The Best Girls’ Lacrosse Stick

Considered America’s first sport, lacrosse remains popular among youth across the country. It takes practice and skill to pass, catch and scoop the ball, but the equipment plays a big role in lacrosse.

The stick players use, called the crosse, needs to be lightweight enough to maneuver while still being sturdy enough to handle a ball hitting the net at a fast speed. The net should also be firmly attached to the stick so that it remains intact through many games.

If your child is playing girls’ lacrosse, it’s important to note the differences between the way boys’ and girls’ games are played in the sport. The biggest difference is in the sticks that are used. That boys’ stick your neighbor or friend is giving away won’t work for your girl player because of the pockets at the head of the stick.

Girls are prohibited from having the deep pockets in their sticks that boys are allowed. Those deeper pockets make boys’ games a little more aggressive since boys are allowed to catch and toss the ball. Girls’ games use a different technique, cradling the ball rather than catching it. With a girls’ stick, the measure is where the ball sits when it’s in the pocket. The top of the ball must be above the sidewall. You’ll also find restrictions in the type of material used in the pocket. Girls are limited to traditional leather stringing, while boys can have either the traditional build or a mesh pocket.

One benefit of having a girl lacrosse player in your household versus a boy is that you won’t need as much protective gear. Girls need only a mouthguard and goggles, while boys have to wear full protective equipment, including a helmet, shoulder pads and elbow pads. This is due to the full-body contact that’s seen with boys’ games and not with girls’.

There are some other notable differences with girls’ games that have little to do with the stick you’ll buy. It’s still nice to note them, though, especially if you’re used to standing on the sidelines of your boy’s lacrosse games. The field size for girls’ games is actually larger, at 120 yards by 70 yards. Boys play on a field that’s 110 by 60 yards in size.

As for that body contact that requires more protective gear, body checking is allowed in boys’ lacrosse. Body contact is allowed between shoulders and waist in boys’ lacrosse, as long as one of the players making that contact has the ball. Girls can only make contact with their stick—no body-to-body contact allowed.

• Newer players should look for a stick that has a wider head and a lightweight shaft. This will give them the flexibility they need as they learn and perfect their gameplay. As they progress, they can look into a heavier stick or one with a smaller head.
• Some sticks come with pockets that are soft enough to go straight to training. But you may still want to try out the stick a while before playing. The pocket softens up over time.
• The age of the player is essential when you’re shopping for a lacrosse stick. A younger player will need a lighter weight stick than one who is older. In youth sports, you may be allowed to cut the shaft so that it’s easier for younger girls to use. Some retailers even offer this service. If you choose to cut your player’s lacrosse stick, make sure you check regulations.
• If you have younger players who want to play for fun in the backyard, you can get away with sticks that aren’t quite as durable. Make sure you also purchase a ball to go with it. For real gameplay or use in a school environment, you may need to invest in sticks that are built to last.
• Stick requirements also vary by the position your lacrosse player will be holding on the field. A goalie’s stick can be longer.
• Girls’ lacrosse sticks can come in a variety of materials. Titanium alloy and carbon fiber are on the lighter end, making them popular with younger players. It’s important to note that if you opt for a heavier stick, some materials are better than others. An aluminum alloy stick works well in warmer weather, but as the temperature drops, you may find your player needs gloves to handle the stick, which begins to take on a chill, making it tough to hold.
• As you’re shopping for sticks, don’t just look at the build of the stick itself. Pay close attention to the grip. Sticks that have a grip pattern will give your player more control but maneuvering the stick from one position to another can be easier if your stick slips around more in your hands.
• One tool that can come in handy as your player gets more serious about lacrosse is some grip tape. This will allow you to try different grip patterns to help find a player’s personal preferences.
• Before your child joins a team, have your player’s name permanently imprinted somewhere on the stick. No matter how unique you think the stick you’ve chosen is, you’ll be surprised how hard it becomes to find once it gets combined with dozens of others.
• A piece of tape one-third of the way down the shaft can help a novice player remember where to place the top hand during throwing and cradling. Over time, this will become more instinctive, eliminating the need to have that tape.