Heads That Top Them All

At the forefront of lacrosse games, the stick or crosse is the player’s staff of weapon for victory. As the player sways its might, hitting that round rubber object, the stick exudes an awesome energy that fires a sure-shot strike toward a winning goal. The crosse can be mean, as well, crosschecking an opponent just like poking a bear with a stick. It is also the goalkeeper’s best friend that will aid him from the invasive shot made by the enemies. Right at the very moment of each strike, years of research, well-contoured design, and toughness of technology all worked as a team in achieving a goal that only a true-blooded lacrosse player can pull off. From the thinnest strand of fiber to the rubber tip, a lacrosse stick can only be the best.

Next to the player, the crosse is said to be the star. Heads, found at the top of sticks, get to receive more impact than the other equipment. The heads are thought to be the crowning glory of all sticks. They scoop, catch, toss and strike balls to score goals. They come in different shapes, independent of use, league and country.

History tells that earliest lacrosse sticks were made of wood. The heads were formed out of bent sticks and grass fiber. The oldest preserved sticks date back to the year 1825. And records from French Jesuits who discovered the game in the North America have shown that sticks were used horribly to attack opponents. The heads of sticks then stroke more on human flesh than on animal-flesh-woven balls. Primordial heads formed varied shapes that some looked like a fisherman’s net or butterfly net.

The modern heads are now made of hard plastic. And since its job is more on catching and throwing balls, heads were produced light yet sturdy. Others still use wood to make heads especially for women and rookie players. It was in the 1970s that players experienced light and cheaper sticks that allowed them swifter moves and more goals. The introduction of plastic made Baltimore company STX to mass-produce plastic heads.

Men and women lacrosse differ when it comes to sizes of stick heads. Generally, stick heads for men measure between 5 to 10 inches. Some leagues require 6 inches wide in its widest point and 2.5 inches wide in its narrowest point. Women lacrosse requires their heads to measure between 7 to 9 inches wide. While most goalkeepers decide on larger ones to accommodate and aid them in defense.

There are five parts in a head. The shooting string is part where the ball is rested when player is hitting a goal. Accuracy of V String helps make the shape of the pocket. The pocket holds the ball when it catches. The sidewall holds the string together. And the neck or throat connects the head to the shaft.

Heads are strung using heavy-duty string, leather and mesh. In men lacrosse, the sidewalls of their heads are no taller than 2 inches. Women are also up to customizing colors for their strings. Putting color on the sidewalls may require professional designer.

A game in lacrosse will never be complete with the gears or equipment. The pads, shafts, helmets all do their part, but it is the head that tops them all when it comes to duty and performance.