• Offset - angle at which the front of the head is curved if viewing it from the side; a full-offset head maximizes control and feel whereas non-offset (no curve) or mid-offset heads are recommended for beginners for learning how to throw properly.
• Scoop - the top part of the lacrosse head used to "scoop" up the ball.
• Throat - the width between the lower curved part of the head, where the ball pass through to catch the ball in the stick.
• Pocket - the stringing or mesh in the head of the stick that catches, holds and directs the ball when passing or shooting.
• Legal Pocket - The entire Circle of the ball cannot be seen in the pocket from a side view of the head. If the entire ball can be seen then the pocket is Illegal.
• Shooting Strings - The strings towards the top of the head, usually Hockey Lace or Nylon strings are used. Helps controls the ball release and whip out of the stick when throwing.
• V-Pocket - A V-Shape String located right in the middle of the head around the pocket, usually Hockey Lace. Helps keep the ball in your pocket for more ball control when cradling. 
• Sidewall Strings -  Nylon strings on both sides of the head that run along the bottom rail of the Sidewall. These strings determine the depth of your pocket.
• Sidewall - either side of a lacrosse stick head.
• Whip - the amount of downward direction in the balls path coming out of the stick onan overhead shot or pass as a result of contact with the shooting strings.

 

 

MAKING SURE YOUR STICK IS READY

 

If you spend enough time and energy making sure your stick is throwing, catching, and shooting correctly, you will discover a world a difference in how you play lacrosse. Making sure your stick is Strung Correctly and learning how to make adjustments yourself once your stick is strung is the one of the best things to know. Sticks change the way they throw and catch all the time with weather and other conditions (Streching, knots come undone or strings break) which makes you always have to re-adjust your stick to make sure it is throwing/shooting and catching the way you like it. Ask friends and other players what works for them and how to make adjustments to your stick.

Player's will never reach their full potential in lacrosse if they do not put time into understanding the physics and maintenance of a lacrosse stick. Understanding the personal connection between the individual's throwing motion, the material in the stick, along with the ball are so important. It can make all the difference. Playing lacrosse with a bad stick is like trying to dribble a flat basketball or like trying to play baseball with a tree branch instead of a bat. Not even a good player can overcome the limits of an uncared for stick. Time and care must be shown to your stick to make all the difference in your game. Your stick is your weapon in lacrosse, making sure your weapon is accurate and ready-to-go is what makes a good player, along with a lot of practice on the wall.

HAVE YOU CUT YOUR STICK YET??

Most youth players do not know to cut the shaft of their sticks. Most purchased Sticks when put together measure about 41" to 42", from the top/scoop end of the head to the butt-end of the shaft.  Cutting the shaft close to the minimum length is the best thing for short stick player at young a age, due to their size. It makes learning and using stick skills so much easier.  Defensive players can cut their shafts a little if it allows them to control their stick better, until they get bigger, minimum would be 52". As each player grows in size a longer stick will be needed. Older players use a Defensive length of around 70" to 72".

In PAL League, Stick Length-

• 2nd Grade: 33" - 42" only

   

• 3rd & 4th Grade: 35” - 42” only

• 5th & 6th Grade: 35”- 42” plus 3 long stick 52”- 60” (Nothing in between)

To cut the Shaft of the Stick, Remove the plastic or rubber butt-end off the end of the shaft. Then Measure with a measure tape, from the top/scoop end of the head to the end of the shaft (butt-end) See the Diagram Below. Make a Mark at your desired length and make your cut using a Metal Hack Saw, Be sure to have a Parent Cut or assist you with cutting your stick. Once your stick is cut, use sand paper to clean up any rough metal on the end of your shaft. Now place your butt-end on the bottom of your shaft, Use Tape to secure the butt-end, if it is loose. ** The butt-end will add another 1/4 to 1/2 Inch. So if you want your stick at around 40" Make your Mark at exacly 40", Cut, then place your butt-end on and you will be at a safe legal length of 40 and 1/4 Inches. **