Lacrosse heads are a vital component of a player’s arsenal. They allow him to perform at his best. Most people that have no involvement with this sport can have no idea about the complexity involved with designing a good head for the lacrosse stick. For the untrained eye, at first glance the stick appears to simply have a leather string woven at the top which allows the players to carry the ball. However, the reality is much more complex than that.
What Lacrosse Heads Are Used For
Besides the equipment that is meant to ensure his protection, the lacrosse player has one basic tool: his stick, also known as a crosse. At the top of these sticks stand the lacrosse heads which have a lot of features in their design which actually allow them to perform at their best. Actually, there are plenty of things to take into consideration when it comes to the head. Its design needs to allow players to carry the ball safely, but not make it so easy that it makes it impossible for the opposing team to steal the ball, thus giving one team an unfair advantage at all times. Furthermore, the head must not stop the ball when it is being shot in any way because that, again, would give one team, this time the opposing one, an unfair advantage.
How Lacrosse Heads Are Made
Since they are so complicated it is understandable that lacrosse heads underwent several changes until the current modern version was achieved. The exact shape of the head will vary since different leagues will have different standards regarding its correct dimensions. Even so, all shapes are designed so that the ball can be carried with ease and also thrown out without its impact being obstructed by the netting. Speaking of the net, this also comes in various shapes which can have an impact on the functionality of the lacrosse stick, overall. Traditionally, the netting area where the ball rests, also known as the pocket, was made out of interwoven string made out of leather and nylon. However, more modern heads are made exclusively with synthetic mesh.
The Differences between Lacrosse Heads
As mentioned above, lacrosse heads will differ in dimensions based on the league that uses them. According to standard American NCAA rules, the head can be between 6 and 10 inches wide and the goalie’s head, which is always much wider, between 10 and 12 inches. However, FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse), which governs all international games, states that their heads can be between 4 and 10 inches wide and up to 15 inches for goalies. Women’s lacrosse has similar dimensions, but the pocket is usually much shallower.
Regardless of the league you play in, you need to understand the basics of lacrosse heads if you want to able to handle them properly. If you want to learn more visit Madlax.com.