I love my lacrosse stick.
But, finding that love did not come easily. I did not find
my stick overnight or pick it up by happenstance at a yard sale. I put time and
dedication into researching just the right lacrosse stick for me.
And, I found it. Light Blue DeBeer Tempest Pro. Angled head
and shaft for better scooping. Tight stick head and angled/deeper pockets for more efficient
cradling. Gripper track for accurate
shooting. Made by one of the most trusted brands in womens lacrosse! Bought at a LaxWorld Store in Maryland.
Did I mention I LOVE my stick?
Purchasing a lacrosse stick is a commitment. Once you
purchase a stick, you will be playing with that stick in every game and
practice you participate in until you choose to replace it (or when it breaks…hey, lacrosse can be a violent sport...). When considering purchasing a
lacrosse stick, there are three basic components of the stick to access:
Handling, Angles, and Shooting Capability.
Handling: Handling
includes any feature of the stick that affects the player's ability to cradle or throw the
ball. These features can include stick weight, head shape, shaft shape, and pocket
depth. For a beginner, look for a stick with a wider lacrosse head design for
easier catching. At that level, weight, shaft shape, and pocket depth do not
matter as much. Actually catching the ball does!
Brine Beginner Girl's Lacrosse Stick
For a moderate or
advanced player, the feel of the stick matters. I prefer a stick with a little
more weight to it, because I can feel its angle at all times. Without looking
at it, I can feel if my stick may be too far out when I cradle (and thus, in
danger of being checked). I can also feel if my stick is level just before I
shoot. I also prefer a stick with a tight
head. It is slightly harder to catch with but the tighter control of the ball while
cradling is of greater value in a competitive league. For any lacrosse player, the deeper the
pocket, the greater the control while cradling and the harder it is to be
checked. I looked for the stick that could get me the deepest pocket I could
legally have in a women’s game.
Guys Lacrosse Stick |
Girls Lacrosse Stick |
Angles: Certain
advanced sticks have the shaft and/or the edge of the stick head angled for better ground ball control. When the stick is strictly flat, a player has
to reach lower to the ground to retrieve a ball on the ground. When the shaft
is angled backward and the tip of the of head is angled slightly forward, a
player does not have stoop as far, and thus, does not have to reduce speed to
quickly and efficiently pick up a ground ball.
DeBeer Tempest Pro
Shooting Capability:
For any lacrosse player, shooting and passing capability are essential. Though the
design of your stick will not magically make you a better shooter, certain
features of your stick can add to the skills you have already developed. Always
ensure you have solid shooting strings on your stick. For a girls stick, look
for gripper tracks. These tracks give the lacrosse ball a shoot to run down as
you propel your stick forward. The added traction and direction allow the player
to truly whip the ball, and whip it straight! For a guys stick, the flexibility
of your mesh, the way you string your stick, and the shape your mold your
pocket affect how you throw. Guys will typically try to mold their pockets to channel the ball down the middle of their stick both when they catch and when they throw.
The amount that these components matter to any individual player will differ, so make sure to try and test the stick you that are considering in person. Do your research online and then try to visit a local sports or lacrosse store to get the feel of a particular lacrosse stick.
If you have any further questions about what to look for when purchasing a lacrosse stick, feel free to comment below!
If you have any further questions about what to look for when purchasing a lacrosse stick, feel free to comment below!
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