Lacrosse stick parts

 A lacrosse stick has multiple vital parts, from the head and shaft to the mesh. Today, we will go over all of the parts of a lacrosse stick and why they are important for a player. With so many options, it is important to know what each part does. If you want to look at complete lacrosse sticks check out our complete lacrosse sticks page.

In this article, we’ll cover:

A lacrosse stick has three main components, the head, shaft, and mesh. With many different choices for each part, it can definitely be hard to choose the best component for your playstyle. With this guide we will give you the knowledge to pick the appropriate head, shaft, and mesh for your position and playstyle.

Lacrosse stick partsLacrosse stick parts

Lacrosse Head

The lacrosse head is the most important part of a lacrosse stick. It is responsible for everything a player does in lacrosse. From passing and catching to cradling and shooting. Heads are all made with similar materials, but the designs can vary greatly. Some have a tighter face shape for offense, while others are wider for defense. Picking a head designed for your position can make a huge difference on how you perform and how long the head lasts before breaking. 

Parts of the Lacrosse Head Explained

The head of a lacrosse stick has multiple parts to look at when deciding which head is for you. These parts include the face, scoop, sidewalls, struts, and the throat. Starting at the scoop of the head, this is what allows a player to pick up a ground ball. Depending on the head, the scoop may be wider or narrower making ground balls easier or harder. Next up is the sidewall, the shape of the sidewall determines what kind of pocket can be strung into the head. Some heads are designed for high pockets, others for low, and some are designed to be universal. Attached to the sidewalls are the struts, the struts help keep the head stiff. Generally, more struts means the head is stiffer. Normally the defensive heads will be more stiff than the offensive heads. Down towards the bottom of the head is the throat. The throat is what holds the head onto the shaft. Some heads have a shorter throat giving more control. Finally we have the face of the head. This is the shape of the opening where the ball goes, this is what determines what position the head is for. A wider face shape will hold the ball less, but will be better for knocking down passes and picking up balls. While a tighter face shape will make holding the ball much easier.

Lacrosse head partsLacrosse head parts

Lacrosse Mesh (or Pocket)

Mesh is the netting that is strung into a head to form the pocket. Mesh is the ultimate thing to customize in a lacrosse stick. There is traditional mesh as well as 6 and 9-diamond mesh, the diamonds refer to how many holes the mesh has. Players tend to rely on the weatherproof mesh East Coast Dyes and StringKing provide. Unlike the heads and shafts, there is no right or wrong answer to mesh for offense or defense. Mesh is all about feel and preference!   

Lacrosse Shaft

The shaft is what the player holds when playing lacrosse. Shafts come in many different materials such as aluminum, sci-ti, and carbon composite. Generally aluminum shafts are for beginners while sci-ti and carbon composite shafts are for intermediate and advanced players. Shafts also come in different lengths, 30”, 40”, and 60”. 30” is for attack and midfield. 40” is for goalies, and 60” is for defense. Like mesh, shafts are all about feel, shafts will be different weights and have different shapes but it all comes down to player preference and what they are looking for. A defensive middie may look for a heavier, more sturdy shaft while an attackman may want something lighter and more flexible. 

Lacrosse sticks are made for three specific positions, attack, defense, and goalie. Within those three categories are a plethora of options for youth to pro players. If you want to learn more about the different lacrosse sticks check out our new “Types of Lacrosse Sticks” article! 

What is a shaft on a lacrosse stick?

The shaft is what the player holds when playing lacrosse. Shafts come in many different materials such as aluminum, sci-ti, and carbon composite. Generally, aluminum shafts are for beginners while sci-ti and carbon composite shafts are for intermediate and advanced players.

What is the stick part of a lacrosse stick called?

“Stick” can refer to the shaft or the entire complete product itself.

What is the end of a lacrosse stick called?

The end of the stick is called the butt or the end cap. These can be rubber or hard plastic and are normally taped on.

What makes a boys' lacrosse stick illegal?

Having a pocket that is too deep or holds the ball too much can make a stick illegal. Also, improper length can be deemed illegal.

What are the parts of a girls' lacrosse stick?

A women’s lacrosse stick and men’s lacrosse stick are identical. Both have a head, shaft, and mesh.

Why are boy's lacrosse sticks deeper than girls?

Boy's lacrosse sticks have a deeper pocket because the rules allow them to. Girls use a shallower pocket because their rules involve much less contact and require more finesse than boys' lacrosse.

LacrosseMonkey has you covered for all of your lacrosse part needs. Whether it's heads, shafts, or mesh you can find what you're looking for here! Also if you want an already assembled complete stick, we have plenty of options for all levels and positions.