Lacrosse Shaft Lengths: Attack, Defense, Goalie & Women's

Standard and legal lacrosse shaft lengths for attack, middies, defense, LSMs, goalies, women and youth, plus a length chart and how to cut a shaft down the right way.

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The quick answer

For those in a time crunch, I'll keep this quick and simple.

In the men's game, attack and middie shafts are usually 30 inches. That bumps up to 60 inches for defensemen, and goalie shafts are usually 36 or 40 inches.

On the women's side, the typical shaft is about 32 inches regardless of position.

But keep in mind these are just the typical lengths. They can vary with age, rules and personal preference.

This guide digs a little deeper into the range of legal shaft lengths and walks you through cutting down a shaft.

Coach's note: I've measured a lot of sticks at equipment checks, from upstate New York youth tournaments to Virginia Beach high school games, and I've watched Ontario box guys cut their poles down to the inch. The right length is the one that's legal for your level and feels like part of your arm. Get it wrong and the ref will let you know, usually at the worst possible time.

Standard lacrosse shaft lengths

If you didn't catch the hint above, shaft length depends on your position and whether you play offense or defense. So let's run them down by role.

Attack and middie shaft length

As I said up top, attack and middie shafts in the men's game are almost always 30 inches (not counting the head).

Beyond the average, an offensive shaft can run anywhere from 28 to 30 inches, which should put your total stick (head and shaft) between 40 and 42 inches.

Attack shafts sit at the short end of the range because offensive players want to keep as compact a profile as possible. That gives defenders less stick to go after and should, in theory, make it easier for attackmen to keep possession.

For youth players, sticks have a much wider allowable range, roughly 37 to 72 inches total. Offensive players tend to sit at the short end, around a 25-inch shaft and a 37-inch total stick.

Youth players use shorter, lighter sticks because they better fit a kid's size and strength. Shorter shafts help young players develop a feel for the game they can build on as they move up. The Warrior Evo Jr. 27" Complete Stick ($44.99) is a great example, with a 27" handle built for players 10 and under.

Attack and middie shafts at BattleLax

Defense and LSM shaft length

For the skimmers and the forgetful: defensemen, from close D guarding the crease to the LSM running down faceoffs, average a 60-inch shaft (without the head).

But who wants to be average? Defense shafts can be anywhere from 40 to 60 inches, for a total stick length of 52 to 72 inches.

Unlike attackmen, defensemen want to be at the long end of the range for as much reach as possible on checks and pokes. The longer the stick, the less room an attackman has to work, and the easier it is to control the distance between you and your man.

Longer sticks also help defensemen cut down passing lanes and angles. An extra inch or two might be what knocks down a skip pass across the box or takes away a feed to the crease.

Youth defensemen can typically use a shaft anywhere from 28 to 60 inches. The exact length comes down to feel and height, and the general rule is that the stick shouldn't be taller than the player.

The market doesn't really offer those in-between sizes for young poles. Instead of settling for whatever's on the rack, consider buying an adult pole and cutting it down to a comfortable size (more on that below).

Defense and LSM shafts at BattleLax

Read more: Best defense lacrosse shafts

Goalie shaft length

Last but definitely not least, our goalies. As I said in the intro, new goalie shafts are usually 36 or 40 inches, but the legal range runs from about 28 to 60 inches, or 40 to 72 inches for the complete stick.

Most goalies keep their shaft in the 34- to 40-inch range, but it ultimately comes down to feel and the keeper's size. A goalie should build a stick that gives them the widest range of motion and full coverage between the pipes, in step with their speed and reactions.

Youth goalies have a minimum full stick length of 37 inches, so their shaft will likely be around 25 inches at minimum. Full coverage of the cage matters less at the youth level. Young goalies should focus on size and comfort while they learn the movements of the position.

Want a ready-to-play goalie setup? The Maverik Krease Complete Goalie Stick ($199.99) comes with a goalie head and shaft. See our best goalie shafts too.

Women's shaft length

Women's shafts are usually about 32 inches no matter the position, with a total stick usually in the 35.5- to 43.25-inch range. Need one? Try the Maverik Ascent Pro Carbon Women's Shaft ($99.99) or see our best women's shafts.

What about lacrosse shaft width?

To keep it short and simple: a shaft can't be more than 3.5 inches around (in circumference), including any added girth from tape or other grip.

Read more: Best lacrosse shafts

Lacrosse shaft length chart

Rules vary by league and age group, so check your league's rulebook before game day.

Shop shafts at Battle Lax

How to cut a lacrosse shaft

A disclaimer right up front: not every pole is built to be cut.

Before you start trimming, know what material you're working with, because some shafts can't be cut accurately or safely. Most notably, don't cut carbon fiber shafts. The material makes it tough unless you have an extremely fine, high-quality saw, and even then you'll likely end up with a jagged edge and weaken the whole shaft.

If you're working with a metal (or mostly metal) shaft, you're more than likely good to dust off the old hacksaw.

Or maybe don't rush into it, because like most saw jobs, you only get one real shot at a clean, accurate cut.

Here are some tips and steps before you start.

1. Decide on the length

You're saying "duh" at your screen right now, because you scrolled straight to this section, so you've obviously already decided to trim your shaft. But deciding to shorten a shaft and deciding on the exact length are two different beasts.

Think about how the shaft feels, and choke up your grip to where you're most comfortable. If a teammate has a stick that matches the build you want, take a few runs with theirs as a test drive.

Only move on once you're confident in the length and feel, because once you break out the saw, there's no going back.

2. Choose a side

Sorry if this is a no-brainer, but you need to pick which end to cut. The obvious choice is the end opposite the pre-drilled holes, so you don't have to drill new head holes yourself. It also leaves a clean factory end for your head to connect to instead of a hand-sawn one.

You may not have a choice if you're salvaging a broken pole. If you can't save the pre-drilled end, consider turning your butt end into the top of the shaft and drilling your own head holes. That way you avoid attaching the head to the end you cut.

3. Measure. Measure. Measure.

Measure twice, cut once. Anyone who's ever used even a pair of safety scissors has heard it, and it's especially true here.

Measure once, twice, three times if you have to, but make sure your length is mapped out accurately. Also make sure it meets the stick length rules for your age and level.

Try wrapping tape around the shaft at the cut line. It gives you a straight-edge guide and keeps the cut accurate all the way through.

4. Use a vise

Not everyone has a vise, but if you do, USE IT!

A vise keeps you safe and keeps the cut accurate. Just don't overtighten the jaws on the shaft, or you could dent it and weaken the stick.

If you don't have a vise, I'd be tempted to say use your foot or a buddy's weight to hold the shaft. But that could put us in a legally precarious position, so I'll say don't do that.

Just use a vise.

5. Now we're cutting

The best saw has small, fine teeth for the cleanest possible edge. A hacksaw is your best bet, since the build and material of most shafts take some finesse on the first strokes.

Take long, smooth strokes at your mark to ease the teeth through the first layer of metal. About halfway through, double-check that you're staying straight (hopefully along your tape guide), then pick up the pace through to the other side.

6. Sand it down

Even the steadiest hand can't leave a perfectly straight edge, so sand the cut end until it's as smooth and level as you can get it. That's especially important if the cut end is where your head will go.

Ideally, the cut end will be covered by a butt end cap, but smooth it anyway for your safety and everyone else's.

Shafts in stock at BattleLax

Need a new shaft in the right length? These are the shafts and sticks from this guide that BattleLax carries right now.

Prices and stock change, so check the product page before you order.

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Shop the Maverik A7 175 at Battle Lax