Stick Materials
Lacrosse sticks, also known as crosses, come in a variety of materials. The most common materials used are aluminum, composite and wood. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages that can impact performance.
Aluminum sticks are very lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice. However, they do not have much flex which can make it harder to cradle and pass the ball smoothly. Composite sticks attempt to combine the best of both aluminum and wood - they are lightweight like aluminum but with some flex similar to wood. This makes them quite versatile but they tend to be more expensive. Wooden sticks have natural flex which allows for easy cradling and passing skills. However, they are heavier and less durable when compared to other materials.
Head Designs
The head, which is the triangular shaped netting at the end of the Lacrosse Sticks used to catch and throw the ball, also varies in design. Traditional heads have narrow throats which can make catching and throwing tighter and quicker but harder to control. Medium heads offer more control while still maintaining speed. Finally, wide heads are easiest to catch and throw with but are slower. Attackmen usually prefer narrow or medium heads for their style of play while midfielders and defenders opt for medium or wide heads.
String Patterns
String pattern refers to how tight or loose the crossings of strings are inside the head netting. A tighter string pattern provides more ball control and passing accuracy at the expense of weigh and ball pocket depth. Conversely, a looser pattern creates a deeper pocket for holding the ball but with less control. Most players start with a medium tension string and then customize tighter or looser as their preference and style of play develops. For attackmen and midfielders, a tighter top string with looser side and bottom strings is a popular combination.
Shaft Customization
While the head and string pattern are important for ball handling, the shaft of the stick plays a big role in the overall feel and performance. Shafts nowadays come in different lengths, flex profiles, material composition and sidewall designs. Length is determined by individual height and position with shorter being generally for attack and longer for midfielders and defense. Flex profile options range from soft to stiff- an softer flex allows for more power in shooting and passing while a stiffer flex provides better accuracy over distance. Some shafts use composite mixes or wooden cores to fine tune the flex characteristics. Finally, vented or solid sidewalls affect the overall weight and balance tuning of the stick. It is recommended to test different shaft customization options to dial into the perfect stick for playing style and position.
Grip Preferences
The grip area where players hold the stick is available in various styles, textures and sizes. Some popular grip designs are straight, rocket, concave and convex shapes. Harder versus softer durometer grips impact friction and tackiness. In terms of size, midsize and large grips accommodate most hands but attackmen may prefer smaller grips for increased feel and control. Finally, wrap preferences include traditional leather, braided mesh and newly designed tacky rubber materials. Finding a grip that fits well in the palm provides maximum comfort and stick placement repeatability on the field.
Practice Drills and Stringing Tips
Once a lacrosse stick is procured, consistent practice is paramount to improving all stick skills including throwing, catching, cradling, shooting and scooping. Basic individually focused drills involve repetitive wall ball hitting, mirror catching, target shooting and various stick handling footwork circuits. For more advanced feedback, partner and group passing drills are excellent for processing speed and developing stick IQ in live field situations.
A well-strung stick makes practice more enjoyable and skills more refined. When restringing, make sure to apply proper tension levels to each part of the head using a tensioning gun or decent hand strength. Check for evenly spaced diamond shapes and no sagging pockets. Lightly spray on adhesive and wipe away excess to lock in place. Finally, periodically check for loose or broken strings that need mending for safety and performance. With the right stick set up and focused training, players will see rapid improvements carrying over to real games.
With quality sticks, shafts, heads and grips now made for all positions and play styles, finding the perfect match is attainable with some trial and error. Consider individual physiology, experience level and preferences when selecting stick components. Focus dedicated practice with a properly strung stick to vastly improve passing, shooting, dodging and defensive skills over time. Commitment to the small technique details will lead to big results on the field for any lacrosse player.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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