The Top College Womens Lacrosse Heads for Better Performance

The Top College Womens Lacrosse Heads for Better Performance

Choosing the Right Head Shape for Your Position

When selecting a new lacrosse head, one of the most important considerations is finding the optimal head shape for your position and style of play. The three main types of head shapes are pointed, oval, and triangular. Pointed or narrow lacrosse heads offer better ball control, quicker releases, and increased shooting accuracy. These features make pointed heads ideal for offensive players like attack wings who need pinpoint passing and shooting. Oval lacrosse heads have a wider scoop and throat which gives them a deeper pocket. This allows for excellent ball retention while cradling and running. Oval heads are great for midfielders who need to maintain possession while moving downfield. Finally, triangular lacrosse heads are the widest option with an expansive scoop. This extra width helps defenders intercept passes, snag ground balls, and protect the goal. The additional surface area also provides an oversized sweet spot for catching errant passes. When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse head, think about your position and needs. Pointed heads for deadly accurate shooting, oval for confident cradling, and triangular for lockdown defense. Test out different head shapes to find your ideal fit and elevate your game.

Stiffness Matters – Get the Right Flex

When searching for the best women’s lacrosse head, you’ll need to carefully consider the stiffness and flex of the head frame. Lacrosse heads come in a range of flexibilities, from very stiff to extremely flexible. Stiffer heads offer more protection and durability, while more flexible heads provide better ball feel and control. For midfielders and attackers who need excellent ball handling, more flexible heads are ideal. The softer flex allows the head to “give” slightly when cradling, offering superior control. Flexible heads also “pop” back into shape for crisp, accurate passes and shots on goal. Meanwhile, stiffer, more rigid lacrosse heads are beneficial for defenders. The firmness aids in ball retention when an opponent tries to check your stick. Stiff heads also withstand hacks and slashes when you’re clearing the ball from the defensive zone. When looking at new women’s lacrosse heads, bend the frame to test the stiffness. Push the scoop towards the throat and see how much it flexes. For midfielders and attackers, look for some nice flex, while defenders will likely want a sturdy, stiff frame. Finding the right flex is crucial, as too much flex loses durability and too stiff reduces feel. Don’t forget to consider your position and needs when gauging lacrosse head stiffness.

Consider Weight to Maximize Speed and Control

When selecting your next women’s lacrosse head, pay close attention to the weight of the head. Heads can range greatly in weight based on the materials used in construction. Typically, heads made from more rigid, durable plastics are heavier. Meanwhile, heads engineered from composite materials or featuring extensive venting are much lighter. The weight of your lacrosse head impacts both your speed and control. Heavier heads require more strength to maneuver quickly, decreasing shot speed and passing pace. Extra weight at the top of your stick can also throw off your balance, reducing cradling control. However, an ultra-light head may not provide the ball retention needed for cradling through pressure. The best option is often a lightweight yet stiff head for speed and control. Many of the top women’s lacrosse heads strike this balance by using advanced composite materials and strategic vents. You’ll also find some heads with removable weights allowing you to customize between light and heavy setups. Test out lacrosse heads of different weights to find your optimal balance of speed, control and stiffness. Adding a few grams may not seem like much, but over the course of a game, lighter heads boost conditioning and performance.

Wide Heads Have Benefits for Defense

When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse head, you’ll notice that heads come in a range of widths. Narrower heads are more specialized for accurate passing and shooting, while wider heads offer expanded defensive capabilities. For defenders, those extra wide heads provide a key advantage – more surface area for intercepting passes. The increased width across the entire head allows defenders to block more of the field of vision. That extra width also creates a larger sweet spot to snag errant passes one-handed. Wider heads also help defenders scoop up ground balls before the offense can gain possession. The oversized scoop grabs more ground ball surface area for quick transitions going the other way. Those wide scoops additionally protect your hand from stepped-on or kicked sticks when scrambling for ground balls. Finally, the expanded head and pocket allows defenders to maintain possession despite checks. So while midfielders and attackers may prefer narrower heads, defenders should strongly consider the perks of a wider head. The additional width enhances your ability to wreak havoc and create turnovers across the field. Next time you’re looking for a new women’s lacrosse head, remember defense wins championships and evaluate wider options.

Narrower Heads for Precise Shooting

When selecting a new women’s lacrosse head, attackers should strongly consider more narrow head shapes. While wider heads offer some benefits for defenders, narrower heads provide unmatched shooting performance for scorers. The reduced width concentrates the flex and “whip” in the optimal spot for blistering shot speed. That concentrated flex also snaps back into form quickly for crisp, accurate passes to cutters. Narrower heads additionally focus the pocket and hold the ball tighter. This allows attackers to cradle and protect the ball effectively despite pressure from defenders. The tighter pinch toward the throat maintains ball control, even while spinning and rolling away from checks. That controlled pinch point also keeps the ball right in the sweet spot for lightning-quick shots on goal. Finally, more narrow heads reduce side-to-side ball movement within the pocket. Limiting the “rattle” keeps your passes and catches consistent. So while some players may opt for wider heads, narrow heads offer offensive players better shooting, passing, and ball control. The next time you need a fresh lacrosse head, try out some narrower options as an attacker. You’ll notice the benefits of focused flex and a tighter pinch for consistently threatening the goal.

Sidewall Design Affects Ball Control

When evaluating new women’s lacrosse heads, be sure to consider the design and height of the sidewalls. The sidewall plastic runs from the scoop down to the throat of the head. Sidewall design plays a key role in ball control and handling. Higher sidewalls help keep the ball securely nestled in the pocket, even when cradling or dodging checks from defenders. Sidewalls that flare outwards allow for deeper pockets without losing ball retention. Angled sidewalls also direct errant passes into the pocket for secure catches. Alternatively, lower sidewall designs have some advantages too. Dropped sidewalls below the shooting strings increase whip on shots. Strategic scoops in the sidewalls reduce overall weight without losing durability. Exploring sidewall shapes like triangular, oval, and hourglass impact stiffness distribution. In triangle sidewalls, the apex adds rigidity while the base provides flex. Hourglass shapes focus flex at the pinch point for quick releases. Consider glossy or matte sidewall finishes for aesthetic preferences. In summary, don’t overlook the importance of sidewall design when shopping for lacrosse heads. Sidewall height, angle, weight and shape impact your passing, catching, shooting and cradling control.

Pocket Placement Impacts Passing Accuracy

As you compare new women’s lacrosse heads, pay special attention to pocket placement and shape. The exact construction of the lacrosse head pocket significantly influences passing control and accuracy. Optimal pocket placement positions the ball centrally in the head, just above the midpoint. This allows for maximum power transfer and aim on passes. Off-center pockets can torque passes to one side or the other. Shallow pockets release cleanly but offer less settling control on errant passes. Meanwhile, deeper pockets cradle well but can slow down release time. For optimal passing accuracy, look for pockets with a medium depth and a balanced mid-placement. Consider dropping the bottom of the pocket below the sidewall to increase hold and maintain possession despite checks. Pockets with minimal flare toward the scoop concentrate force for faster shots. Wider pocket mouths with V or U shapes have a larger sweet spot for catching passes one-handed. In summary, minor shifts in pocket placement, depth, width and shape noticeably impact passing, catching and shooting. As you test out new heads, pay attention to pocket features that match your playing style and needs.

Deep Pockets Help Cradle and Protect Ball

When selecting a new women’s lacrosse head, consider looking for options with a deep pocket design. While shallower pockets offer some quick release benefits, a deeper pocket shape provides excellent ball retention and protection. The extra pocket depth cradles the ball securely during dynamic dodges, rolls, and spins. Deep pockets essentially wrap more nylon around the ball, holding it snugly in the webbing. This allows midfielders and attackers to maintain possession despite checks from multiple defenders. Deeper pockets also provide more cushioning on errant passes, absorbing force rather than allowing bounce-outs. Goalies in particular favor deep pockets to safely control hard shots targeted at the body. Additionally, advanced lacrosse players can employ a “hold” cradle in the deep pocket, palming the ball for added maneuverability. Just be sure to check league pocket depth rules to ensure the deep pocket is legal for game play. Overall, don’t be afraid to explore deeper pocket options if you want better ball protection and multi-directional cradling control. The extra depth is a game-changer for possession-focused players.

Shallow Pockets for Quicker Releases

While deep pocket lacrosse heads offer great ball retention, women’s lacrosse players looking for the fastest possible shot and release should consider more shallow pocket designs. Since the ball sits higher in a shallow pocket, less time is required to bring it up to the center for a shot or pass. The decreased time-to-release gives defenders less opportunity to react and block the attempt. Shallow pockets also “settle” the ball above the netting, keeping it centered without extra cradling required. Furthermore, the tight ball position and limited give allows for maximum energy transfer from the stick for lighting-quick passes and shots. However, shallow pockets do present some tradeoffs to consider. The ball is less protected in a shallow pocket, allowing more bounce-outs caused by errant passes. Cradling maneuvers like rolls and spins are also more difficult without deeper pocket control. But for quick-twitch scorers who want to curl, shoot and score in seconds, a shallow pocket optimizes fast release speed and accuracy. Just ensure you have the skills and fundamentals to control the ball in a shallow pocket before committing to this aggressive pocket type.

Mesh, Leather, Synthetic – Pocket Material Pros and Cons

When stringing up a new women’s lacrosse head, you’ll have choices on pocket mesh material including traditional leather, synthetic leather or nylon. Each material provides different benefits and drawbacks to consider. Traditional rawhide leather offers excellent shape retention and longevity. Leather strings soften and mold to your unique game use over time. The natural hide material also provides better grip when wet compared to synthetic meshes. However, traditional leather can stretch out more, requiring more frequent adjustments to maintain optimal pocket shape. Synthetic leathers offer more consistent, weather-resistant performance. Advanced synthetic materials are super durable with less stretching or moisture impact. Nylon mesh strings are typically softer, providing a nice broken-in feel immediately. However, nylon tends to bag out faster and needs frequent adjustments to maintain shape. It also lacks the superior wet weather performance of leather. Test out heads strung with different pocket materials to determine your preference. While traditional leather offers unmatched longevity and grip, advanced synthetics provide excellent shape retention and all-weather handling.

Offset Heads Position Ball Nearer Hands

When evaluating new women’s lacrosse heads, look for heads featuring an offset design. Offset heads position the ball sits closer to the side with your top hand when cradling. This brings the ball nearer your control hand for superior ball handling. The offset position allows for quicker rolls, split dodges and shot setups since your hands start closer to the ball. You can also pull off advanced moves like switching hands behind your back more smoothly. Since your control hand sits in the center of the head, offset provides more leverage and power for faster shots. The centered position additionally angles the pocket towards your eyes for improved aiming and accuracy. However, offset heads normally have shallower pockets by design, reducing protection around the ball. The angled ball position also leads to less even head weight distribution. While these factors take some adjustment, most players find the proximity benefits outweigh any downsides of the offset design. Next time you shop for a lacrosse head, try out some offset models. You’ll quickly notice crisper handling, passing and shooting thanks to having the ball centered under dominant hand control.

CURVED Heads Hug Ball Tighter in Cradle

When evaluating new women’s lacrosse heads, consider looking at curved head options. While traditionally heads featured flat scoops, many newer designs incorporate curvature for enhanced ball control. The contoured shape better wraps around the ball for a tighter cradle, making it harder for defenders to dislodge. Curved heads essentially hug the ball from both sides, retaining possession despite contact. The rounded edges also provide a smoother release on passes, improving accuracy through a larger sweet spot. Additionally, curved heads angle the ball automatically into the pocket. This allows you to spend less time settling errant passes and more time surveying the field. However, some players feel curved heads limit visibility looking down the center. The bend along the sidewalls can also reduce stiffness, lowering ball protection on hard checks. While it takes some adjustment, many players find the cradling and handling benefits of the curved shape outweigh any downsides. Next time you’re shopping for a lacrosse head, grab a curved model and notice the excellent ball control benefits during your game.

Flat Heads Have Wider Sweet Spot

When selecting a new women’s lacrosse head, don’t overlook models featuring a flat scoop design. While curved heads offer some enhanced cradling control, flat heads provide a wider catching sweet spot. The flat top opens up more surface area across the head for snagging passes one-handed. Defenders also utilize the expanded scoop width to intercept passes and thrown shots on goal. Additionally, the flat shape gives players better sightlines down the center channel while cradling or looking to pass. With a curved head, the ball can obstruct your field of vision as it hugs the curve. Flat scoops also allow for even pocket stringing, optimizing the flex and rebound across the head. However, some flat heads lack ball retention compared to highly curved options. Testing out different angles of curvature helps find your ideal balance of scoop width versus cradling control. While extremely curved heads cradle tighter, a slight angle opens up visibility while still hugging the ball. Next time you’re shopping for a lacrosse head, try out some flat scoop models to experience the benefits during your gameplay.

Vents and Hole Patterns Reduce Weight

When comparing new women’s lacrosse heads, inspect the head for specialized hole patterns or venting. Advanced lacrosse heads incorporate strategic cut-outs and vents to reduce overall weight without compromising durability. Small holes along the scoop, sidewalls and throat help cut unnecessary material without reducing stiffness. Larger triangular, oval and hexagon vents also remove material from flat areas prone to bending. Reduced weight in the head improves handle speed for faster shots and quick sticks. The lightweight design also reduces fatigue over the course of a full game. Advanced vents even allow for customizable weights by adding or removing weighted inserts as needed. However, heads with extensive venting do lose some high-impact strength and are more prone to warping over time. It’s important to find heads with structural vents that optimize reduced weight but retain critical stiffness. Test out heads with and without specialized venting to find your ideal balance of lightness and durability. In the right locations, strategic holes and cut-outs shed critical grams to boost your speed and handling on the field.

Style Matters – Express Yourself on the Field

When selecting your next women’s lacrosse head, don’t forget to consider style, design, and visual appeal. While performance factors like stiffness, weight, and pocket shape are critical, the cosmetic look of your gear also matters. After all, the game should be fun and allow you to express your personal flair. Look for heads featuring your favorite colors or tie-dye color combinations. Glossy metallic heads in copper or chrome catch the light nicely on the field. Matte finishes offer a sleek, understated vibe. Dazzle with sparkles embedded in the plastic or neon colors to coordinate with your socks or uniform. Search for heads featuring intricate lacework or your number integrated into the sidewall design. Schools like Maryland weave their mascot subtly into the scoop styling. Seek out eye-catching geometrics or ombre fades in your team colors. Or go for a clean minimalist look by selecting heads in solid black, white or grey tones. Whichever design speaks to you, lacrosse heads today offer seemingly endless styling. So be bold, express yourself, and have fun with it!