Shopping for lacrosse gear can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to pick out a stick for someone else. And when you’re buying during the holiday rush, the pressure doubles. With dozens of heads, shafts, pockets, and complete sticks on the market — all designed for different skill sets and field roles — choosing the right one is a whole lot easier when you know exactly what each position needs.
Whether you’re a parent shopping for the perfect gift, a coach helping players upgrade for winter training, or an athlete looking to dial in your setup for the new season, this guide breaks down how to choose the right lacrosse stick based on position, play style, and experience level. And when you’re ready to shop, SportStop.com has the largest online selection of sticks, heads, and complete setups for every age and position, shipped in time for the holidays.
Attack: Quick Hands, Tight Control, Fast Releases
Attack players need sticks that help them handle tight passes, maneuver through traffic, finish inside, and get the ball out fast. The right stick gives them unmatched control in pressure moments.
What to look for:
• Tighter face shape for precision and accuracy
• Low or mid-low pocket for quick release and deception
• Lightweight head to improve speed on feeds and finishes
• Shafts with an easy grip for fast handling
Midfielders: Versatility Built Into Every Touch
Midfielders do everything — transition, defense, offense, ground balls, and shooting on the run. Their sticks need to keep up with a high workload and fast-paced play.
What to look for:
• Mid-pocket setup for balanced control and power
• Durable, all-purpose heads that don’t warp easily
• Shafts designed for versatility and durability
• Speed scoop technology for easier ground ball pickups
Defense: Strength, Reach, and Ball Control
Defensive sticks are completely different from offensive setups and need to be chosen with intention. Defenders require length for checking and disruption, plus a head that’s strong enough to withstand repeated contact.
What to look for:
• Wider head shape for improved interceptions and checks
• Reinforced, stiff sidewalls for durability against checks
• Long pole shafts (usually 60") built from titanium, scandium, or alloy
• Mid to high pocket for better control on clears
LSMs (Long Stick Midfielders): Speed Meets Disruption
LSMs need the strength of defensive gear with the mobility of a middie. Their stick setup should give them control of ground balls, the ability to handle clears, and enough stiffness for takeaway checks.
What to look for:
• Stiff, narrow-ish heads for control
• Strong long pole shaft with lighter weight for speed
• Mid pocket for ground-ball dominance
Faceoff Specialists: Built for Speed, Leverage, and Flex
Faceoff players require a completely different type of head. If you’re gifting for a FOGO or FO-mid, stick flexibility and throat design are everything.
What to look for:
• Flexible, responsive heads engineered for clamping and popping
• Shorter throat design for hand placement
• Specific faceoff shafts (usually sandblasted or textured for grip)
• Mid-low pocket for quick exits
Goalies: Coverage, Quick Hands, and Confidence
Goalie sticks are a world of their own. With different sizing, weight distribution, and mesh needs, choosing the right one matters more than any other position.
What to look for:
• Large head size to maximize coverage
• Stiff sidewalls to absorb high-velocity shots
• Durable mesh designed for rebound control
• Goalie-specific shafts for balance and handling
Choosing Between a Complete Stick vs. Building Your Own
If you're buying a holiday gift, this is one of the biggest questions you’ll face.
Complete Sticks Are Ideal For:
• New lacrosse players
• Younger athletes
• Rec-level or JV players
• Anyone who just wants to get on the field
They’re affordable, easy to use, and ready to play right out of the box.
Custom Lacrosse Heads + Shafts Are Ideal For:
• Experienced players
• Varsity athletes
• Anyone wanting to maximize performance
• Advanced position-specific needs
Most elite players prefer choosing their head and shaft separately to fine-tune their setup.
The Right Lacrosse Stick Makes All the Difference
A lacrosse stick isn’t just gear — it’s a player’s identity on the field. Choosing the right one means giving your athlete the tools to perform with confidence, develop their skills, and step into the new season ready to compete.
Whether you're shopping for attack, defense, midfield, or goalie, SportStop has the sticks, heads, pockets, and complete setups that match every position and every budget.
This holiday season, give them the gear that helps them play their best. Shop lacrosse sticks at SportStop.com and make your player’s season start with a win.
