New to lacrosse... need some pointers

[Paper^Cut]

Hey there... i just started playing lacrosse this summer but the kids ive been playing with say that i have potential to be an attacker and that i already handle a ball better then half the team. So i was wondering A)what kind of head and shaft should i get (dont have all the money in the world) and B)what should i do to prepair myself for lacrosse next spring. Im talking like drills... things i can do on my own because there isnt always someone to play catch with... anything would be great!

Paper...

Oh and right now im using a warrior patriot (newbie i know)... so anything would be better at this point.

[Falconsmikevick]

to be an attacker a cyber may be ur best bet. It is relativley wide, yet still pinched. u can get it real cheap now. as for drills, just throw against a wall and u'd probly want to run a little. u'll have to get other opinions on shafts, i have only used an f-10 and f-15 (they're no longer made)

[Lampen69]

umm some might disagree but the teams that win the msot in my area..well they all hit alot, just get a bud and pad up and practice defensive hits and umm well the other can try to roll out of it or fake the guy out that'll help u

[Falconsmikevick]

yea, the champions last year were in the championship this year (thye also hit a lot) but luvett (the other school) had better stick skills and won it, so if he got both stick skills and hitting down, he would be very good

[lottaLaX]

Yea hit the wall every day and throw with left and right. Trust me on this one, I just finished my 2nd second season and I really regret not spending more time training during the offseason.

Anyway, also cradle a ton (again left and right), around the house, outside, etc. You'll like lacrosse a lot more if you have good skills come next season.


EDIT: One more thing, be sure to practice with gloves (if you own them; if not, pick some up soon). As a beginner, playing lacrosse with pads on is COMPLETELY different than with pads on, so try and practice with some gear on.

[Paper^Cut]

Yea ive been playing with gloves on because cradling is completely different without gloves... i just got my head strung up nicely... went and threw the ball against a wall a little while... feels a lot better now. Gunna form a pocket tonight. I have been playing lefty and righty (lefty came just as natural as righty) which amazed my friends the other day... i need to get pads... any suggestions? A new head too... shaft can wait. Again money isnt to much of an issue but i dont wanna spend a ton. Thanks!

[lottaLaX]

Yea ive been playing with gloves on because cradling is completely different without gloves... i just got my head strung up nicely... went and threw the ball against a wall a little while... feels a lot better now. Gunna form a pocket tonight. I have been playing lefty and righty (lefty came just as natural as righty) which amazed my friends the other day... i need to get pads... any suggestions? A new head too... shaft can wait. Again money isnt to much of an issue but i dont wanna spend a ton. Thanks!
For head, try a Cyber, they're light, good for attack, not too expensive. If you have a little more to spend on a head, try the Torque (lighter, tighter, and sweeter IMO).
For a shaft, try a dB803 or a c405 shaft. Not too expensive but they are beasts. (EDIT: Just realized you said shafts are not a big deal)


What do you need in terms of pads?

[Paper^Cut]

All i have are glove as of now... so i need anything recommended... Also how should i string up my head... i have absolutely no idea when it comes to stringing... i think i have a hard mesh right now... i used my gf's stick the other day (no pocket) and it was leather... felt kinda nice... but i dunno. I put a U shape in my shooting strings today and it seemed better...

[lottaLaX]

Can you order online?

[Paper^Cut]

Im sure i could order online... but there's a lacrosse store close to me... lacrosse america. Its like 30 mins from where i live so i can get almost anything there or through them.

[chslax538]

I never hear people saying this but if its possible, go to a store that sells used lacrosse stuff like play it again (idk if they have that were you live). Just ask they guy waht he has in that area. Youll get better pads alot cheaper. As for a shaft, any c405 will be awsome and youll probably use it for a long time after too.

[clearviewlax20]

Don't try to string your stick. Its like a gift if you know how to, trust me, I tried it once and I messed up BIG time!

[lottaLaX]

Don't try to string your stick. Its like a gift if you know how to, trust me, I tried it once and I messed up BIG time!
True it litterally took me a year to get the hang of it.

Anyway,

SPs- www.lacrosse.com (Great Atlantic) has Warrior Shoulder Guard 5000s in their sale section for $25. These are great IMO- not too restricting, protective, small enough for easy running. I used them this past season and they were wonderful.

Arm Guards- These can vary depending on what you want in an AG. Arm Pads are one piece foam things, not too big, not too protective. Arm Guards (yes there is a difference) are 3 piece guards with an elbow piece. I personally use the Ventilator X Arm Guards (excellent, I'm not alone saying this) and actually have a new pair I could sell you.

Helmet- Go with a CLH2 if you can find a good price (under 100). A great helmet, I've had both this and the Triad ST and this one is definitely, by far, better. They're in the same price range.

[Lampen69]

hey dude^^ those SPs they say fully adjustable meaning one size fits all correct becuz im a medium and would like to buy them??

[lottaLaX]

I'm not sure, sorry. The ones I have say large on the insides. Call the company tommorow and ask.

Fully adjustable refers to the string you pull to make it fit your chest.

[Pickle]

I would say throw the ball against a brick or concrete all if you don't have something to practice with, and for your stick its preference i want an I-beam, but i have heard great things about cybers and they arent too expensive, icons are great but underpriced i've heard also.

[Paper^Cut]

Don't try to string your stick. Its like a gift if you know how to, trust me, I tried it once and I messed up BIG time!

http://community.webshots.com/user/spike101188

Strung my stick last night... think it turned out alright... people say the pinch sucks though... first time though ill get better.

[laxinatl]

work on your agility... agility is everthing when it comes to attack

[lottaLaX]

http://community.webshots.com/user/spike101188

Strung my stick last night... think it turned out alright... people say the pinch sucks though... first time though ill get better.
Can you get bigger pictures?

[Laxitivepro]

Have somebody Wack you with there stick over and over again and you'll get used to what its like to play attack!!!

[Paper^Cut]

Haha so i hear... and i already have agility. Very fast on my feet. Gym coaches said i should go out for track freshman year but wasnt really into track... so im doing lacrosse! **** yea!

[lottaLaX]

Oh, just realized something.
Since you live in Illinois, learn to hit as well the proper technique. From what I hear, you'll need it.

[Falconsmikevick]

BTW u did a great stringing jjobfor ur first time, andthe pinch is great if that's still legal

[Paper^Cut]

Oh, just realized something.
Since you live in Illinois, learn to hit as well the proper technique. From what I hear, you'll need it.

What do you mean? I havent done anyhting hitting wise... what am i in for? If its a lot of contact ****ing a! Love full contact.

[lottaLaX]

What do you mean? I havent done anyhting hitting wise... what am i in for? If its a lot of contact ****ing a! Love full contact.
Well it's not football but if you're like I was 2 years ago (would always call foul after contact in basketball LOL) you should get a little tougher.

[CaryImps15]

If your an attackman make sure you have a good shot with both hands overhand, sidearm, and underhand. Definetly practice on the run, don't just practice room and time shots b/c you won't have any of them. Also learning how to hit and checks would be a good idea b/c you'll be chasing d-poles upfield after a gb. Learn proper technique and probably a wrap check wouldn't be a bad idea

[RockfordAttack9]

Practice catching and throwing with both hands.Also practice your shooting a LOT! Then a good head/shaft combo would be a Revolution/Kryptolyte. The Warrior MPG series is a very good line of pads.

[Paper^Cut]

If your an attackman make sure you have a good shot with both hands overhand, sidearm, and underhand.

Ive been trying to do underhand and i cant quit figure that one out. Please explain.

[Pickle]

http://www.lacrosseforums.com/showthread.php?t=21872- some pointers here may be usless to you but you could look....

[Levin]

My advice... just run alot with your stick, get used to cradling the ball on the run. Also, as some have said, HIT THE WALL! That is the best way to really improve your skill... though i may be wrong on that

[Paper^Cut]

Im going to make anew thread about underhanding... thanks guys for the tips.