Ball Stop for a Lacrosse Head

Abstract

A ball stop for a lacrosse head providing for improved pocket geometry.

Description

[0001] This is a Utility Patent Application filed for the invention by Paul Gait, a citizen of Canada, residing at 5 Normandy Dr., Altamont, N.Y. 12009, has invented a new and useful "Ball Stop for a Lacrosse Head." This Utility Patent Application claims benefit of previously filed provisional patent application No. 60/931,224 filed May 22, 2007 entitled Curved Ball Stop for Lacrosse Head; and provisional patent application No. 60/940,681 filed May 29, 2007 entitled Curved Ball Stop for Lacrosse Head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a lacrosse head having a ball stop. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ball stop integrated into the base of the lacrosse head which allows for greater control in manipulating a lacrosse ball during participation in the sport. Furthermore, the invention is designed so as to provide a greater contact of the base of the stop with the ball while the lacrosse ball is held within the lacrosse stick while also improving pocket geometry.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] The lacrosse game originated with the American-Canadian Native Americans. Traditionally, a lacrosse stick has a handle portion attached to a head with the head consisting generally of a frame and a pocket. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a well constructed lacrosse head is essential in both the general play by and especially the success of participants of the sport of lacrosse. Generally, the lacrosse head can be described as a basket that attaches to the end of the handle that is used to catch, transport, and deliver the ball as desired. The lacrosse head not only catches the ball and holds the ball during play, but is also used during the defensive maneuvers and to obtain the ball during a face off. As such, the lacrosse head is subjected to both large and varying forces during the game. Typically, lacrosse heads are formed of some type of plastic material which is rigid although can slightly deform so as not to crack or break under the typical stresses experienced during participation in lacrosse games.

[0006] To this end, there has been a variety of different patents acquired for improvements for lacrosse heads. Some such prior art patents improve the strength and durability characteristics of lacrosse heads while other prior art patents allegedly provide an improved lacrosse head design resulting in greater ball control, better shooting, passing, or other elements of the game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,397 issued to Brine discloses a lacrosse head having extending tabs on the inner edge of the side walls. These tabs are used to aid in attachment of the pocket to the lacrosse head.

[0007] Morrow (U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,056) discloses a lacrosse head having lips and ridges to protect the lacing of the basket or web.

[0008] Hexemer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,550, discloses a lacrosse head having a plurality of concavities and apices.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,549 issued to Dill et al. discloses certain notches on the inner edge of the side walls to better control the ball.

[0010] Dorfi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,843, discloses a lacrosse head wherein the base of the head includes an accurate recess along its backside to form with the netting a socket for receiving and retaining the lacrosse ball.

[0011] Unfortunately, prior art lacrosse heads are not as effective for maintaining ball control as the ball stops of the prior art have not been designed to sufficiently conform pocket geometry to achieve desirable ball-handling characteristics. Furthermore, the prior art does not provide a variety of styles of improved ball stops for maintaining the ball within the pocket of the lacrosse head, and additionally, shaping the pocket of lacrosse head to conform to the size characteristics of a lacrosse ball. Yet furthermore, the prior art does not include connection points for pockets while providing a stable platform for a lacrosse ball.

[0012] What is desired, therefore, is an improved ball stop for a lacrosse head which assists in improving pocket geometry and ball control for when a user has a lacrosse ball within the pocket of the lacrosse head. Furthermore, an improved ball stop is desired so that the player may have a lacrosse head with a larger ball stop base for maintaining the lacrosse ball. Indeed, a combination of characteristics including improving the geometry of the pocket of lacrosse head better than contemplated in the prior art has been found to be necessary for improving ball control when manipulating a lacrosse ball. Also desired, is a ball stop designed with similarities to the dimensions of a lacrosse ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides a ball stop for lacrosse head which is uniquely capable of improving pocket geometry as well as providing a stable base for a lacrosse ball to rest thereon. The inventive ball stop allows for the pocket to attach in the throat area in a shape better suited to maintain a lacrosse ball therein and further provides a combination of improved ball handling and improved pocket orientation. In addition, the ball stop for a lacrosse head provides a stable base for a ball to rest thereon as the inner surface area of the novel ball stop is greater than that of ball stops of the prior art lacrosse heads.

[0014] More particularly, the inventive lacrosse head with ball stop base includes a ball stop adjacent to the throat and has an inner surface extending from the front opening of the lacrosse stick to a point beyond the rear second edges of the pair of side walls. The ball stop may assist in improved pocket geometry as the pocket may attach to the second edge of the ball stop, and thus, may attach in an extended curved arrangement. Generally, the novel ball stop for lacrosse head may be curved in one or more planes preferably following the shape of the opening of the lacrosse head as well has having a curved edge for the attachment of the pocket thereto though may also be extended and substantially straight. Preferably, the ball stop provides for an improved platform and/or pocket for a lacrosse ball.

[0015] The ball stop may be curved in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both with the longitudinal direction being the plane which extends from the throat to the scoop of the lacrosse head and with the latitudinal plane extending from one sidewall to the other. Furthermore, the extended second edge of the ball stop may curve toward the throat in addition to having a curved-shaped edge. Alternatively, the portion of the ball stop nearer the second edge may curve toward the scoop, thus necessitating longer runners or attachments for the pocket. In further embodiments the ball stop may be substantially straight yet be of an extended design from the sidewalls.

[0016] Yet furthermore, the ball stop may have a first edge and a second edge with the distance from the first edge to the second edge of the ball stop greater than the distance of the first edge of one of the sidewalls of the pair of side walls to the second edge of the same sidewall of the pair of side walls.

[0017] More specifically, the ball stop of the lacrosse head includes a second edge which intersects the second edge of the pair of side walls at two points. Preferably, the second edge of the ball stop extends from these intersection points with a curvature, thus extending to a point beyond the pair of side walls. In an alternative embodiment, the second edge is substantially straight nearer the portion of the intersection points and then extends in a curvature thus forming the curved ball stop. In a further embodiment, the ball stop is substantially straight in its extension.

[0018] In even further embodiments, the ball stop for a lacrosse head provides a displacement from the holes on the ball stop to the holes on the side walls. The ball stop advantageously creates an improved pocket about the lacrosse ball. Generally, this displacement allows for the pocket to have a geometry which maintains a lacrosse ball in an improved manner. Furthermore, in embodiments including the ball stop of the present invention, the ball stop may have a low curved surface allowing for increased distance at the ball stop for the maintenance of a lacrosse ball and may have a raised area to promote improved ball control.

[0019] Advantageously, the ball stop for lacrosse head is preferably utilized to improve pocket geometry at the throat area of lacrosse stick. The ball stop with the improved surface area provides for a greater contact point for a held lacrosse ball within the pocket of a lacrosse stick while providing a connection for the base of the pocket. An object of the invention, therefore, is a ball stop for a lacrosse head having characteristics which improve ball control and provide greater ease for the user for manipulating the ball within the head of the lacrosse stick.

[0020] Another object of the invention is a ball stop for a lacrosse head having an inner surface extending from about the first edge of the pair of side walls to a point beyond the second edge of the pair of side walls.

[0021] Still another object of the invention is a ball stop for lacrosse head having a second edge, and optionally, curves in the longitudinal or latitudinal direction.

[0022] Yet another object of the invention is a ball stop for a lacrosse head wherein the distance from the first edge of the ball stop to the second edge of the ball stop is of from about 80% to about 200% the distance as measured from the first edge of the pair of side walls to the second edge of the pair of side walls.

[0023] Still another object of the invention is a ball stop for a lacrosse head providing a curvature substantially similar to the curvatures of a lacrosse ball.

[0024] Yet another object of the invention is a ball stop for a lacrosse head providing for an increased displacement between the holes on the side walls and the holes on the ball stop of the lacrosse stick.

[0025] Another object of the invention is a ball stop for a lacrosse head providing a low curve which increases distance at a ball stop between the string and holes of the ball stop and the string and holes of the side walls of the lacrosse head.

[0026] These aspects and others that will become apparent to the artisan upon review of the following description can be accomplished by providing a lacrosse head with a ball stop which thereby improves pocket geometry and also provides an extended base for a lacrosse ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the Dorfi et al. lacrosse head.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a throat view of the embodiment of the Dorfi et al. lacrosse head.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of a general prior art lacrosse head.

[0030] FIG. 4a is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of the lacrosse head with ball stop of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4b is an illustration of an additional embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4c is an illustration of yet a further embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5a is an illustration of the inner surface of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a lacrosse ball in communication with the ball stop of the present invention of a strung lacrosse head.

[0035] FIG. 7a is an illustration of a top perspective view of a lacrosse head including an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7b is an illustration of a side view of a lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7c is an illustration of a side view of a strung lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8a is an illustration of a top perspective view of a lacrosse head including an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8b is an illustration of a side view of a lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8c is an illustration of a side view of a strung lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9a is an illustration of a top perspective view of a lacrosse head including an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9b is an illustration of a side view of a lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 9c is an illustration of a side view of a strung lacrosse head having an embodiment of the ball stop of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Referring generally now to FIG. 1, a prior art lacrosse head illustrated in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,843, Dorfi et al., is shown and generally designated by the numeral 10. The Dorfi et al. lacrosse head 10 generally has throat 12, scoop 14, pair of side walls 16 with first edge 18, and second edge 20, and also ball stop 22. Specifically the Dorfi et al. ball stop 22 has first edge 24 and second edge 26 wherein inner surface 28 of ball stop 22 spans between first edge 24 and second edge 26.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 1, lacrosse ball 30 sits within pocket 32 of Dorfi head 10. More specifically, lacrosse ball 30 rests against second edge 26 with the majority of lacrosse ball 30 sitting on the base of pocket 32.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative view of Dorfi et al. lacrosse head 10 is shown with ball stop 22 having first edge 24 on the upper side and second edge 26 displayed on the bottom portion of the illustration. Notably, second edge 26 of ball stop 22 curves inward, and distends into the Dorfi et al. lacrosse head 10, resulting in the distance measured from first edge 24 to second edge 26 of ball stop 22 being less than the distance measured from first edge 18 to second edge 20 of side walls 16. This results in the ball resting primarily on the pocket and not on the ball stop as the ball stop is significantly smaller than the width of side wall 16. Furthermore, while not illustrated in FIG. 2, the lacrosse pocket of lacrosse head 10 would be strung within second edge 20 of side wall 16 and also second edge 26 of ball stop 22.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 3, an additional prior art lacrosse head is presented. Lacrosse head 10 has scoop 14, throat 12, side wall 16 with first edge 18, and second edge 20, and also ball stop 22 having a first edge 24 and second edge 26. In these embodiments, inner surface 28 which extends from first edge 24 to second edge 26 of ball stop 22 is approximately the same length as the distance measured from first edge 18 to second edge 20 of side wall 16. Pocket 32 is similarly strung along second edge 26 of ball stop 22 and second edge 20 of side wall 16 and forming the strung lacrosse head. This embodiment results in a relatively flat pocket 32 as second edge 26 of ball stop 22 is relatively even with second edge 20 of pair of side walls 16. Furthermore, ball stop 22 does not extend beyond second edge 20 of walls 16 resulting in ball stop 22 having a very similar inner surface length to the length of the side walls 16 when measured from first edge 18 to second edge 20. As such, pocket 32 attached in a relatively flat plane to second edge 20 of side walls 16 and second edge 26 of ball stop 22.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4a through 4c, there is shown generally at 100 the preferred embodiment of lacrosse head 100 of the present invention. Lacrosse head 100 has throat 102 joined to pair of side walls 106 with scoop 104 located distally from throat 102. Side walls 106 have first edge 108 and second edge 110 with side wall thickness defined as the length measured from first edge 108 to second edge 110 of pair of walls 106 and is designated by numeral 111.

[0049] Ball stop 112 is located proximal to throat 102 and has inner surface 118 disposed between first edge 114 and second edge 116. As can be seen, inner surface 118 spans from first edge 114 to second edge 116 with an inner surface length designated by numeral 120 with the inner surface length defined as the distance measured from first edge 114 to second edge 116 of ball stop 112.

[0050] In this preferred embodiment, ball stop 112 extends beyond second edge 110 of side walls 106. More specifically, inner surface 118 of ball stop 112 extends from about first edge 114 to a point beyond second edge 110 of side walls 106. As such, inner surface length 120 may be greater than wall length 111 where the novel ball stop 112 is utilized on lacrosse head 100. In embodiments of the ball stop of the present invention, the distance from first edge 114 to second edge 116 of ball stop 112 may be about 80% to about 200% of the distance as measured from first edge 108 to second edge 110 of side walls 106. In embodiments not shown, the length of the ball stop may be less than the width of the side walls as side wall designs may vary in many different design widths.

[0051] In some embodiment, ball stop 112 has extended portion 122 which is defined as the portion of ball stop 112 extending beyond intersection points 124 where second edge 116 of ball stop 112 intersects second edges 110 of walls 106. Intersection points 124 may be defined as the points where the second edge 116 of ball stop 112 intersects second edge 110 of sidewalls 106. As illustrated in FIG. 4a, extended portion 122 of ball stop 112 may extend roughly perpendicular to side walls 106, or as illustrated in FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c may extend at various angles. Furthermore, while not illustrated in the above embodiments, extended portion 122 of ball stop 112 may curve in multiple directions including toward scoop 104 or toward throat 102 rather than extending in a relatively straight fashion when viewed from the side. Also, other embodiments may maintain ball stop 112 in a relatively straight fashion with substantially little curvature in any direction.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is generally shown an embodiment of ball stop 112 from an inner surface view. Ball stop 112 in this embodiment may be curved of second edge 116 from approximately intersection points 124 where intersection points 124 of the locations where second edge 116 of ball stop 112 connects to second edge 110 of side walls 106 of lacrosse head 100. While second edge 116 is embodied as a curved edge in FIG. 5, second edge 116 may embody a variety of different shapes including scalloped shapes, a polygonal edge, a scalloped design, among other designs in connecting ball stop 112 between intersection points 124. As such in further embodiments not illustrated, the portion of second edge 116 may be substantially straight nearer intersection points 124 and terminates in a curvature.

[0053] Extended portion 122 of ball stop 112 is illustrated as the portion of ball stop 112 extending beyond intersection points 124. On extended portion 122, there are attachment points 126 for attaching a lacrosse pocket thereto. More specifically, a user may weave the runners or side wall string or other attachment elements into attachment points 126 of ball stop 112 in forming the base of the lacrosse pocket proximal to throat 102 of lacrosse head 100.

[0054] Furthermore, ball stop 112 can curve in both a longitudinal and latitudinal direction relative to lacrosse head 100. Curvatures in the latitudinal direction are defined as curves on the inner surface 118 measured from about one intersection point 124 to the other intersection point 124 across the width of ball stop 112. Longitudinal curvatures include curves measured from scoop 104 to throat 102 on inner surface 118 from first edge 114 to second edge 116. Yet furthermore, second edge 116 of ball stop 112 may be curved and is considered separate from the discussion of curvatures along the latitudinal and longitudinal length of lacrosse head 100. While second edge 116 is most preferably curved, second edge 116 may include straight portions as well as other arrangements comprising second edge 116 so long as second edge 116 extends beyond second edge 110 of side walls 106 of lacrosse stick 100. Additionally, the entire ball stop may optionally be relatively straight.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown generally at 112 the ball stop of the present invention with pocket elements 128 and lacrosse ball 130. Extended portion 122 with the curve of second edge 116 provide for pocket portions 128 to be strung within pocket attachments 126 in a curved manner. As illustrated in FIG. 6, pocket portions 128 may curve substantially with attachment points 126 along second edge 116. This orientation of pocket portions 128 may provide for a pocket with a curved geometry, a geometry more similar to the curvature of a lacrosse ball as attachment points 126 follow second edge 116 which curves in this embodiment roughly similar to the shape of lacrosse ball 130 from one intersection point 124 to the other intersection point 124.

[0056] Referring generally now to FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c, FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c and FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c three additional embodiments of lacrosse head 100 are included with ball stop 112 of the present invention. Advantageously, pocket attachments 126 in second edge 116 of ball stop 112 are displaced from side pocket attachments 132 (typically side string holes) which provides for an advantageous pocket geometry when strung. More specifically, through the shape of ball stop 112 including an extended length 122, a significant displacement is created between the holes of the pocket attachment on the ball stop and the holes for pocket attachment on the side walls of the embodiments as provided in the aforementioned figures.

[0057] Additionally, as better represented in FIGS. 7b, 8b, and 9b side walls 106 may include low curve 134 which assists in creating ball stop 112 with extended length 122. Additionally, raised side wall area 136 corresponds to low curve side wall 134 in providing protection of a held lacrosse ball (not shown) in creating a pocket geometry favorable for controlling a lacrosse ball. Additionally, in the embodiments of ball stop 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 8b, low curved 134 and raised area 136 provide for intersection points 124 of second edge 110 of side wall 106 with second edge 116 of ball stop 112 to be closer to front edge 140 of throat connection 137 of throat 102 than rear edge 138 of throat connection 137. Otherwise stated, intersection points 124 may be positioned between plane 141 which runs along and parallel to front edge 140 of throat connection 137 and plane 139 which runs along and parallel to rear edge 138. As such, intersection points 124 maybe be positioned between plan 141 and 139. This may occur with embodiments as illustrated in 7b and 8b or further embodiments not shown with the ball stop of the present invention which may include curved, raised, and/or offset sidewalls. In embodiments where throat connection 137 includes front and rear edges which are substantially not parallel, or where planes many not be easily prescribed, plane 141 may be drawn according to a front edge of a lacrosse shaft inserted into throat connection 137 and plane 139 may be drawn according to a rear edge of a lacrosse shaft inserted into throat connection 137. In other embodiments of ball stop 112, including the embodiment as embodied in FIGS. 9a and 9b, intersection points 124 may be on about plane 139 of rear edge 138 of throat connection 137 where the side walls still maintain a curvature but intersect the ball stop at a different location.

[0058] The embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 7a-9c, the holes for the pocket attachment are generally positioned up to about two centimeters from the edge of the side wall and preferably about one centimeter from the edge of the side wall. Similarly, the ball stop of the present invention may include pocket attachment holes generally positioned up to about two centimeters from the edge of the ball stop and preferably one centimeter from the second edge of the ball stop.

[0059] As previously discussed, embodiments of the ball stop of the present invention may include side walls curving downward which provides for a pocket preferably shaped to a lacrosse ball for aiding and control and maneuvering of the lacrosse ball during game play. In FIGS. 7c, 8c and 9c, there are embodiments of strung lacrosse heads illustrating the curvature of the side walls of each embodiment wherein the curvature of the side walls combined with the ball stop of the present invention provide a pocket shaped more to the contours of the lacrosse ball. Otherwise stated, the ball stop of the present invention combined with stringing attached to the edge of the side wall and the edge of the ball stop provides for a pocket which is shaped to wrap around a held lacrosse ball for increased retention and control. The curving of the sidewalls combined with the ball stop creates a displacement between the second edge of the ball stop and the second edge of the sidewalls providing for a contoured pocket. Such displacement created by the novel ball stop provides for a pocket better suited for maintaining a lacrosse ball there within.

[0060] Furthermore, the ball stop within the lacrosse head may be raised at a variety of angles and orientations. In some embodiments, the ball stop may be angled of from about 15 degrees to about zero degrees, wherein the first edge of the ball stop is positioned higher than the second edge of the ball stop. This may help to maintain a held ball within the lacrosse stick in situations including when the lacrosse stick with head is held vertically, a ball would likely roll back into the pocket rather than out of the strung lacrosse head. Preferably, the ball stop includes an angle of from about eight degrees to about five degrees and more preferably about 6.5 degrees which may favorably improve control, retention, and catching ability for the strung lacrosse head. In further embodiments, there may be no ball stop angle wherein the orientation of the ball stop is about zero degrees within the head and thus about perpendicular to the plane of the lacrosse stick.

[0061] In further embodiments, the curvature of the side wall aids in both enhancing the pocket shape and providing more protection for a held lacrosse ball. Generally, curvatures at the side wall nearest to the intersection point of the side wall and the ball stop may create an increased depth of the pocket formed to improve control and retention of the lacrosse ball. This curvature with the raised portions of the side wall assists in providing a deep pocket where the lacrosse ball is also advantageously protected by the side walls. As such, in various embodiments, the intersection point of the second edge of the side wall and the second edge of the ball stop may be between the planes running along the front and rear edges of throat connection or may be on about the plane running along and about parallel to the rear edge of the throat connection or even in further embodiments may be below the plane running along and parallel to the edge of the throat connection. As such, players may select and choose the options of the combination of the side walls with the ball stop of the present invention most suited for the player's individual style of game play and requirements for a lacrosse head.

[0062] Ball stop 112 of lacrosse head 100 of the present invention accomplishes a pocket with a superior geometry for maintaining ball control. Specifically, the arrangement of pocket attachment points in close proximity to outer edge 116 of extended portion 122 provides the lacrosse pocket having an advantageous geometry near ball stop 112. Furthermore, extended portion 122 of ball stop 112 provides a larger area for which the ball to rest within lacrosse head 100. This could result in a player having more control over the positioning of the ball as well as having a pocket which more closely holds the ball within the lacrosse head.

[0063] Ball stop 112 of the present invention may further include a low curvature of the side walls of a lacrosse head in creating the extended portion of the ball stop. The low curvature of the side walls may be combined with a raised area of the side walls to create an advantageous lacrosse head design where the combination of the ball stop of the present invention provides for a lacrosse pocket with superior control and ball handling characteristics. Additionally, the displacement of pocket attachment points on the second edge of the ball stop of the present invention in relation to the side wall string holes on the side walls of the lacrosse head, shape a lacrosse pocket more favorably for controlling a lacrosse ball.

[0064] The above embodiments are not intended to be a limitation of the scope of the invention as a multiplicity of other embodiments using the curved ball stop are available. For example, the ball stop may include a variety of second edge arrangements extending beyond the intersection point of the side walls with the ball stop including differing curvatures. Additionally, the ball stop may include a variety of attachment points, curves, angles and straight edges providing for a variety of different pocket arrangements and supports for a lacrosse ball.

[0065] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, a ball stop for a lacrosse head is disclosed. This ball stop improves pocket geometry as well as provides an extended support for lacrosse ball.

[0066] The disclosures of all cited patents and publications referred to in this application are incorporated therein by reference.

[0067] The above description is intended to enable the person skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is not intended to detail all of the possible variations and modifications that will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the invention that is defined by the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the indicated elements and steps in any arrangement or sequence that is effective to meet the objectives intended for the invention, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

Claims

1. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop having a first edge and a second edge; and a ball stop adjacent to the throat and having an inner surface extending from about the first edge of the pair of sidewalls to a point beyond the second edges of the pair of sidewalls.

2. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the ball stop is curved.

3. The lacrosse head of claim 2 wherein the ball stop is curved in a longitudinal direction.

4. The lacrosse head of claim 2 wherein the ball stop is curved in a latitudinal direction.

5. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the ball stop is curved in a longitudinal and latitudinal direction.

6. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the ball stop further comprises a first edge in connection with the first edges of the pair of sidewalls and a second edge substantially extending to a point beyond the second edge of the pair of sidewalls.

7. The lacrosse head of claim 6 wherein the second edge of the ball stop comprises a curved edge.

8. The lacrosse head of claim 6 wherein the inner surface of the ball stop near the second edge curves toward the throat.

9. The lacrosse head of claim 6 wherein the inner surface of the ball stop near the second edge curves toward the scoop.

10. The lacrosse head of claim 6 wherein the inner surface of the ball stop convexes toward the throat.

11. The lacrosse head of claim 6 wherein the balls stop further comprises attachment points along the second edge for attaching a pocket.

12. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge and a second edge; and a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and a second edge with the distance from the first edge of the ball stop to the second edge of the ball stop greater than the distance from the first edge of the pair of sidewalls to the second edge of the pair of sidewalls.

13. The lacrosse head of claim 12 wherein the distance from the first edge of the ball stop to the second edge of the ball stop is of from about 80% to about 200% the distance as measured from the first edge of the pair of sidewalls to the second edge of the pair of sidewalls.

14. The lacrosse head of claim 12 further comprising a pair of intersection points where the second edge of the ball stop intersects the second edges of the sidewalls.

15. The lacrosse head of claim 14 wherein the second edge of the ball stop further comprises a curved edge between the pair of intersection points.

16. The lacrosse head of claim 14 wherein the second edge of the ball stop further comprises two straight edge portions and a curved edge portion with one straight edge portion extending from each intersection point of the pair of intersection points with the curved edge portion disposed in between the two straight edge portions.

17. The lacrosse head of claim 12 wherein the ball stop further comprises an angled ball stop with the front edge higher than the second edge.

18. The lacrosse head of claim 12 wherein the ball stop comprises an angled ball stop of about 0 degrees to about ten degrees.

19. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge and a second edge with pocket attachments; a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and a second edge with the distance from the first edge of the ball stop to the second edge of the ball stop greater than the distance from the first edge of the pair of sidewalls to the second edge of the pair of sidewalls; a plurality of pocket attachments along the second edge of the ball stop; and a pocket attached to the pocket attachment along the second edge of the ball stop and the second edge of the sidewalls.

20. The lacrosse head of claim 19 wherein the second edge of the ball stop comprises a curved edge.

21. The lacrosse head of claim 20 wherein the pocket attaches to attachment points along the curved edge.

22. The lacrosse head of claim 21 wherein the pocket is partially curved.

23. The lacrosse head of claim 19 wherein the ball stop further comprises an angled ball stop with the front edge higher than the second edge.

24. The lacrosse head of claim 23 wherein the ball stop comprises an angled ball stop of about 0 degrees to about ten degrees.

25. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop having a first edge and a second edge with pocket attachments about 1 cm from the second edge; and a ball stop adjacent to the throat and having an inner surface extending from about the first edge of the pair of sidewalls to a point beyond the second edges of the pair of sidewalls.

26. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle with a first throat face and a second throat face; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge and a second edge with the second edge having a lower curve and a plurality of pocket attachment points; a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and a second edge with a plurality of pocket attachment points along the second edge of the ball stop; and a pair of intersection points at the juncture of the second edge of the ball stop and each second edge of each sidewall wherein the intersection points are positioned between a plane extending along and parallel to the front edge of a throat connection of the throat and a plane extending along and parallel to a rear edge of a throat connection of the throat and wherein the second edge of the ball stop extends beyond the plane extending along the rear edge of the throat connection.

27. The lacrosse head of claim 26 wherein the second edge of each of the sidewalls further comprises a lower curve.

28. The lacrosse head of claim 26 wherein the first edge of each of the sidewalls further comprised a raised area.

29. The lacrosse head of claim 26 wherein the first edge of each of the sidewalls further comprised a raised area and the second edge of each of the sidewalls further comprises a lower curve.

30. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle with a throat connection with a front edge and a rear edge; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge and a second edge with the second edge having a plurality of pocket attachment points; a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and an extension with a second edge with a plurality of pocket attachment points; and a displacement between the plurality of pocket attachment points on the pair of sidewalls and the plurality of pocket attachments on the second edge of the ball stop.

31. The lacrosse head of claim 30 further comprising a lacrosse pocket fit within the plurality of pocket attachments on the pair of sidewalls and the plurality of pocket attachments on the second edge of the ball stop.

32. The lacrosse head of claim 31 wherein the displacement between the plurality of pocket attachment points on the pair of sidewalls and the plurality of pocket attachments provides for pocket geometry.

33. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle with a throat connection with a front edge and rear edge; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge with a raised area and a second edge with a low curve with the second edge having a plurality of pocket attachment points; a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and an extension with a second edge with a plurality of pocket attachment points; and a displacement between the plurality of pocket attachment points on the pair of sidewalls and the plurality of pocket attachments on the second edge of the ball stop.

34. The lacrosse head of claim 33 further comprising intersection points where the second edge of each sidewall intersects the second edge of the ball stop.

35. The lacrosse head of claim 34 further comprising the intersection points positioned between a plane extending along and parallel to the front edge of the throat connection of the throat and a plane extending along and parallel to the second edge of the throat connection of the throat.

36. The lacrosse head of claim 34 wherein the intersection points are positioned below a plane extending along and parallel to the second edge of the throat connection of the throat.

37. The lacrosse head of claim 34 wherein the intersection points are positioned about intersecting a plane extending along and parallel to the second throat face.

38. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat for receiving a handle with a throat connection with a front edge and rear edge; a scoop distal from the throat; a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop with each sidewall having a first edge and a second edge with pocket attachment holes up to about 2 cm from the second edge; a ball stop adjacent to the throat having a first edge and an extension with a second edge with a plurality of pocket attachment points; and a displacement between the plurality of pocket attachment points on the pair of sidewalls and the plurality of pocket attachments on the second edge of the ball stop.

39. The lacrosse head of claim 38 wherein the pocket attachment holes are about 1 cm from the second edge of the sidewalls.

40. The lacrosse head of claim 38 wherein the ball stop further comprises an angled ball stop with the front edge higher than the second edge.

41. The lacrosse head of claim 40 wherein the ball stop comprises an angled ball stop of about 0 degrees to about ten degrees.

42. The lacrosse head of claim 41 wherein the ball stop comprises an angled ball stop of about 6.5 degrees.