Crosse

A crosse is the lacrosse stick used to play the sport of lacrosse. It consists of a long shaft and a head attached to one end, with a netted pocket at the head that the ball is caught in, cradled, carried, and released from. In modern play, cross heads are typically made of plastic or resin and shafts are made from metal or composite materials, though wooden cross shafts are still used in some traditional settings. Rules governing length, head design, and pocket depth vary by gender and competition.

Construction and variations: The crosse is built to suit different ages and levels of play. In men’s field lacrosse, shafts are often longer and the heads are designed for deeper pockets to enhance ball handling and shooting, while women’s sticks use a different head shape and a shorter overall length to emphasize precision and ball control. Heads may be exchanged or customized, and players choose shaft materials and rigidity to balance weight, strength, and feel. Pocket design affects ball retention and release, with regulations governing allowable pocket depth and construction.

History: Lacrosse originated with Indigenous peoples of North America, where early sticks were carved from wood and had woven nets. In the 19th century, Canadian dentist George Beers helped standardize equipment and rules, contributing to the modern crosse with a more uniform head and easier-to-produce materials. Today, cross design and materials range from wooden to aluminum and composite, and the sport is governed globally by World Lacrosse and national associations.