Finding the perfect lacrosse stick length for your young athlete can be tricky. With size regulations varying by age and skill level, it’s important to arm yourself with the key information to make an informed decision. We’ll walk through the factors to consider, from age guidelines to playing position, so you can confidently select a stick that will optimize their performance.
What Age Group Are You Shopping For?
US Lacrosse, the sport’s national governing body, provides specific youth stick length recommendations based on age:
- 6U (6 years old and under): 35.5 to 37 inches
- 8U (7-8 years old): 35.5 to 42 inches
- 10U (9-10 years old): 35.5 to 47.5 inches
- 12U (11-12 years old): 40 to 52 inches
- 14U (13-14 years old): 40 to 60 inches
Keep in mind that the optimal size depends on your child’s height and skill level too. If they fall on the taller end of their age group, consider sizing up, and do the same if they play competitively.
Length Regulations By League
Most youth leagues follow US Lacrosse guidelines, but some enforce more specific length requirements:
- Boys’ sticks: 40-42 inches (10U), 44-46 inches (12U), 52-72 inches (14U)
- Girls’ sticks: 35.5-37 inches (8U), 35.5-43.25 inches (12U), 43.25-46 inches (14U)
Compare your league rules to make sure you choose a compliant stick length.
Stick Length & Skill Level
Longer sticks allow you to scoop ground balls more easily, provide greater checking reach on defense, and enable more powerful shooting. But they can be unwieldy for beginners. Start new players with shorter lengths to gain coordination and control first.
As skills progress, size up to improve range and leverage. But don’t sacrifice comfort and precision for maximum length if it hinders performance.
Attack Sticks vs. Defense Sticks
Attack players tend to prefer shorter sticks for quicker handling and passing, while defenders opt for maximum length to intercept passes and checks.
For versatile middies, choose length based on playing style – longer for defensive-minded middies and shorter for offensive focus.
Finding The Right Pocket
A deeper pocket helps young players secure the ball, while a shallower pocket promotes quicker release. Match pocket style to your child’s experience level and position.
Also ensure the pocket is properly strung for optimal control. A loose pocket makes catching and cradling more difficult.
Weight Matters Too!
The lighter the stick, the easier it is to maneuver. Newer composite and alloy materials offer durability without excessive heft.
As a guide, aim for 15-25 ounces depending on age. The handle width also impacts comfort and control.
Materials Impact Performance
Wood sticks provide a traditional feel but are heavier and less weather-resistant. Alloy/Scandium sticks offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for quick handling.
Composite sticks are the lightest while maintaining sturdiness. They’re pricier but often worth the investment at higher levels.
Test Stick Length & Handling
Have your child hold the stick to test grip, cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting. Watch their form – the head should reach their hip when standing upright with shoes on.
Don’t size up too quickly. Master fundamentals first before extending length.
Shop Top Youth Stick Brands
Trusted manufacturers like STX, Maverik, and Warrior provide excellent age-group appropriate sticks. Attend tournaments and demo events to test options first-hand.
Talk to their coaches too – they can advise on ideal sticks for your child’s age, size, position, and skill level.
Best Value Sticks Under $100
While premium sticks run $150+, you can find high quality sticks under $100 from brands like STX and Maverik. The STX Youth Hammer 500 and Maverik Charger are great options.
Check manufacturer clearance sections for discounted sticks too.
Proper Stringing & Maintenance
Keep strings tight and pocket depth optimal. Fraying sidewalls and strings impact ball control. Retiring an old stick? Strip to salvage usable parts.
Wipe heads after use and store sticks properly to prevent warping. A protective stick bag helps too.
Does Stick Length Impact Checking?
Longer sticks provide better checking leverage, but don’t size up too quickly. Master body position and technique with shorter sticks first.
Work on skills like stick lifts, poke checks, and wrap checks before adding length that could compromise form.
Goalie Sticks Are Longer
Goalie sticks run 40-72 inches for maximized range. But fit matters more than pure length. Ensure your goalie can easily cradle while in a crouched stance.
Test different lengths to find the optimal size – too long impairs quick lateral saves.
Training With Adjustable Lengths
Adjustable sticks allow you to experiment with length as kids grow. Start shorter for close control then extend for added reach as skills progress.
Be sure to teach proper fundamentals at each length instead of sizing up too quickly.
Finding The Optimal Fit For You
Consider age guidelines, league rules, playing style, skill level, and physical build when selecting youth stick length. Test different sizes for the best fit.
Patience and proper technique build long-term skills. Don’t sacrifice handling and precision just to gain a few inches early on.
When it comes to determining the perfect lacrosse stick length for your young athlete, adhering to age-based guidelines is key. Lacrosse stick regulations for youth players vary across age divisions, so making sure your sticks falls within the approved range for their age group is an essential starting point.
Length Regulations By Age
To keep competition fair and developmentally appropriate, US Lacrosse provides recommended lacrosse stick lengths based on age divisions. While physical size and ability should factor into your decision as well, these guidelines give a useful frame of reference:
- 6U (6 and under): 35.5 to 37 inches
- 8U (7-8 years old): 35.5 to 42 inches
- 10U (9-10 years old): 35.5 to 47.5 inches
- 12U (11-12 years old): 40 to 52 inches
- 14U (13-14 years old): 40 to 60 inches
Generally, longer stick lengths allow for greater reach and more powerful shots, while shorter lengths provide better close control and quick handling. But there’s wiggle room within each age range to accommodate different skill levels and playing positions.
Length Rules By League
While based on US Lacrosse guidelines, some youth lacrosse leagues enforce more specific stick length regulations. For example, many boys’ leagues mandate sticks between 40-42 inches for 10U, 44-46 inches for 12U, and 52-72 inches for 14U.
On the girls’ side, rules often require stick lengths of 35.5-37 inches for 8U players, 35.5-43.25 inches for 12U, and 43.25-46 inches for 14U. Compare your local league standards when shopping.
The Impact of Skill Level
In addition to age, a player’s ability level helps determine ideal stick length. Brand new players may find longer sticks unwieldy at first. Start beginners with shorter lengths to develop coordination, then size up as skills progress.
Intermediate kids ready to take their game to the next level can benefit from extended reach and added whip on shots. But balance precision vs raw power based on playing style.
Stick Size By Position
Attack players tend to favor shorter sticks for quicker passing and dodging, while defenders opt for maximum length to intercept passes. Middies should choose length based on whether they lean more offensive or defensive.
Goalies need extra length for range, but shouldn’t sacrifice mobility. Find the length that optimizes their blocking and clearing ability.
Dialing In The Perfect Pocket
Proper stringing provides the ideal pocket depth and ball control for your player’s age and skill set. Aim for a pocket that securely holds the ball yet allows for quick release.
Tighten up mesh if it becomes too saggy. A loose pocket makes securing ground balls and passing much harder.
Factor In Stick Weight
Lighter sticks around 15-25 ounces help younger players achieve smooth, quick handling. New composite and alloy materials offer durability without excessive weight.
Handle width also affects control and comfort, so test out different shaft diameters when sizing sticks.
Quality Sticks For Less
While premium lacrosse sticks run $150+, many brands like STX and Maverik offer high-performance sticks under $100. The STX Hammer 500 and Maverik Charger are great intermediate options.
Check clearance sections and buy last year’s model to save money without sacrificing quality.
Proper Care And Maintenance
Keep those sidewalls and shooting strings in top shape for optimal performance. Retiring an old stick? Strip off usable parts to reuse.
And protect your investment by wiping sticks clean after use and storing properly to prevent warping. Using a protective stick bag helps too.
With age guidelines, skill level, and playing position all influencing ideal length, choose your next youth stick wisely. Prioritize fit, control and precision over pure size to set your young athlete up for success.
When selecting the ideal lacrosse stick length for your young athlete, it’s important to consider how their skill level factors into the equation. While age-based size guidelines provide a useful starting point, a player’s ability and experience should ultimately drive your decision.
Stick Length & Skill Level
Beginner players just learning the sport often benefit from using shorter lacrosse sticks in the 35-40 inch range. The decreased length allows them to focus on developing coordination, proper cradling, accurate passing and catching, and smooth shooting mechanics.
Intermediate kids ready to take their game up a notch can start to reap the advantages of added length. Sticks in the 44-47 inch range provide greater checking reach on defense along with increased power and range on shots and passes.
That said, be careful not to sacrifice too much control in favor of raw power early on. Make sure players have established solid fundamentals before sizing up too drastically.
Don’t Overextend
While it’s tempting to grab the longest stick allowed for their age group, extremely long sticks can be challenging for still-developing players to handle. Prioritize comfort and precision over maxing out length.
Kids struggling with long poles may need to drop back down until their coordination and skills progress. Find the “just right” fit that optimizes their performance.
Consider Playing Style
A player’s position and style of play should factor into length selection too. Quick, finesse-focused attack players can thrive with sticks in the 35-42 inch sweet spot. Defenders prioritize reach in the 50-60 inch range.
Take note of your child’s strengths on the field. Choose a length to accentuate their key skills and game.
Room to Grow
When in doubt, leave room to size up. Start on the shorter end of the age guideline spectrum, master the basics, then add length as skills and confidence improve.
Adjustable sticks are great for experimenting with length as kids grow. But don’t rush to extend – focus on quality fundamentals first.
Test Different Lengths
Have your player try sticks in multiple sizes to assess comfort, handling, and shooting. Look for the “aha” moment when length clicking into place.
While guidelines help, your child’s unique blend of height, ability, and playing style determines their ideal lacrosse stick fit.
With the right length customized to their skills, they’ll maximize control and unlock their full potential on the field.
When selecting a lacrosse stick for your young athlete, considering their primary playing position is key to dialing in the ideal length. Attack sticks and defense sticks are designed with different attributes to optimize performance in each role.
Attack Sticks vs. Defense Sticks
Attack players generally favor shorter lacrosse sticks in the 35 to 42 inch range. The decreased length provides better close control for quicker passing, nimble dodging, and winding shots on cage.
Defenders opt for maximum allowed length, typically 50+ inches for increased reach. The extra length enables defenders to intercept passes in the lanes, deliver wider poke checks, and disrupt shooting lanes.
Middies Decisions
Versatile middies need to choose length based on whether they lean more offensive or defensive in play style. More offensive-focused middies will edge towards attack stick lengths, while defensive middies will go longer.
Testing out sticks in both ranges will help middies determine what feels best suited to their game.
Goalie Stick Length
Goalie sticks run even longer than field poles, typically in the 40 to 72 inch range. The extra length provides goalies exceptional blocking coverage and outlet passing range.
But pure length shouldn’t trump fit and mobility. Goalies must test different sizes to find their optimum length for quick reactions.
Match Stick To Style
Rather than defaulting to the maximum for their age group, players should choose length based on playing style and strengths. Stick attributes can then enhance their key skills.
A finesse midfielder may favor a shorter stick for fluid dodging, while a physical defender needs maximum length for shutdown ability.
Consider Combination Sets
Multi-positional players can invest in a combination package with both attack and defense shaft lengths to switch up as needed. This adds valuable versatility without overextending skills.
Even starters may find a combo set useful to experiment with different sizes and dial in their preference.
When it comes to attack sticks vs. defense sticks, leverage your child’s playing style and position to select the lacrosse stick length optimized for their game.
When dialing in the perfect lacrosse stick for your young athlete, finding the right pocket is just as important as getting the length right. Properly stringing the pocket impacts ball control, handling, and shooting.
Finding The Right Pocket
An ideal lacrosse stick pocket for youth players should be strung to securely hold the ball yet still allow for quick release. Here are some key factors to consider when stringing or shopping for pockets:
Adjust Pocket Depth
Beginners tend to benefit from a slightly deeper pocket to help “trap” and control ground balls. Intermediate and advanced players shift to a more moderate, mid-range pocket depth for faster passing and shooting.
Work with coaches or stringers to adjust pocket depth as skills progress. Aim for the “Goldilocks zone” – not too deep or too shallow.
Keep It Snug
Avoid a loose pocket, which makes controlling the ball much harder. Continually tighten sidewall strings and shooting strings as mesh breaks in.
If the ball is rattling around too much or falling out on checks, it’s time to snug up the pocket. Maintain that stick like new feel.
Consider Custom Stringing
Beyond stock mesh, custom stringing provides more personalized pocket options. Add multiple shooting strings or special sidewall patterns to enhance ball control.
Professionally strung pockets can be a worthwhile investment at higher levels of play.
Match To Skill Level
While a deep pocket provides a safety net for beginners, elite players need a quicker release pocket that catapults the ball out. Talk to coaches to find the ideal depth, shape, and snugness.
Be sure to keep strings tight. Don’t let pocket wear undermine performance over a stick’s lifetime.
Upgrade Mesh Material
Higher quality mesh materials like Mark 2F hold their shape better and provide more consistent release. Look for soft, flexible mesh with good memory.
Evaluate pocket feel during ground balls, cradling, and shooting to get it just right.
Take time to properly string your next youth stick’s pocket. With the right depth, snugness, and release properties dialed in, your child will gain an extra edge on the field.
When shopping for the ideal youth lacrosse stick, many parents focus heavily on length but overlook the importance of weight. A lighter stick can give your child key advantages in handling, control, and mobility.
Weight Matters Too!
Stick weight affects performance in several ways:
Quick Handling
Excess weight taxes young athletes’ strength and stamina, making the stick feel sluggish. Lighter sticks around 15-25 ounces help achieve smooth, snappy handling.
Superior Control
Heavier sticks are harder for youth players to control precisely. Lightweight construction allows for more nimble maneuvering to snag tough ground balls.
Increased Speed
Whipping a heavy stick around laps or through dodging drills wears kids out faster. With a lightweight stick, their hands and feet can move quicker.
Material Matters
New composite, alloy, and scandium materials offer excellent durability without extra ounces. Wood sticks tend to be heavier despite their classic feel.
Comfort Counts
Excess weight also leads to fatigue and discomfort over long practices or games. Look for sticks under 20 ounces for optimum comfort.
Test Weight Yourself
Have your player hold different stick weights to experience the handling difference first-hand. Let them guide the decision based on feedback.
While length is important, don’t overlook stick weight. With a lightweight model sized for their age and skill level, young athletes gain a key maneuverability edge on the field.
When selecting a lacrosse stick for your young athlete, the shaft and head material impacts everything from weight and handling to durability. Understanding the performance properties of each helps dial in the ideal construction.
Materials Impact Performance
Today’s youth lacrosse sticks utilize various shaft and head materials, each with their own advantages:
Wood Shafts
Wood offers a classic, timeless feel. But wood shafts tend to be heavier, less weather resistant, and not as durable over the long run.
Alloy/Scandium Shafts
Alloy or scandium metal shafts provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight, quick handling. They’re very durable yet not as heavy as some composites.
Composite Shafts
Composite shafts constructed from fibers and resins are the lightest on the market. This helps reduce fatigue for developing players.
Molded vs. Traditional Heads
Molded heads provide more consistency and typically hold up better to abuse. Traditional non-molded heads offer more customizability.
Test Material Combos
Companies mix and match materials, like a composite shaft with molded head or alloy shaft with traditional head. Have your player experiment to discover their preference.
Consider Conditions
Composite and alloy excel in all weather. Wood requires more TLC to maintain. If the stick takes a beating, non-wood is likely the better bet.
Factor in materials along with length, weight, and pocket when selecting your child’s next stick for optimal construction.
While lacrosse stick size charts provide starting guidelines, nothing beats hands-on testing for determining the ideal length for your young athlete. By experimenting with different stick lengths, you can find the perfect fit to maximize their performance.
Test Stick Length & Handling
Rather than relying on the size chart alone, have your child test out sticks in multiple lengths to find the right feel:
Cradling Test
Have them cradle sticks of different lengths. Can they smoothly control the ball one-handed and change direction quickly? Or does it feel awkward and clumsy?
Pick-Up Test
Roll ground balls out and assess scooping. Is their stick control precise or do they struggle to coral passes?
Shooting Test
Observe shooting mechanics with various lengths. Do they have good whip on shots or does the stick feel cumbersome?
Passing Test
Set up passing drills to different targets. Do passes have zip and accuracy or tend to sail high or bounce?
Check Resistance
Simulate checks via poke or slap checks. Does the length allow them to easily control the ball through contact?
Consider adjusting in 1-2 inch increments to really dial in fit. Don’t be afraid to size down or up as needed.
While length guidelines provide a useful starting point, hands-on testing helps determine your child’s ideal lacrosse stick length for full stick control and confidence.
When shopping for the perfect youth lacrosse stick, sticking with top brands you can trust is wise. Industry leaders like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer excellent age and size-appropriate sticks to dial in performance.
Shop Top Youth Stick Brands
Here are some of the top youth lacrosse stick brands to consider:
STX
STX makes some of the most popular sticks across all levels, including their excellent Stallion and Youth Hammer models for beginners to intermediate players.
Maverik
Maverik sticks like the Charger and Range provide great value and performance. Their adjustable sticks are great for growing kids.
Warrior
Warrior youth sticks are trusted by players and coaches for their playability right out of the wrapper across age groups.
Brine
Part of the Warrior brand, Brine focuses on high quality sticks perfect for developing fundamentals.
Epoch
Epoch takes a tech-focused approach to sticks that perform yet come in at lower price points.
StringKing
StringKing is known for quality mesh and pockets that really maximize ball control.
Ask Coaches
Your child’s coaches see sticks in action daily. Ask their opinion on the ideal sticks for your player’s age, size, position, and skill level.
While comparing top brands, keep an open mind and let your child ultimately decide what lacrosse stick feels right to them.
Finding a high-quality youth lacrosse stick doesn’t require breaking the bank. Plenty of excellent sticks available for under $100 can give young athletes everything they need to take their game to the next level.
Best Value Sticks Under $100
Here are some top-rated sticks that provide premium performance without the premium price tag:
STX Youth Hammer 500
This versatile beginner stick retails for around $65 but feels and plays like a much more expensive model. Lightweight alloy and sturdy synthetic leather offer great durability.
Maverik Charger
Agile and responsive, the Charger features high-grade materials like battle-tested Maverik Memory Mesh for under $80.
Warrior Nemesis 2
Warrior sticks consistently impress right out of the wrapper, including the Nemesis 2 head designed for quick breaks and crisp passing.
Epoch Dragonfly Elite
Epoch’s smart engineering delivers pro-level performance for around $70 with the Dragonfly Elite. Focused flexibility provides excellent ball control.
Brine Clutch Rise
Part of Warrior, Brine delivers lightweight durability and quick breaks under $90 with the Clutch Rise.
Watch For Sales
Check brand websites for holiday sales around Memorial Day or Labor Day to grab high end sticks for under $100.
Don’t break the bank finding a stick optimized for your young athlete’s skill set and confidence.
To maximize the lifespan and playability of your child’s lacrosse stick, proper stringing and ongoing maintenance are key. Keep those sidewalls tight and wooden shafts protected from the elements with some helpful habits.
Proper Stringing & Maintenance
Here are some tips for caring for youth sticks:
Retighten Mesh
As pocket mesh breaks in, continuously tighten sidewall and shooting strings to maintain shape and snugness. A saggy pocket makes catching and throwing much tougher.
Check for Fraying
Inspect sidewalls and mesh for fraying or developing holes regularly. This can significantly impact ball control and handling.
Keep It Clean
Wipe sticks down after practices and games to prevent dirt buildup. Debris can abrade mesh over time.
Protect Wood Sticks
Seal wooden shafts annually and store properly when not in use to prevent warping. Excess moisture is the enemy of wood.
Loosen Pockets
During off-seasons, loosen mesh and shooting strings so they don’t take a permanent “set.” This adds life for the next season.
Check End Caps
Replace end caps as needed to avoid sharp edges from compromising mesh. Inspect regularly.
With consistent TLC and maintenance, your child’s stick can deliver seasons of reliable performance.
When sizing up youth lacrosse sticks, many players focus heavily on maximizing length for checking advantages. But more length doesn’t automatically translate into better checking ability. Proper technique and body positioning are far more important.
Does Stick Length Impact Checking?
Longer sticks do provide some checking benefits:
More Reach
Those extra inches give you a wider poking and sweeping range to harass dodgers and intercept passes.
Added Leverage
With length comes leverage for more effective lifts, wraps, and dumps to dislodge the ball.
Wider Disruption
More length allows defenders to wave sticks in wider lanes to block shooting angles and passing lanes.
Don’t Sacrifice Technique
However, longer sticks are harder to control. Master proper checking fundamentals before adding length that could compromise form.
Nail Body Positioning First
Focus on footwork and body positioning when learning checks. If your form falters, length won’t make up for it.
Build Skills In Increments
Start with lift checks, poke checks, and body positioning. Once those skills are solid, then consider moderately sizing up your stick.
While length has some benefits, proper technique matters far more for executing quality checks.
When it comes to lacrosse stick length, goalies stand apart. Extra length is crucial for goalies to effectively protect the net, outlet passes, and clear the ball.
Goalie Sticks Are Longer
Goalie sticks need more length for several reasons:
Wider Coverage
Those extra inches allow goalies to cover more of the net when dropping into their stance. Maximum length helps seal off corners.
Increased Reach
The longer stick provides greater range for checking shooters, intercepting passes, and initiating clears upfield.
Added Leverage
Length creates more torque when batting away outside shots. It also helps win possession battles on rebounds.
Enhanced Outlets
A longer stick lets goalies grip the ball farther from the head to whip faster outlet passes upfield after saves.
Don’t Overdo It
But finding the right fit matters more than pure length. Too long of a stick can hinder quick reactions and mobility in the crease.
While goalie sticks run longer, dialing in the ideal length for your goalie’s style and comfort is key.
Adjustable lacrosse sticks allow young athletes to experiment with length as they develop. Rather than sticking with a fixed size, adjustable sticks let players and parents dial in length based on growth and skills.
Training With Adjustable Lengths
Here are some benefits of adjustable length sticks for youth players:
Accommodate Growth Spurts
Extend adjustable sticks out as kids hit growth spurts without having to buy new sticks each time.
Find the Right Fit
Experiment to find the optimum length instead of guessing based on age guidelines alone. Test different lengths until it “clicks.”
Improve Fundamentals
Start new players shorter to focus on stick skills, then add length as skills improve. Don’t overextend too quickly.
Test Positions
Middies can play with attack and defense lengths to determine which style suits their game before committing to a set stick.
Prevent Injuries
Shorter, more controlled lengths reduce strain on developing muscles and joints versus long poles.
Ease Transitions
Slowly acclimate to longer sticks needed at higher levels rather than jumping straight to maximum size.
Adjustable lacrosse sticks provide flexibility to find the optimal size for your young athlete.
With so many factors impacting ideal youth lacrosse stick length, finding the optimal fit for your young athlete requires mixing guidance with experimentation. Consider guidelines and recommended lengths, but ultimately let comfort, precision, and performance steer you toward the “just right” size.
Finding The Optimal Fit For You
Here are some tips for dialing in the perfect length:
Consider Age Standards
Use age-based size charts as a starting point. They provide reasonable length ranges to start your search.
Factor In Skill Level
Make sure stick length aligns with their ability. Beginners do best starting on the shorter end before sizing up.
Test Different Lengths
Have your child experiment with multiple sizes for a hands-on sense of fit. Test cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting.
Watch Handling
Pay attention to balance, coordination, and smooth mechanics during handling drills. Let this guide fit.
Consider Adjustability
Adjustable sticks allow tweaking length as kids grow. But don’t extend too quickly – master fundamentals first.
Focus On Control
Especially for beginners, favor control, precision, and comfort over maxing out length allowed.
With age and skill factored in, on-field testing helps optimize lacrosse stick fit for your child’s unique game.