Choosing the Right Length Lacrosse Stick for Midfield
When selecting a lacrosse stick as a midfielder, one of the most important factors to consider is the overall length. Women’s sticks generally range from 30 to 35 inches, with most midfielders opting for a length on the longer end of that spectrum. The ideal length will depend on your height, position, and personal preference, but there are several key benefits to using a longer stick length in the midfield.
A longer stick like a 35-inch model provides exceptional reach, allowing you to scoop up more ground balls. This added length also gives you a bigger checking range for defending and intercepting passes. Since the midfield position involves covering a lot of field, a longer stick makes it easier to catch and throw on the run with greater success. You’ll be able to protect your stick better as you transition through the draw and maintain better ball control overall with a longer length.
When cradling, longer sticks tend to generate more whip and faster ball speed as well. This perk combined with the quicker release offered by additional length gives your shots and passes much more velocity. For quick sticks shots around the crease, the extra length is extremely advantageous and can really catch goalies off guard. More length also translates into an expanded blocking and defensive checking range.
Midfielders running coast to coast need every inch they can get. Unless you are on the shorter side, a women’s stick in the 34 to 35 inch range is recommended to maximize your reach and ball handling at midfield. The right length paired with an optimal pocket and head design will give you much more confidence and control up and down the field.
Choosing a Lacrosse Stick Pocket with Superior Ball Retention
As a midfielder, having a stick with excellent ball retention is crucial for maintaining possession all over the field. When surveying women’s lacrosse sticks, pay close attention to the pocket design and depth. An optimal pocket will firmly cradle the ball while still allowing for quick and accurate passing and shooting.
Many of the top lacrosse stick brands now offer pockets with more customized stringing options. Pockets like the Mark 2F from Maverik provide improved hold through a wider top string and midsection. This helps prevent the ball from rattling around loosely in the pocket. The Precision Pocket from STX focuses on widened horizontal leather strips to enhance hold and control.
Mesh pockets are also inherently better at gripping and retaining possession of the ball. These nylon softened pockets mold around the ball better thanks to more flexibility. Skilled stringers can manipulate mesh patterns to create ideal pocket types like a deep “U” for added security. If opting for a traditional leather pocket, consider midsection lace-up options to make the channel deeper.
As a midfielder, having too shallow of a pocket that will easily dislodge balls on contact is a nightmare. Focus your search on lacrosse stick pockets with thicker mid sections that hug the ball tightly. Shooting strings should be taut, and the scoop should be minimal to keep possession sticky within the pocket. Test out sticks with deeper pockets that you can rely on as you transition up the midfield. The right configuration will feel like an extension of your hand.
Finding a Lightweight Women’s Lacrosse Stick for Faster Midfield Play
As a midfielder running coast to coast all game long, having a lightweight lacrosse stick is crucial for maximizing your speed and endurance. New composite and alloy materials along with optimized engineering have led to ultra-light sticks perfect for midfield play.
Many of the leading women’s lacrosse stick brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine now offer shaft and head combo weights between 17 to 21 ounces strung. This drastic weight reduction compared to sticks of the past provides a very noticeable quickness boost. The lighter design allows for quicker transitions, improved footwork, and less fatigue over the course of a game.
Shafts made with lightweight alloys like Scandium titanium alloy and high-grade aluminum alloy help minimize weight while retaining strength and stiffness. Heads constructed with composite polymers along with optimized stringing and trim options also shave critical ounces off. Women’s handles with an octagonal shape remove even more unnecessary mass in corners.
Don’t be afraid to go with the lightest women’s lacrosse stick options from leading brands when playing midfield. The enhanced maneuverability and decreased fatigue from using a super lightweight stick will allow you to outrun defenders and explode to goal. Make sure to test out the balance and feel during cradling and passing to ensure it still provides enough stability at an extremely light weight.
Selecting a Stiff Lacrosse Stick Head and Shaft for Midfield Control
Having a stiff lacrosse stick head and shaft is imperative for midfielders to maintain precision passing, shooting, and cradling under pressure. Stick flexibility can be fine-tuned using today’s engineered materials and construction techniques from leading brands.
Optimal stiffness provides a very responsive feel and truly maximizes ball speed potential. Composite sticks with carbon fiber like the Carbon Pro from STX have a fine-tuned stiffness for crispness. Shafts using high-grade lightweight alloys like Scandium Titanium and 6061 aluminum can also be engineered for ideal stiffness without compromising durability.
Mesh pockets tend to soften women’s sticks, so pairing them with an exceptionally stiff shaft is key. Precision molding of head sidewalls and scoops allows designers to tweak stiffness. A stiff women’s lacrosse head with an open sidewall pattern will maintain its structure under checking pressure as well.
Don’t settle for a flimsy plastic shaft or excessive head flex when playing midfield. Superior ball control and quickness come from an optimally stiff construct. Test stick bending resistance using the “flip test” and focus on sticks advertised with stiffness ratings. The right stiff stick will offer responsiveness for quicker passes, pinpoint shooting accuracy, and smooth cradling – essential traits for dominating the midfield.
Finding the Ideal Balance in a Midfielder’s Lacrosse Stick
A properly balanced lacrosse stick is vital for midfielders, who need to be able to smoothly transition between cradling, passing, shooting, and scooping in an instant. When testing different lacrosse sticks, pay close attention to the overall feel and weight distribution.
Ideally, a balanced women’s lacrosse stick will feel like an extension of your arm, with no awkward heavy or light spots. Advanced graphite lacrosse shafts allow designers to remove weight from the lower handle area while retaining stiffness up top. Playing with a shaft-heavy stick can slow quick stick passing and shooting.
Heads with a lot of open sidewall cutouts help reduce mass at the far end of sticks as well. Precision placement of sidewall holes brings overall balance into harmony. Balance also depends on pocket and stringing style, so take the time to test out sticks after stringing to gauge the true feel with a ball in the pocket.
While ultra-lightweight sticks provide a quickness edge, they shouldn’t compromise balance by feeling too top-heavy or end-loaded. As a midfielder who relies on fluid stick handling, seek out women’s lacrosse sticks praised for balance in reviews, even if it means going slightly above minimum weight.
Finding All-Weather Women’s Lacrosse Sticks for Midfield Durability
As a midfielder, your stick will be put through the ringer game after game in all types of weather. Seeking out composite or alloy lacrosse sticks built for durability is key for maintaining high performance in rain or shine.
Advanced polymer and fiberglass blends allow head and shaft designers to optimize weather resistance without adding weight. Materials like Easton’s Hybrid Pro handle combine composite durability with a textured grip, ideal for midfield play. Others offer waterproof coatings to prevent sogginess.
Leading brands also fortify aluminum alloy shafts like Maverik’s SuperLite 7000 series to withstand warping or corrosion from the elements. Precision molded heads with hydrophobic coatings shed water and retain their shape too. Avoid cheaper plastic components prone to getting brittle and flimsy in the cold.
Don’t let rough weather wear down your game. Investing in a women’s lacrosse stick made with the finest all-weather materials will ensure you stay at peak performance through rain, snow, sleet, or hail. As a midfielder who constantly handles the stick, durability should be a top priority. Prioritize composite or alloy optimal for your climate.
Finding the Most Versatile Women’s Lacrosse Head Shape for Midfield
As a midfielder, having a lacrosse stick head with a versatile shape optimized for all-around play is ideal. Avoid heads specialized for attack or defense, and seek out shapes providing the ultimate blend of passing, catching, scooping, and shooting versatility.
Many midfielders opt for mid-to-low pocket placement in a head with a moderate sidewall flare. This provides excellent ball retention while still allowing for quick release passes and shots. An open sidewall pattern gives you a wide catching range as well. For versatility, avoid very pinched heads with an extreme taper.
Oval or egg-shaped women’s lacrosse heads offer nice blending of ball control and quick release. Moderate scoop sizes ensure easy ground ball pickup without getting in the way of passes or catches. Test shooting with any head you are considering to ensure the shape caters to midfielder style shots like quick sticks.
Having a head with limitations for certain types of play can quickly stifle your midfield game. Seek out lacrosse sticks with versatile, do-it-all head shapes allowing you to play free-flowing two-way midfield regardless of where you are on the field. With the right shape, you’ll become a threat all over.
Finding the Best Lacrosse Stick Grip as a Midfielder
Having excellent grip on your lacrosse stick is crucial for midfielders, who handle the ball constantly during transitions. Seek out sticks with grip-boosting features to maintain control in all field conditions.
Many shafts now come wrapped in grippy materials or feature textured patterns right on the alloy. This prevents slippage for quicker passing and shooting. Moisture-wicking mesh grips also absorb sweat to prevent the stick from feeling slippery.
Some shafts integrate unique grip shapes as well, like tapered octagons to fit your hands’ natural shape and contours. Gripping the stick tighter can lead to fatigue, so ergonomic grip aids are extremely valuable. Some heads even offer cushioned grip areas now too.
Don’t settle for an uncomfortably slippery grip at midfield. Having your hands constantly slide around can lead to turnovers and errant passes. Test a variety of textured, tapered or cushioned grip options to find your ideal combination of control and comfort. The right grip will feel like an extension of your hands.
Comparing Lacrosse Stick Flexibility as a Midfielder
The overall flexibility and stiffness of a women’s lacrosse stick impacts handling and performance for midfielders. When shopping for a new stick, pay attention to flex ratings and test stiffness personally before buying.
Ultra-stiff sticks provide very tactile and quick passing, shooting and scooping. The trade-off is these sticks can fatigue hands and arms quicker from the high vibration. More flexible sticks absorb shock better but sacrifice some responsiveness and speed potential.
High-grade alloys like scandium titanium allow designers to fine-tune flex with tempering techniques. Weave style and carbon fiber content in composite materials also impact stiffness. Mesh and nylon pockets typically soften stiffness as well compared to traditional leather.
Test stick stiffness by bending the head and shaft before stringing to get a feel for the flex profile. While very flexible sticks will feel buttery smooth, you may sacrifice some key midfield quickness relying on them. Find your ideal flex that offers a responsive feel without an overly rigid harshness through hands-on testing.
The Benefits of Hybrid and Composite Lacrosse Sticks
Women’s lacrosse sticks made with hybrid composite materials offer the perfect blend of lightness, stiffness, durability, and improved weather resistance for elite midfield play. Composite sticks should be strongly considered by any midfielder looking for a performance advantage.
By combining fibers like carbon fiber and fiberglass with polymer resins or alloys, engineers can create lacrosse shafts and heads with customizable properties. Twisting or layering composite fibers controls overall stiffness, while optimized resin ratios deliver strength without excess weight.
Leading brands use advanced composites to make pro-level women’s sticks weighing under 17 ounces. The incredibly light feel boosts foot speed while the composites ensure solid, all-weather performance. Impressive toughness prevents damage from checks as well.
If you find individual metal or plastic lacrosse sticks too limiting, hybrid composite models provide the ultimate customization. The technology allows for sticks delivering exactly the characteristics you need most as an elite midfielder. Overall, composites represent the pinnacle of lacrosse stick engineering advancement and performance.
The Convenience of Strung Lacrosse Sticks
As a busy midfielder, choosing a strung women’s lacrosse stick can save tons of time and hassle compared to stringing from scratch. Many leading brands now offer sticks sold pre-strung with optimized pocket designs.
Pre-strung sticks provide beginners with an easier entry into the sport. But even experienced midfielders can benefit from the precise stringing work of professional pocket technicians. Brands like STX offer sticks strung by elite stringers for immediate game-ready performance.
The pre-installed pockets are specially designed around the head shape for ideal ball control, hold and release. Shooting strings are expertly threaded to add consistency and accuracy to passes and shots as well. Less time messing with tedious stringing means more time honing your skills.
While personalized stringing allows you to fully customize pockets, don’t underestimate the convenience and quality of pro-level pre-stringing. As a midfielder, you can spend less time fiddling with knots and benefit from optimized pockets designed for your position right off the shelf.
Offset and Curved Lacrosse Stick Heads for Midfielders
Women’s lacrosse heads with offset or curved/angled designs aim to provide specialized benefits for midfielders. But do these unique constructs actually make a significant difference for midfield play?
Offset heads like the Savage from Brine angle the sidewall down toward the scoop area, supposedly improving scooping efficiency. However, traditional heads with good flex already scoop well, so the gains may be marginal. Curved heads claim to hug the ball better during cradling but can sacrifice quick passing precision.
These heads still need optimized stringing and breaking in to maximize performance gains. While they offer a unique look, the real-world midfield benefits relative to classic straight head designs are somewhat subjective. Using an offset or curved head won’t magically transform average midfield skills.
Don’t choose sticks solely for gimmicky head shapes or alignments which promise miracles. Focus instead on dialing in optimal flex, stringing, balance, materials and fit for your game. While curved or angled heads provide changeups to the norm, skill, technique and pocket customization matter much more in the end for dominating at midfield.
Comparing Women’s Lacrosse Head Sidewall and Scoop Design
Variations in sidewall hole patterns and scoop designs aim to provide specialized benefits for women’s lacrosse players. But as a midfielder, does sidewall and scoop construction truly make a big difference?
More open sidewall stringing holes can reduce overall mass, but sacrifice some stiffness. Solid sidewalls with minimal holes focus on increased durability. The ideal balance depends on your preference for flex and ball control. Scoops with exaggerated extended fins may help with ground balls but can get in the way of tight cradling.
In the end, no amount of sidewall hole or scoop fin manipulation will make up for poor fundamentals. Proper throwing and catching technique along with smart on-field situational play matters far more than minor equipment nuances. Any lightweight stick from a top brand with a well-strung pocket will get the job done.
Rather than get hung up on marketed gimmicks, choose your lacrosse stick based on optimal overall weight, materials, balance, and flex. Focus on refining your skills and strategy through practice and coaching instead of obsessing over minor construction details. For midfield excellence, proper physical and mental conditioning trumps equipment variables.
Lacrosse Sticks Designed Specifically for Midfielders
Some lacrosse stick manufacturers now market heads and shafts as optimized specifically for midfield play. But are sticks specially engineered for midfielders worth the investment over more versatile options?
Sticks branded as midfield-focused do tend to prioritize lightness, improved balance, and excellent ball retention within quicker release pockets. Features like elongated scoops, pinched midsections, and stiffer alloy handles cater towards a midfielder’s need for effective transition play.
However, elite midfielders can still dominate games with any properly strung, well-balanced stick from a leading brand. No amount of specialized engineering can overcome the importance of developing skills through practice. An average midfielder won’t transform into a superstar simply by using a “midfield” labeled stick.
Rather than get sucked into marketing hype, choose a versatile women’s lacrosse stick providing the weight, balance, and feel you prefer most. Then concentrate efforts on stick skills, footwork, coordination and lacrosse IQ. With the right practice mentality and fundamentals, any stick can become your magic midfield wand.