There is a much larger scale of what is considered a legal stick length in men’s lacrosse than there is in women’s lacrosse. Men’s lacrosse allows a field player’s stick to be up to 72 in or 183 cm, while a women’s field lacrosse stick can only be up to 43.5 in or 110 centimeters. However, this doesn’t mean that stick length is less important in women’s lacrosse. Tailoring your stick to your comfortability is a great thing to keep in mind, especially in your first season. As you play, determine if the length you have is a good weight and reach for you. Then switch out whatever it was missing. The key is making sure it’s the tool that helps you the most and interferes the least.
The Rules by Age
The stick rules differ in women’s lacrosse by age. Players under 8 don’t have to follow the rulebook guidelines. This means that you can cut down the stick you buy for the youngsters. If the player is in an 8U league or younger, the shaft should be from the tip of their fingertip to their shoulder. Most young players keep the stick at the length they buy it, however, if they would like more control, or it is simply too long, cutting it down is a good idea.
If you are in a 14U league or above, the range for legal stick length is between 35.5 and 43.25 in or 90 to 110 cm. If you’re a goalie the range extends to 52 in or 132 cm.
Girl’s Lacrosse Stick Length for Offense
In general, attackers use shorter lacrosse sticks because they’re lightweight and more aerodynamic. A shorter stick means being able to switch hands faster or take a faster shot. Because of the lighter weight and shorter length, it has less air to fight in order to move quickly. Longer sticks are easier to track for goalies, so a shorter stick might mean surprising the goalie more often.
A shorter stick also has a few drawbacks. It means a more restricted reach, which might not be a great thing if you play center and need to fight for the ball high in the air. It also means a less intimidating presence in defense, where you might not have the height to intercept any passes over your head. If you’re a taller player who doesn’t need the extra couple inches or you’re an attacker who needs quickness around the goal, a shorter stick might be just the thing for you.
Girl’s Lacrosse Stick Length for Defense
Defenders, on the other hand, normally use sticks that are a bit longer. These sticks provide more of a reach which allows them to pick off passes with ease. With a long stick, your mark against an attacker is more visible to your teammates. It could also provide a slight advantage during ground ball races during a turnover.
As mentioned above, longer sticks do add more weight, which doesn’t help with agility. As a younger or shorter player, it could be a little harder to handle or might seem bulky. The last thing you want is for your stick to be unwieldy. If you’re a shorter player or a defender that wants that extra bit of reach, a long stick would be a great choice!
Why I Loved the Length of My Lacrosse Stick
I started off in lacrosse with a shorter stick, which got longer the longer I played. Having a shorter stick at the beginning helped me get comfortable playing with an extension of my arm. It fit me better because of my shorter height, and I had less weight to move around. As a younger player, it simply helped me get accustomed.
As I played, my stick got longer. I was stronger, so I was able to lug around more weight. It also helped me in terms of reach. I could intercept higher passes or block shots farther away from me. However, I worked my way up to a long stick, so if you’re used to a shorter stick, I might recommend conditioning off the field to get accustomed to a higher weight.
Women’s Lacrosse Stick Length Explained – Wrap Up
Your stick length completely depends on your priorities and preferences. Longer sticks help with reach and being a little more aggressive. While a shorter stick would increase quickness and are a great option for younger or smaller players.