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Glossary
Lacrosse Gear terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
A
- ASTM F3077
- The ASTM standard for protective eyewear used in girls' and women's lacrosse; check that the exact model is certified and listed by SEI. Read the guide →
- ASTM F3137
- The standard for optional headgear in girls' and women's lacrosse. Read the guide →
F
- Face shape
- The front profile of a lacrosse head, including its width and sidewall curves. Read the guide →
G
- Goal cage
- The frame and net that form the shooting target in lacrosse; choose an opening and assembled footprint for your practice or rule set. Read the guide →
- Goalie head
- The wide head designed for a lacrosse goalkeeper stick; confirm its dimensions against the rules for your league. Read the guide →
H
- Head
- The plastic frame at the top of the stick that holds the pocket. Read the guide →
L
- Long pole
- The defensive stick, 52 to 72 inches long, carried by defensemen and the long-stick midfielder. Read the guide →
- LSM
- Long-stick midfielder: a midfielder who carries a long pole, usually for defense and faceoff wings. Read the guide →
N
- ND200
- The NOCSAE standard for lacrosse chest protectors, aimed at reducing the risk of commotio cordis. Read the guide →
- NOCSAE
- The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, which sets standards for lacrosse helmets, balls and chest protectors. Read the guide →
O
- Offset
- A head design that sits below the line of the shaft, which lowers the pocket for more hold and control. Read the guide →
P
- The mesh or traditional stringing in the head that holds the ball. Read the guide →
R
- Rebound surface
- The net, target or panel on a practice frame that sends a thrown ball back to the player. Read the guide →
S
- Scandium-titanium alloy
- A metal alloy used in some lacrosse shafts; compare the exact model’s specifications rather than relying on the material label alone. Read the guide →
- Shooting strings
- Strings across the top of the pocket that control how the ball leaves the stick. Read the guide →
- Short stick
- The stick used by attackmen and most midfielders: 40 to 42 inches long under NFHS and NCAA rules. Read the guide →
- Sidewall
- The side of the head, used as the reference point for pocket depth checks. Read the guide →
- Six-diamond mesh
- The standard mesh size for men's heads, named for the number of diamonds across. Read the guide →
- Stick check
- A referee inspection of length, head and pocket depth to confirm a stick is legal. Read the guide →
- Stringing pattern
- The sequence and placement of knots and strings used to attach mesh and shape a lacrosse pocket. Read the guide →
T
- Throat guard
- A protector that hangs from the goalie helmet to cover the throat. Read the guide →
- Traditional pocket
- A pocket strung from leather or synthetic thongs and nylon cross-lacing instead of mesh. Read the guide →
- Turf shoe
- An athletic shoe with low-profile rubber nubs designed for artificial-turf surfaces. Read the guide →
W
- Wall ball
- Throwing and catching against a wall to build stick skills and break in a pocket. Read the guide →