Lacrosse Heads

Not all lacrosse heads are legal for every level of play, so it’s crucial to choose one that matches your league’s regulations.

• Universal Heads: These are the most versatile option and are legal for use in all levels of play—youth, high school (NFHS), and college (NCAA). They meet the broadest set of requirements, including minimum pinch (throat width) and mouth width, making them a smart choice for players who want a single head that will work as they advance through divisions. Universal heads offer a balanced blend of ball control, versatility, and legality.

• NCAA-Specific Heads: These heads are designed to comply only with NCAA regulations. They allow for a narrower width at the top (mouth) of the head, which lets the mesh sag more and “hug” the ball. This design enhances shot velocity and ball control—advantages particularly favored by elite collegiate players. However, this narrow design is not permitted in high school or youth leagues due to safety concerns and potential for unfair ball retention.

• NFHS (High School) & Youth Heads: These heads are built to comply with safety-oriented regulations for younger athletes. They have a wider top and less aggressive pinch, encouraging clean ball release and reducing the risk of illegal holding. NCAA-only heads are not allowed in these levels, so shoppers must be careful not to accidentally purchase a head that’s too narrow for play.

Always check your league's rules before buying a head. If you play across multiple levels or aren't sure, go with a Universal head to ensure you're always in compliance.

Lacrosse has evolved into a sport where specialized equipment is designed to optimize performance for different positions. This is especially true for lacrosse heads, which come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit the specific needs of each player.

• Attack Heads: These are typically lightweight and have a tighter stringing pattern. This design allows for quicker stickhandling, better passing, and more accurate shooting. The focus is on agility and precision.

• Defense Heads: Defense heads are heavier and wider than attack heads. The added weight and width increase power and stability, making it easier to check opponents and clear the ball.

• Goalie Heads: Goalie heads are unique in their design, resembling pool skimmers or fishing nets. They are large and have a deep pocket to catch and control shots from various angles. The shape and size of the head are crucial for blocking shots and making saves.

• Faceoff Heads: These are designed for faceoff specialists (FOSOs or FOGOs). They are often wider and have a unique shape to help control the clamp and win the faceoff. They prioritize strength and durability over finesse.

• Box Heads: These heads are used primarily for box lacrosse, a faster-paced, smaller-field version of the sport. Box heads are often shorter and wider, allowing for quicker stickhandling and more powerful shots in the confined space of the box. They are designed to handle the physicality and intensity of box lacrosse.

Typically, all modern lacrosse heads are made of plastic.

From top to bottom, there are several parts of a lacrosse head:

• Scoop: the top of the head where the ball will enter the head when scooped off the ground.
• Face: the front of the head. The face shape will vary depending on make and model.
• Sidewall: the side of the head, typically open and supported with struts. The design of the struts is a good indicator of make and model.
• Pocket: a mesh or leather stringing that holds the ball inside the head.
• Throat: the bottom of the head, where the plastic meets the shaft. The shape and cut of the plastic is indicative of the make and model.

Universal lacrosse rules mandate that heads measure no less than 6.5 inches at the wide part of the scoop and no less than 3 inches at the narrow channel near the throat. Heads may only measure 10 inches from the ball stop to the tip of the scoop.

Lacrosse stringing is the process of attaching the mesh to the head of a lacrosse stick. It's a complex skill that can significantly impact a player's performance.

Different Stringing Patterns and Concepts:

• Sidewall: This refers to the stringing on the sides of the head, which influences the feel and control of the stick. Different sidewall patterns can affect a player's ability to catch, pass, and shoot.
• Shooting Strings: These strings are located on the face of the head and directly impact the ball's trajectory and speed. Tight shooting strings can produce powerful shots, while looser strings can provide more control.
• Throat: The throat is the area where the sidewall strings meet the shooting strings. The shape and tension of the throat can influence the pocket's depth and the ball's release.
• Pocket Depth: The depth of the pocket affects a player's ability to catch and retain the ball. A deeper pocket can provide more control, while a shallower pocket can improve passing and shooting.

Materials Used:

• Traditional Stringing: Traditionally, lacrosse sticks were strung with leather laces. While this method is still used by some players, it requires more maintenance and can be less durable.
• Mesh Stringing: Modern lacrosse sticks are primarily strung with synthetic mesh. Mesh offers several advantages over traditional stringing, including durability, consistency, and customization.

Buying used gear is a sustainable way to score high-quality items at a fraction of the cost. Not only can you find great deals, but you might also stumble upon rare or discontinued gear that’s no longer available in stores. When buying a used lacrosse head, here's what to look for:

✔️ There are no cracks, dents, or structural damages. 
✔️ There are no cracks in head.
✔️ The ball stop is not missing.
✔️ The sidewall is not bent out of shape.

🏆 The best part of shopping used on SidelineSwap? We offer Buyer Protection and will issue you a full refund if your item is never shipped, arrives damaged, or is not as described. We also provide No-Questions-Asked returns with Seel. Learn more here.