Should Your Child Use a Long Pole in Lacrosse?

When Jackson Pfister, a defenseman from Upper Arlington High School, picked up his first long pole in seventh grade, he felt like he joined an exclusive club. This rite of passage is an important step in the development of young lacrosse players, but it’s not without its drawbacks.

Using a long stick helps youth players gain confidence and learn to play defense in the face of physical challenges that would be difficult to take on with a short stick. In addition, longer sticks allow defenders to create disruption with their checks and help them control the ball carrier. This is especially important at the middle school level when many teams have bigger, faster and more talented offenses.

The long pole can also be used to add a new dimension to the game for offensive players. A player can use a long stick to throw different types of passes over and around opposing players, and to catch ground balls that are farther away from their feet. It can even be used to block shots, something that is not possible with a shorter stick.

If your child is a goalie or plays defense in the youth game it’s crucial to get them comfortable with a long stick as early as possible. This will allow them to develop the necessary defensive skills and position themselves better in front of the net for more successful clearing. It will also prepare them for the more aggressive style of defense that is becoming more common at the high school and college levels.

In addition to working on basic fundamentals like catching and shooting, youth players should spend time playing with a long stick on the wall to get accustomed to the extra two feet of stick length. This is especially important for goalies because it allows them to practice the correct technique for using a long stick in both their off-hand and their dominant hand.

Whether or not your child should start using a long pole in the game of lacrosse is a personal decision that comes down to their height and how they feel about it. However, if they have decided to try it and you are not comfortable with it I would recommend against letting them use it until 4th grade at the very least. Trying it out in 3rd/4th grade can take the focus off of your child developing their hands and instincts on defense, and they will learn to rely on the pole instead of being able to play with their bodies. This is how good defensemen are made.