Should I Buy A New Goalie Stick If I'm Not Going To Play In College?

Question: Hey Jonathan thanks so much for all of your feedback. I have one last question though!

Since last year was my first year playing lacrosse, I didn't want to pay a lot for my stick and then end up not liking it. However, I'm wondering whether I should get a whole new stick (like the STX Eclipse) or if my STX Goalmaster with hardmesh will be OK. I probably won't be playing in college unless it's intermural so is it worth it to get a new stick if I'm only playing for the next 2 seasons?

Thanks again!
Julia

Answer: Hey Julia. No problem.

I understand what you're saying about the stick. But I will tell you that investing in a new stick is going to make playing sooo much more fun for you. After talking with you I know that it's going to make a huge difference.

Playing with a good stick is like playing golf with nice clubs. They are so much more forgiving. With bad golf clubs you can make a really nice swing but the clubs just don't do what you want them to do so it is completely frustrating. If you're getting your hands to the ball and the ball is popping out not because of you but because of the stick, that is just a recipe for frustration. With a nice stick (like the Eclipse) with a really nice hard mesh pocket you'll be making saves and not giving up rebounds. You'll be clearing the ball with ease and you'll just be enjoying the game a whole lot more.

As far as playing in college I'll tell you this. You may be going to a school that doesn't have a team but you will find a bunch of girls who have sticks and they will always be looking for a goalie. Now, if you have a crappy stick you won't want to play. But if you have a really nice stick you're going to have that stick for a long time and you're going to want to hop in the cage.

I always tell people that in all my life I've never been to a party and seen guys or girls throw on the old baseball glove and throw around. I've occaisionaly seen a football or two. But I have always seen lacrosse sticks break out and people throw the ball around. Also, as you go past college and beyond you may be in a new city and you will seek out other lacrosse players. It's just how it goes. And they will all need a goalie. Again, if you invest in a really nice stick now you're going to have it for a really long time (barring breakage or theft of something like that) And with a good stick you're going to be more open to playing and having a good time.

So, that's my two cents on getting a better stick. It will change the way you play for the better and you will enjoy the game a whole lot more with good equipment.

That make sense? So if you've got a birthday coming up, or maybe some money burning a hole in your pocket go get an STX Eclipse with a hard mesh pocket. If you can get it strung by someone who knows what they are doing it's better to buy the head and the pocket separately and then have it strung. Better than trying to doctor a pre-strung stick from the factory. My friends at www.comlax.net can do that for you.

Jonathan -

Lacrosse Goalie Stick Is Giving Up Too Many Rebounds. What Mesh Should I Use?

Question: im a highschool goalie and my hard mesh gives up a lot of rebounds and i was wondering if i should use monster mesh and would it make a difference in bounce.

Answer: Richie I don't recommend monster mesh. Yes, it will bag out and keep the ball in it a bit better but the truth is it is very inconsistent to throw with.

Go with a medium diamond mesh. Ten, maybe twelve diamond. And stick with that.

I always say that your stick doesn't give up rebounds, you do. That might seem a bit harsh but it's the truth. A great test of skill, and a way to develop your hands is to practice with a very tightly strung stick so you can soften up your hands. Most goalies have a death grip on the stick and that is probably what is causing you to give up rebounds. Don't change the mesh, change your grip and you will give up less rebounds.

I know what you're trying to do Richie by going with a different mesh. The challenge is that you're just setting yourself up for bigger problems later when you play at a higher level. If you don't work on your hands now you'll have really bad habits later on.

Let me know what you decide to do. If you need anything else just email me.

Kick ass Richie,

Jonathan -
www.yourbestlacrosse.blogspot.com
www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com