Lacrosse Sticks

A lacrosse stick consists of several crucial components: a metal alloy shaft; the plastic head, which connects to the top of the shaft; and the nylon or leather pocket, which attaches to the plastic head. The shaft is the component that players grip when using the stick. The plastic head is a frame with holes around the sides where the nylon or leather is strung, creating a "pocket" which is used to catch, throw, and hold the ball. Lacrosse heads usually come with a pocket that is pre-strung onto the head.

Lacrosse sticks are generally sold with the shaft and head separate, as shafts and heads are interchangeable and a player can replace either component (shaft or head) of his stick while keeping the other component. Consequently, you usually have to purchase each piece separately and attach them together to create a lacrosse stick. Lacrosse sticks that are sold as one piece (with the head already attached the shaft), are called "complete sticks". Sticks sold as complete lacrosse sticks usually consist of a medium-priced head and a cheaply-priced shaft. Experienced lacrosse players will rarely purchase a complete stick, but complete lacrosse sticks are a great buy for beginners who are just starting to learn about the game.

The soft plastic "butt-end" attaches to the end of the shaft. The butt-end is simply a plastic covering to ensure that the metal edge at the end of the shaft isn't exposed. Players could be badly cut or scraped if the metal edge at the end of the shaft wasn't covered. Butt-ends are a requirement and they come with all lacrosse sticks.