Look for a Stiff yet Durable Lacrosse Head
When searching for the best lacrosse head for defense, you’ll want to find one that has the ideal blend of stiffness and durability. The stiffer the head, the better it will be at dislodging the ball from offensive players. However, you don’t want a head that is so stiff that it cracks or breaks easily from checks and ground balls.
Many of the top defensive heads use composite materials like carbon fiber to add stiffness without making the head overly brittle. High-end alloys like titanium and scandium are also popular for boosting stiffness. Make sure to read reviews or ask teammates about the durability of any head you are considering.
Consider the Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of your lacrosse head will impact both your offensive and defensive abilities. Typically, defenders prefer a head on the heavier side, as this allows for more powerful checks, scooping, and ball retention.
When weighing heads, pay attention to how the weight is distributed. Heads weighted at the throat or lower sidewalls tend to feel better balanced when maneuvering your stick. Also consider if you want more weight towards the scoop to help dig out ground balls.
Choose a Wide Head for Checking
Many defensive players opt for lacrosse heads with wider sidewall dimensions. The added width gives you more surface area for checking and helps you to keep proper defensive positioning between your man and the goal.
Wider heads can also help with ball retention, as the ball sits deeper in the pocket. Just be aware that extremely wide heads may not be legal for high school or college play. Make sure to consult your league rules before deciding on a head width.
Consider the Weight and Balance of the Head
When selecting a lacrosse head for defense, pay close attention to the overall weight and balance. Heavier heads around 6-7 ounces are preferred by most defenders, as the additional mass provides more power for checks, scooping, and retaining possession.
Distribution of weight is also key. Heads weighted more towards the throat or lower sidewalls tend to feel better balanced when maneuvering your stick. Some players also like weight biased towards the scoop to help dig out ground balls or perform face-off moves.
Try holding and moving different heads during practice to get a feel for the weight distribution. Move the stick around as if performing checks, catches, and ground ball scoops. This will give you a sense of how it handles before purchasing.
Additionally, some heads feature removable weights that allow you to customize the balance. This lets you tweak the feel over time as your preferences evolve.
While a heavier head offers some benefits, don’t simply assume more weight is automatically better. Consider how the additional mass will impact your speed and stamina over the course of a game before deciding.
Opt for a Wide Head Profile for Checking
Many top defensive lacrosse heads feature wider sidewall dimensions to aid in checking and defensive positioning. The added width provides more surface area for redirecting offensive players and helps keep your stick between the attacker and the goal.
Wider heads in the 6-6.5 inch range can also help with ball retention, as the deeper pocket allows for improved cradling. However, be aware that extremely wide heads may not meet regulations for high school and college play. Consult your league rules before purchasing an extra wide head.
While width helps checks and retention, it can sometimes come at the cost of added weight. Make sure to balance the benefits against potential drawbacks of decreased speed and quickness during maneuvers. Try out some wider heads during practice to find your ideal fit.
For close defenders who play a more physical, lockdown style, the wider surface area is likely advantageous. But for LSMs who need to cover more field, assess if shedding those extra ounces helps your speed and endurance over the course of a game.
Finding the right blend of checking power and maneuverability through head width and weight is key for dominating the defensive end of the field.
Consider Head Shape Based on Your Defensive Position
The optimal lacrosse head shape often depends on the specific defensive position you play. Close defenders who face off against attackmen up top typically prefer a more pinched, narrower head for quicker stick checks and tight coverage.
LSMs who cover more field may opt for wider heads with deeper pockets to scoop up ground balls while sprinting end to end. Takeover specialists also favor wider heads with maximum surface area for knocking away passes and shots.
For defensive midfielders who play down low, a compact head shape allows for swift stick moves in tight quarters around the crease. Goalies also need quick reflexes with their heads when making reaction saves.
Try out different head shapes during offseason training to determine what works best for your defensive role. Close defenders should prioritize control and ball-knocking ability, while field defenders need optimal ground ball performance.
Heads with adjustable sidewall designs allow you to widen or narrow the shape as needed for your position or game situations. This versatility can be beneficial when your defensive responsibilities vary.
Look for Lacrosse Heads with Strong Sidewalls
The sidewall design of a lacrosse head impacts its stiffness, durability, and weight distribution. For defense, sturdy sidewalls are recommended to absorb checks while maintaining head shape.
Many of the top defensive heads feature thicker, aircraft-grade alloys in the sidewalls to add structural integrity. Common alloys include scandium, titanium, and composites like carbon fiber mixed with resins.
Full metal sidewall heads provide the most rigid construction for maximum ball retention under pressure. Hybrid heads combine sturdy metallic upper sidewalls with composite lower sidewalls for optimized weight distribution.
Inspect the thickness and material of the sidewalls when comparing heads. Perform flex tests and read reviews to assess sidewall strength. Ensure the head can maintain its shape and stiffness after repeated hard checks.
While ultra-rigid sidewalls have benefits, some flexibility can allow the head to “give” on face-offs and errant passes to maintain possession. Find the right blend of stiffness and flex that suits your defensive style.
Consider the Offset for Optimal Ball Control
The offset of a lacrosse head refers to the distance between the sidewall and the scoop. Heads with a higher offset have a deeper pocket for improved ball retention.
For defenders, a moderate to high offset around 55-65mm is recommended. This allows for secure cradling under pressure but still gives you good feel for stick handling.
Tighten up the offset if you want more control for quick stick checks and passing on clears. Loosen the offset to maximize holding power for takeaway specialists.
Keep in mind that extremely high offsets can make ball handling sluggish. Test out different pocket depths during practice to find your optimum offset for dominating between the lines.
For LSMs and defensive midfielders who transition up and down the field, consideroffset adjustability. This allows you to tweak the pocket depth based on whether you’re clearing, defending or facing off in any given moment.
Ensure Adequate Stringing Channels
The stringing channels on a lacrosse head allow you to customize the pocket to your preferred shape and depth. When selecting a defensive head, opt for one with multiple top and side stringing holes to provide total control over your pocket.
Heads geared for defense typically have more generous stringing real estate, as defenders need deeper pockets for secure ball retention. Look for heads with at least 3 top string holes and sidewall channels that extend well below the scoop.
Wider heads also naturally allow for more intricate stringing, as you have more sidewall space to work with. Make sure to test out the stringing options before stringing up a head permanently.
Being able to tweak the pocket shape as needed for your defensive style is key. If you prefer a baggy channel pocket for holds, ensure the head has ample low sidewall holes to make that pocket possible.
The stringing adjustments you can make are only limited by the stringing channels, so choose wisely when picking a defensive stick platform.
Compare Materials Like Metals and Composites
The primary materials used in lacrosse head construction include metals such as titanium and scandium as well as composite blends like carbon fiber. Each offers its own performance benefits.
All-alloy heads with titanium or scandium deliver unmatched stiffness and ball retention capabilities. They withstand abuse but can be prone to dents and warping over time.
Carbon composite heads provide improved durability and can better maintain their shape. They are lightweight yet offer decent stiffness for checking. Many heads blend metals and composites for ideal properties.
Try out different material makeups during practice sessions to compare performance. Focus on the stiffness, ball control, weight, and durability of each head. Metals excel in stiffness while composites take durability and weight reduction.
Many players prefer the hybrid approach of metal upper sidewalls for rigidity and composite lower sidewalls to shed weight. This optimized combo is popular in today’s high-end defensive heads.
Consider Throat Design for Ball Retention
A key factor in lacrosse head performance is the throat design. The throat is the narrow lower section of the head that affects ball retention and check resistance.
For defenders, look for heads with an hourglass or crease-shaped throat to really lock down possession. This contoured shape helps cradle and control the ball under pressure.
Throats with gradual tapers also allow for smoother ball flow when passing and transitioning upfield. Avoid heads with abrupt, angular throats that can redirect passes and shots.
Test out how the throat shape affects your ability to retain possession during checks and ground balls. Move the head around as if evading defenders. Opt for hourglass throats with a bit of flex to balance security with handling.
Today’s top defensive heads engineer the throat area meticulously to give you every advantage in protecting possession of the ball.
Read Product Reviews and Feedback Online
Before selecting a new defensive lacrosse head, be sure to read through product reviews and feedback online. This provides insights from players who have used the head in actual game situations.
Look for reviews that test key attributes like stiffness, durability, pocket depth, ball control, scooping, weight distribution and checking ability. This helps reveal the heads strengths and weaknesses.
Pay close attention to the reviews of elite high school and college players, as their feedback is based on using the head at the highest levels of competition. Their real-world experiences can validate or discourage your initial impressions.
No amount of product photos or descriptions can replace actual gameplay testing results. Check multiple reviews to identify any recurring themes or issues players experience with a particular head’s performance.
Leverage the collective wisdom of the lacrosse community online before making your purchase decision. Selecting the right defensive head requires digging into the details.
Consult With Your Team and Coach
Before deciding on a new defensive lacrosse head, get input from your coaches and experienced teammates who know your playing style. Their insights can help guide your selection.
Ask your coaches about the ideal head traits for your defensive position based on how you are utilized in the team defensive scheme. A takeaway specialist may need a wider head than a lockdown cover defender, for example.
Get feedback from veteran teammates on what head shapes, stiffness, and weight profiles have worked well for them. Their years of trial and error can shortcut your selection process.
Consider borrowing teammates’ sticks during practice to test different heads firsthand. Seeing how the heads perform and feel in drills and scrimmages is invaluable.
Leverage the expertise around you before making your purchase. Your coaches and teammates want you to succeed, so tap into their knowledge to determine the optimal head for your game.
Test New Heads During the Offseason
The offseason is the perfect time to experiment with new defensive lacrosse heads before you commit to one for the upcoming season. Take advantage of fall ball and summer training sessions to try out different options.
See if your coach will let you use new heads during scrimmages to test their performance under game-like conditions. Pay attention to factors like ground ball scooping, faceoff prowess, passing and shot deflection.
Use office wall ball sessions to dial in your stick skills with each head. Work on key fundamentals like cradling, catching, checking and intercepting passes. Focus on control.
Try stringing the heads up in different pocket styles and shapes using various leathers and meshes. This will reveal how the head performs across different string jobs.
Don’t wait until the spring season to break in a new head. The extended offseason enables you to make an informed decision based on real gameplay testing rather than just specs and marketing claims.