Lacrosse Sticks
A lacrosse stick (or "crosse") has two parts: the head and the shaft. Length depends on game and position — men's field attackers/midfielders use 40–42", defenders up to 72", while women's field sticks run about 35.5–43.25" with a shallower pocket. Box lacrosse sticks follow their own length rules. Match your stick to your game (men's field, women's field, or box) and position before buying.
The lacrosse sticks that you choose can have a major impact on how well you play. Make sure that you know how to choose the right stick for you and go with a trusted, high quality brand.
Best Lacrosse Sticks for Your Game
Anatomy of Lacrosse Sticks
Head
Lacrosse heads are available strung or unstrung. Heads come with differing face shapes, throat widths, and scoop angles to match the players position and ability.
Advanced players may prefer to use either an off-set or non off-set lacrosse stick head. Off-set heads catch and release the ball higher in the head, which results in more accuracy, precision, and speed. Non off-set heads have a more dramatically angled scoop, which helps to improve control. Off-set heads are recommended for midfielders and attackers, while non off-set heads are often preferred by defenders.
Shaft
The shaft of a lacrosse stick is usually made from metal alloys and carbon composites to ensure that they are strong but lightweight. Shafts come in different lengths, depending on players’ position and preference.
Best Lengths for Different Players
The length of the lacrosse stick you choose will be different depending on the position that you play or your personal preferences. Generally in men’s lacrosse, midfielders and attackers use a shorter stick, typically 40 to 42 inches long, while defense players will use a longer stick of 52 to 72 inches in length. Goalies can use lacrosse sticks ranging from 40 to 72 inches, depending on their personal preference.
Most of the time in women’s lacrosse, stick length does not differ by position.
Lacrosse Stick Length by Position
In men's field lacrosse, attackers and midfielders use sticks measuring 40–42 inches, defenders use longer sticks up to 72 inches, and goalies may use 40–72 inches. In women's field lacrosse, stick length does not typically change by position. Match the length to both the game you play and your position. Browse complete sticks.
Women's Lacrosse Sticks: What's Different
According to USA Lacrosse, a women's field stick measures roughly 35.5 to 43.25 inches, with no position-based length difference, unlike the men's game. Women's sticks use a shallow pocket: with a ball seated and pressure applied, the top of the ball must remain above the top of the sidewall — a stricter rule than in men's lacrosse. Women's field players are also required to wear eye protection meeting the ASTM F3077 standard. These differences exist because the women's game restricts body and stick contact, so sticks are lighter with shallower pockets, whereas the men's game allows checking and permits longer sticks with deeper pockets. Shop complete sticks and protective gear.
Box vs Field Lacrosse Sticks
Under Canadian Lacrosse Association rules, a box lacrosse stick measures 40 to 46 inches overall and 4½ to 8 inches wide, and in Pee Wee and lower divisions the minimum stick length is 34 inches. Box lacrosse also requires a helmet with a CSA-approved facemask and chinstrap, a mouthguard, gloves, shoulder or vest pads and rib pads, and shoes with metal spikes are not allowed. Box sticks are typically shorter and more maneuverable for the tighter indoor game, while field sticks are longer. Shop lacrosse shafts and lacrosse protective gear, or see lacrosse helmets.
Visit our Lacrosse Store
In addition to an array of lacrosse sticks, MVP carries everything else that you need to fully prepare yourself for practice and game play.
Lacrosse Sticks for Men & Women
Shop our selection of complete lacrosse sticks for every player. We carry goalie sticks, defense sticks, junior sticks, intermediate sticks, and more.
Find strung and unstrung lacrosse heads from popular brands including Maverick, Warrior, StringKing, Epoch, STX, Nike, and more in our lacrosse store.
Our selection of lacrosse shafts include alloy and carbon for attack or defense. We also carry shafts suited for Box Lacrosse.
Keep yourself safe with quality, comfortable lacrosse protective gear from the most popular brands. At MVP, we carry helmets, shoulder pads, kidney pads, arm guards, elbow guards, bicep pads, wrist guards, and gloves in adult and youth sizes.
Cleats are essential to give players enough traction in order to move quickly and turn suddenly during gameplay, as well as to prevent slipping and reduce the risk of injury on the field. MVP carries New Balance and Nike lacrosse cleats in a variety of sizes, colours, and styles.
MVP Athletic Supplies also carries a wide variety of lacrosse accessories to ensure that you have everything you need for practice, training, and game play. Lacrosse accessories include nets, targets,rebounders, mouthguards, mesh, stringing kits, Theragun handheld massagers, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a lacrosse stick be?
What's the difference between a men's and women's lacrosse stick?
Can you use a field lacrosse stick for box lacrosse?