Goalies also have been known to need extra length to intercept passes that go across the crease. On the other hand, some goalies like to have short shafts to minimize weight in order to increase their reaction time. For a quick reference, check out our chart below. It consolidates the best length for each position and age. There are several reasons why you might need to cut a lacrosse shaft, but the most common reason is to make it more appropriate for your own height.
Before cutting down the lacrosse shaft, the customer should have an understanding for what position they would like to play. Check out the above stick size chart to find the best stick length for you. First, decide which end of the shaft is more beneficial for you to cut.
If you are recycling an old damaged long pole, then it would be better to cut off the damaged area. Once you have chosen a side, measure the shaft to the preferred length twice without the head and mark it by wrapping a piece of tape around the desired area. Make sure to have the edge of the tape match the exact mark you measure. The tape is there to use as a guide and help you cut a straight line.
Here at Monkey Sports, Safety is our number one priority and that is why we recommend using a vise to keep the lacrosse shaft in place while cutting. Attack and midfielders need a short stick measuring between 40 and 42 inches. Defensive and midfield players should try a longer shaft of 52 to 72 inches. Goalies can have a stick between 40 and 72 inches based on their preference. Youth players need a stick they can handle comfortably. Choose the stick that fits them regardless of position.
Most lacrosse shafts are made of aluminum, titanium, scandium, alloys or carbon fiber composite. They are usually octagonal and some come with texture to provide a better grip. The open end of the hollow shaft must be covered with tape or an end cap made of rubber. The head of the stick is usually attached to the shaft with a screw to keep it in place. Choosing the shaft material comes down to personal preference.
Pros: The standard 70 inch length of long sticks can be extremely difficult to manage, especially for lacrosse players that have yet to reach their full development. It can be troublesome to land forceful stick checks with precision with such a long, clumsy stick. Some defensemen see a noticeable improvement in their game performance when they trim down their lacrosse shaft. Cons: The problem is that the whole purpose of playing with a long stick as a defenseman is that it provides an extra cushion against ball carriers.
The additional length of the stick allows defenders to pressure opponents from a safe distance. Decreasing the length of the shaft takes away from this defensive advantage. So although certain players may benefit from cutting down their shaft, other players may see their performance suffer.
Also, it is imperative that the shaft is not trimmed too short when performing a manual cut. If you accidentally make a mistake during the cut down, you may end up having to fork over another hefty sum of cash to get a new long pole. Last up on the list is goalies.
Since goalies have the most flexible range of stick length, they are typically the ones who cut down their lacrosse stick the most. Pros: If any position should cut down their lacrosse stick, it should be the goalie. The reason is that goalies thrive on split second reflexes to make saves on oncoming shots. Reducing the weight of the lacrosse shaft by trimming it down may help them get their stick to the ball a fraction of a second quicker. Ultimately, this could mean the difference between a save and a goal.
As aforementioned, shafts are only sold at three fixed lengths. In order for a goalie to feel the most comfortable in the cage, having a custom length shaft is a must. Cons: Figuring out the ideal shaft length as a goalie can be a tedious process, especially as a beginner. In addition, cutting down a lacrosse shaft takes a considerable amount of effort in and of itself.
If you lack experience in this area which many lacrosse goalies do , there is a high risk that you may end up making a jagged cut at the wrong location. After reading through the pros and cons listed above, you may have decided that cutting down your lacrosse shaft makes the most sense for you. To cut down your lacrosse shaft in the most safe and productive manner possible, I have outlined a step-by-step guide below.
As a disclaimer, cutting down your lacrosse shaft does involve the use of sharp tools. You should cut down your lacrosse shaft with someone who is experienced with these tools to minimize the risk of injury. Next, you will need to attack the shaft and head together.
Use the tape measure to measure the exact length that you want your lacrosse stick to be. If you don't have the time or the resources to get a PT yourself, there are plenty of online courses that will make an impact on your learning curve. One good example is the one featuring Rob Pannell, where he shares pro tips on different aspects of the sport: conditioning, mental preparation and fundamentals of the game. If you want to take a look, click the following link: Players Academy.
Overall, the position of a d-pole can be quite stressful. The longer stick used by this position is no accident. Lacrosse is intense and being a d-pole can be taxing. If you are up for a challenge and want to play one of the hardest positions in lacrosse, then I say go for it. Get to your local shop and find someone to help you pick out the best stick for the job. Patience will be key when it comes to learning the position, so make sure that you are practicing that as well. If you are looking for inspiration beyond the most popular sports in the world, then you have come to the right place.
Image Credits: Pixabay. Defense in lacrosse is arguably one of the most important aspects of the game. Without a solid defense, it becomes much harder to win games and give your team confidence.
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