Lacrosse Stick

Parts of a Lacrosse Stick

The most important gear for a lacrosse player is the lacrosse stick (also called a Crosse). This piece of equipment has two main parts that can be bought separately, the head and the handle that are both being manufactured by lacrosse companies like Gait/Debeer Lacrosse, Shamrock Lacrosse, Warrior Lacrosse, Brine, Corp and STX.

The function of the lacrosse stick head is for handling the ball. Primarily, the lacrosse player uses the head for cradling and throwing the ball. They are usually made from plastic but many players favor the ones made from classic wood. The lacrosse sticks for men and women actually differ from each other. According to US Lacrosse and NCAA rules, the lacrosse stick head that men use should measure at least 6.5 to 10 inches wide and for the goalie, the lacrosse stick may be up to 10 to 15 inches. The sidewalls for men should not be more than 2 inches tall. The pocket of a lacrosse stick can be made from mesh, leather or nylon strings. The pocket of the lacrosse stick is illegal if the top of the ball is located below the bottom of the sidewall when placed at the head.

According to US Lacrosse Rules, the lacrosse sticks for women can measure from 7 to 9 inches wide and should be traditionally strung. The pocket should be made from leather strings because mesh is not allowed. For the goalkeeper, the head of the lacrosse stick may measure up to 12 inches wide and mesh for the pocket is allowed. However, same with the men’s rules, the top of the ball should stay above the sidewall when placed. The heads that women use are often colorful because of customized pockets. They can use leather strings or mesh for goalies that come in different colors.

The handles of lacrosse sticks (also referred as shafts) are often made from hollow metal or composite. The shape is usually octagonal to provide the player a better grip and feel. Lacrosse companies are now developing new types of handles for better grip like the “Kung Fu Grip” built by Warrior. Most handles nowadays are made from aluminum, alloy or titanium. However, some players still use the traditional shafts that are made from wood. The handle’s end of the lacrosse stick should be covered by tape or plug that is made from rubber. The lacrosse stick handles for women are usually shorter compared to men’s in accordance with lacrosse regulations.

For an offensive player, his or her lacrosse stick is often as short as possible and for a defensive player, the lacrosse stick is as long as it is allowed to. This is to allow the defenseman to stay far away from the player that is being covered for defending the goal effectively.