As the title suggests, each Lacrosse Head is different. Before you buy a head for your stick, you should consider a few facts, like the benefits you expect from it. This is crucial for your passing or shooting and how easy you will catch. Therefore we decided to make your next buying decision a little bit easier with the following blog entry about different Lacrosse Heads:
Offset / ForwardCant Lacrosse Head
These two types of Lacrosse Heads are quite similar: the Offset and the Forward Cant Head. The offset is probably the most popular one. It is connected to the Throat. This is the point at which the Head and the Shaft are linked. Here the Head drops down slightly, so that the ball sits deeper in the Pocket. The ForwardCant is also bent on the Throat. Both heads are designed to allow players to have more touch and thus, they have the maximum control of the ball. At the same time the Head enables a faster and more precise passing and shooting. These heads can be used by all players, except the goalkeeper.
Onset Lacrosse Head
The Onset Head differs in its properties in comparison to the Offset and the ForwardCant Head. The biggest difference is that this Head just sits directly on the Shaft, whereas the Offset-, the Curved- and the ForwardCant-Head are slightly angled. Due to the constant technical development, the Heads are always evolving and the Onset Head slides into obscurity. The number of professional lacrosse players, using an Onset Head, decreases constantly. However, for a beginner this Head is perfect, as it helps to acquire the fundamental basics of the lacrosse game. This Head also can be used by all players, except the goalkeeper.
Stiffness vs. Flexibility
Stiffness and flexibility are fundamental opposites. However, both play a major role when it comes to a Lacrosse Head. Each player has to decide for himself / herself what kind of Head he / she prefers. We suggest that you try the Heads first and then make a decision. The best case would be if your Lacrosse club or your friends have an extremely flexible and an extremely stiff Lacrosse Head, so you can try it by yourself. Many defenders prefer a stiffer Head, so they can check harder or more effectively. On the other hand midfielders and attackers prefer a softer Head for a better pick up of the groundballs. The players position is not necessarily decisive for the choice of Heads. As mentioned, your personal preference is determining. One thing I can tell you: Whether you take a stiff or a flexible head, you are never wrong.
Narrow vs. Wide Lacrosse Head
The narrower part of the Head can either be more narrow or more wider. Here it is the same thing, like I told you before. It depends on the player’s preference: Some players simply prefer a narrower Head while others prefer a wider Head. What we have learned over time is that an attacker should have a narrow Head. The reason is that the player has maximum control over the ball and can provide better checks for the defender. Additionally, it offers fewer targets for the defender. Whereas the wider Lacrosse Head has the advantage, that the attackers chance to catch a pass increases – this advantage can be also applied to the defense as they can intercept the opponent attackers passes. The narrower heads are usually played by the advanced players, because it is more difficult to catch the passes. As I already told you, give it a try and if you are a defender and you would like to use a Narrow Head – why not?
Head pinching – Why?
Pinching has advantages but also drawbacks. When you pinch your Head, you can shape it like you prefer. A positive effect is that it is more difficult for the opponent players to pick up the ball from you. In addition the ball sits better in the pocket. However, an important disadvantage is that the flying start with a pinched Head is much more difficult. We suggest that you should inform yourself in the basic lacrosse rules before you start exercising the head pinching. To a certain degree, a pinched Head is allowed, but if the Lacrosse Head is too much pinched, then it will be considered as illegal. Then it is not allowed to use it in games and tournaments anymore. In addition you should take into account, that you lose your warranty claim after pinching your head.
Scoop?
The Scoop is defined as the upper part of a Lacrosse Head. For example, during a groundball, the ball can roll over the scoop directly into the pocket. This fact makes it comparable to a shovel. The manufacturers use different techniques for this part of the Head and most often they give their Scoops different names. In keeping with the motto: Pick up the groundballs as easy as possible..
