Types of Lacrosse Sticks for Men and Women

Choosing the right lacrosse stick isn’t just about brand or price, it directly impacts how well you play. From stickhandling and passing to shot accuracy and defensive control, the type of stick you use can elevate your performance, or hold it back.

According to US Lacrosse rules, stick design, length, and pocket depth vary significantly based on position and gender. For example, a legal men's defensive stick can reach up to 72 inches, while women's sticks are much shorter and come with strict pocket regulations. These differences aren’t minor, they shape how the game is played at every level.

A stick that’s too long, too heavy, or has the wrong head can make even basic skills harder to master. On the flip side, using the right type of stick builds confidence, improves ball control, and helps players focus on gameplay instead of fighting their gear.

For beginners and experienced athletes alike, understanding the types of lacrosse sticks, and how they differ between men’s and women’s games, is the first step in making a smart purchase. Let’s break down the options by position to help you find the perfect fit.

Main Types of Lacrosse Sticks by Position

The best stick for any player depends heavily on their role on the field. Each position has distinct demands, speed, reach, control, or shot-blocking, and the stick's design needs to reflect that. Let’s take a position-by-position look at how stick types vary for both men’s and women’s lacrosse.

Attack/Midfield Sticks

Attackers and midfielders rely on quick handling, sharp passes, and tight dodges. That’s why their sticks are designed to be lightweight and responsive.

Key features:

• Shorter shaft: Typically 30 inches (plus head), allowing faster movement and tighter control
• Narrow head: Designed for precision passing and quick releases
• Lightweight materials: Carbon fiber or alloy shafts reduce fatigue and increase speed

Men’s version:
Men's attack/midfield sticks often include mesh pockets, which create a defined sweet spot for cradling and shooting. These pockets help with control and hold, especially during physical play.

Women’s version:
Women’s sticks follow different rules. Their heads use minimal pockets with traditional stringing, offering less ball hold but faster ball release. Women's shaft remains shorter, like the men’s shafts, but with thinner dimensions and different grip textures to accommodate hand placement and play style.

Defense & Long Pole Sticks

Defensive players, especially long stick midfielders (LSMs) and close defenders, use longer sticks built for reach and disruption.

Key features:

• Shaft length: Between 52 and 72 inches (including head)
• Extended reach: Ideal for poke checks, interceptions, and covering more field space
• Heavier weight: Offers more force during checks, but requires strength and control

Men’s version:
Men’s long poles allow full use of the 72-inch limit. The added length and weight make them powerful tools in the hands of experienced defenders.

Women’s version:
Women’s field lacrosse doesn’t use long poles. Defenders use standard-length sticks but rely more on footwork, positioning, and stick control due to stricter checking rules.

Goalie Sticks

Goalies use a completely different stick than field players. Their gear is tailored for reaction speed and clearing accuracy.

Key features:

• Wider head: Up to 12 inches across to cover more goal area
• Variable shaft length: Can be anywhere from 40 to 72 inches, based on preference
• Flexible head shape: Designed for catching, deflecting, and scooping shots

Men’s version:
 Men’s goalie sticks often come with deep mesh pockets for better ball retention and more power during outlet passes. Many goalies customize the shaft length to balance control and clearing range. Men's goalie stringing. 

Women’s version:
Women’s goalie sticks follow similar specifications but typically use shallow pockets, following broader women’s equipment rules. That means quicker releases, but with less lacrosse ball hold, which impacts how goalies pass out of the crease.

Complete Lacrosse Sticks vs. Custom Builds

Not every player needs to build a stick from scratch. Some are better off starting with a stick that’s ready to use straight out of the box, while others may want to fine-tune every part. Understanding the difference between complete lacrosse sticks and custom builds will help you choose the right option for your level, goals, and style of play.

What Is a Complete Lacrosse Stick?

A complete lacrosse stick is a pre-assembled unit that includes both the head and shaft. It’s strung, legal, and game-ready.

This type of stick is:

• Ideal for beginners who are still learning the basics
• Popular among youth players who need something reliable without customization
• Convenient for players who want to skip the setup and focus on playing

Complete sticks are available for every position and follow all standard rules, so you don’t need to worry about legal compliance. Most come with a factory-strung head, making them a good fit for anyone not yet familiar with custom stringing or materials.

Pros & Cons of Complete Sticks vs. Custom Setup

Custom builds are preferred by intermediate and advanced players who want a stick tailored to their position, technique, and comfort. They often select shafts based on grip or weight and choose heads with specific scoop shapes or pocket styles. Players who string their own heads also benefit from more control over shot accuracy and hold.

If you're just starting out or want a no-hassle option that gets you on the field quickly, a complete stick is the way to go. But if you’re moving up in competition or want more control over how your stick performs, building a custom setup is worth the investment.

Choosing the Right Type of Lacrosse Stick

Finding the right lacrosse stick isn't just about your position, it’s about matching your equipment to your playing style, level, and comfort. Whether you’re buying your first stick or upgrading for competitive play, use this guide to make a smart decision based on what actually matters on the field.

Age and Skill Level

Different stages of play call for different setups. Here’s what to prioritize based on experience:

• Youth players (under 13): Stick length and weight should match the player’s size. Go with a complete stick that’s easy to control and built to legal youth specs. Focus on comfort over performance features.
• High school athletes: By this level, players start specializing. Choose position-specific sticks. Custom setups can make sense for those on competitive teams.
• College and adult players: Most serious players at this level use custom builds to fine-tune performance. A well-balanced shaft and personalized pocket can make all the difference.

Position-Specific Needs

Stick features change dramatically by position:

• Attack/Midfield: Look for a shorter, lighter stick (around 40–42 inches) with a quick-release head. Prioritize control and agility.
  Tip: If you’re just starting out as a midfielder, start with a complete stick that feels balanced and has decent hold.
• Defense/LSM: Go with a long pole (52–72 inches) for reach and checking. Heavier shafts are common, but find one that still lets you move freely. For high school defenders, test a few shaft lengths before settling on the full 72 inches.
• Goalies: Choose a wider head for blocking and a shaft length that feels comfortable for clears. Goalies vary more than any other position when it comes to preference.

Men’s vs. Women’s Stick Requirements

Don’t assume sticks are interchangeable across genders. They’re not.

• Women’s sticks follow stricter rules around pocket depth and head shape. Most come with minimal pockets and rely more on precise handling than power.
• Men’s sticks allow mesh pockets, more shooting strings, and deeper pockets, offering stronger hold and power in dodges and shots.

If you're shopping for a youth player, make sure the stick aligns with the league's gender-specific rules.

Match Stick Features to Your Playing Style

• Fast-paced offensive players: Choose a stick that emphasizes quick passes and fast releases. Narrow heads with defined pockets help.
• Strategic defenders: Go for longer shafts and durable heads that hold up during physical play.
• Utility players (middies who play both sides): Balance is key. You’ll need a stick that handles transition play smoothly, without sacrificing control.

Before you buy, ask yourself a few questions:

• Are you new to the sport, or refining advanced skills?
• Do you want to customize, or just get started quickly?
• Is your stick legal for your age group, position, and league?

Once you’ve locked in answers, choosing the right type becomes a lot easier. In the final section, we’ll recap the key points and show you where to find reliable, position-specific sticks for your level.

Final Thoughts & Where to Buy Quality Lacrosse Sticks

Choosing the right lacrosse stick isn't just a gear decision, it's a performance decision. Each position, playing style, and skill level demands something different. Whether you're on offense, defending, or minding the crease, the right stick gives you an edge. And the differences between men’s and women’s lacrosse sticks go far beyond appearance, they affect control, legal compliance, and overall gameplay.

If you’re a new player, a complete lacrosse stick offers a simple, affordable starting point. For more advanced players, custom setups provide better control and more room for personal preferences. Either way, the best choice always comes down to fit, both physical and strategic.

At lacrosseballstore.com, you'll find a wide selection of expert-approved sticks for every position and player type. Whether you need a stick for youth league play, high school competition, or college-level performance, you can browse confidently by position, gender, or skill level.