The lacrosse stick is an essential piece of equipment for the lacrosse player, and the type of stick you buy depends on a number of factors, including your position, skill level, and gender.

• Types of sticks
• Men's
• Women's
• Kids'
• Anatomy of a lacrosse stick
• Handle
• Pocket
• Shooting strings
• Proper stick length according to position

Types of sticks

Lacrosse sticks come in a variety of lengths and styles according to position and type of game played, with cost and durability as additional factors.

Men's

• Men's sticks generally have an aluminum handle
• All manufacturers now make more technically advanced sticks made of aluminum, graphite or even titanium
• These styles are generally more lightweight and durable than wood sticks, but more expensive
• Men use either a traditional or meshpocket depending on their position and playing style

Women's

• Women's sticks have either a wood or aluminum handle
• Wood sticks, like wooden baseball bats, are prone to damage and breaking
• These sticks utilize a traditional pocket
• The head on a women's stick is 1 inch above the center stop
• The head has an overall length of 10-12 inches
• Women's stick pockets are shallower than men's. The pockets must have 4 or 5 leather thongs and no more than 2 shooting strings.

Kids'

• Plastic sticks are primarily used by younger players just learning the sport
• These are lighter, easier to break in and more durable than the models for more advanced players
• They usually utilize a mesh netting
• The plastic stick's pointed mouth makes it easier for younger players to pick up the ball and throw it accurately
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Anatomy of a lacrosse stick

Handles

• The type of handle you buy is very much a matter of preference
• Some players like heavy, thick handles for defensive purposes
• Attacking players generally prefer lighter, rounder handles for better faking and maneuverability
• Some players prefer square shaped handles for a better feel on which way the head is facing

Pocket types

Lacrosse sticks come with either a traditional woven pocket for more experienced players or a mesh pocket for novices. They also can be bought strung or unstrung.

• Traditional pockets
• These consist of nylon laces woven around 4 adjustable strips of leather
• The leather strips can be adjusted to fit any type of shot. They do need to be replaced after repeated use.
• A stiffer pocket is more accurate but gives less control while running and moving
• Mesh pockets
• They are made of a nylon webbing woven into the side of the pocket and require little or no adjustment
• Mesh pockets are looser and give less accuracy on passes and shots, but make it easier to control the ball when running
• These require less maintenance than traditional pockets
• The mesh netting does not control or absorb the ball as well as leather netting
• Goal keepers tend to prefer mesh netting because it reduces rebounds
• Pocket depth
• Pocket depth is mostly a matter of preference and playing style
• Generally, a deeper pocket provides more feel and ball control, while a shallower pocket gives you a quicker release but sacrifices ball control
• Ball-control players who do a lot of short passing should use a fairly deep pocket
• Fast-break players who tend to pass the ball over longer areas should use a shallower pocket
• Overhand shooters should have an average depth pocket (a ball width or less)
• Sidearm and underhand shooters should have depths of a ball or more
• Shooting strings
• Shooting strings, positioned horizontally near the top of the stick's head, affect the ball's balance and direction
• Overhand passers usually put in 3 or 4 shooting strings to make a smooth path for the ball to run out of the pocket. Heavy skate laces are best used for this.
• The shooting strings determine whether your shot will have "whip,"which occurs when the ball is released smoothly and gradually. Experienced players prefer a whippy release.

Proper stick length according to position

The length of your stick depends almost entirely on the position you play.

• Attackers should buy a stick that is close to the minimum length of 30 inches to allow for more control and maneuverability
• Midfielders should buy a slightly longer medium-length stick to allow them to play both offense and defense
• Defenders should use the longest stick they are comfortable with, usually around 60 inches, for greater reach
• Goaltender sticks are generally 42 inches long
• Younger players should make sure they choose a stick that fits them comfortably, regardless of position. It is more important to be able to handle the stick and ball comfortably.
• Women's sticks range only from 36 to 44 inches. The exact length depends on the position--longer (43-44 inches) for defenders, shorter (36 inches) for attackers.