarks early on.
Initially, work towards competency executing basic techniques like cradling, scooping ground balls, catching, and passing accurately to stationary teammates. Then progress into more advanced goals like hits shots on the run or fast breaks with passing. Build gradually versus expecting to pick up advanced stick skills immediately.
Remember as well that lacrosse requires specialized conditioning, crosstraining and months of practice to adjust to its physicality. Expect some struggle adapting muscle groups and stamina to the sport’s demands. Stay patient and focused on incremental gains versus major leaps in capabilities.
Also be realistic that while skills may progress steadily, contribution in competitive games comes much slower. Success comes through applying focused training over time, not overnight. Keep your head up through beginner hurdles and stick with it.
Lacrosse rewards perseverance, but setting realistic expectations is key. Celebrate small wins and know major skills require patient, sustained effort to build over years, not weeks.
Kids vs. Adults Learning Lacrosse – Key Differences
While lacrosse fundamentals like cradling, scooping and passing remain the same, kids and adults face some distinct challenges when beginning the sport. From physical attributes to learning styles, development moves at varying paces. Understanding key differences helps tailor effective training at any age.
For kids, early lacrosse focuses on hand-eye coordination still developing, along with building overall athleticism and stamina. Drills and gear need to adapt to smaller frames and limited strength levels. Adults meanwhile lean on greater size for checks but need conditioning to overcome less natural coordination.
Kids also benefit from inherent flexibility and balance not yet diminished by age. Maximizing this with specialized agility training expedites skills like dodging and shot accuracy. Older beginners should emphasize core strength and hamstring mobility to compensate.
From an execution standpoint, kids do better starting with basic catch and pass repetitiveness to ingrain muscle memory. Adults progress quicker through higher-level drills focused on game situational awarenss. Learning styles differ despite similar foundations.
Parents facilitating playtime fun is also key for kids versus self-driven practice. Blending skill development and inherent enjoyment keeps youngsters progressing. Ensuring age-appropriate training tailored to physical and mental attributes accelerates every beginner’s capabilities over time.
Maintaining Enjoyment and Having Fun as a Beginner
While dedicating yourself to proper technique and training is critical when starting lacrosse, remembering to keep things enjoyable as a beginner is just as vital. The excitement that draws new players to lacrosse can fade quickly through frustration at early awkwardness. Focusing on fun and celebrating small achievements maintains motivation.
Initially, avoid hyper-competitive scenarios before fundamental skills solidify. Explore casual pick-up games and develop at your own pace. Vary solo training with scrimmages mixing new and experienced players to pick up tips. Maintain joy in early development versus overly-rigid regimentation.
Reflect as well on what made lacrosse’s speed and flow compelling when beginning. Visualize executing the flashy plays that caught your eye as skills improve. Stay connected to the visceral thrill that attracted you early on.
Persistence through failure and assessment of mistakes helps anyone improve, but temper critiques by highlighting successes. Enjoyment and engagement remain the spark that ignites mastery.
Commit fully to proper lacrosse training, but blend rigorous, focused practice with playfulness. Embrace the journey by having fun along the way.