How Long Should A Goalie Shaft Be? What Should I Do This Summer To Improve My Lacrosse Goaltending Skills?

Question: Josh writes to ask what length his goalie shaft should be and what he should do over the summer to improve.

Answer: Josh cut your shaft about six inches longer than the length of your arm. Stick the butt end in your arm pit and reach out straight with your fingers extended. Cut a six inches longer than the tip of your finger.

Stick length can be a touchy subject. I prefer that your stick be a mangageable length so you can move it efficiently in the cage and can cradle with it comfortably when you are out of the cage. If you are short I would cut it closer to three inches to your finger tips. If you are super tall it could be as long as nine inches longer than your arm.

Old school coaches recommend a long shaft so you can cut down passes around the cage. My thought on that is that you are not a defenseman you are a goalie. Your main objective is to stop shots and to clear the ball up field. I have found that a short shaft that you can deal with helps you do both where a long shaft typically can hurt you. I have always used a shorter shaft than most and it has served me well.

If you are young (early high school), start at six inches. If you find it is too long you can cut an inch off at a time to see what feels most comfortable.

Get as many shots in the off season. And read my blog you'll get a ton of tips there. If you can get to a camp that would also be a great choice. Getting around other goalies and other shooters will really improve your game.

Good luck!