I'm new to lax and I have some questions- Thanks!

[wings]

Hey! Well, recently, my high school has decided to start its own (first!) lacrosse team (girls and guys--jv/varsity). Tryouts will be held around February, and I'd like to try out for the team. The only problem is--I've never played lacrosse before. One of my teachers told me that there's going to be a girls' lacrosse clinic at a nearby college in mid January, and he told me to go. It's only 3 hours long and it costs $70. Plus, I have to provide my own equipment (goggles, stick, mouthguard).

I honestly wouldn't mind spending a lot of money for all of this, but what if I end up not liking the sport, or what if I don't make the school team? Is the clinic worth going to? As of now, I'm pretty set on registering for the clinic; now I just have to buy equipment. I looked around the forums and I know the DeBeer Apex, Tempest, and Impulse are very popular. They're just a tad expensive though. Also on the forums, I saw someone recommend the STX Comet, which is inexpensive compared to the other sticks. Is there a reason for it being so cheap? On SportsHerWay (http://www.sportsherway.com/shopfx/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=679&listCategoryID=46), the stick is $20. Is it for kids or is it not regulation size, or is it just inexpensive because it wants people like me to relate to it?

So far, I'm really leaning towards the STX Comet.. and there's also the goggles issue that I'm totally clueless about. I'm afraid of not making the team, though. I'm trying to condition myself during the winter to prepare for the tryouts, but I don't know what to work on. I don't have a stick yet, and I don't even know how to play the game. What if I go through all this trouble and I don't even make the team?! I would be devastated .

I really hope you guys can help me out. Thanks so much! :)

-- edit: Also, fyi, I have no idea what position I'm playing, if that helps at all (or rather, doesn't help at all). I am so lost! *cries*

[bacharach]

This is a pretty common problem. I'm honestly not too familiar with the Comet. We sell a JA7 complete stick (Shaft head strung) that is what a lot of newbies use and a pair of goggles...maybe the STX 4 Sights which are only about $35. Also, something you didn't mention are cleats which you're probably going to need. You may also want to think about some gloves...throw you can make it without them for awhile and the mouthguard is only a couple of bucks. Really I think you can probably through some equipment together and get semi decent stuff for easily under a hundred and if you shop ebay maybe under $50! I recomend that at this point you get the lower end equipment and stay away from the Apex, Tempest or any of the other upper end ones. There'll be plenty of time for you to get into all that stuff later.
Some of those clinics are pretty good and some of them...well you know...but if your teacher said that it was a good one then you can probably trust it. $70 isn't cheap and at the same time if it gives you a leg up on getting ontot he team then it is worth it. I've seen some clinics run well into the hundreds of dollars range, of course they did last a little more than three hours.
As for conditioning, Team Bacharach's slogan is borrowed from hockey, The Legs Feed the Wolf...if you can't run up and down the field for the entire game there is no way you're going to be an effective player so I recomend you do some distance running part of the week and run bleachers or sprints the other part of the week.

Don't worry about not knowing how to play the game...any coach who knows what they're doing would rather a team minded dedicated person over a self centered lazy player who has some basic skills down anyday. You can teach skills you can't always teach dedication. So just go in...have fun and give it your best.

[Lax101]

Well first off...Welcome to the world of lacrosse and these forums. You're off to the right foot asking a question like this on these forums.

A JA7 complete stick is a worthy buy. If you haven't figured out yet, bacharach here works for bacharach.com...a very reputable (sp?) online lacrosse store. You're in good hands with those guys.

When you purchase your stick, I strongly suggest getting comfortable with your stick. Unlike guy players like me, development in stick skills (catching/crading among other stuff) for girls is often a tough task at first. It's going to be a lot easier if you get comfortable with that stick in your hands on a regular basis.

The clinic is a good idea, but I would come prepared. Depending on your area, there will probably be a lot of experienced lacrosse players there. Some of the things the clinic might instruct will be ahead of your abilities. That isnt a disclaimer at all though, because its still a good idea to pick up. And if others from your school come you should fit right in.

I can't stress enough how the first year of lacrosse is the most important. You set your foundation of stick skills and abilities and work ethic. If you try hard this year, then you are destined to be a great player.

[wings]

Wow, thanks everyone! You guys are amazing. First off, I looked into the JA7 complete stick. I couldn't find it in the bacharach site for some reason--perhaps it's my horrible navigational skills--but I did find it on another site. My eyes have completely shifted from the Comet to the JA7. Bacharach, could you give me a direct link to the JA7's page on bacharach.com? Thank you! :) Also, I figured that I'd go ahead and register for the lacrosse clinic. I mean, why not? You've all made me really excited for lacrosse. Anyway, all of your suggestions were greatly appreciated.. you have no idea how much you've all helped me!

[bacharach]

http://www.bacharach.com/products/2726 Give this link a try. Also good call on lillaxgurl23 about the cleats...that's probably true about not needing them right away. Good luck and let us know what happens!

[celtlax]

Hi..

I have a used Apex if you are interested...I moved to an Impulse over a year ago...If you are interested I am willing to send it to you as long as you cover the shipping...least I can do to help out..since it's close to the holidays...
Gabbs

[wings]

Celtlax, I'd love to use your Apex!! :)) Can you e-mail me at angelwings@midheaven.net and tell me your address and how much shipping costs? Thank you so much!! Oh my gosh; I'm so excited. :D

[celtlax]

Wings..I sent the info...and good-luck, you are going love playing lacrosse.. :-) Make sure you post and give us an update when you make the team!!!

Gabbs

[bacharach]

see...that's why I love lax...no other sport fosters players like this...no other sport is so inclusive to all players and no other sport has this type of sisterhood/brotherhood !!!

[wings]

Yeah, isn't it awesome? :) I can't wait!

[RYU]

Do you have to wear eye guards for practice & clinics? As far as the Rulebook is concerned, they're only required for games. Individual team, clinic, tournament, etc rules may vary. If you don't have to buy eye guards yet, then you can hold off until you've had a taste of lax and decide if you want to stick w/ it or not.

As far as school tryouts, the coach will be more concerned about how much hustle, determination, & athleticism you show rather than how polished your stick skills are. Are you coachable? Do you get frustrated and give-up easily. Do you display a bad attitude w/ your teammates? Do you play like you're worried about messing up your hair & make-up?

BTW, kudos to celtlax. :thumbsup:

[celtlax]

Speaking of tryouts..I've been working out and playing extra hard to make Varsity as a freshman...but it's going to be tough with so many returning upperclassmen...the level of play so much better and faster in HS than middle school.

[sumSum]

Hmm...personally I dont think you should start with the Apex. The JA7 or Comet are good bets as they are both from STX and are designed well. If you like it and decide to stick with the sport after a season or so you could go with the Apex, which is pretty cheap these days compared to the newer, higher end heads. DO NOT get the Tempest or Impulse for yourself now. Those heads can wait.

You dont need goggles as it is still 2004 but if you decide to continue try the STX 4sight goggles. I've had experience with a few and like these the best.

The reason the Comet and JA7 are less expensive is because they are marketed for the beginner/youth market. The quality is no less than a $100 head.

Good luck and I hope you love lacrosse as much as all of us! Feel free to ask questions about anything here on the forums or AIM me at thesumsum on AIM. Hope the clinic goes well!

[lax_08]

I disagree, i dont understand why people tell new players not to use sticks like the apex/tempest/impulse etc... if you start out with one of these sticks your going to be able to play exactly the same(if not better) and its going to save you having to buy one later on down the track. The apex is perfectly fine to use as a beginner, you will be fine with it. good luck, and there is absoloutly no doubt about it, u will LOVE lacrosse!!! nothing compares

[Lax101]

The JA7 or Comet are good bets as they are both from STX

Hmm...does someone have an STX Bias... :imparied:

Overall, i'm not a really a fan of new players using higher end heads (its fair to say an apex is a higher end head...or at least i'd say so), but it celtlax is being kind enough to give her the stick, then why not.

[bacharach]

The main reason I suggested the JA7 was because of price not necessarily because I don't think a new player can handle a higher end head. So many new players drop out after their first season it would be a shame to spend high dollars on something they will only use a short time. I agree that if you're getting an Apex and all you have to do is pay shipping go for it! Like I said though, watch out for the stringing. I know it sounds like I;m harping on it but on a youth league I coach so many of the newbies go for a power v and they have so much whip they can't control it or they go with 6 diamond and they can't catch a thing.

[wings]

So it's all right if I use celtlax's Apex? I was a bit worried at first because of people telling me that Apexes and other higher end sticks aren't good for newbies to begin with.. if price is the only reason, then I really don't have anything to worry about, right? But is there anything else I should worry about?

[celtlax]

Wings...that stick was my first.....when I started in 6th grade...last year in 8th grade I was voted captain and MVP using my second custom-colored Apex..over the summer I switched to an Impulse....so give it a try and maybe it will bring you great luck like it did for me...lol....

[wings]

Woo! that made me extremely confident :D

[celtlax]

If you find that you enjoy the sport, use this season for learning and development...I am sure most of you guys on the team will be on the same level since lacrosse is new to your school...just make sure you attend a lot camps in the summer and fall to tune your game.....I am playing indoor thru February before tryouts.....far as goggles order the STX 4sight.....from Bacharach ;-) ....it's a nice low-profile goggle without too many blind spots.

[sumSum]

Its your choice, whatever you decide on will work.

I still dont believe you should use the Apex and I'm not STX biast by the way. I've only owned 4 sticks in my lax career and two were STX, two deBeer. I actually prefer deBeer but do not believe anyone should start out with an Apex. No, it will not make anyone a bad player but the point of using a beginner stick (aside from a more reasonable price) is that they are tailored towards gaining stick skills before anything else. The higher end heads are tailored towards girls who've already developed stick skills. Personally, if your gonna use a head that gives you a pocket your cheating yourself.

It really doesnt matter as the Apex does not develop much of a pocket anyway. Good luck with everything!

Also, in terms of the success that the girl had with the Apex and how it makes you feel confident, always remember that its the player that makes the stick, not the stick that makes the player.

[celtlax]

I just wanted her to know starting out with the Apex wasn't detrimental to my game play....I guess time will only tell....I just hope she loves lacrosse as much as I do....and by the way my shots clocked much faster with the Apex then the Impulse...go figure....

Also, anybody else doing this?
http://www.uslacrosse.org/news/wnatlclinics05.phtml