Offset head position improves ball handling
As any lacrosse player knows, having the right stick can make all the difference in your game. And one of the most important aspects of your lacrosse stick is the angle of the shaft. Traditionally, lacrosse shafts were completely straight – 0 degrees offset. But over the past decade, offset lacrosse shafts have become increasingly popular, especially at the elite levels. So what’s all the hype about offset lacrosse sticks, and why should you consider using one?
Offset lacrosse shafts have a bend in the upper portion of the shaft, generally between 5-15 degrees. This angled offset positions the head of the stick slightly to the side rather than directly in line with the shaft. While this may seem like a subtle change, it actually has a significant impact on ball handling, passing, and shooting.
Here are 15 reasons why you should strongly consider using a lacrosse stick with a 10 degree offset shaft:
- Improved cradling – The offset head position makes it easier to get underneath the ball for better control while cradling. You can cradle the ball with better leverage and maneuverability.
- Quick stick passing – The angled head gives you better visibility for quick stick passes. You can see the ball more easily when swinging the stick across your body for passes.
- Increased power – The offset position allows your bottom hand to be slightly underneath the ball, resulting in more power and velocity on shots.
- Deceptive shooting – Goalies can have a harder time reading shots coming off an offset stick since the ball is released from a different angle.
- Scores from tighter angles – The offset head shifts your shooting angle, allowing you to score from tighter spots near the crease. Defenders have a harder time blocking your stick.
- Protects against checks – The shifted head position shields your stick from slap checks. Defenders have less direct access to dislodge the ball.
- Quick redirect passes – The angled head makes it easier to catch and whip the ball right back without switching hands or adjusting grip.
- Increased hold – Offset heads “trap” the ball better so you can hang on through contact and picks. Less likely to have the ball jarred free.
- Clean catches on ground balls – The lowered sidewall helps scoop ground balls. Less likely to have the ball bounce out compared to a straight shaft.
- Evade defenders on dodges – Juke moves and dodges are enhanced with the shifted head position. Makes it tougher for defenders to knock the ball free.
- Quick stick fakes – The offset position allows for tighter stick fakes since the ball is already to the side. Quick moves can more easily sell the fake.
- Increased range with pokes – You can poke check farther since the head naturally extends your reach. Longer poke checks disrupt passing lanes.
- More whip on passes – The ball releases with more velocity and spin off an angled head. Your passes have better pace and accuracy.
- Precise outlet passes – The lowered sidewall gives you superior visibility for seeing receivers and placing outlet passes.
- Less likely to hit the pipe – Angled shots make it easier to pick corners rather than unintentionally hitting top or side pipes.
As you can see, switching to an offset lacrosse shaft like the Exult 10 degree or other top offset sticks can elevate your game in many ways. The shifted head position improves key skills like cradling, shooting, passing, scooping, and protecting the ball. With the rise of offset shafts in college and pro lacrosse, it’s clear they offer significant performance advantages. If you’re looking to improve your ball handling and take your game to the next level, a 10 degree lacrosse shaft is a simple equipment tweak that can pay big dividends.
Quicker shots and passes
When you’re playing lacrosse, fractions of a second can make all the difference. Being able to get your shot off quicker than a defender can react or delivering crisp, accurate passes before the defense adjusts can lead to more goals for your team. This is where offset lacrosse shafts can give you a key advantage.
Offset lacrosse shafts have an angled bend, usually between 5-15 degrees. By shifting the head’s position relative to the shaft, these sticks allow you to get your hands underneath the ball more quickly for both shooting and passing. Here are some of the ways a 10 degree offset lacrosse shaft can enable quicker shots and passes:
- More leverage for faster releases – The lowered sidewall lets you grip underneath the ball with better leverage for quicker stick motion and release speed. Less adjustment needed to shoot or pass.
- Rotational acceleration – The bend helps generate torque and rotational speed as you swing through. More velocity and RPMs on your shots and passes.
- Deceptive shooting planes – Goalies expect shots to come from a straight stick so angled releases can catch them off guard. Less time to react.
- Quick stick passing lanes – Offset allows you to swing across your body for quick stick passes without switching hands first. Keeps the motion smooth and quick.
- No grip adjustments – Hand position stays consistent from cradling to shooting/passing. Don’t need to slide hands up and down the shaft.
- Precise accuracy – The shifted head provides great visibility and control for placing shots and passes accurately without delay.
- Shoot on the run – Angled release lets you shoot with accuracy at full sprint. Less need to slow down before shooting.
- Changeup on fakes – Quick redirect passes change angle and confuse defenders. Keeps defense off balance.
- Compact passing motion – Short, tight passing stroke thanks to offset position. Ideal for crisp, fast passes in traffic.
- Quick stick redirects – Catch and shoot in one motion without switching hands. Great for suckering defenders on picks and rolls.
- Lightning fast feeds – Lowered sidewall creates easy visibility for quick feeds to cutters from behind the cage.
- Deceptive shot velocity – Offset stick hides real speed of your shot. Goalies pick up velocity later.
- Quick snap shots – Easier to snap waist-level shots with quick flicks of the wrist. Good for close dodges.
- Swift stick fakes – Tighter fakes and jab steps possible with shifted head position. Freezes defenders.
- Rapid fire passing – Pinpoint outlet passes to start fast breaks and transition offense.
The bottom line is that offset lacrosse shafts like the Exult 10 degree give you key advantages in getting shots and passes off quicker compared to players using straight shafts. Those fractions of a second make a real difference, keeping defenders on their heels. Switching to a 10 degree lacrosse stick is an easy way to add more speed and deception to your offense. Along with crisper passing and improved shot velocity, quicker releases give you an edge that results in more goals.
Easier cradling in tight spaces
As a lacrosse player, you know how difficult it can be to cradle and control the ball in traffic and tightly defended areas. Defenders swarm you, slap checks come from all angles, and maintaining possession requires masterful stick skills. This is where the offset design of modern lacrosse shafts can give you a distinct edge.
Rather than being completely straight, offset lacrosse shafts have an angled bend in the upper portion of the stick. This positions the head slightly to the side at around a 5-15 degree offset. While subtle, this offset has a dramatic impact on how easy it is to cradle in crowded, confined spaces on the field. Here’s why:
- Lowers wall for leverage – The offset head puts the bottom sidewall lower for cradling leverage and control. Easier to protect ball.
- Shields against checks – The shifted head shields your stick from slap checks. Harder for defenders to reach across your body.
- Maneuver through traffic – Angle allows you to pull the ball in tight and maneuver in crowds. Not exposed on a straight shaft. Quick stick adjustments – Makes it easy to reposition hands quickly for tight spaces. Can choke up as needed.
- Hiding the ball – Offset hides the ball from defenders on your back side. Harder for them to reach around and check.
- Cradle on the run – Less need to slow down in traffic to protect the ball. Can cradle at top speed.
- Power cradling – Stronger cradling motion possible with shoulder rotation. Generates power and speed.
- Sell fakes and jukes – Offset position helps sell head fakes to dodge defenders when pressed.
- Shield ground balls – Lower sidewall helps box out opponents when picking up ground balls.
- Quick hand readjustments – Change hand position on the fly while cradling without losing control.
- Drive the alleys – Side-to-side cradling motion lets you split defenders and drive alleys.
- Increase free hands – Don’t need second hand to support cradle, enables passing, catching, etc.
- Cradle behind the back – Easy to swing cradle behind back to evade defenders in tight spaces.
- Evade stick checks – Angled shaft protects against dislodging poke checks from behind.
- Draw and split defenders – Cradle moves let you split double teams and draw slides.
Whether working behind the cage, dodging from X, or battling through picks and screens, the offset design of shafts like the Exult 10 degree gives you superior ball control. The shifted head position serves as an extension of your hands, enabling easier and stronger cradling in tight spaces. This advantage in congested areas of the field leads directly to more possessions, dodges, assists and goals.
Superior ball control on fakes and dodges
In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, the ability to effectively sell fakes and dodge defenders is critical to generating offense. Whether trying to free your hands for a feed from X or create just enough room off a pick to get a shot off, you need stick skills that enable tight control of the ball on any move.
This is an area where offset lacrosse shafts really shine. The bent shape positions the head at an angle, usually between 5-15 degrees. Although subtle, this offset unlocks significant advantages in ball control for executing fakes, rolls, and dodges.
Here are some of the ways an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree helps you maintain superior control when making deceptive moves:
- Selling fakes – Offset facilitates tight stick fakes since ball is already shifted to side. Defenders must respect fakes.
- Quick redirects – Releases come off the angled face with more velocity to sell fake passes.
- Tight cradling – Keeps ball tight to body during fakes for optimal control. Less exposed than with straight shaft.
- Head whips on fakes – Offset allows for exaggerated head whips and jab steps. Looks more convincing to defenders.
- Shields ball on fakes – Lower sidewall protects ball from checks during fakes. Stays in the pocket.
- Rolls off picks – Angled head sticks with you on rolls off screens. Stays tucked and controlled.
- Quick redirect passes – Defenders must respect quick redirects after fakes across the body.
- Control on spin moves – Rotating the shaft keeps the ball centered for smooth spins or rolls.
- Hides release point – Varying release points based on dodge angle makes shots harder to read.
- Sells misdirection – Hard stick fakes made possible by tight grip on ball through fakes.
- Quick snapping motion – Compact, fast snapping motion enabled by offset for tight dodges.
- Maintains accuracy – Still able to place shots accurately after deceptive dodges. No loss of control.
- Evade poke checks – Offset protects ball from poke checks from all angles during dodges.
- Body shields ball – Work hips and shoulders during fakes to shield ball. Offset facilitates this.
- Precise shot location – Angled head provides great visibility for placing shots after dodges.
The bottom line is that the angled bend of offset lacrosse shafts enhances your ability to executes fakes and dodges with superior ball control. From quick rolls off picks to an inverted dodge from X, you can maneuver with tight command of the ball. Switching to an offset stick like the Exult 10 degree will lead to more deceptive and effective moves, better looks at the cage, and more goals.
Reduced ball rattle and vibration
As a lacrosse player, you know how distracting and detrimental it can be when the ball rattles around in your stick. Extra noise and vibration make it harder to concentrate, and the ball is more likely to take a bad bounce out of a shaky stick. This is why it’s so important to choose a lacrosse stick engineered to minimize rattle and vibration.
Offset lacrosse shafts are designed to reduce unstable ball movement and noise. The angled bend positions the head at 5-15 degrees, increasing overall stability. Here are some specific ways an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree lessens rattle and vibration:
- Improved ball settling – Offset pocket helps center the ball for less roll side-to-side. Settles smoothly into the sweet spot.
- Dampens vibration – Bent shaft absorbs shock and vibration rather than transferring it to the ball. Smoother feel.
- Reduces bounce – Lower sidewall helps control erratic bounces when cradling or passing. More cushioned and stable.
- Locked-in feel – Angled head secures ball from excess motion. Feels solidly locked in the pocket.
- Less adjustments needed – Once settled, ball stays centered without having to constantly readjust.
- More control checking – Offset provides leverage to absorbs checks without rattling the ball free.
- Precision passing – Ball comes off the face cleanly and accurately. Less mid-flight wobble.
- Muffles impact – Off-center flex of the shaft cushions impact for less vibration on catches.
- Silences rattling – Tighter stringing possible on offset heads controls noise and vibration.
- Clean ground balls – Scooping action is smooth and controlled to minimize erratic bounces.
- Quiet cradling – Strict side-to-side motion prevents noisy slapping of ball in pocket.
- Softens hard passes – Lower sidewall cushions stretch passes and feeds across the body.
- Pocket grip minimizes rattle – More ball surface contacts the pocket to keep it stable.
- No distracting buzz – Less buzz and noise provides focus. Hear cues on the field better.
The bottom line is that engineering details like the Exult’s offset shaft significantly reduce annoying lacrosse stick rattling and vibration. The ball stays under control, passes come off cleanly, and there are fewer erratic bounces out of the pocket. Reducing distractions from unwanted noise keeps you focused and playing your best.
Smoother scooping ground balls
In the scrappy, hustling game of lacrosse, ground balls are a major key to gaining possessions and scoring opportunities. The team that dominates loose balls often comes out on top. This makes having a stick optimized for scooping grounders an important edge.
This is an area where offset lacrosse sticks excel. The bent shaft angles the head slightly to the side, improving the scooping motion. Here’s how a 10 degree offset like the Exult facilitates smoother ground ball pickups:
- Lowers sidewall – With the offset, the bottom sidewall is closer to the ground, making it easier to get under grounders.
- Increases accuracy – Angled scooping motion better directs balls into your stick’s pocket versus bouncing out.
- Protects ball – Lower wall blocks opponents from checking immediately as you scoop grounders.
- Extra leverage – Bent shaft provides additional leverage for powerful scooping motion, even while being checked.
- Quick grab – Compact scooping movement thanks to offset pocket position. Grab and go.
- Clean entry – Offset pocket guides grounders in cleanly versus bouncing around the head on entry.
- Cradle momentum – Scoop and cradle in one continuous motion to drive out of trouble.
- Shields ball – Lower sidewall shields ground balls from being raked out by defenders.
- Gains possession – Compact scooping maximizes your chances of beating out opponents for 50/50 grounders.
- Quick outlet – Superior visibility with offset for immediatly finding and hitting outlets after scooping.
- Box out opponents – Protect ground balls by using your body position and offset head to box out defenders.
- No bobbling – Offset pocket settles grounders smoothly without bobbling around.
- Increased range – Extra length from lower sidewall expands your scooping range.
- Initiate fast breaks – Outlet passes immediately after scooping to push transition.
- Win faceoffs – Offset improves clamping and scooping off the faceoff draw.
Whether it’s due to the bent shaft or lowered sidewalls, offset lacrosse sticks clearly excel at picking up ground balls. Smoother, more controlled scooping leads to more possessions, fast break opportunties and goals. Dominating loose balls with a stick like the Exult 10 degree gives your team an advantage that leads directly to more wins.
Faster wind up on checks
Delivering hard, accurate checks is a fundamental lacrosse skill. Making contact first controls your opponent and dislodges the ball. But if your wind up is too slow or obvious, opponents can read and evade incoming checks. This is why the ability to accelerate your stick rapidly from a tight wind up is so beneficial.
Offset lacrosse shafts give you a distinct advantage here. The bent shaft shifts the head to the side at a 5-15 degree angle while keeping the lower portion straight in line with your arms. This compact wind up creates a lightning quick delivery when throwing checks.
Here are some of the ways an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree enables a faster wind up on checks:
- Shortened motion – Don’t need an exaggerated wind up to generate power. Compact movement is all that’s needed.
- Sideways acceleration – Offset head is pre-loaded for horizontal stick acceleration to deliver checks.
- Whips through contact – Built up torque in the bent shaft releases violently through contact.
- Transfers energy – Kinetic linking from the offset bend transfers force down the shaft.
- Sneak up on opponents – Shortened motion keeps wind up hidden until last moment.
- Tight elbows – Compact check originates from tight core and elbows. Less telegraphed.
- Rotational speed – Offset shaft naturally digs into rotation for added force.
- Surprise contact – Checks come from new angles that catch opponents off guard.
- Lower launch point – Checks build speed along a shorter overall distance.
- Leverage on follow through – Angled shaft provides leverage for driving through checks.
- Penetrating checks – Focused checks penetrate through contact versus glancing off.
- Disrupt cradle – Destroy an opponent’s cradle by originating checks right inside it.
- Forced turnovers – Checks too fast to allow hands-free passing before contact.
- Unload on poke checks – Fast snapping motion ideal for disruptive poke checks.
Whether throwing devastating hits or precisely timed pokes, the bent offset shaft delivers lightning fast checks from unexpected angles. The shortened wind up and whip-like acceleration result in more forced turnovers, mistakes from opponents, and opportunities for your team. Wielding an offset stick makes you a feared checker.
More whip on passes
Delivering crisp, accurate passes is fundamental to generating offense in lacrosse. Passes need sufficient velocity to reach teammates, even through checks and active sticks. This is where the whipping action of an offset lacrosse stick really pays dividends.
Offset lacrosse shafts position the head at a 5-15 degree angle. This bent shape loads the shaft with extra “whip” as you deliver passes. The offset generates more power and spin for maximizing pass speed and control.
Here are some of the mechanics of how an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree creates more whip on passes:
- Loads shaft energy – Offset bend loads kinetic energy for release like a slingshot.
- Angled release – Offset head shifts pass trajectory and release point.
- Rotational acceleration – Bent shape digs into rotational motion to build torque.
- Leverage on follow through – Lower sidewall provides leverage for driving passes through contact.
- Transfers force – Kinetic linking whips force down the shaft into the ball.
- Stretch reflex – Shaft naturally springs back to straight shape post-pass for extra whip.
- Spin from offset – Offset imparts spin for stability, like a tight spiral on a football.
- Closing doors – Velocity and spin make it hard for defenders to intercept passes.
- Threads the needle – Whip action enables threading passes through traffic and tight coverage.
- Superior vision – Eye-level view down angled sidewall for placing passes accurately.
- Changes release point – Vary pass origin by rotating stick to keep defense guessing.
- High to low – Drop passes and feeds easier from offset position. Adds deception.
- Quick backhands – Offset facilitates fast backhand passes across the body.
- Selling fakes – Violent whipping fakes possible before passing.
- Unload from distance – Loads of whip for hurling length of the field passes.
The offset lacrosse stick is truly a passing machine, enabling any level of player to deliver crisp feeds with velocity. Extra whip ensures passes get to target accurately through checks and active sticks. Dialing up more whip gives you an offensive edge.
Better ball retention on pokes
In the constant back-and-forth of lacrosse, poke checks are used to harass opponents and try to dislodge the ball. But to successfully poke without getting the ball raked out yourself requires excellent ball retention upon contact. This is an area where offset sticks truly excel.
The angled bend of offset lacrosse shafts positions the head at 5-15 degrees. This provides key advantages in maintaining possession when initiating or receiving pokes thanks to the shifted sidewall alignment.
Here are some of the ways an offset stick like the Exult 10 degree enables better ball retention on poke checks:
- Lowers lead hand – Lead hand drops underneath ball for optimal cover on pokes.
- Protects ball on contact – Lower sidewall shields ball from direct raking on pokes.
- Absorbs vibration – Offset bend absorbs shock of poke contact versus transferring straight to ball.
- Centers ball contact – Optimizes how much ball surface contacts sidewall and pocket.
- Shields blindside – Offset protects ball from unexpected poke attempts from behind.
- Body shields – Use lead shoulder and arm to shield ball while poking.
- Sidearm power – Offset provides leverage for driving stiff arm pokes from side.
- Deflects rakes – Glancing rakes are deflected by the shifted sidewall angle.
- Strong hand lead – Provides tight cover from dominant top hand when initiating pokes.
- Quick hand shifts – Offset facilitates smooth hand repositioning to adjust cover.
- Locks in pocket – Stringing grabs ball tightly on contact to retain possession.
- Forward ball position – Keeps ball up near head, not down shaft vulnerable to pokes.
- Drives back pokers – Low lead hand can drive back defenders who overcommit on pokes.
- Rotates stick face – Twisting face shields ball and checks hands of overeager pokers.
The bottom line is that retaining possession on pokes comes down to optimal hand positioning and sidewall shielding. Offset lacrosse sticks naturally excel in both areas. Take the guesswork out of ball retention during poke exchanges by switching to an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree.
Increased power on overhand shots
Generating maximum shot power is critical in lacrosse. Overhand shots unleash the most velocity, but only if your stick optimizes mechanics for full energy transfer. This is an area where offset lacrosse shafts excel due to the leveraged hand position underneath the ball.
The angled bend of offset shafts drops the bottom sidewall lower while keeping the top hand high, creating an ideal shooting platform. Here’s how the 5-15 degree offset of a stick like the Exult supercharges overhand shot power:
- Bottom-hand leverage – Offset positions bottom hand under ball for maximal power transfer.
- Loading the shaft – Lowers shaft pre-loads energy deeper into the head.
- Increased range of motion – Longer travel distance builds acceleration before release.
- Rotational torque – Offset bend builds tremendous torsional energy.
- Snaps through contact – Accumulated energy violently unloads through any defensive pressure.
- Kinetic linking – Sequential energy transfer for maximum velocity into the ball.
- Whip on follow through – Angled shaft adds leverage for driving through the shot.
- Stretch reflex – Straightening shaft post-release adds extra catapult effect.
- Palm-up finish – Naturally retains grip through release for extra whip.
- Deceptive launch – Changes perceived origin of shot for goalies.
- Penetrating shots – Focused flex of shaft keeps shots on a tight trajectory.
- Counter-rotation – Spins ball backwards for added force and accuracy.
- High-to-low angle – Exaggerated drop from high hand to low hand.
- Shoulder rotation – Extra upper body torque enabled by hand positioning.
- Power from box – Exceptional power when shooting on the run from a box position.
The mechanics of offset lacrosse sticks lead to undeniable power advantages on overhand shots. The leveraged hand positioning optimizes kinetic linking for maximum energy accumulation and violent release. Unleash your best shots with the Exult 10 degree shaft.
Additional leverage on wraparounds
Wraparound shots are a key scoring technique in tight from the crease, but require superior ball control and leveraged shooting mechanics. This is an area where offset lacrosse sticks offer a distinct advantage for executing deceptive wraparounds.
The bent shaft of offset lacrosse heads angles the sidewall downwards at 5-15 degrees. This lowered position gives you additional leverage for powering and snapping off wraparound shots before the goalie can react.
Here are some of the ways an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree creates leverage advantages on wraparounds:
- Bottom-hand control – Lead hand cradles underneath ball for tight control and leverage.
- Loading the stick – Lowers entire stick to pre-load energy around the crease.
- Increased range of motion – Longer stroke builds power when swinging around cage.
- Rotational acceleration – Bent shaft digs into body rotation to build torque.
- Snaps through traffic – Unloads violently through defenders before getting pushed too deep.
- Shoulder turn – Extra shoulder rotation enabled on swing across the body.
- Changes release point – Wraparound originates from new angle that goalies don’t expect.
- Quick redirect – Easy to catch and redirect shot in one smooth motion.
- Conceals motion – Wraparound starts blended with cradling motion before snapping out.
- Defense can’t prepare – Quick snap changes speed mid-release for surprise factor.
- Power from box – Great leverage when shooting on run from a box angle.
- Thread tight windows – Focused flex of shaft keeps shot accurate in tight spaces.
- Shields ball – Lead hand shields ball from pokes when swinging a wraparound.
- Compact release – Short, tight motion for fast wraparounds in traffic.
- Quick sticks – Easy catch and shoot in one compact motion while on the crease.
Executing precise, deceptive wraparound shots requires optimal shooting mechanics and leverage. Offset lacrosse sticks like the Exult 10 degree naturally provide this increased leverage for snapping off lightning fast wraparounds before defenders can react. Dominate tight from the crease with the leverage of an offset head.
Quicker stick rotation on shots
In lacrosse, goals often come down to beating your defender by fractions of a second. Getting your shot off quicker by enhancing stick rotation speed can make that decisive difference. This quick-twitch advantage is where offset sticks shine.
Offset lacrosse shafts bend the head to a 5-15 degree angle while keeping the lower portion of the stick straight in line with your hands and arms. This compact shape allows for lightning fast rotation when shooting.
Here are some of the ways an offset shaft like the Exult 10 degree enables superior stick rotation quickness on shots:
- Shortened motion – Don’t need a big windup, just a tight snap rotation.
- Rotational pre-load – Offset angle pre-loads potential energy for fast unwinding.
- Angled release – Rotation originates from cocked offset position.
- Surprise factor – Unexpected release point from offset rotation.
- Kinetic linking – Transfers force from tight core rotation into stick.
- Slingshot effect – Offset shaft whips through like a trebuchet.
- Changes plane – Vary shot angle by rolling stick face on release.
- Compact motion – Shortened mechanics make it harder for defense to react in time.
- High hand dominance – Top hand leads motion for control.
- Quick load – Easy to get into cocked position on the fly.
- Rotational momentum – Offset shape maintains spin speed through release.
- Roll away – Rotation continues post-release for extra whip.
- Shoot on the run – Don’t need perfect shooting form. Just quick rotation.
- Snaps through traffic – Unloads violently through any contact.
- Catch and shoot – Compact motion facilitates immediate shot upon catching.
At every level, goals come from beating defenders with well-timed, deceptive shooting motion. The offset bend facilitates sticks that simply rotate quicker for enhanced shooting speed. Those fractional gains in time and motion lead directly to more goals.
Improved accuracy on bounce shots
Bounce shots are an unpredictable, deceptive way to score in lacrosse when you’re on the move or off-balance. But intentionally bouncing shots on target requires excellent feel and control over the ball as it comes off the plastic. Offset sticks enhance these skills for accurate bounce shots.
The angled bend of offset shafts positions the head at 5-15 degrees. This shifted alignment improves control over the shot’s trajectory and bounce through several mechanisms:
- Lowers release point – Less distance from ball to ground tightens bounce dispersion.
- Adds backspin – Counters forward roll for truer bounce back to target.
- Launches upward – Lowers angle of incidence for better return off turf.
- Reduces wobble – Offset pocket stabilizes ball flight and release.
- Shoulder tilt – Changes body angle relative to stick for precision aiming.
- Compensates angle – Adjusts for off-balance lean or obstacle avoidance.
- Quick response – Makes micro-corrections by feel as ball is released.
- Pick corners – Bounce softly to corners versus direct off pipes or over cage.
- Reads surfaces – Experience bouncing off grass versus artificial turf. Adjust accordingly.
- Controls speed – Finesse shot power and bounce energy for accuracy.
- Freezes goalies – Odd release points make saves tougher when bouncing.
- Surprise factor – Rapid decisions to bounce versus overhand can catch goalies leaning.
- Master touch and feel – Repetition develops innate precision aiming for bounces.
- Sell deception – Combine with fakes and shot fakes. Vary delivery.
- Quick bounce and shoot – Catch and bounce in one motion while pushing cage.
Executing accurate bounce shots requires a combination of positioning, touch, and control. Offset lacrosse sticks provide the ideal shape and balance for mastery. Add an unpredictable scoring weapon to your game with stick like the Exult 10 degree.
Enhanced ball security in traffic
Protecting possession while navigating congested areas of the field requires masterful stick skills and ball control. Checks come from all directions in traffic, making it vital to have a lacrosse stick optimized for stability and security.
This is an area where offset shafts excel. The angled bend positions the head at 5-15 degrees, keeping the ball tight to your crosse for enhanced control in crowds.
Here are some of the ways an offset stick like the Exult 10 degree improves ball security in traffic:
- Shields ball on cradle – Sidewall shields ball from slaps across the body in traffic.
- Lower lead hand – Lead hand drops underneath to protect ball when pressed.
- Centers ball in pocket – Optimal pocket angle keeps ball deep and centered.
- Absorbs vibration – Bent shaft dampens hits for superior ball retention.
- Quick adjustments – Compact motions retain control when hurried in crowds.
- Protects blind side – Offset shields ball from poke attempts from behind.
- Box out defenders – Use body position and offset head to box out traffic.
- Split double teams – Precise cradle moves let you split slides and doubles.
- Strong cradling – Full shoulder rotation for power cradling through pressure.
- Sell fakes and rolls – Offset facilitates tight fakes to create space off picks.
- Secure ground balls – Scoop and protect instantly with shielding sidewall.
- Evade stick checks – Offset dodges stick checks coming across your backside.
- Conceal release points – Vary pass/shot origin off picks to keep defense guessing.
- Handle whip passes – Offset head absorbs velocity on hot passes across the body.
When navigating crowds or working off picks, ball security is paramount. The mechanics of offset lacrosse sticks promote tight control and protection of the ball in traffic situations. Maintain possession through contact with a stick like the Exult 10 degree.
More consistent shooting mechanics
Developing repeatable shooting mechanics is vital for accuracy and precision in lacrosse. Your motion needs to be second nature so you can execute from any angle or under pressure. This is where offset sticks provide an advantage by promoting proper hand positioning.
The bent offset shaft naturally guides your hands into ideal alignment underneath the ball. This repeatable grip results in more consistent overall shooting mechanics. Here are some of the benefits:
- Proper hand positioning – Offset promotes correct top and bottom hand placement every time.
- Level launch angle – Consistently coming underneath ball improves launch trajectory.
- Optimal energy transfer – Kinetic sequence unloads power from hips to shoulders to arms.
- True sideways rotation – Shoulders stay perpendicular to goal, don’t open up early.
- Correct follow-through – Finish with good extension for repeatable release.
- Reducepoor habits – Offset discourages grip or motion flaws.
- Muscle memory – Repeating proper motion builds neural pathways.
- Transfer across shots – Consistency applies on dumps, snipes, bounces, etc.
- Quick adjustments – Easier to self-diagnose and tweak minor form breakdowns.
- Predictable ball flight – Consistent rotational spin and pocket release equals accuracy.
- Perform under pressure – Mechanics hold up despite defenders or adrenaline.
- Practice makes perfect – High quality reps ingrain habits.
- Troubleshoot issues – Systematically isolate form flaws impeding accuracy.
- Reduce overthinking – Let body execute without getting in your head.
Whether doing drills on the practice field or firing clutch shots in crunch time, sound shooting mechanics are invaluable. Offset lacrosse sticks promote consistency by guiding your hands into optimal position every repetition. Develop the muscle memory of a precision shooter with the Exult 10 degree.