Do you remember the first time your child stepped onto the lacrosse field with their stick in hand? That moment is magical, but finding the right equipment can quickly turn into a headache. With so many brands, shapes, and pocket styles on the market, parents often feel overwhelmed. Choosing the wrong head can make it harder for a young player to catch, throw, and build confidence during those crucial early years.
You might be wondering if a stiffer head is better for defense or if a flexible one helps with ground balls. Navigating these technical details shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. We want your young athlete to spend more time perfecting their skills and less time worrying about their gear. The right head acts as an extension of their arm, turning practice sessions into real progress.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about youth lacrosse heads. We will explain how weight, face shape, and stringing impact a player’s performance. You will learn how to match the head to your child’s specific position and skill level. By the end of this post, you will feel ready to pick the perfect piece of equipment with total confidence. Let’s dive into the details so your player can hit the field ready to shine.
Top Youth Lacrosse Head Recommendations
- Perfect for Most Positions – Whether you're an attackman, midfielder, or defender, the RC1 offers the ideal balance of power, accuracy, and durability for most players on the field. Not the best for faceoffs.
- Performance Tested — Proven at the D1 Collegiate level for the last two seasons, the RC1 is ready for high-pressure play while also being an ideal choice for beginners honing their skills
- Effortless Stringing — The RC1 features numbered sidewall holes with an optimal count of 20, making stringing quicker, easier, and more precise. The generously sized sidewall holes allow players to experiment with stringing styles effortlessly
- Designed and Developed in the USA — Located in Annandale, New Jersey, ReLax Collections serves lacrosse organizations locally in the Mid-Atlantic region and across the country. The RC1 was designed, developed, and tested entirely in the NJ/PA/NY region.
- Affordable Experimentation — Whether you're dyeing the head or trying out new stringing patterns, the RC1 gives you the freedom to customize without worrying about damaging an expensive piece of equipment
- PERFECT FOR YOUNG BEGINNERS: The STALLION 50 YOUTH COMPLETE STICK is tailored for entry-level boys players, making it easier for young athletes to learn and enjoy lacrosse with improved catching and ball control. Not for use in girls lacrosse.
- FORGIVING RESPONSE: The head is molded with softer material, providing a forgiving response that helps beginners make successful plays and gain confidence on the field.
- EASY HANDLING: Featuring a shorter and thinner handle, this stick is designed for easy handling, allowing young players to develop their skills comfortably and effectively.
- FUNDAMENTAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT: The STALLION 50 is engineered to help new players build proper fundamentals, ensuring they have a strong foundation as they advance in the sport.
- INSPIRED BY ELITE PERFORMANCE: With soft mesh stringing and inspiration from the elite line of STX lacrosse sticks, this youth stick offers top-notch design elements for aspiring young athletes.
- The Hyper Power lacrosse head is made to help give attackers more accurate shots and passes.
- Strung with Memory Mesh & ready to play
- Crafted for the elite offensive shooter with an updated Power Ramp (patent pending) improves shot speed and consistency
- Innerlock guides simplify inside stringing for a narrower pocket and increased hold
- Made with EnduraForm - a proprietary material for improved toughness
- Lightweight Our patent pending Diamond Plastic has an extremely low density allowing this to be our lightest head ever.
- Fast What makes this head fast? Science. Well, aerodynamics. This is the most aerodynamic head in our line allowing your stick to cut through the air like you wouldn’t believe.
- Made in the U.S.A. Designed and made in the U.S.A. with precision and love.
- The STX Stallion 200 boys complete stick is specifically designed to encourage the development of fundamental skills while drawing on the features of some of our advanced products.
- Inspired by the elite STX men’s Stallion U550 head and includes soft mesh stringing
- Complete stick only - includes new STX 6000 series alloy handle featuring tonal "memory marker" graphics
- Easy catching and ball control for all entry-level boys players
- Meets NCAA and NFHS Rules
- Beginners stick to help the player develop into an elite player
- Molded nylon head with greater response for catch and release than most complete sticks on the market
- Soft mesh great for prepping young players for the next level
- Shorter 24.5" length and thinner shaft designed for youth
- Aluminum shaft with glossy finish with white graphics
- Perfect for Most Positions – Whether you're an attackman, midfielder, or defender, the RC1 offers the ideal balance of power, accuracy, and durability for most players on the field. Not the best for faceoffs.
- Performance Tested — Proven at the D1 Collegiate level for the last two seasons, the RC1 is ready for high-pressure play while also being an ideal choice for beginners honing their skills
- Effortless Stringing — The RC1 features numbered sidewall holes with an optimal count of 20, making stringing quicker, easier, and more precise. The generously sized sidewall holes allow players to experiment with stringing styles effortlessly
- Designed and Developed in the USA — Located in Annandale, New Jersey, ReLax Collections serves lacrosse organizations locally in the Mid-Atlantic region and across the country. The RC1 was designed, developed, and tested entirely in the NJ/PA/NY region.
- Affordable Experimentation — Whether you're dyeing the head or trying out new stringing patterns, the RC1 gives you the freedom to customize without worrying about damaging an expensive piece of equipment
- Designed for the elite face-off player
- Speed Scoop enhances groundball play at the X
- Player-preferred flex zones for optimal face-off movements
- Updated shortened throat moves your hand even closer to the ball
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Youth Lacrosse Head
Buying the right lacrosse head is a big step for any young player. The head is the most important part of the stick. It helps a player catch, carry, and throw the ball with control. A good head builds confidence on the field. Use this guide to find the perfect match for your athlete.
1. Key Features to Look For
You should focus on a few main features. First, look at the sidewall height. A higher sidewall gives the head more strength. It also helps the player keep the ball secure. Second, look at the scoop shape. A rounded scoop helps players pick up ground balls easily. Finally, check the stringing holes. More holes allow for better pocket customization.
2. Important Materials
Most youth heads use high-grade plastic. This material must be durable but flexible. It should not crack in cold weather. Some advanced heads use reinforced plastic to stay light. A lighter head helps younger players develop better stick skills. It reduces arm fatigue during long practices.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality comes down to engineering. A high-quality head keeps its shape over time. It does not “warp” or bend out of place after heavy use. Poor-quality heads often lose their shape quickly. This makes it very hard to throw accurately. You should also look for a stiff throat. A loose throat causes the head to wobble on the shaft.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Experience depends on the player’s position. Attackers usually prefer a narrower head for better ball control. Defenders often want a wider head to intercept passes. Most youth players start with a “universal” head. These are designed to be great for every position. They offer a balance of control and catching area.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my child need a specific head for their position?
A: Beginners do not need specific heads. A universal head works well for all positions while they learn the game.
Q: How often should I replace a youth lacrosse head?
A: You only need to replace it if it cracks or warps significantly. Many players use the same head for two or three seasons.
Q: What is the difference between a “strung” and “unstrung” head?
A: A strung head comes with the mesh and strings already installed. An unstrung head is just the plastic frame. Beginners should buy a strung head.
Q: Are expensive heads better for beginners?
A: Not always. Beginners benefit most from heads that are lightweight and easy to use. High-end heads are often designed for elite speed.
Q: How do I know if a head is legal for youth play?
A: Most heads sold by major brands are marked “NFHS” or “NCAA” legal. These meet the safety rules for youth leagues.
Q: Should I buy a stiff head or a flexible head?
A: Younger players usually prefer a slightly flexible head. It makes catching the ball much easier.
Q: Does cold weather affect the plastic?
A: Yes. Some cheap plastics become brittle in the cold. Look for “all-weather” plastic if you play in colder climates.
Q: How do I keep the head in good condition?
A: Keep the stick out of the trunk of your car. Extreme heat can warp the plastic. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I use a women’s head for a boys’ team?
A: No. Men’s and women’s lacrosse have different rules and equipment requirements. Always buy the head designed for the specific game.
Q: What is the “offset” in a lacrosse head?
A: Offset means the sidewall drops down. This helps the ball sit deeper in the pocket. It makes the stick feel more natural to carry.