We will address this issue in the latter portions of the article. In order to select the proper lacrosse stick, your first order of business is to establish what lacrosse position you want to play. This way, you can make an informed decision on which position suits you best. Next, you need to know that there are three major parts to the lacrosse stick: the shaft, the head, and the pocket.
Most beginner lacrosse sticks come completely assembled together. However, if you want to completely customize the stick, you will have to buy each part separately.
To learn more about each specific part of the lacrosse stick, click over to my article The Parts of a Lacrosse Stick: An Illustrated Guide. There are two types of lacrosse head sizes: one for regular field players and one for goalkeepers. These two head types are extremely different in size. For your reference, I also included an image below to offer a better indication of what size head to look for.
The standard lengths at which these different types of lacrosse shafts are sold can be found in the table below.
I know tables can only go so far, so I provided a visual for you below so that you could see the difference in shaft sizes for yourself. In the sections below, we will go over each position in detail and summarize the major points of what size lacrosse stick to buy. Attackmen and short stick midfielders play with the shortest lacrosse sticks, as mentioned earlier.
The legal specifications for short stick length in lacrosse is between 40 and 42 inches. It is important that the majority of face-off specialists fall into this category as well.
Short sticks do not have nearly as much flexibility relative to other positions in terms of stick length. They are limited to a narrow 2 inch legal range. Youth players can shorten their stick to 37 inches. However, these shortened sticks are not available for sale. The lacrosse shaft must be physically cut down in order to reduce a stick to a length of 37 inches head and shaft combined.
Defensemen and long stick midfielders use a lacrosse stick that is nearly twice as long as attackmen and normal midfielders. The length of their sticks lie within the range of 52 to 72 inches. Defensemen have a much wider range to work with in terms of legal stick length. Nevertheless, all defense shafts are sold as 60 inch lacrosse shafts. Combined with the head, this makes for a standard long stick length of approximately 70 inches.
Defense shafts do not come in a vast range of stick lengths. For example, you cannot purchase a 43 inch lacrosse shaft or a 59 inch lacrosse shaft.
As a general rule of thumb, a long stick should be about as tall as the player wielding the long stick. Goalkeepers have the most unique stick size of all lacrosse positions given the unorthodox nature of their responsibilities on the field. They require a head with a tremendous amount of surface area so that they can have a fair chance at making saves. This is why the goalie head dimensions are so much larger than regular field heads.
In addition, they have the most flexibility when it comes to stick length. The lacrosse rules committee leaves it up to the goalies to determine whether a short stick or a slightly longer stick suits their goalkeeping ability best. Although goalies are allowed to play with a lacrosse stick that is as long as a defensive stick 72 inches , I personally have never seen a goalie play with a stick that long.
Typically, attack players would want more whip. Skip to content. Some players customize their game with individual heads and shafts. Complete sticks feature both a strung head and the shaft. Attack and midfielders need a short stick measuring between 40 and 42 inches. Defensive and midfield players should try a longer shaft of 52 to 72 inches.
Goalies can have a stick between 40 and 72 inches based on their preference. Youth players need a stick they can handle comfortably. Choose the stick that fits them regardless of position. Most lacrosse shafts are made of aluminum, titanium, scandium, alloys or carbon fiber composite.
They are usually octagonal and some come with texture to provide a better grip. The open end of the hollow shaft must be covered with tape or an end cap made of rubber. The head of the stick is usually attached to the shaft with a screw to keep it in place. There are so many different sizes and variations that it can be daunting. When purchasing a lacrosse shaft, the manufacturer will measure the length of the shaft.
These will be the same lengths as listed in the above image. However, most leagues and tournaments will set their rules on stick lengths based off of the length of the entire stick. This includes the length of the shaft and the head combined. The head is typically 10 inches long.
The attack and midfield stick, or the shortie, is the classic lacrosse stick length. It is short enough to control with ease, but long enough to bring the power when shooting. Attackman and midfielders use short sticks in order to make it easier to stick handle, pick up ground balls, and for better ball security. Youth attackman and midfielders are allowed by rule to cut the shaft to a minimum length of 26 inches. Even though it is allowed to cut down the shaft at the youth level, it is not recommended if the player is gifted with size at a young age.
Think about what is best for the long-term development of the player and consult your coach before altering the size of the shaft. Defensive sticks or d-poles are the great equalizer on the lacrosse field. The longer length allows defenders to keep up with offensive players and take the ball away. There is a variety of opinions about the length of which defensemen should have their defense shafts. Typically the total combined length of the long pole should be the same height as the player.
Generally, the longer the shaft the more reach you will have when posting up on defense. Playing defense is a game of inches, and with a long pole you have the ability to check anyone within 6 feet of you.
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