While all mens’ and boys’ lacrosse shafts are the same width, so they fit all heads, they are not always the same length. Defensive players use much longer shafts—”poles,” as they’re called—than offensive players. The long defensive shafts are seen as an equalizer, allowing them to keep up with offensive opponents. The number of long poles are limited, depending on your level of play. Lastly, virtually all lacrosse heads will fit on a shaft no matter if it’s an offensive or defensive shaft. Defensive players, for example, may prefer an offensive head and vice versa.
Offensive players must use shafts that measure 30 inches, while defensive players typically use shafts that are 60 inches long.
Defensive lacrosse players should use a longer shaft that is somewhere in the range of 52 to 72 inches.
Lacrosse defensemen use longer sticks because it adds an extra defensive cushion by allowing them to have greater reach with their stick.
