June 24, 2008

Hi! My name is also Lindsay and I am a varsity lacrosse coach in New Jersey. I am wondering if you can give me some stick advice. I am trying to encourage my players to make an investment in a better stick to help enhance their game. Many have since chosen the Apex, which seems to be a good start for a young player. What is your stick preference? I have noticed throughout Lacrosse Magazine that a lot of college players are using the Intitution (which one of my players currently has, but I don't see her getting the most potential out of it due to her own personal level) and the STX ATK. Have you used the STX stick? It looks great, but wondering if it is a good suggestion.

Thank you so much for whatever feedback you can give.

P.S.: Any preference regarding shafts? Thank you!

- Lindsay Hecht, Pequannock, N.J.

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Lindsay,

Certain stick heads are better suited to advanced players, and certain sticks are better suited to beginners. But regardless, it is a matter of personal preference and what gives an individual player the best ball-handling ability. A lot of college teams are now playing with more offset stick heads, like the Intuition and ATK, because they provide certain ball-handling advantages. But DeBeer's Apex, a precursor to the current offset design, is still a great stick, and though good for beginners, I also know college All-Americans who prefer it to the more offset sticks that are coming out.

With that said, there are definite advantages to playing with the latest offset designs. Offset stick heads allow bigger pockets than the earlier, flatter stick heads, and thus are more forgiving when catching and cradling the ball, improving overall ballhandling capability. Furthermore, the bigger pocket creates a natural resting place for the ball, generating more speed on passed and shots.

However, because the ball releases differently for players who are used to the flatter stick heads, there is a definite period of adjustment. Most have to adjust their shooting and passing mechanics, which is why some very advanced players never make the conversion and play better with a stick like the Apex. For those that can and do convert, the advantages are numerous. The improved ball-handling of the offset stick head allows a player to move, dodge and shoot more quickly, aggressively and confidently, knowing the ball is not as easily dislodged. For these reasons, this head is particularly advantageous to an offensive player whose success depends on both stick and dodging skills.

There are varying degrees of offset angles. The DeBeer Intuition is one of the most offset sticks on the market. DeBeer is a great brand; they first developed the offset concept and have been at the forefront of stick design for women since. I grew up playing with an Apex, when it was the latest and greatest, and switched over to the Intuition more recently. It definitely took some getting used to, but I can feel the difference. If any of your players have a hard time with the Intuition, keep in mind, DeBeer makes more moderate offset stick heads, like the Impulse Pro.

The ATK is STX's most advanced stick, and in my mind, their best. It is not quite as offset or as curved as the Intuition, making it a good intermediary between the Apex and the Intuition. The head is lined with elastomer sidewalls, which actually make a difference in preventing the ball from bouncing around in it. I played with a predecessor to the ATK in college and really liked it. (Keep in mind that many colleges are sponsored by a lacrosse manufacturer, which is why some teams always play with a specific brand - in high school, you get to pick!) STX is a great brand, and the ATK is a great stick.

Ultimately I don't think you can go wrong with either stick choice; it's about personal preference and comfort zones. You want your players to play at their best and with a stick that allows them to do just that, but you also want to push them to advance their skills. I would introduce them to the designs out there (Other manufacturers also make offset sticks worth considering) and the specific advantages of each, and let them choose a head that suits their individual play and their comfort level.

The same goes with shaft choice - all personal preference. As an attacker, I like an alloy shaft that is shorter and lighter, and thus easier to maneuver and control, without any gimmicky grips. I tape it myself to create grips that align to where I like to hold it.

Certain manufacturers also make composite shafts that are even lighter and shafts that are offset at the top to increase ball speed and the effects of an offset head. If a player is inconsistent in catching, a shorter shaft might help her better "see" the ball into the stick head.

A shorter shaft can also help a physically smaller player control or balance a stick better. Defenders generally like a stick shaft that is a bit longer to extend their defensive reach and ability to intercept a ball, and sometimes heavier to aid in checking and maintaining defensive positioning. Others prefer a lighter stick to help them check more quickly. Midfielders are usually somewhere in between, but again, it's all personal preference.

Good luck, and I hope this helps you and your players.

Best,
Lindsey

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"Straight Shooters" is a US Lacrosse-produced advice series for the Baltimore Sun and (baltimoresun.com) and Lacrosse Magazine Online (www.laxmagazine.com.

Lindsey Biles, of Annapolis, Md., was an All-American and Tewaaraton Trophy finalist during her college career at Princeton, and was a member of the 2006-07 U.S. Women's National Team. Biles also works as a sideline analyst for ESPNU.

E-mail Biles at lindsey@laxmagazine.com.