Choosing the right youth lacrosse stick helps beginners develop fundamentals, improve ball handling, and enjoy the game. This guide highlights five beginner- and junior-friendly sticks designed for safety and durability, across boys and girls lines. Each pick emphasizes a forgiving head, lightweight handle, and a dependable pocket, making practice more productive and fun for growing players.
| Product | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STX Stallion 200 A/M | STX | Beginner-friendly |
| STX Crux Jr. Complete | STX | Girls under 7 |
| STX Stallion 50 Youth | STX | Forgiving head |
| CHAMPRO LRX7 Youth | CHAMPRO | Soft mesh |
| Franklin 26″ Youth | Franklin Sports | Lightweight, control |
STX Stallion 200 A/M Complete Stick
The STX Stallion 200 is designed to help beginners develop core lacrosse skills. It borrows a look and feel from STX’s advanced designs, featuring a soft mesh stringing for easier ball retention and a dependable pocket. The complete stick includes a 6000-series alloy handle with memory marker graphics, delivering a lightweight, durable setup that promotes comfortable cradling, passing, and shooting as players learn proper fundamentals. This model is ideal for early practice and daily drills at home or on the field.
STX Crux Jr. Complete Stick
Designed for young female players, the STX Crux Jr. Complete Stick provides a friendly entry point for girls under seven. It draws on the Crux line’s reputation for quality and performance, offering a compact, lightweight profile and a consistent pocket with Lock Pocket Jr. for easy maintenance. The combination supports reliable catching, passing, and development of early game sense, with a colorway and size that appeal to young athletes starting lacrosse.
STX Stallion 50 Youth Complete Stick
This youth-oriented model adapts the Stallion design into a shorter 39″ frame with a softer-headed construction for a forgiving response. It includes a shorter and thinner handle to improve handling for younger players who are building fundamental skills. While not intended for higher levels of play, the Stallion 50 supports consistent practice and proper technique development as players mature and grow more confident on the field.
CHAMPRO LRX7 Youth Lacrosse Stick
CHAMPRO’s LRX7 Youth Lacrosse Stick emphasizes ease of use for beginners. It features a molded nylon head with strong response for catching and releasing and a soft mesh pocket designed to support early learning. The stick’s design prioritizes a forgiving feel and quick hand adjustments, helping young players transition to more advanced sticks as skills improve while staying within a comfortable weight class for growing athletes.
Franklin Youth Lacrosse 26-Inch Stick
Franklin’s 26-inch youth stick blends lightweight aluminum construction with a Neo-Grip surface texture for improved control and stability. It is well-suited for attackers and midfielders learning to cradle, pass, and shoot with accuracy. The deeper pocket and responsive head help players develop confidence and coordination during drills and informal games, making it a practical option for entry-level youth outings.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations for youth lacrosse sticks include age, height, and skill level. For beginners, lighter sticks with forgiving heads and soft mesh pockets support learning and safety. Girls’ sticks often prioritize a shorter, more compact profile and easier handling. Material choice matters: aluminum shafts are lightweight and durable, while composite heads can offer stiffness and snap for more accurate passes. Pocket type—whether a Lock Pocket Jr. or standard mesh—affects ball retention and consistency. Size matters: many youth sticks range around 26″ to 39″, with taller players needing longer options as they grow. Always verify proper length for comfort, control, and safety.
Age And Height Considerations
Start with sticks sized to the child’s height and arm reach. Younger players typically use shorter sticks (around 26″) to build confidence, while advancing players gradually move toward longer bodies that mirror their growth and reach. Always select a size that allows the player to cradle, pass, and shoot without overextending.
Head Type, Pocket, And Weight
Look for forgiving heads and moderate pocket depth for beginners. A softer head reduces mishandling, while a deep or soft pocket improves catching reliability. Lightweight shafts help with faster ball handling and easier stick control, promoting better form during drills and scrimmages.
Material And Durability
Aluminum shafts are common in youth sticks for their balance of weight and strength. Composite or alloy heads offer different stiffness and responsiveness. Consider the player’s activity level and weather conditions, as well-made sticks with durable pockets withstand regular practice and rough handling.
Starter Kits Versus Full Sticks
For newcomers, starter sets or mini sticks can ease kids into the sport. For ongoing practice, a full stick with a reliable pocket encourages proper technique and longer practice sessions without frequent adjustments or repairs.