Girls FAQ

It is our goal to grow girls' lacrosse in northern Colorado. We will give the same attention and commitment to our girl players and teams as our boys.

RULES OF THE GAME: US Lacrosse - Girls Rules

EQUIPMENT: US Lacrosse - Girls Equipment

Girl's Lacrosse Stick
Girls lacrosse sticks are different from boys sticks, mainly due to the shallower pocket. When shopping, avoid sticks that look like a tennis racket — the deeper the pocket, the easier it is to catch, especially for beginners.

Dick’s Sporting Goods carries beginner options, but below are some online recommendations I trust for new and intermediate players.

Eyewear/Headgear
Eye protection is required at all times during play. Players may wear:

• Girls lacrosse goggles or

• A girls lacrosse helmet

Youth-sized goggles typically only fit very small players. By 3rd–4th grade, most players need standard-size goggles to avoid discomfort.

Goggles I’ve personally used for 10+ years:

• STX Focus S Women's Lacrosse Eye Mask Goggle

More options:

• Lacrosse Goggles

Some families prefer extra protection and choose a helmet. There is only ONE helmet certified for girls lacrosse:

• Cascade Women's LXP Lacrosse Headgear

• Cascade LX Women's Lacrosse Headgear

• Used options: Cascade LX Lacrosse Helmet: Sideline Swap (Great deal for used gear!)

Mouthguard
All players must properly wear a professionally manufactured intra-oral mouthpiece that fully covers the teeth. It shall include occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) and labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portions and shall cover the posterior teeth with adequate thickness. There may be no protruding tabs for field players.

I recommend SISU mouth guards — they’re moldable, comfortable, and easy to talk in.

SISU Mouthguards

Larger mouth guards are bulky and often discourage players from wearing them.
You can also find similar SISU-style options on Amazon for less.

Cleats and/or sneakers
Cleats are strongly recommended but not required.

• Soccer, football, or lacrosse cleats all work

• Athletic shoes are allowed, but players will slip more

No Jewelry!
Jewelry *CANNOT* be worn during practice or games. We have seen too many earring posts go into girls' heads. It is dangerous.

The FIELD:

• Field Size - Field Diagrams
  The Men's field is 60x 110 Yards, whereas the Women's field varies between 60-70x 110-130 Yards! (much smaller for U11 players)

• Field Markings--The Women's field has not only restraining lines and boundary lines that are integral to the game's play but also a center circle, 8m arc, and 12m fan! (not to mention the hashes and extra dots included in those field markings). These hashes, arcs, fans, and dots are all necessary when playing and are referred to during games!

STICK RECOMMENDATIONS: 

There are many sticks on the market that vary greatly in price, shape, material, etc. Below is a list of ones that I recommend most from personal Beginner Sticks: Grades 1–3

These sticks are shortened and lighter, making them easier for our smallest players.
Players can use a standard-length shaft, but shortening it often helps.

Recommended:

• Maverik Ascent ST

• STX Crux Jr

Players will outgrow these quickly, but they’re a great, affordable place to start.

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Beginner - Intermediate Sticks: Grades 4–8

These are standard-length sticks and can be used for multiple seasons.
They’re not elite-level, but are very solid quality for the price.

Recommended:

• Nike Victory LT

• Nike Lunar LT

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Build-Your-Own Stick Option Great beginner-to-intermediate heads (shaft purchased separately from head):

Heads

• STX Exult 300 Women's Lacrosse Head

• STX Crux 400 Women's Lacrosse Head

Shafts

• STX Crux 400 Women's Composite Lacrosse Shaft

• STX Crux 300 Women's Composite Lacrosse Shaft

Most shafts fit most heads, but sometimes a little tape is needed at the top to eliminate shaking.
I’m an avid stick builder and stringer and happy to help with this if needed!

Heads labeled “10-degree” must be paired with a 10-degree shaft. These are excellent sticks but more expensive.

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Advanced Stick Recommendations

If you’re ready to invest in a top-tier stick, these are the best on the market:

• Gait Apex 2 (also Whip 2 and Air 2)

• STX Exult 500, 600, or Pro (Midfield/Defense)

• STX Crux 500, 600, or Pro (Attack)

• STX Aria Pro

• Nike Lunar Elite 2 or 3
  (Very similar to STX Exult — Nike owns STX, and Nike sticks are often cheaper but nearly identical)

Sticks I do NOT recommend:
Brine, Under Armour, and StringKing have not been great for new players and lack strong advanced options. Stick with STX, Maverick, or Nike when getting started.

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Questions about the girl's game? Contact our Women's Director at libby@northernpowerlax.com