AboutJonathan Edwards Expertise I'm a former All-American goalie and have played every position at all levels.
I also coached a high school program in Massachusetts for four years where I helped a number of athletes go on to play college ball in all divisions. Currently I spent much of my time between Massachusetts and Calgary, AB Canada where I have had a chance to work with a number of box lacrosse players who have gone on to play field in the US. Currently I run two blogs. www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com for goalies. As well as www.yourbestlacrosse.blogspot.com for field players. I also run the number one lacrosse newsletter for goalies and the number one conditioning newsletter for field players.
Experience I was a high school All-American who was recruited by a number of Division 1 schools. I have also been a coach and ran a high school program for four years. I have coached at summer camps and also run my own website for goalies as well as a lacrosse fitness site.
Publications Too numerous to name here.
Education/Credentials Currently I am the most requested Expert on AllExperts.com in the category of lacrosse. I was an Olympian in the sport of luge. Also attended Stanford University. Former strength and conditioning coach who has helped thousands of athletes world wide improve their game.
Awards and Honors I was an All-American and an All-League player as well as the MVP of the East West Prep School All Star Game.
Question QUESTION: Dear Coach Edwards,
This year my high school team lost a huge number of defensive players. Previously I played defensive middie with a short stick and learned a-lot about playing defense. However, I'm interested in playing long stick midfield, but have a question regarding the length of the stick. Currently I am practicing with a normal d-pole and I'm having a tough time getting used to it, so I was wondering if shortening the stick the stick would be a wise move? I am about 5'10" so this is not about the stick being larger than me, I think it will allow me to protect my stick better as I transition the ball up field, and be easier to maneuver. I was thinking cutting the stick down to 5 feet, but I am not sure what to do? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Peter
ANSWER: Hey there Peter. What kind of troubles are you having with the stick? Ground balls? Checking? Everything? What kind of head do you have on it?
Jonathan -
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QUESTION: Thanks for answering so quick; Currently I have a pretty cheap setup, but I'm in the action of upgrading. I have some sort of Brine head with an aluminum shaft, I'm looking to get something stronger like titanium, and a Revo head by Warrior. As for my troubles, now that I take time to look I think it's just about getting acquainted with the longer stick. The things that seem the hardest are switching hands, cradling, and hand placement, checking and ground balls actually seem easier with a long pole. I reconsidered shortening the pole because I think it will come back to haunt me in the future. I guess what I'm really asking is what are some ways, specifically for a long pole, I can improve my stick handling?
Thank you again,
Peter
Answer Pete it's just practice man. Watch as much video as you can to see how the college guys are playing. That's what I did when I was young. It does take some getting used to, but seriously, if you take six inches off that stick you stick skills will improve and you won't lose anything on the ground balls or the checking. They may actually improve.
