Reviews

The Top Lacrosse Sticks For New Players This Year

Focus on a Beginner Stick With Pre-Strung Pockets

When just starting out in lacrosse, it can be incredibly difficult and frustrating trying to string your own stick pockets from scratch. The intricate weaving patterns and precision stringing required takes time and practice to master. Rather than battling with inconsistent self-strung pockets as a beginner, look for starter sticks that come pre-strung with a shallow pocket already installed. Major brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine all offer sticks for new players with pockets designed specifically to be easier to catch and pass with. The pre-installed pockets have wider heads with relaxed sidewall stringing, allowing the ball to sit comfortably without popping out. As a new player still developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills, not having to stress about stringing your own pockets allows you to devote full attention to proper throwing, cradling, and scooping techniques. With a uniformly consistent pocket pocket across practices and games, beginners can build confidence and muscle memory much faster. While deeply bagged pockets with tighter channel stringing offer advanced ball control, shallower beginner pockets reinforce the fundamentals of securing passes and maintaining possession. Once ready to take your game to the next level, you’ll have a much easier time restringing pockets once you have the basics down pat.

Pick a Lightweight Stick for Easier Maneuverability

When you’re first starting out with lacrosse, having a super lightweight stick can make a world of difference in how quickly you pick up cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting mechanics. Heavier sticks require more strength and control to whip around at high speeds during intense gameplay. As a beginner focused on developing proper technique, you’ll want to choose a stick on the lighter side to allow for quicker maneuvering as you practice the motions. Major lacrosse brands now offer entry-level sticks made with aluminum or composite shafts that are durable yet featherlight. The shaft material also provides some “give” for absorbing checks and cradling smoothly. Look for stick heads made of plastic instead of heavy wood for additional weight savings. While advanced players use hefty wooden sticks for superior ball control, plastics like PEEK thermoplastic offer an optimal strength-to-weight ratio for new players. The lighter feel makes it easier to get the angles necessary for accurate passing, prevents fatigue during extended playtime, and allows you to work on your footwork more aggressively. Don’t be afraid to ask a coach or sporting goods clerk to hold different sticks to compare the balance and swing speed. As your lacrosse skills improve and arm strength increases, you can then upgrade to a heavier stick for more precise ball handling. But at the start, a super lightweight beginner stick will be a huge asset in quickly developing the muscle memory for fundamental lacrosse techniques without being hampered by excess weight.

Select an Adjustable Length Stick For Growing Players

When buying a starter lacrosse stick, it’s important to consider adjustability if you anticipate significant growth in the next couple years. The last thing you want is to buy an expensive stick that fits perfectly now, only to outgrow it after a few months of use. Lacrosse involves a ton of running and fast direction changes, so having a stick that matches your height is critical. Major brands now offer adjustable lacrosse sticks with telescoping shafts, allowing them to extend an extra 4-6 inches. Look for adjustment mechanisms like push buttons, locking pins, or rotating collars that make it easy to tweak the length. Having an adjustable shaft means you can dial in the perfect fit as your child’s height changes instead of needing to buy a whole new stick each season. It also allows you to cut down weight as a shorter stick requires less material. Consider adjustable sticks with aluminum alloy shafts versus composite for easier resizing without affecting stick integrity. While attack players can sometimes get away with shorter sticks for tighter control, longer sticks give defense players, midfielders, and goalies better reach for intercepting passes, poke checking, and scooping up ground balls. Having the right length stick for your position and playing style is vital. So starting off with an adjustable model means you can maintain optimal performance through growth spurts without breaking the bank. Just be sure to double check league rules on minimum/maximum length regulations for age groups to ensure the sizing range keeps you covered.

Look For Durable Yet Flexible Materials

When selecting your first lacrosse stick, you’ll want to look for a balance of durability and flexibility in the shaft and head materials. As a beginner, you’ll inevitably bang your stick around on the field as you learn to cradle and pass smoothly. Wooden sticks look great but can crack and splinter easily, while cheap plastic heads get brittle in cold weather. Seek out shafts made from alloy metals like aluminum, scandium or titanium that provide a mix of stiffness and flex to handle checks without snapping. Entry-level sticks from STX, Maverik and Warrior use lightweight alloys to take the abuse of beginners learning proper form. For the head, carbon composite plastics like PEEK thermoplastic blend offer an ideal sweet spot between rigidity for ball retention and flex for controlled releases. Materials like ThermoPlastic urethane add stretchiness to allow the head to “whip” and generate faster shots once skills improve. Don’t forget to examine the grip texture and taper too for a comfortable, slip-resistant hold during intense play. Beyond materials, it’s wise to target sticks with reinforced sidewalls or frames to prevent premature warping. While ultra-rigid sticks hinder development, flimsy options will need frequent replacing which gets expensive. Properly balancing durability and playability takes experimenting, so don’t be shy about bending and flexing sticks in the store to test their strength. With the right blend of hardy yet malleable materials, your beginner’s stick can endure the learning process while still offering responsive performance.

Consider Sticks With Training Tools Like Rebounders

When starting out in lacrosse, look for complete starter sets that include handy training tools like rebounders to help hone your skills solo. Ball rebounders attach to the shaft of your stick and bounce shots back to you, allowing for repetition without needing a partner. Major brands like Brine and Warrior offer budget-friendly bundles pairing beginner sticks with their own rebounder systems for around $100 total. Rebounders range from basic bungee cord nets to angled plastic trays that simulate passes and checks. More advanced rebounders allow you to vary ball speed, trajectory and backspin for added realism. Practicing your catch/pass technique using a rebounder improves hand-eye coordination, reaction time and footwork from the comfort of your backyard. You can take hundreds of shots daily to dial in your shooting accuracy and power. The constant reps develop critical muscle memory so those skills translate more naturally to games. Training with rebounders builds confidence by allowing you to self-correct and measure your own improvement without judgement. While live drills are still essential, rebounders enable solo skill sharpening when team practices aren’t possible. Just be sure to get the rebounder designed for your stick type, as attack and defense sticks often require different mounting. With the right rebounder bundled with your beginner stick, you’ll accelerate skill development and be game ready in no time.

Get Proper Fitting By Measuring Hand Size

When selecting your first lacrosse stick, getting the sizing right is crucial for optimal performance. Rather than guessing based on height alone, have your hand size properly measured to pick the ideal shaft diameter. Gripping a stick that’s too thick or too thin can hinder ball control, make cradling awkward, and tire your hands prematurely. Stores like Dick’s and Lax.com offer sizing guides to match youth and adult hand measurements to suggested shaft diameters. Measure your hand’s width across the palm below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Average adult female hand breadth falls around 2.9″-3.2″, corresponding to a stick shaft diameter of 0.5″-0.575″. Male hands tend to measure 3.3″-3.7″, suiting thicker 0.6″-0.625″ shafts. Youth hands down to 2.3″ do best with shafts sized 0.25″-0.5″. Trying sticks of different diameters for comparison allows you to gauge the comfort of each grip size as well. Notice if the stick turns easily in your top hand during cradling and shooting versus feeling contorted. Beyond diameter, consider grip texture from smooth plastic to textured rubber that provides the most non-slip control for your hands when sweaty. Don’t forget to account for glove thickness too when sizing. While personal preference plays a role, getting properly fitted for hand size reduces fatigue and strained muscles as you learn proper stick handling.

Start With Entry-Level Sticks Under $100

When looking to buy your first lacrosse stick, it’s wise to start with more affordable entry-level models priced under $100 until you develop solid skills. As a beginner still learning proper cradling, scooping, passing and shooting technique, you won’t yet benefit from the precision and responsiveness of premium sticks costing $200+. So save your money until you can truly appreciate high-end features like advanced materials, customized stringing and dampening systems. Major brands like STX, Brine and Warrior all offer introductory sticks focused on playability and durability while keeping costs down. Budget-friendly shafts are often made of durable aluminum alloys rather than pricier titanium and scandium metals. Heads may use composite plastics versus higher grade carbon fibers and resin systems. You’ll also see simplified pocket stringing versus intricate weaving and channel designs. However, cheaper doesn’t have to mean poor quality, as many entry sticks actually improve learning for new players. Focus on sticks with wider heads for an easier sweet spot and pre-strung pockets that don’t require expert stringing adjustments. No matter your budget, always examine structure and stitching closely for defects. Once you develop solid fundamental skills and want to elevate your game, you can invest in advanced sticks with customized performance features to match your playing style and strengths. But as a beginner, affordable sticks give you everything you need to grasp the basics without overspending.

Try Different Brands Like Brine & STX

When selecting your first lacrosse stick, it’s a smart move to try gear from all the top brands before deciding what works best for your needs and play style. While STX and Maverik dominate the lacrosse market, don’t count out excellent sticks from Brine and Warrior as well. Each brand offers unique technologies, shaft/head materials, and pocket stringing options that give their sticks differentiated performance qualities. For example, Brine sticks stand out for unparalleled durability to withstand beginner abuse via reinforced sidewalls and special resin in heads. STX uses advanced carbon composite in shafts for an ultra lightweight feel. Warrior mixes triaxial fiber blends onheads for added stiffness and strength. Trying different brands allows you to compare things like balance, grip shapes, shooting response and ease of stringing adjustments. Since your preferences may change as skills improve, starting out with an open mind helps identify the right long-term brand loyalty fit. Talk to teammates using sticks you can test out directly on the field. Reading online reviews helps determine if certain brands have better consistency versus manufacturing defects. Don’t forget to consider league sponsorships too, as major events like the NCAA championships only allow sponsored brand gear. Testing an array of budget-friendly starter sticks first prevents getting stuck with gear that doesn’t maximize your playing potential down the road.

Check For Sticks Approved By Coaches & Leagues

When selecting your first lacrosse stick, an important factor to consider is whether the stick meets approval regulations set by youth sports leagues, high school associations, college conferences, and pro leagues. Governing bodies like US Lacrosse, NFHS, NCAA, and MLL have specific equipment rules regarding approved lacrosse sticks to maintain fairness and safety. Targeting regulation-approved sticks ensures you won’t show up to a game with illegal gear that could lead to penalties or disqualification. Regulation specifics involve things like minimum/maximum shaft lengths for different age groups and positions. Head dimensions like width, depth and sidewall height are also dictated. Pocket stringing depths and shooting string placements must adhere to standards as well. Materials are regulated too, as metal shafts must have rounded edges and wooden heads aren’t allowed most leagues. Beyond physical attributes, organizations approve certain brands and equipment manufacturers that active players are permitted to use. Checking your league’s website for the most up to date approved gear lists is advised. Consulting your coach on equipment recommendations also prevents issues, as youth teams often outfit entire rosters with the same sticks for consistency. While pro leagues allow more customization leeway, amateurs are wise to stick with regulated gear that keeps the focus on playing ability rather than equipment debates.

Learn Proper Throwing & Cradling Techniques

Once you’ve selected the right beginner lacrosse stick, dedicating time to learn proper throwing and cradling technique is key to avoid developing bad habits. Start by gripping the stick with dominant hand at the very bottom and off-hand around 12 inches up at the midpoint. Keep top hand loose to let the stick rotate smoothly during cradling. For overhand throwing, step toward target leading with your off-hand hip, rotating torso for power. Bring stick back keeping top hand above shoulders and elbow up high. Whip stick forward and release ball out front with a follow through snap. Flick wrists and extend off-hand to target on release for added velocity. Focus on stepping into throws and pointing your lead elbow to control accuracy. For sidearm throws, stand sideways and sweep stick across body at a low angle. Bend knees and drop stick head to generate slinging power from below. Cradling involves continually rotating shaft top to bottom in a smooth pendulum motion to maintain ball control. Use wrists to manipulate angles to protect stick from checks. Start cradling slowly with build speed and change of direction once comfortable. Keep elbows tucked and hands apart for optimal maneuverability. Don’t grip shaft too tightly or cradle with rigid wrists. Repetition and critiquing your form on video helps engrain proper technique. Perfecting the basics with your new stick establishes consistency across all aspects of your lacrosse game.

Practice Catching Ground Balls & Quick Stick Work

Once you’ve mastered basic throwing and cradling with your new lacrosse stick, dedicating practice to scooping ground balls and quick stick passes helps sharpen your hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Scooping ground balls involves rapid acceleration, getting low for leverage, and protecting your stick from checks all while tracking a bouncing ball. Focus on sprinting directly over the ball, then slowing your feet to squat down leading with your stick head tilted back. Keep your top hand high and back elbow up to drive down through the ball as it reaches the head sweet spot. Follow through lifting up to bring the ball cleanly into your mesh. Quick stick passing revolves around fast catches and releases to keep the ball moving. As a ball comes your way, give a target and yield your stick to absorb and cushion the pass. Immediately snap your wrists to pass back to the feeder in one rapid motion. Positioning your body for optimal sight lines and working on soft hands allows for quicker transfers. Drill both skills starting stationary, then add movement and defenders. Challenge yourself to minimize cradle touches in between catching and passing to sharpen hand speed. Regularly rehearsing these techniques boosts in-game reaction time, scooping confidence and passing accuracy to gain a competitive edge.

Work On Dodging & One-Handed Catches

Advancing your skills with a new lacrosse stick involves drills to sharpen dodging footwork and one-handed catching ability. Dodging is about using speed and ball protection to get past defenders. Focus on change of pace and direction moves like rolls, splits and face dodges. Roll dodging requires crossing your feet rapidly while cradling to force opponents sideways. Split dodging utilizes quick stutter steps to fake direction and blow by defenders. For face dodging, drive directly at a defender before pivoting a shoulder to skirt around them. Incorporate jab steps, swim moves and hesitations to keep defenders guessing. Maintain low athletic stance and keep the stick head facing inward when dodging to shield against poke checks. Develop quick feet and watch defender hips versus sticking to rehearsed moves. One-handed catching builds coordination to snag feeds on the run. Work on securing passes with just your off-hand while keeping dominant hand on the shaft. Swing the stick thumb side up across your body and yield top hand to buffer passes one-handed. Drill sprinting catches starting with stationary targets, then add speed and longer distances. Dodging leaves defenders in the dust, while one-handers expand your catching range. Enhance both skills now with your beginner stick to elevate your game.

Focus On Passing Accuracy And Communication

Solid passing fundamentals are vital lacrosse skills to refine with a new stick before bad habits form. Rather than just winging passes randomly, dedicate practice to sharpening passing accuracy. Set up stationary targets or markers and drill hitting them consistently from increasing distances. Focus on proper overhand throwing mechanics like stepping into passes and following through to targets. Develop touch by mixing in bounce and aerial passes to hit moving teammates on the run. Clean passing comes down to point-and-shoot discipline no matter the technique. Work on passing to all corners of the field, not just closest teammates, to expand your vision. Quickly scan the field before passes to detect open cutters. Incorporate catch-and-pass reps to build chemistry with linemates. Verbal communication further elevates passing precision. Call out cutters’ names loudly on releases, make eye contact and give direction like “high right” or “lead the pass”. Designate field spots like “pipe” or “X” as passing targets to develop shorthand with teammates. Sharpening both accuracy and communication makes passing second nature.

Watch Tutorials To Perfect Shooting Form

One of the most exciting lacrosse skills to refine using your new stick is shooting with power and precision. Rather than flinging off-target shots, dedicate practice to honing repeatable shooting mechanics for accuracy. Start by watching online video tutorials to learn proper form. Key tips include keeping your lead elbow up and rotated in front toward the target during wind up. Point your lead shoulder at the net and turn hips to generate torque. Transfer weight from back foot to front foot during the downswing for added momentum. Extend lead arm fully and snap wrists on release, following through low to high. Use the entire stick by rolling top hand thumb back and pulling bottom hand thumb to goal on finishes. Lean into shots starting close to the crease, then gradually move back. Focus on catching cleanly into the pocket and stepping into shots for fluid transitions. Film your shooting to self-critique and make adjustments. Dial in placement starting at different angles – sidearm for pipe shots, overhand for top corners. Vary release points and stutter step approaches to keep goalies guessing. Refining shooting form through repetition develops accuracy under pressure. So start perfecting your shot now with the help of tutorial guides.