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Lacrosse is an exhilarating sport that combines agility, strength, and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, having the right equipment is crucial for performance and safety.
Besides having the proper lacrosse equipment to help you reach your full potential, you’ll need all sorts of protective equipment to avoid potential injuries. In this guide, we’ll go over the essential lacrosse gear you need and tips on how to maintain them.
Lacrosse is a contact sport that involves high-speed shots and different positions on the field. This separates a team into offensive players and defensive players, leading to variations in their gear, from players receiving longer sticks or wearing specialized goalie equipment.
Here’s a quick summary of the essential equipment you need to play lacrosse competitively:
Be sure to read on to explore some of the reasons why lacrosse gear can be essential, some additional gear considerations and maintenance tips to keep your equipment in good condition.
A lacrosse player is only as good as the quality of his lacrosse stick. It’s the most important piece of equipment a player will hold.
Each lacrosse stick is composed of the following:
Head: The plastic part at the top, where the ball is caught, carried, and thrown. It should be strung properly for optimal performance.
Shaft: Made from materials like aluminum, titanium, or composite, each offering different balances of weight and strength.
Pocket: The mesh or traditional stringing inside the head that affects ball handling and control.
Lacrosse sticks come in different types, affecting how a player would handle a lacrosse ball based on their position on the field. Here are some of the types of lacrosse sticks you might use:
Attack/midfield sticks: These sticks are typically between 40 and 42 inches long and designed for agility and quick movements.
Defense sticks: Longer, around 52 to 72 inches, offering greater reach for defensive plays.
Besides the standard chest protector and shin guards, the required protective equipment for lacrosse include a lacrosse helmet, lacrosse gloves, lacrosse shoulder pads, and elbow pads.
As with most contact sports, a lacrosse helmet is mandatory for protection against high-speed impacts. Look for these features in your lacrosse helmets:
Fit: It should be snug but comfortable.
Chin strap: Ensures the helmet stays in place.
Face mask: Provides visibility and protection.
Lacrosse gloves protect hands and wrists while maintaining flexibility. Key features include:
Padding: Around the fingers, back of the hand, and wrist.
Grip: Material on the palms for better stick control.
Ventilation: To keep hands cool during play.
Goalie Gloves: Although all lacrosse players wear padded gloves, lacrosse goalies have extra thumb protection. Keep this in mind if you’re buying ordering gloves for your team.
Lacrosse shoulder pads are essential for protecting the upper body: They work with arm pads and elbow pads to prevent injuries.
Here are some key features of lacrosse shoulder pads:
Coverage: Protects shoulders, collarbone, and upper arms.
Mobility: Shouldn't restrict movement.
Adjustability: Straps or laces to ensure a snug fit.
These protect the elbow and forearm from checks and falls. When buying lacrosse elbow pads, look for:
Padding: Sufficient without being bulky.
Flexibility: Allows for a full range of motion.
Straps: To keep them securely in place.
Rib pads are optional but recommended for added protection. Rib pads give players additional:
Coverage: Protects the ribs and lower back.
Comfort: It should fit comfortably under the jersey.
Although they have similarities to football cleats, lacrosse cleats are essential for traction on grass or turf fields. When buying lacrosse cleats, consider the following:
Fit: Should be snug but with room for toes to move.
Support: Good ankle support to prevent injuries.
Studs: Appropriate for the type of field (grass or turf).
Besides the essential equipment listed above, you may purchase additional protective equipment to feel safer on the field.
A mouthguard is mandatory to protect teeth and reduce the risk of concussions. Ensure the mouthguard you buy:
Fits properly: Custom-fit or boil-and-bite options.
Feels comfortable: Allows for easy breathing and communication.
This is essential for male players to protect against impact.
For female players, goggles are mandatory to protect the eyes.
A good lacrosse bag helps in organizing and carrying all your gear:
Compartments: Separate areas for wet and dry items.
Durability: Strong material to withstand heavy use.
After securing quality equipment in your lacrosse gear list, you should also consider what maintenance practices can help them stay reliable in the long term.
Check stringing regularly to ensure the pocket is legal and provides good control. You should also clean the head by removing dirt and debris after each game.
As with all your lacrosse gear, clean after use to remove mud and grass. Wash if necessary.
If you’re wearing an old pair of lacrosse cleats, check for damage and replace worn-out cleats for optimal performance.
Air out your protective gear after each use to prevent odor and bacteria build-up. Inspect regularly to check for wear and tear and replace as needed.
Equipping yourself with the right lacrosse gear can significantly enhance your performance and safety on the field. Invest in quality equipment, maintain it well, and you'll be ready to enjoy the fast-paced, exciting world of lacrosse to the fullest.
Whether you’re playing men’s or women’s lacrosse, it’s important to wear the proper gear and protective equipment to stay safe on the field.
Being well-prepared with the right gear is the first step to success. However, wearing the right gear is not just a matter of personal safety; it’s also a matter of style and pride.
At Sports Gear Swag, we provide custom sports gear for players and teams of all ages. We offer fully custom lacrosse jerseys with a huge selection of templates to inspire your new kit. Be sure to explore our range of custom lacrosse uniforms, socks, and more before you go! Show up in style with a fresh custom kit!