When it comes to choosing the right lacrosse stick length for youth players, getting the size just right is crucial. The perfect length can give young athletes an edge on the field, while one that’s too long or short can hinder their performance. The ideal length depends on several factors, including the player’s age, height, position, and skill level.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Generally, younger players do best with shorter sticks that allow them to more easily scoop, cradle, and pass the ball. For beginners ages 5-8, a stick around 37-42 inches is recommended. As players grow taller, longer sticks become more manageable. Youth players ages 9-13 will likely need sticks measuring 43-52 inches in length. Older, more experienced youth around 14-18 can handle sticks up to the maximum legal limit of 72 inches.
A player’s height is another determining factor. As a rule of thumb, when standing upright with arms extended straight overhead, the stick head should reach somewhere between the player’s hip and chest. This allows enough length to control the ball while not being unwieldy. Consulting league-specific rules is also wise, as youth levels often restrict maximum lengths.
Shorter Stick Improves Ball Control for Beginners
For first-time players just learning the sport, a shorter stick in the 37-42 inch range helps develop basic stick skills like scooping, cradling, passing and catching. The decreased length gives them better control over the ball in the pocket. Shorter sticks also allow younger, smaller athletes to generate more shot speed and accuracy since their arms don’t have to work as hard. As players improve and grow, they can graduate to longer sticks that build on these fundamental skills.
Midfielders Benefit from Longer Stick to Scoop Ground Balls
Longer lacrosse sticks are ideal for midfield positions since their key role is to scoop ground balls and advance play downfield. With a longer stick, midfielders can snag balls more quickly and from farther away, giving possession advantage. Typically middies do well with sticks 48-54 inches depending on their height and strength. Longer sticks also allow them to defend more ground when clearing the ball.
Attackmen Favor Shorter Sticks for Quick Stick Skills
For attack positions, shorter sticks in the 40-48 inch range help maximize the quick stick work and precision passing critical to generating goals. The increased maneuverability of a shorter head and shaft allows attackmen to cradle and change direction quicker to get open for shots. With less length, they can also wind up and unleash more accurate shots with greater velocity on the crease.
The rest of the article explores proper lacrosse stick sizing for defenders, goalies, growth spurts, and regularly measuring a youth player’s optimal length. It provides tips for breaking in new sticks and emphasizes balancing size with fit and comfort for each athlete’s playing style and position. With the right length lacrosse stick tailored to age and ability, young players gain confidence and take their game to the next level.
Finding the perfect lacrosse stick length for a youth player can seem complicated, but following a few sizing guidelines makes the process straight-forward. While factors like age, height, and position all play a role, the quickest way to find the ideal size is by measuring from the ground up.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
For young athletes ages 5-14 just learning the sport, shorter sticks in the 40-48 inch range allow for better control and handling as they develop fundamental skills. Older, more experienced youth around 14-18 can upgrade to longer sticks up to 72 inches as they grow taller and stronger.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
The best way to size a lacrosse stick is to have the player stand upright with the bottom of the stick on the ground. The head of the stick should reach between their hip and chest when they extend their arm straight overhead. This allows enough length to maneuver the stick effectively while not being too long or short. Having another inch or two for growth is also wise.
For example, a youth player who is 4’8″ tall would stand with feet together and extend the stick overhead. The head should come up to around their hip bone, meaning a stick length around 44-46 inches is ideal. For a 5’3″ player, the stick head will likely fall closer to their chest, indicating a longer stick in the 50-54 inch range is appropriate.
While height is not the only factor, this quick ground-to-hip measuring technique provides a solid starting point for determining the best lacrosse stick length for a given youth athlete based on their current size and development.
Shorter Stick Improves Ball Control for Beginners
The rest of the article explores proper sizing for various positions, how stick length impacts passing, shooting, checking abilities, and more. With the right length tailored to the individual, young players gain confidence controlling the ball and using the stick effectively as an extension of their body on the field.
Finding the ideal lacrosse stick length for a young athlete involves balancing factors like age, height, position, and skill level. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, keeping sticks on the shorter side for beginners gives them the best chance to develop fundamentals.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
For brand new players ages 5-8 first learning the sport, stick lengths of 37-42 inches are recommended. This relatively short length allows them to more easily control cradling, scooping, passing, and catching. As they grow taller, longer sticks help expand their range and abilities.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having youth players stand with their stick grounded, arm extended overhead, provides a quick visual gauge for proper sizing. The head should reach their hip to chest area based on height and development. This simple measurement method gets players in the ballpark for stick length.
Shorter Stick Improves Ball Control for Beginners
Due to their smaller size and developing motor skills, players first joining lacrosse benefit most from using sticks on the shorter end of the allowable length range for their age group. For example, a 40-42 inch stick gives a 6 or 7 year old more control over scooping, cradling, and manipulating the ball in the pocket versus a longer stick.
Shorter sticks help beginners master critical fundamentals like quick passing, dodging defenders, and shooting accurately on net. The lighter weight also allows them to maintain constant motion needed in lacrosse. As their handling improves and they get stronger, they can size up incrementally each season.
Getting new youth players off to the best start means optimizing for control and confidence. While stick length should increase with age and ability, keeping it on the shorter side early accelerates development of core lacrosse skills.
When sizing a lacrosse stick for youth players, position-specific needs are important considerations. While attack and defensive players can excel with shorter sticks, longer lengths benefit midfielders tasked with critical ground ball work.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Proper lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and development. Younger, smaller athletes do best with sticks in the 37-46 inch range. Older youth nearing their full adult height can handle longer sticks up to 72 inches.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Standing upright with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a quick visual test for ideal length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height. This method gets players in the ballpark for appropriate stick size.
Midfielders Benefit from Longer Stick to Scoop Ground Balls
Longer lacrosse sticks around 48-54 inches give midfielders a key advantage for their ground ball duties. The extra length allows them to corral loose balls more efficiently from farther away and cover more field. This possession edge makes length an asset specific to midfielders versus other positions.
Since middies shuttle up and down the field repeatedly, the added reach of a longer stick also aids in checking and defending opponents. While a longer stick requires more strength to wield, middies develop the necessary stamina and skills through training and repetition at this vital position.
Understanding optimal lacrosse stick sizing for each position allows youth players to take their game to the next level. With the stick best suited for their specialized role, they gain confidence and ability on the field.
When fitting youth lacrosse players for sticks, attack positions call for more specialized sizing to enable nimble stick work in tight spaces near the goal.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Lacrosse stick length should align with a player’s physical development. Younger athletes do well with shorter sticks around 40-46 inches. As players grow, longer sticks up to 72 inches become more manageable.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a quick visual test for ideal length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height. This method gets players started on proper sizing.
Attackmen Favor Shorter Sticks for Quick Stick Skills
For attack positions, shorter lacrosse sticks in the 40-48 inch range allow for better ball control and quick stick maneuvers in tight spaces near the goal. The decreased length gives them an edge in cradling, passing, and shooting accuracy.
The enhanced precision and shot power with a shorter stick lends well to an attackman’s role in working the ball into scoring position and finishing plays. Greater mobility also helps them lose defenders. Length and handling matter most for these close-quarter attacking duties.
Dialing in lacrosse stick length for each position gives players an advantage tailored to their specialized role. The right fit empowers young athletes to elevate their play.
When sizing lacrosse sticks for youth players, defenders often benefit from maximum allowable lengths to effectively fend off opponents and protect territory.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical stature. Younger defenders need sticks around 40-46 inches. Taller youth nearing adult height can successfully utilize sticks up to 72 inches.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a quick visual test for ideal length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height. This method establishes appropriate stick size.
Defenders Need Length to Ward Off Opponents
Maximum legal lacrosse stick lengths up to 72 inches give defenders a key advantage for poke checking, intercepting passes, and keeping attackers at bay. The extra reach allows them to defend more field and restrict shooting angles.
Length also aids defenders in protecting the goal on inbound plays and boxing out cutters cruising through the crease. Despite requiring more strength and control, the extended range pays dividends for defenders tasked with preventing goals.
Tailoring lacrosse stick size for each position empowers young players to raise their game. When defenders are armed with optimal length, their defensive presence and competitiveness grows.
When fitting lacrosse goalies for sticks, specialized sizing allows them to effectively protect more net area and control rebounds.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal lacrosse stick length correlates with a player’s physical stature. Younger goalies perform well with 40-46 inch sticks. Taller youth can utilize longer sticks up to 72 inches.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having goalies stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a quick visual test for proper length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on height.
Goalies Use Long Shafts to Cover More Net
Maximum legal lengths up to 72 inches give goalies a distinct advantage in protecting more net area. The extra reach allows them to defend shots high and low while covering additional distance on rebounds.
Despite requiring advanced hand speed and strength, the extended range enables goalies to snag more saves outside their body that shorter sticks can’t reach. Length is an asset specific to the reactionary, expansive positioning goalies require.
Optimizing lacrosse stick length for each position empowers young players to raise their game. Goalies armed with ideal size gain confidence commanding the net.
Finding the perfect lacrosse stick length for a youth player involves more than just size measurements. Properly breaking in a new stick is also key for optimal performance.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical development and stature. Younger kids do well with 40-46 inch sticks, while older youth can handle longer sticks up to 72 inches.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a quick visual gauge for proper length based on age and height. The head should reach between hip and chest level.
Breaking in a New Stick Requires Patience
Beyond getting stick length right for a youth player’s size, sufficient break-in time is also needed for optimal performance. The pocket of a brand new stick will be very stiff and tight.
Repeatedly catching, passing, and shooting with the stick softens the pocket so it retains the ball better. Lightly dampening the mesh also quickens the break-in process. This helps new sticks feel like natural extensions of players’ hands in less time.
With the right length for a youth athlete’s age and position, plus diligent breaking in, lacrosse sticks reach their prime for handling, control, and confidence.
When sizing lacrosse sticks for youth players, allowing room for growth is an important consideration to ensure proper length as kids develop.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and stature. Younger kids thrive with 40-46 inch sticks. Older youth can utilize longer sticks as they grow.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a visual gauge for sizing. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height.
Allow Extra Length for Growth Spurts
When fitting sticks for youth players, it’s wise to add an extra inch or two beyond their current height to accommodate growth spurts. Kids can suddenly shoot up seemingly overnight.
Leaving room for both gradual and rapid growth allows youth sticks to stay in the ideal range for more of the season. Oversizing slightly extends usefulness before kids outgrow sticks and need new ones.
Considering age, current height, and upcoming growth when sizing lacrosse sticks ensures kids maintain proper length as their bodies develop new coordination and skills.
When fitting youth players for lacrosse sticks, a length that’s too long can actually hinder key skills like cradling, scooping, and shooting.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and development. Younger kids thrive with 40-46 inch sticks, while older youth can handle longer sticks as they grow.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a visual gauge for length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height.
Stick Too Long Can Hinder Cradling and Shooting
Oversized lacrosse sticks can actually make the sport harder for youth players. Excessive length leads to lack of control cradling, scooping ground balls, and passing or shooting with accuracy.
Stick handles that extend far below hip level when grounded force kids to bend unnaturally and use poor body mechanics. Overly long shafts are challenging for small hands to grip tightly as well.
Getting the lacrosse stick length right for a player’s current size and skills prevents frustration and builds confidence through success with fundamentals.
When fitting youth lacrosse players for sticks, consulting coaches for position-specific guidance can help dial in the optimal length.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical stature and development. Younger kids need shorter sticks, while older youth can utilize longer sticks.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a quick visual test for proper length based on age and height.
Consult Coach for Position-Specific Recommendations
While general sizing guidelines apply, input from coaches helps fine-tune lacrosse stick length for an athlete’s specific position. The ideal length for midfielders versus attackmen versus defenders varies.
Coaches have experience outfitting many players over time and can factor in position needs, league rules, and a player’s strengths and weaknesses. Their expertise provides another resource for determining optimal stick specs.
Blending coaches’ position-specific advice with players’ size considerations results in the perfect lacrosse stick length for youth athletes.
When fitting youth lacrosse players for sticks, undersized lengths can negatively impact key skills like reach, checking, and ball control.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Proper lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and development. Younger players need shorter sticks, while older youth can utilize longer sticks.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having athletes stand upright with stick grounded and arm overhead provides a visual test for ideal length. The head should reach between hip and chest level based on age and height.
Stick Too Short Limits Reach and Checking Ability
Oversized lacrosse sticks can hinder performance, but sticks too short also impede skills for youth players. Limited reach results in poor scooping, throwing, catching, and poking checks.
With a stick sized too short, players must reach and bend awkwardly, throwing off balance and body control. This makes cradling and quick maneuvers much harder. Accuracy also suffers on passes and shots.
Getting lacrosse stick length right for a player’s current size prevents frustration and builds athletic confidence during formative development.
Getting lacrosse stick length right for youth players’ size and skill level provides a key advantage by boosting performance and confidence on the field.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Ideal lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical development and stature. Younger kids need shorter sticks, while older youth utilize longer sticks.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a visual test for proper length based on age and height.
Proper Length Boosts Performance and Confidence
With the lacrosse stick sized correctly for their bodies and abilities, youth players gain an edge in cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. Control comes more naturally.
The right length also prevents frustration and injuries from sticks that are too long or short. Athletes feel empowered to give their best effort when equipment enhances, not hinders, play.
Taking the time to dial in proper stick length gives young athletes the tools and trust in themselves to excel on the field.
With youth lacrosse players growing rapidly, sizing sticks twice per year helps ensure length stays ideal as their bodies develop.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Proper lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and stature. Younger kids need shorter sticks, while older youth can handle longer sticks.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having players stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a quick visual test for length based on age and height.
Measure Twice a Year as Youth Player Develops
To keep pace with growth spurts, measuring lacrosse stick size twice per year helps ensure an ideal fit. Kids grow rapidly, particularly during puberty.
At the start of preseason and again mid-year, re-checking length against a player’s current height allows sticks to be resized or replaced if outgrown. Proper sizing enhances skills.
Biannual measurements mean sticks adapted in fall still accommodate winter and spring growth for year-round play and development.
While lacrosse stick length is important, finding the right fit and feel is also key for enabling youth players’ success.
Length Depends on Player’s Age and Height
Proper lacrosse stick length correlates closely with a player’s physical size and development. Younger kids utilize shorter sticks, while older youth use longer sticks.
Measure from Ground to Hip for Proper Sizing
Having athletes stand upright with stick grounded and arm extended overhead provides a quick visual test for ideal length based on age and height.
Focus on Fit, Not Stick Length, for Optimal Play
The right lacrosse stick length gives youth players an advantage, but fit and feel are also crucial. Sticks sized well but that don’t handle cleanly hinder performance.
Factors like pocket depth, head shape, shaft flex, and grip affect control. Optimizing these ergonomic elements complements proper length for each athlete’s comfort and play style.
Blending length with customized fit empowers young athletes to handle the ball as a natural extension of their abilities on the field.
