The Best Lacrosse Sticks for Kids

Buying Guide

As the fastest-growing high school sport, lacrosse appeals to aspiring athletes of all ages. If your child is thinking about getting started in lacrosse, you’ll need some basic equipment, including protective gear like a helmet and shoulder pads.

But the most crucial item you’ll buy for your younger athlete is the lacrosse stick. This will be the tool your player uses to catch the ball and toss it into the goal. While a player will hone his skills over time, the right stick can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider when you’re choosing a lacrosse stick.

First, it’s important to know that the type of stick varies from one position to another. An offensive player will use a shorter stick (40 to 42 inches), while defensive players need a longer one (up to 72 inches). For goalies, the length of the stick doesn’t matter as much as the size of the head. A goalie’s stick will have a wider head than those of other players.

The head of the lacrosse stick is worth noting, as well. While the head may vary in width, they all have mesh designed to catch the ball. This mesh varies in tightness and softness, but some find that a mesh that has more “give,” which makes it easier to catch the ball.

For younger players or beginners, a lighter, shorter stick will typically be better. These players need to get more comfortable maneuvering the ball on the field, and this can be a great way to practice. Once your young athlete joins a team, though, regulations may dictate that the stick be a certain length. Either way, youth lacrosse players will typically graduate to a longer stick as they grow.

Some lacrosse sticks feature a textured handle to make grip easier. This can be a great way to keep the head exactly at the angle you want during intense gameplay. Lacrosse sticks come in a variety of builds, and players tend to prefer one over others. You’ll find sticks made of titanium, scandium, alloys or carbon fiber composite. Aluminum is more lightweight, while composite shafts don’t tend to absorb the temperature as much, which comes in handy if you’re playing in extremely cold or hot conditions.

There are some regulations to keep in mind if your player is joining a team. Look for a NFHS head for youth lacrosse. NCAA heads are for NCAA play only. The side portion of the head can’t be more than 2 inches tall and the pocket of the stick must pass the ball test. You’ll have to be able to put the ball in the pocket without the top edge overshooting the lowermost edge of the sidewall.

• Lacrosse is a fun game to play, but there is a learning curve. For best results, get your young player a stick as early as possible, and practice throwing against a wall repeatedly to get comfortable with catching and throwing.
• The length and circumference of the stick play an integral role in how much control the player has on the field. Shorter, thinner sticks tend to offer greater control.
• Standards are essential in team sports. Whether your player is joining a youth team or a high school team, or playing in another organized environment, research the standards to make sure you buy the right stick on the first try.
• Although a deep pocket can make it easier to catch the ball, if the pocket is too deep, you could find it tougher to control things. The good news is, many pockets can be adjusted to fit your own preferences. Players who tend to pass the ball over farther distances generally find that a shallower pocket gives more of a boost.
• You don’t have to rely on the pocket that comes with your stick. In fact, often a professionally restrung head will give you much better results. Your coach will probably inspect your strings at the start of the season and require you to restring the heads if they aren’t up to par. Check with your coach or other parents for recommendations on a restringing service in your area.
• For new players, a more lightweight stick may be easier to control.
• There are shorter sticks that are designed specifically for the youngest players. Look for one that is a scaled-down version of the sticks used by older players.
• Many pockets need to be broken in before official practices and games. This simply requires throwing a few times, adjusting the strings, then throwing again until you find the control level you like.
• Not all lacrosse players want a game-quality lacrosse stick. You may just want one for throwing the ball back and forth in the backyard. You can find more recreational sticks, which usually include a ball in the package.
• In the early days, a stick with a wider head can make it easier to master the basics. You can then graduate to one with a narrower head as your skills improve.
• Lacrosse season kicks off in the cold winter months, with practice usually starting up in January. Since signups often take place in the fall, consider buying your stick then. As the calendar year draws to a close, it may be more difficult to find the stick you want.