Boys Stick Specification Guide
The NCAA lacrosse specifications are a set of standards for measuring the dimensions of a lacrosse head used during a game where NCAA Men’s lacrosse rules are in effect. Specifically, it outlines four points on a lacrosse head that must conform to a set of minimum dimensions given in the table below.
Q: What are the NCAA Specifications?
NFHS is the National Federation of State High School Associations (www.nfhs.org)
NCAA is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (www.ncaa.org)
| Measurement from the throat (inches) | Minimum distance between narrowest point of head |
|---|---|
| 1.25″ up | 3.0″ across (all measurements) |
| 3.0″ up | 3.0″ across (all measurements) |
| 5.0″ up | 3.5″ to 4″ across on front; 3.5″ across back |
| Widest point | 6.0″ to 6.5″ across on front; 6.0″ across back |
| From the 1.25″ measurement to the top of the head, the minimum distance between the sidewalls is 3″ | |
Lacrosse Heads
Lacrosse heads are one of the most varied pieces of equipment. There are over 100 different models on the market today. The heads are made of a polymer and have many different features. For the beginning player, the most important factor is the mesh. A beginning player should have soft mesh and they should use a low-to-mid priced head. As their skills advance, they can move up to more specialized heads and to stiffer hard mesh, which will give them more control with passing, catching and shooting.
Pocket Rules: Maximum Pocket Size
For a legal pocket, the top of the ball must be at least a bit above the bottom edge of the sidewall. Or, put another way, the pocket is illegal if the top surface of the lacrosse ball, when placed in the pocket, is below the bottom edge of the sidewall.
Lacrosse Shafts
Lacrosse shafts come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures. Like most high-end sports equipment, you are paying for a higher strength and/or less weight. Shafts are made from either a metal or a composite material. Standard aluminum shafts are light but weak. Metal alloy shafts are a mix of aluminum and other compounds to make the shaft stronger and/or lighter. Composite shafts amy be strong and light but frequently are brittle. Titanium shafts are the strongest but also heavier than both metal alloy and composite shafts.
Stick Length Rules
Legal sticks are given as a range to accommodate different age and heights of players. The length is measured from the tip of the scoop to the end of the shaft.
- Short Stick (attack/midfield)
- 40-42″ (as short as 37″ for U9 & U11)
- Long Stick (defense)
- 52-72″ (no Long Sticks in U9; not recommended for U11)
- Goalie Stick
- 42-72″
PLL Academy Instructional Series
We envision a future that offers everyone a lifelong opportunity to enjoy the sport of lacrosse. As Coastal Virginia's lacrosse training and information source, 757 Lacrosse Training provides leadership, structure and resources to fuel the sport's growth and enrich the experience of our participants.