2010 NCAA legal lacrosse head Q & A with Billy Bitter

LacrosseTURF sat down to talk with Billy Bitter, a 2009 First Team All-American attackman, to discuss how he was adjusting to the new 2010 NCAA lacrosse head specifications. Last year Billy put up an astounding 71 points (46 goals and 25 assists) including an 8 goal performance in the first round of NCAA's against UMBC. His 46 goals were the second most in UNC history; 1 short of the record set by Dennis Goldstein in 1991.

Billy, what were your initial thoughts about the new 2010 heads and the NCAA rule change? As an attackman who likes to dodge, how have the new changes affected your play?

"At the start of this fall, I didn't agree with the rule change but I wasn't complaining about getting issued brand new heads. Given what the NCAA is hoping to accomplish with the new rules, I had expected the speed of the game would slow down. However, after a few weeks of fall ball, I was able to adjust to the new heads and hardly remember the feel of the old heads. Once players get used to the heads, I suspect they won't mind the new rule change at all. As for the speed of the game and my personal style, I have been able to adjust accordingly and lacrosse is still played as fast as ever."

Can you tell a difference in the 2010 heads?

"When you compare an old head side by side with some of the new heads, it's easy to tell that the throats of 2010 heads are much wider. But if you tweak the strings and string it up the way you want, it's hard to tell a difference in feel during play."

Which new head do you prefer to use?

"Right now, I am using the new STX Professor. It was made to meet the minimum measurement requirements of the new rule change and gives me the most stick hold possible."

What are some advantages and disadvantages of playing with the new heads?

"Considering that the head is wider, it's become easier to scoop up ground balls, as well as when you're looking to feed, the ball releases easier and doesn't get stuck in between the plastic as much. The only disadvantage I can think of would be since it is does have a wider throat, defenseman will be able to check the ball out of the head more frequently."

Do you have any fears or concerns about the new heads or rules for 2010?

"Absolutely. I'm not sure how the penalties are going to work. For example, when you play with a head for long time, the plastic begins to warp and the measurements change. So when this happens, and your stick gets checked by a referee during a game, will they throw the flag when the head is only a half an inch too narrow? Just something I guess I will find out come February…"

How are the new heads affecting a player's personal game? Would you say attackmen or midfielders are less willing to dodge against their defenders?

"At first players were a bit hesitant to dodge against their defenders since they were just getting used to and feeling out the new heads. Now that we have almost had 2 months of practice, players are used to their new heads and it hasn't affected the game or style at all."

Do you think the new heads will make the game better or more exciting?

"It is definitely going to be an interesting first year with the news heads and rules in effect. Whether offenses will be scoring less goals or defenseman creating more turnovers and transition, I don't think it will make the games more exciting. Lacrosse will still be fast paced and as exciting as it has been in the past."