How to select the ideal lacrosse stick length for your position. What materials are best for lacrosse sticks. How to choose the right weight and flex for your skill level. Which pocket depth is optimal for your playing style. Why shaft shape matters in lacrosse. How to maintain your lacrosse stick for peak performance. When is the best time to replace your lacrosse stick.

Selecting the Ideal Lacrosse Stick Length for Your Position

The length of your lacrosse stick plays a crucial role in your performance on the field. Different positions require different stick lengths to optimize gameplay. Let’s explore the ideal lengths for each position:

Attack and Midfield Players

Attack players and midfielders typically use shorter sticks ranging from 40 to 42 inches in length. Why this shorter length? It allows for:

• Quicker passing and shooting
• Superior ball control in tight spaces
• Easier maneuverability during fast breaks and dodges

Defensive Players

Defenders opt for longer sticks, usually between 52 to 72 inches. The extended length provides:

• A wider defensive range when guarding attackers
• Improved ability to disrupt passing lanes
• Better reach for blocking shots and scooping ground balls

Are there any exceptions to these general rules? Indeed, some defensive players prefer shorter poles (52-60 inches) for increased maneuverability, while offensive players might choose longer sticks (up to 42 inches) for more power on shots and passes.

Remember to consult your league’s regulations before purchasing, as there are maximum legal lengths for competitive play. High school and college leagues typically limit attack and midfield sticks to 42 inches, while defensive sticks cannot exceed 72 inches.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Materials: From Aluminum to Scandium-Titanium

The material of your lacrosse stick significantly impacts its performance, durability, and price. Let’s examine the most common options:

Aluminum: The Beginner’s Choice

Aluminum sticks offer:

• Affordability
• Durability
• Lightweight design

However, they lack the sophisticated touch and handling of higher-end materials, making them ideal for beginners but less suitable for advanced players.

Titanium: The Game Changer

Titanium shafts revolutionized the sport in the 1990s, offering:

• Ultra-strength with half the density of steel
• Lightweight design
• Rigidity and resilience
• Improved ball control

Carbon Fiber: The Lightweight Champion

Carbon fiber sticks entered the market in the early 2000s, providing:

• Incredibly lightweight design
• Stiffness and strength
• Superior strength-to-weight ratio
• Excellent touch and quick release

The main drawbacks are high cost and reduced durability compared to metal sticks.

Scandium-Titanium Alloys: The Best of Both Worlds

Scandium-titanium alloys combine the benefits of both metals, offering:

• Lightweight design comparable to carbon fiber
• Strength similar to titanium
• Excellent responsiveness
• Durability
• Affordability compared to pure titanium or carbon fiber

Can you mix and match materials? Absolutely! Many players pair an affordable aluminum shaft with a high-end composite head for improved ball control while keeping costs down.

Choosing the Right Weight and Flex for Your Skill Level

The weight and flex of your lacrosse stick can significantly impact your performance. How do you choose the right combination for your skill level?

Weight Considerations

For beginners, a lightweight stick in the 15 to 17 ounce range is ideal. Why? It helps build fundamental skills by making it easier to:

• Control the stick
• Develop proper cradling techniques
• Improve scooping, passing, and shooting mechanics

As players advance, they often transition to heavier sticks (18 to 22 ounces) for increased power and stability. Elite players may even use sticks weighing up to 24 ounces for maximum shot velocity.

Flex Profile

The flex of a lacrosse stick refers to how much it bends under pressure. How does flex affect your game?

• Low flex (stiffer) sticks offer more precise ball control and are favored by defensive players
• Medium flex sticks provide a balance of control and power, suitable for most positions
• High flex (more flexible) sticks can generate more whip on shots, beneficial for attackers

Beginners often start with medium flex sticks to develop a feel for the game before specializing.

Optimizing Pocket Depth for Your Playing Style

The pocket depth of your lacrosse stick head significantly influences ball control and shot release. How do different pocket depths affect your game?

Shallow Pockets

Shallow pockets offer:

• Quicker ball release
• Easier passing
• More accurate shooting

They’re ideal for attackers and midfielders who need to make quick passes and precise shots.

Deep Pockets

Deep pockets provide:

• Better ball retention
• Increased shot power
• Improved ability to catch hard passes

Defensive players often prefer deeper pockets for secure ball handling during clears and transitions.

Medium Pockets

Medium pockets offer a balance between quick release and ball retention, making them versatile for all positions.

Is it possible to adjust pocket depth? Yes, players can customize their pocket depth by adjusting the stringing or using different types of mesh.

The Impact of Shaft Shape on Your Lacrosse Game

The shape of your lacrosse stick shaft can significantly affect your grip, control, and overall performance. What are the main shaft shapes available?

Octagonal Shafts

Octagonal shafts offer:

• Excellent grip
• Good control during cradling and shooting
• Versatility for all positions

Concave Shafts

Concave shafts provide:

• Enhanced grip in wet conditions
• Improved feel for the stick’s orientation
• Better control during one-handed maneuvers

Textured Shafts

Textured shafts feature:

• Additional grip without the need for tape
• Consistent feel in all weather conditions
• Durability against wear and tear

How do you choose the right shaft shape? It often comes down to personal preference and playing style. Many players experiment with different shapes before settling on their favorite.

Maintaining Your Lacrosse Stick for Peak Performance

Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. How can you keep your stick in top condition?

Regular Cleaning

Clean your stick after each use by:

• Wiping down the shaft with a damp cloth
• Removing dirt and debris from the head and pocket
• Allowing the stick to air dry completely before storage

Pocket Maintenance

To maintain your pocket:

• Regularly check for loose or frayed strings
• Re-adjust the pocket depth if it becomes too shallow or deep
• Consider re-stringing the pocket once or twice per season

Shaft Care

To care for your shaft:

• Inspect for dents or cracks regularly
• Apply grip tape or wax as needed
• Store in a cool, dry place to prevent warping

How often should you perform maintenance? A quick check after each game or practice is ideal, with more thorough maintenance weekly or bi-weekly depending on usage.

When to Replace Your Lacrosse Stick: Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade

Even with proper maintenance, lacrosse sticks eventually need replacement. How do you know when it’s time for a new stick?

Performance Issues

Consider replacement if you notice:

• Decreased shot accuracy or power
• Difficulty maintaining ball control
• Inconsistent passing or catching

Physical Damage

Replace your stick if you observe:

• Cracks or splits in the head
• Significant dents or bends in the shaft
• Irreparable damage to the pocket

Rule Changes

Keep an eye out for:

• Updates to league regulations that may render your stick illegal
• New technology or materials that could significantly improve your game

How often should you replace your lacrosse stick? For most players, every 1-2 seasons is typical, but high-level players may replace their sticks more frequently.

By understanding these key aspects of lacrosse stick selection and maintenance, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect stick for your game and keep it performing at its best. Remember, the right stick can make a significant difference in your performance on the field, so take the time to find the perfect match for your playing style and position.

Pick the Perfect Length Lacrosse Stick Based on Your Position

The length of your lacrosse stick is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new stick. As a general rule, attack players and midfielders use shorter sticks that range from 40 to 42 inches in length. Meanwhile, defensive players typically use longer sticks that are 52 to 72 inches long.

Why does your position affect lacrosse stick length? It mainly comes down to your role on the field and the maneuvers you need to perform. For attackmen and middies who handle the ball frequently, shorter sticks allow quicker passing and shooting. The tight cradling area gives you superior ball control as you weave through traffic towards the goal. As a bonus, shorter sticks are lighter and quicker to maneuver during fast breaks and dodges.

For defenders, those extra inches provide a wider protective range when guarding attacking players. With a longer stick, you can disrupt passing lanes and block more shot attempts. During ground ball scrums, the long shaft lets you scoop loose balls before your opponent can reach them. Though extra length sacrifices some ball handling dexterity, the trade-off benefits defensive players.

Be aware that high school and college leagues set maximum legal lengths for sticks used by field players. Typically the rules state an attack or midfield stick cannot exceed 42 inches, while defensive sticks max out at 72 inches. Goalies use even longer sticks up to 60 inches in college and 40 inches for high school. Consult your league guidelines before purchasing a new lacrosse stick if you plan to use it for competitive play.

While position plays a key role, personal preference also comes into play. Some defensive players opt for shorter poles around 52 to 60 inches for increased maneuverability while still maintaining a sizeable defensive advantage over attack sticks. Meanwhile, offensive players who want more power on shots and passes may choose longer sticks up to 42 inches. Consider balancing the pros and cons of length based on your own strengths, weaknesses and playing style. With the right lacrosse stick length personalized to your game, you’ll be a force on the field.

Understand Materials like Titanium and Scandium in Lacrosse Sticks

When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, you’ll notice shafts and heads constructed from different materials. The most common options are aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and scandium-titanium alloys. Each material offers distinct advantages and disadvantages for performance, durability, and price.

Aluminum lacrosse sticks provide an affordable and durable option perfect for beginners. The metal is strong yet lightweight, allowing easy maneuvering. While budget-friendly, aluminum lacks the sophisticated touch and handling of higher-end materials. Serious players eventually upgrade from aluminum as their skills improve.

Titanium shafts were a game changer when introduced in the 1990s. The material is ultra-strong but with half the density of steel. This means titanium sticks check all the boxes: lightweight, rigid, and resilient. The ultra-responsive feel improved ball control and made titanium a go-to high-end material.

Carbon fiber entered the scene in the early 2000s, offering an even lighter alternative to titanium. Weaved carbon fiber composites make shafts incredibly lightweight yet stiff and strong. The superior strength-to-weight ratio gives great touch and an extra quick release when passing and shooting. Downsides are the high cost and less durability compared to metal sticks.

Scandium-titanium alloys combine the benefits of both metals. Scandium is an ultra-lightweight metal that maintains stiffness when alloyed with titanium. Brands like East Coast Dyes and Maverik pioneered scandium-titanium sticks that are both lightweight like carbon fiber yet strong like titanium. The blend of responsiveness, durability, and affordability make these alloy shafts popular choices.

Keep in mind that heads and shafts can be mixed and matched from different materials. For example, pair an affordable aluminum shaft with a high-end composite lacrosse head for improved ball control. Testing out sticks with different material combinations is the best way to find your ideal setup. With knowledge of the properties and trade-offs of each material, you’ll dial in a lacrosse stick optimized for your game.

Consider Weight and Flex Based on Your Skill Level

When selecting a lacrosse stick, two important factors to consider are the weight and flex profile. The ideal combination of weight and flex depends largely on your skill level and strength.

For entry-level players, a lightweight stick in the 15 to 17 ounce range can help build fundamentals. Lighter sticks are easier to handle and control as you develop proper cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting mechanics. As a beginner, focus on techniques rather than developing power shots and passes or playing physical defense.

Intermediate players start increasing stick weight to the 17 to 19 ounce range. At this level, you have skills to control a heavier stick while reaping the benefits on power shots, ground balls, and physical play. Heavier sticks also improve durability for more intense gameplay.

Elite and professional players use the heaviest sticks over 20 ounces. The extreme weight enhances ball speed for blistering shots and clears. It also provides maximum durability when slashing and jostling against opponents. Players at this level have the immense strength and handling skills to wield these heavy sticks.

Complementing weight is the flex profile, which indicates the bend and stiffness of the shaft and head. Very flexible sticks offer more “whip” for shooting but compromise stability and handling. Stiffer sticks provide more control at the expense of ball speed.

For beginners, start with a medium or stiff flex for optimal stability as you learn. Intermediate players can experiment with more flexible shafts for increased velocity while retaining enough control. Elite players who want maximum ball speed will use the most flexible shafts available. Matching weight and flex to your skill level is key to finding your ideal lacrosse stick for each stage of development.

Pick a Lacrosse Head for Optimal Ball Control

The lacrosse head you choose plays a critical role in ball control, passing, catching, scooping, and shooting. Lacrosse heads come in a variety of shapes, widths, and sidewall configurations to match different playing styles and positions.

Narrower heads in the 4 to 5 inch range offer superior control for offensive players. The tight channel helps cradle and protect the ball while maneuvering through traffic. Quick sticks with narrow heads excel at precise passing and shooting via tight release points. But the smaller surface area makes scooping ground balls more difficult.

Wider heads in the 6 to 7 inch range are ideal for midfielders who need to balance offense and defense. Added width aids in scooping ground balls and protecting the ball while dodging defenders. But balls rattle around more in wider heads, reducing precision on passes and shots.

Defensive heads reach up to 10 inches wide to excels at ground balls and checking. Elite defenders can use oversized heads to basically engulf and smother the ball carrier. While phenomenal for defense, these extra wide heads offer poor offensive handling and control.

Offset and shape further influence control. A gradual curve from the throat of the head to the scoop aids ball retention while more dramatic flare like a “V” shape allows quicker release. Increased offset angles the head forward for superior ball protection but makes quick stick passes harder. Test out different head shapes and offsets to find your sweet spot of control vs. quickness.

Finally, some heads add extra sidewall strings to alter structure. More defined sidewalls cradle better and channel rolls more directly to the pocket. Minimal sidewalls offer a deeper pocket and more hold but less control. Dialing in sidewall configurations is another way to optimize ball control in your new lacrosse head.

Choose Pocket Type for Cradling, Scooping, and Passing

The lacrosse stick pocket has a huge impact on ball handling, passing, catching, cradling, and shooting. Pockets come in different styles, depths, and tightness levels to match playing style and position.

Shallow pockets with tight weaving are best for offensive players. The shallow channel provides superior control for stick handling and accuracy on passes and shots. However, shallow pockets with little depth can lead to dropped balls on errant passes. Tight weaving forms defined pockets for stability but slows release speed.

Deeper pockets allow better ball retention for catching passes and scooping ground balls. The deeper channel cradles well through contact and provides some “hold” on passing and shooting for extra whip. But deep pockets make stick handling trickier since the ball has more room to shift around. Looser weaving also compromises ball control on dodges and shots.

Midfielders balance pocket depth and tightness to facilitate all facets of the game. A mid-depth pocket with medium tension offers decent cradling and scooping along with solid stick handling. You sacrifice some specialization for an all-around pocket flexible for passing, catching, and shooting in both offensive and defensive situations.

Defenders typically use medium or deep pockets for excellent ball retention when body checking opponents. Ground ball scooping also improves with extra pocket depth. A defender’s top priority is securing possession, not precision stick work, so deeper pockets work well.

The ability to customize pocket depth, tension, and shape is a huge benefit of traditional stringing using leathers and mesh. Pre-strung heads with fixed pockets may not cater optimally to your playing style. Testing out different pocket configurations is key to finding your ideal balance of control, retention, and release.

Get the Right Lacrosse Shaft Based on Your Handedness

When selecting a lacrosse shaft, one of the basic but critical factors is getting the correct hand orientation. Lacrosse shafts come specifically designed for right or left-handed players. Using the proper hand shaft ensures optimal stick handling, passing, and shooting.

For right-handed players, the shaft should bend slightly to the left when holding the stick vertically. This bend angles the head forward, which keeps the ball nestled in the upper part of the pocket when cradling. For lefties, the shaft should bend right to achieve the same effect.

Using the wrong hand shaft will angle the head away from proper cradling position. This makes the ball roll to the bottom of the pocket, exposing it and making stick handling difficult. With the head angled wrong, passing and shooting precision also suffers.

Ambidextrous shafts with a straight handle seem versatile, but optimizing the bend is vital for ball control. Avoid “straight” shafts unless you plan to permanently re-bend the handle to suit your dominant hand. Purpose-built right and left-hand shafts ensure ideal bending out of the box.

Some players, especially offensive midfielders, intentionally choose opposite-hand shafts for certain maneuvers. Righties may use a left-bend shaft for extra protection cradling right-handed shots on the run. But specialty situations like this require mastery of fundamental stick skills first.

For beginners or younger players still learning the game, ensure you choose the correctly angled shaft right from the start. Proper cradling, passing, and shooting mechanics will develop much faster with a stick optimized for your handedness. Once you’ve honed your skills, then consider specialty shafts for strategic advantages.

Compare Features of Attack, Midfield, and Defense Lacrosse Sticks

Lacrosse stick technology continues to advance, providing position-specific sticks tailored for attack, midfield, and defense. Understanding key differences will help select an ideal stick based on your role.

Attack sticks prioritize quick, accurate passing and shooting via optimized ball control. These sticks utilize narrower heads around 4.5 to 5 inches wide for tighter cradling. Extra stiff shafts and tighter stringing provide precision handling. Curved heads with lower offset increase hold while allowing quicker release. Lightweight construction enhances maneuverability during dodges.

Midfield sticks balance offensive and defensive needs. Head width increases to 5.5 to 6 inches for decent scooping and improved ball retention amid contact. A mid-range depth pocket with medium sidewall structure caters to all-around play. Shafts remain lightweight but add some flex for power passes and checks. Shape and offset aim for a middle ground between attack and defense.

Defense sticks focus on exceptional ground ball scooping and retaining possession. Oversized heads up to 10 inches wide have maximum scoop ability and ball protection. Extra long shafts reaching 60+ inches provide superior checking range and ball disruption. More flexible shafts and deep pockets assist cradling through physical play. Durability also increases to withstand slashes and collisions.

While specialized sticks excel for respective positions, some blurring occurs at higher levels. Elite offensive players may use wider heads for added ball security when defenders press out high. Defenders may opt for narrower heads for easier stick handling when clearing the ball upfield themselves. Midfielders could choose an attack or defense-lean stick based on line shifts.

Think about your specific role and style of play when selecting stick features. But don’t be afraid to experiment with crosses optimized for other positions to find the right blend of attributes that unlock your full potential.

Know Lacrosse Stick Regulations for High School and College

When purchasing a lacrosse stick, it’s important to ensure it meets the regulations for your playing level. High school and college lacrosse leagues mandate specific requirements for sticks used in games.

For high school boys’ lacrosse, sticks must be between 40 and 42 inches for offensive players and 52 to 72 inches maximum for defensemen. Pockets cannot be too deep, measured by placing the ball in the head and ensuring it remains above the bottom rim. Stick heads must also pass a specific ball-roll test. Girls’ sticks max out at 35.5 to 43.25 inches depending on age and position.

NCAA men’s lacrosse rules state that sticks must be 40 to 42 inches for offensive players. Defensive sticks reach 60 to 72 inches. Pocket depth is limited to prevent deep ball retention, and heads must pass a more stringent ball roll test. Women’s NCAA sticks measure 35.5 to 43.25 inches based on age and have similar pocket depth and ball roll testing.

These regulations aim to prevent sticks tailored so heavily to offense or defense that they provide an unfair advantage. Limiting pocket depth improves pace of play and reduces players launching uncontrolled shots wildly outside the goal. Ensuring ball roll tests are passed keeps the ball in play rather than stuck in over-string pockets.

Before playing an organized league or tournament, always double check the specific governing body’s rules on lacrosse stick dimensions and stringing. While you can use non-compliant sticks in pickup games or practice, attempting to play with an illegal stick in a regulated match will result in an ejection or suspension.

Understanding lacrosse stick regulations saves you costly purchases of new gear that can’t be used in games. Know the rules and make sure your stick passes muster before stepping on the field for competitive play.

Find Budget-Friendly Lacrosse Sticks Great for Beginners

Lacrosse sticks can get quite expensive, especially high-end models made with premium materials. But when just starting out, beginners don’t need to break the bank to get a quality stick to learn the game.

Affordable lacrosse sticks made of aluminum provide great durability and decent performance at a budget price. Aluminum shafts start around $40 and pair well with mid-tier composite heads $50 to $100. This combinatin offers nice quality for less than $150 total.

Full composite sticks from entry-level brands like STX and Maverik can cost $100 to $150. These sticks provide good lightweight feel and basic performance for new players. Avoid the cheapest full composite sticks under $100, as performance suffers.

Always check clearance sections of lacrosse retailers for discounted last year models. Closeout sticks provide major savings while retaining excellent quality and playability.

Youth sticks help introduce the sport to kids and teens. Mini shafts with small heads cater to pint-sized beginners and cost well under $100 total. Intermediate sticks sized up facilitate learning proper technique before transitioning to a full adult stick.

While not as flashy as pro-level gear, budget-friendly sticks let you or your child get started in lacrosse without huge upfront investment. Focus on building skills with an affordable stick before upgrading later as game improves.

Shop Trusted Lacrosse Stick Brands Like Maverik, STX, and Warrior

When investing in a new lacrosse stick, it pays to stick with trusted brands known for quality and performance. Top manufacturers like Maverik, STX, and Warrior dominate with proven stick technology optimized for every level of play.

Maverik sticks offer cutting-edge designs loaded with innovative features. The Maverik Optik shaft uses an engineered kick point to add whip without losing stability. Maverik heads like the Strategist have unique sidewall rail designs to improve handling. From youth to pro levels, Maverik sticks deliver technology driven excellence.

STX makes sticks balanced for all-around play at every skill level. The stalwart Stallion lineup provides excellent value for developing players. Elite STX sticks utilize premium materials like ICON alloy shafts and EnduraForm polymer on heads. STX partners with leading college programs to test and refine sticks in real-game situations.

Warrior lacrosse brings field-tested toughness earned as the official supplier of Major League Lacrosse. Advanced engineering like the Minimus Carbon Pro shaft creates pro-level performance. Unique technologies like Warpspeed heads optimize ground ball scooping. Warrior leverages player feedback to continuously evolve stick design and durability.

While smaller brands exist, the big three of Maverik, STX, and Warrior represent dependable quality across price points. Their sizable R&D budgets, top-tier sponsored athletes, and direct game experience validate choosing sticks from industry leaders. Support your game with a trusted top brand lacrosse stick.

Buy a Lacrosse Stick Package to Save Money

Looking to maximize value on your lacrosse stick purchase? Buying a pre-bundled lacrosse stick package can add up to big savings compared to buying pieces individually.

Complete stick packages include a shaft, head, grip, end cap, screws, and mesh and/or stringing. The bundled price is less than purchasing each component separately. Packages featuring premium shafts and heads deliver pro-level performance at discount prices.

entry level stick packs cater to new players with budget friendly components. While basic, these bundles offer playable quality at very low cost. Intermediate packs feature better materials and improved performance for developing young players.

Some packages include useful accessories like balls, gloves, bags, and protective gear. The additional items bundled together provide further value. Packages also conveniently provide everything you need equip a new player in one shop.

Of course, buying a pre-packaged deal reduces customization flexibility. But bundle components are thoughtfully matched to create a balanced, playable stick right out of the box. Take advantage of lacrosse stick bundles to get fully geared up while stretching your dollars further.

Read Online Reviews Before Purchasing a New Lacrosse Stick

With an increasing variety of lacrosse sticks available, it becomes challenging to select the right one. Reading online reviews provides valuable insight into stick performance that can influence your buying decision.

Look for in-depth reviews that evaluate key stick attributes like materials, flex profile, weight, grip, and styling. The reviewer’s playing position perspective also matters – an attackman may assess sticks differently than a defender. Seek reviews exploring both benefits and drawbacks to get a balanced portrayal.

Browse video reviews that showcase sticks in action. Watching heads in motion and hearing impacts on catches provides a feel for stiffness and playability. Videos also give a clearer sense of styling compared to product photos. However, consider possible sponsor bias in sponsored video reviews.

User submitted ratings and comments offer real feedback from other players. Sort ratings by criteria like “value for money” or “performance” rather than overall score for more meaningful data. Read multiple user reviews to identify any trends or consistency pointing to actual stick advantages or flaws.

Online lacrosse stick reviews help validate marketing claims and identify true differentiation. Leverage the experience of other players to determine ideal sticks best matching your skills, position, and budget. Let comprehensive reviews guide you to your next game-changing lacrosse stick.

Consider Buying Used Lacrosse Sticks to Find Deals

Used lacrosse sticks provide an avenue to score quality gear on the cheap. Secondhand sticks offer big savings that make upgrading more affordable for developing players.

Browse online classifieds and resale sites for individual sellers offloading used sticks. Craigslist, SidelineSwap, and eBay connect you to deals on pre-owned sticks in good condition. Inspect photos closely for signs of wear, bending, or damage before buying.

Play It Again Sports locations stock large selections of used lacrosse gear. Try sticks out in person to evaluate performance before purchasing. PIAS merchandise is cleaned, inspected and rated on a quality scale to match expectations.

Teammate hand-me-downs offer another free or cheap stick source. Veteran players often upgrade and pass down still-solid sticks to younger teammates. Try out team “team shop” swaps to find hidden gems.

While used sticks may show some cosmetic wear, many deliver plenty of playable life at big discounts. Take advantage of secondhand stick deals to get premium performance without paying full retail. With a discerning eye, you can find budget-friendly lacrosse sticks with years of game action left.

Get Properly Sized Mini Lacrosse Sticks for Youth

Lacrosse continues growing rapidly as a youth sport. To build skills and enthusiasm early, get kids started with appropriately sized mini lacrosse sticks.

For elementary school ages, 30” sticks help youngsters handle and control the basics. Short shafts ranging 20” facilitate close cradling and passing. Smaller heads around 4.5” simplify scooping, catching, and shooting for pint-sized beginners.

As players reach middle school ages, intermediate sticks help transition to full field play. Shafts extend to 40” range while heads widen toward 5” to handle longer passing and increased physicality. Advanced youth sticks mimic adult versions but in smaller scales.

When graduating to a regulation lacrosse stick, ensure proper length by measuring the distance from the ground to the player’s hip bone. Arm length dictates the best overall stick length for optimal control. Avoid picking an oversized stick that’s tough to handle.

With age-appropriate sizes and youthful graphics, mini sticks capture imagination and build skills for a lifetime of lacrosse enjoyment. Give your little superstars the right mini stick edge as they take their first strides in the sport.

Take Time to Break In a New Lacrosse Stick Before Game Time

When you get a brand new lacrosse stick, resist the urge to use it in a game right away. Take proper time to break in a new stick to ensure optimal performance once it hits the field.

During break-in, repeatedly pass and catch with teammates to flex and loosen up materials in the head and shaft. Soft wall tosses at first, then increase velocity to put real strain on the stick. Shoot on the run and scoop ground balls to stress test pocket area.

Whip sticks on rideouts or against goal posts and turf to further loosen stringing and sidewalls. An hour or two over several sessions should properly break in stick components. But continue monitoring stiffness and feel in early practices.

Give extra long break-in time for sticks with exceptionally stiff shafts made of scandium, titanium alloys, or composite. Don’t expect these sticks to feel game-ready right out of the packaging.

Rushing into games with a stick not broken-in risks subpar performance. Stiffness impedes passing quickness and power. Brand new stringing needs molding to optimal pocket shape. Take a patient approach and break that stick in before unveiling it in live competition.