I have an 11 year old, who is just beginning to play with our town's Rec Dept. Local sport shops were only carrying high line sticks for committed players. This stick was available on Amazon for under $[...] and came with a practice ball. It has withstood a season of practices and the few games the team has gotten to play. It also gets used frequently in the back yard. It is sturdy. This has been a great purchase because my beginning player has the equipment needed, and I didn't break the bank to provide it. 5 stars