What materials are used to make lacrosse balls. How are lacrosse balls manufactured. What standards do lacrosse balls need to meet. Why are lacrosse ball materials important for gameplay and safety.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Ball Materials
The history of lacrosse ball materials is a fascinating journey that spans centuries. From humble beginnings to modern manufacturing processes, the evolution of these essential game components reflects the sport’s growth and development.
Historical Lacrosse Ball Materials
In the early days of lacrosse, players used a variety of natural materials to create their game balls:
- Rounded rocks
- Carved wood
- Deerskin balls stuffed with hair, feathers, grass, or sand
These primitive materials served the purpose but lacked consistency and durability. As the sport evolved, so did the need for standardized equipment.
Modern Lacrosse Ball Composition
Today’s lacrosse balls are a far cry from their historical counterparts. The primary material used in modern lacrosse balls is:
- Solid vulcanized rubber
This material offers several advantages over traditional options, including improved durability, consistent performance, and safer gameplay.
The Science Behind Vulcanized Rubber Lacrosse Balls
Vulcanized rubber is the material of choice for professional lacrosse balls, but what makes it so special? The vulcanization process is a complex chemical procedure that enhances the rubber’s properties.
The Vulcanization Process
Vulcanization involves the following steps:
- Combining natural or synthetic rubber with sulfur and other chemicals
- Applying high pressure to the mixture
- Heating the compound to temperatures between 280 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Molding the heated rubber into the desired shape
- Allowing the rubber to harden and cool
This process results in a material that is stronger, more durable, and resistant to deformation compared to non-vulcanized rubber.
Benefits of Vulcanized Rubber for Lacrosse Balls
Why is vulcanized rubber ideal for lacrosse balls?
- Increased strength and durability
- Improved resistance to stress and deformation
- Consistent performance over time
- Better bounce and handling characteristics
Lacrosse Ball Standards and Regulations
To ensure fair play and safety, lacrosse balls must meet specific standards set by governing bodies in the sport.
NOCSAE Certification
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is a key organization in setting lacrosse ball standards. NOCSAE-approved balls are required for professional games and many organized leagues.
How can you identify a NOCSAE-approved lacrosse ball?
- Look for the NOCSAE stamp on the ball itself
- Check for certification from other organizations like NCAA, NFHS, and US Lacrosse
Size and Weight Specifications
NOCSAE and other regulatory bodies have established specific requirements for lacrosse balls:
- Weight: 5 to 5.25 ounces
- Circumference: 7 3/4 to 8 inches
These standardized measurements ensure consistency across all levels of play.
The Importance of Proper Lacrosse Ball Materials
Using the right materials in lacrosse ball construction is crucial for several reasons beyond just meeting regulations.
Safety Considerations
Proper materials and construction help prevent injuries by ensuring:
- Correct compression ratios
- Appropriate hardness and stiffness
- Consistent behavior during play
Even with protective gear, using substandard balls can increase the risk of injury to players.
Impact on Gameplay
The materials used in lacrosse balls directly affect various aspects of the game:
- Ball bounce
- Throwing accuracy
- Catching consistency
- Overall ball control
Using high-quality, regulation balls ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
Alternatives to Vulcanized Rubber
While vulcanized rubber is the gold standard for professional lacrosse balls, other materials are sometimes used in recreational or practice settings.
Polyurethane Lacrosse Balls
Polyurethane is another popular material for lacrosse balls, especially in non-professional settings. Why might someone choose polyurethane balls?
- Durability comparable to vulcanized rubber
- Potentially lower cost
- Suitable for casual play and practice
However, it’s important to note that polyurethane balls may not meet official standards for competitive play.
Other Materials
Some manufacturers experiment with other materials or composites for specialized training balls:
- Foam or soft rubber for indoor practice
- Weighted balls for strength training
- Rubber composites for improved durability
These alternatives serve specific purposes but are not suitable for official games.
The Manufacturing Process of Lacrosse Balls
Creating a high-quality lacrosse ball involves a sophisticated manufacturing process that ensures consistency and performance.
Raw Material Preparation
The process begins with the preparation of raw materials:
- Selecting high-grade natural or synthetic rubber
- Mixing the rubber with sulfur and other chemical additives
- Creating a uniform compound ready for molding
Molding and Vulcanization
Once the raw materials are prepared, the actual ball formation begins:
- Heating the rubber compound to 280-350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Injecting the heated material into ball-shaped molds
- Applying high pressure to compress the rubber
- Allowing the balls to cool and harden in the molds
Quality Control and Testing
After manufacturing, lacrosse balls undergo rigorous testing:
- Checking size and weight for compliance with standards
- Testing bounce characteristics
- Inspecting surface texture and color
- Verifying durability through stress tests
Only balls that pass all quality control measures receive official approval stamps.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Ball
With various options available, selecting the appropriate lacrosse ball depends on your specific needs and level of play.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a lacrosse ball, keep these factors in mind:
- Official certifications (NOCSAE, NCAA, etc.)
- Intended use (competition, practice, or casual play)
- Durability and longevity
- Price and value for money
Recommendations for Different Scenarios
Here are some suggestions for various lacrosse scenarios:
- Competitive games: NOCSAE-approved vulcanized rubber balls
- Team practice: High-quality polyurethane or rubber balls
- Individual training: Specialized training balls (weighted, soft, etc.)
- Casual play: Durable polyurethane or rubber balls
Remember, investing in quality balls can improve your game and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Maintenance and Care of Lacrosse Balls
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your lacrosse balls and ensure consistent performance.
Cleaning and Storage
To keep your lacrosse balls in top condition:
- Clean balls regularly with mild soap and water
- Dry thoroughly before storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid extreme temperatures that could affect the rubber
When to Replace Lacrosse Balls
Even with proper care, lacrosse balls will eventually need replacement. Signs it’s time for new balls include:
- Visible cracks or damage to the surface
- Significant changes in bounce or feel
- Noticeable deformation or loss of roundness
- Fading of the official approval stamp
Regularly inspecting your balls can help you identify when it’s time for a replacement.
The Future of Lacrosse Ball Materials
As technology advances, the materials and manufacturing processes for lacrosse balls continue to evolve.
Emerging Technologies
Some areas of innovation in lacrosse ball production include:
- Eco-friendly rubber compounds
- Advanced polymer blends for improved durability
- Smart materials that can track ball speed and trajectory
- 3D-printed cores for customized performance characteristics
Potential Impact on the Game
These technological advancements could lead to:
- More consistent play across different weather conditions
- Increased player safety through better impact absorption
- Enhanced training capabilities with data-gathering balls
- Reduced environmental impact from ball production
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow, we can expect ongoing innovations in ball technology to enhance both performance and safety.
What Is A Lacrosse Ball Made Of? This Material!
Rubber and polyurethane are the most common materials for a lacrosse ball but are they the best? Here are a few things you need to know about the best materials in the market.
First, vulcanized rubber is used in professional lacrosse games. Why? The process involved in vulcanizing the rubber ensures that the material doesn’t get damaged even after stress. Of course, it’s not going to be indestructible for the whole time, but at least, it lasts a while.
The process of creating a vulcanized rubber involves putting sulfur under a lot of pressure. It’s also heated in temperatures as high as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature helps in “melting” the rubber making it easy to mold. Once it’s melted, the rubber is placed in a mold where it hardens.
It’s important to use durable material. If you can, buy a lacrosse ball that is NOCSAE approved. NOCSAE is a non-profit organization that gives standards on the specifications of any sports equipment. In fact, NOCSAE-approved lacrosse balls are a must in professional games. If your ball is not approved by the organization, the official won’t allow it. To prove that it passed the NOCSAE standards, the organization will stamp their approval on the ball itself.
Second, there’s a reason why polyurethane is next to vulcanized rubber in popularity – it’s durable. Again, durability is important. And it’s not only because you don’t want to keep buying a new lacrosse ball. That’s part of it but the more important reason is that using a weaker ball will affect your game.
In lacrosse, durability is everything because it determines the bounce, weight, and size of the ball. If the ball easily gets crushed, then expect that the bounce won’t be as good. It also won’t even pass the NOCSAE standards. If it gets deformed, it’s also hard to balance in the pocket.
So what do you get from all of these important notes? Use only NOCSAE-approved lacrosse balls.
On the other hand, if you only plan to play for fun, NOCSAE standards are not required. The same goes for approvals from the NCAA, NFHS, and the US Lacrosse organizations.
What are Lacrosse Balls Made of?
The “ball” used in lacrosse has undergone monumental changes since the game was first observed being played by Native Americans in 1636 by French Jesuit missionary, Jean de Brebeuf. Today’s balls are fashioned of solid vulcanized rubber. In the past, balls have encompassed rounded rocks, carved wood, and deerskin balls stuffed with hair, feathers and/or grass and sand.
Lacrosse balls must meet weight and size standards to be certified by the NOCSAE, NFHS, NCA, and SEI. Lacrosse balls are constructed of solid rubber and weigh between 5-5.25 ounces, with a circumference measuring 7 ¾ to 8 inches. The natural rubber used in their creation is somewhat unstable so it’s combined with other chemicals during manufacturing.
Manufacturers of professional lacrosse balls utilize vulcanized rubber. The vulcanization process utilizes a chemical procedure in which sulfur is the primary ingredient for catalyzation, combined with pressure. It works equally well on natural and synthetic rubber products. The vulcanization process heats the rubber and chemical formula to temperatures of 280 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The rubber is fed into a mold where the formula hardens as it’s compressed.
The process improves the rubber’s physical properties to make it stronger and more durable. It also aids in preventing the rubber from becoming deformed. Over time, even vulcanized rubber can become deformed when exposed to high levels of stress, but it takes much longer than non-vulcanized rubber. The result of all that scientific research, chemical reactions, and manufacturing process is a lacrosse ball that’s strong, solid and durable.
Ensuring that lacrosse balls meet NOCSAE standards is important for more reasons than simply adhering to regulations – it’s a safety concern. Balls that don’t comply with NOCSAE standards can have bad compression ratios that will make them too hard or stiff and can cause injuries, even when players wear a helmet and full complement of approved safety gear.
Due to the popularity of lacrosse, the need for high-quality equipment is absolutely necessary for practice and gameplay.
We want YOU to have the best product at the best price. We want the game of Lacrosse to be promoted anywhere and everywhere around the globe and hope to be part of its growth.
Every ball we sell is officially approved and meets all the NOCSAE standards. We believe in offering top quality products and unparalleled customer service, therefore, we offer a money-back guarantee for every single ball sold.
All of Your Lacrosse Ball Questions Answered! – LaxWeekly
Question: What are lacrosse balls made of?
Answer: Lacrosse balls are made almost entirely out of rubber. Each ball is treated with chemicals in order to give the ball its texture and feel. If you want to see what the inside of a lacrosse ball looks like, check out this video:
Question: Do lacrosse balls contain latex?
Answer: Yes, it is generally believed that most lacrosse balls do contain latex. (Source)
In my ten years of playing lacrosse, I never ran into anyone who had problems with the latex in lacrosse balls. I don’t think it is usually an issue for most players.
Question: Do lacrosse balls contain cement/metal?
Answer: Nope! Lacrosse balls are solid rubber. Some internet forums claim that balls have a cement or metal center, but that is not true.
Question: How much does a lacrosse ball weigh?
Answer: A lacrosse ball is supposed to weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces.
It’s definitely heavier and denser than a tennis ball.
Question: How big is a lacrosse ball?
Answer: A lacrosse ball is supposed to be between 7.75 and 8 inches in circumference.
If you want a size comparison, it’s pretty similar to the size of a tennis ball.
Question: Why do lacrosse balls smell?
Answer: Lacrosse balls go through chemical treatments in order to mold and texture the ball properly. After a ball is molded, it goes through an “outgas” period where excess chemicals are released into the air.
Try not to leave lacrosse balls in your car for too long. The best place to put them is in a covered environment like a garage.
Question: How fast can lacrosse balls travel?
Answer: The unofficial fastest lacrosse shot is 127.1 MPH held by former Ohio State player Nick Diegel. Every year lacrosse players are pushing the limit with how fast they can shoot. Here’s a video explaining more about his journey:
Question: Why do lacrosse balls get greasy/slick?
Answer: Lacrosse balls can get greasy or slick because they are injected with oils and plastics that slowly come to the surface of the ball as you use them. New companies are coming out with “greaseless” lacrosse balls that are supposed to last forever!
Greasy lacrosse balls can mess up your shooting and passing form, so make sure to practice with non-greasy lacrosse balls.
Question: Why are lacrosse balls different colors?
Answer: Lacrosse balls are different colors depending on which game of lacrosse you play. In the men’s game, lacrosse balls are white. In the women’s game, lacrosse balls are yellow. In box lacrosse, lacrosse balls are orange. There are certain standards set by each lacrosse organization that determine the colors of the ball.
Even though the lacrosse balls are different colors, they are the same size, weight, etc.
Question: Why are lacrosse balls so expensive?
Answer: Lacrosse balls are made out of vulcanized rubber which is more expensive than normal rubber.
The balls have to go through a special process in order to be molded. In addition, there are only a few lacrosse ball manufacturers, which means companies can charge a higher price with little competition.
Even though lacrosse balls are expensive, it is worth it to have them to practice with.
Question: Do lacrosse balls hurt?
Answer: Yes, from personal experience I can tell you that it does not feel good to get hit with a lacrosse ball. That’s why it is extremely important to invest in some good lacrosse pads in order to protect yourself. Goalies in lacrosse get hit by shots that are 100+MPH. You will see some crazy bruises on goalies after games.
Question: Do lacrosse balls bounce?
Answer: Yes! Lacrosse balls are very bouncy and operate like a bouncy ball. In lacrosse there is a “bounce shot” where players bounce the ball before shooting it!
It’s probably not a good idea to play lacrosse inside your house. The ball bounces all over the place and let’s just say, I’ve broken a few things that I wish I wouldn’t have.
Question: Do lacrosse balls float?
Answer: No, lacrosse balls do not float. I have learned this from many years of playing lacrosse in the pool with my friends! If you drop a lacrosse ball in the pool, get ready to go dive in and get it!
Is a Lacrosse Ball Hard? (3 Fast Facts You Should Know) – Lacrosse Pack
There are many people out there that are interested in lacrosse that have a particular curiosity about the nature of the lacrosse ball. Given that players hurl the ball as fast as they can virtually every other play, it’s only natural to ask whether or not lacrosse balls are hard.
Lacrosse balls are hard. They’re comprised of a solid rubber material that is found throughout the entire ball, from the surface to the core. All lacrosse balls possess a hard composition because they must pass NOCSAE standards regarding compression deflection load and coefficient of restitution.
The big words associated with the NOCSAE standards may seem overly complex at first, but they’re really not. We will delve into how these NOCSAE standards force all lacrosse balls to be hard along with several facts that validate this claim.
How NOCSAE Standards Make All Lacrosse Balls Hard
For those of you that do not know, NOCSAE stands for National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (source). They act as the governing body to ensure that all lacrosse equipment meets certain regulations to create a safer environment for players.
All lacrosse balls must adhere to NOCSAE standards in order to be legal for play. If you look closely on a lacrosse ball, there is a brief statement engraved onto the surface that says, “Meets NOCSAE Standards” (source).
In order to meet NOCSAE standards, lacrosse balls must pass a series of tests. The ones that we’re concerned about are the compression deflection load test and the coefficient of restitution test.
Compression Deflection Load Test
Essentially, the compression deflection load test is performed to ensure that newly manufactured lacrosse balls are able to withstand a certain threshold of pressure.
To begin, the ball is placed under a heavy amount of weight, which ultimately compresses it. The pressure is steadily increased until the ball’s diameter is a fourth of what it normally is. At this time, the amount of pressure withstood by the ball is measured and recorded.
In order to be deemed legal for play, the recorded pressure value must fall within 180 lbs to 210 lbs (source). Anything outside of this range and the lacrosse ball will be considered illegal.
This test ultimately requires that newly made lacrosse balls reach a certain level of hardness prior to distribution. Any soft lacrosse balls would fail this test and would never make it to the field.
Coefficient of Restitution Test
The coefficient of restitution test is another standard that lacrosse balls must pass to be considered legal for general play. Again, this test sounds super complicated, but it’s easy to understand when someone puts it in plain English.
The premise of this test is to measure how much energy the ball maintains after it rebounds off of another solid object. A specially made device at NOCSAE throws lacrosse balls at a designated strike plate. The initial velocity of the lacrosse ball as it releases from this device is recorded. After the ball rebounds off the strike plate, the final velocity is also recorded.
From here, a ratio is taken of the final velocity of the ball to its initial velocity, otherwise known as the coefficient of restitution (source).
The coefficient of restitution must be between 0.60 to 0.70 in order to pass this test (source). To attain this coefficient of restitution, lacrosse balls have to be hard to rebound off of the strike plate and maintain a sufficient velocity. A soft lacrosse ball would cushion the impact, resulting in a complete loss of the initial velocity. In short, this is yet another NOCSAE standard that ensures that lacrosse balls achieve a particular level of hardness.
Facts That Further Prove Lacrosse Balls are Hard
To further demonstrate that lacrosse balls are hard, I compiled a couple of intriguing facts below. Needless to say, lacrosse balls are nothing like hacky sacks!
Fact #1: Lacrosse Balls are Made Up of the Same Material as Hockey Pucks
What many people fail to realize is that lacrosse balls are composed of the same primary ingredient that is used in hockey pucks. Both lacrosse balls and hockey pucks mainly consist of vulcanized rubber (source).
If you’ve ever felt a hockey puck before, you know that “soft” wouldn’t be the term to describe its complexion. It’s completely solid, with no cushioning whatsoever. Lacrosse balls feel the same exact way.
From an outside perspective, it’s hard to link these two together. I was actually unaware of this correlation prior to conducting some research of my own. It’s easy for people to believe that hockey uses hard rubber pucks because every player is covered in protective gear from head to toe. With lacrosse, players have noticeable gaps in protection, particularly on the legs. This is why people find it so hard to believe that lacrosse balls are just as hard as hockey pucks.
Fact #2: Lacrosse Ball Doesn’t Have Cement at its Core, Contrary to Popular Opinion
Many people that hold a lacrosse ball in their hands for the first time are somewhat surprised to find that it has a little bit of weight to it. Not so much to be a burden, but enough to be a little bit taken back.
Certain individuals are so utterly shocked that they come up with some ludicrous postulations as to what lies at the center of a lacrosse ball. The most bizarre postulation I’ve heard is that the core of the lacrosse ball is filled with cement.
I can assure you that this is completely false. If the core of a lacrosse ball were filled with cement, I guarantee that there would be considerably more injuries in the sport of lacrosse than there are presently. But if you don’t want to take my word for it, you can check out the video below of someone who actually took the time to cut open a lacrosse ball to reveal what’s inside.
As you can see, the inside of a lacrosse ball is only made of rubber. There’s no hidden material concealed within. Although lacrosse balls are hard, they aren’t hard enough to have cement in them.
Fact #3: The More that You Play with a Lacrosse Ball, the Harder It Will Feel
In addition, a little known fact is that lacrosse balls will feel harder the longer that you play with them.
When a lacrosse ball comes freshly out of the box, the surface of the ball is textured and grippy. Over time, this grippy surface texture wears away due to physical abuse, overexposure to the elements, and the harsh effects of UV rays.
Eventually, almost all of the surface grip wears away, which causes the ball to be slick and shiny. This practice is so common that lacrosse players even came up the nickname of greasers to describe these slick lacrosse balls.
You can find more information about what greasers are and how they could harm your lacrosse performance by clicking over to my article What is a Greaser in Lacrosse? (& How Does it Affect Play?)
In addition to becoming more slick and shiny, greasers tend to feel harder as well. The reason for this has to do with the contents of the lacrosse ball, a concept we touched on earlier.
You know that lacrosse balls are mostly made up of vulcanized rubber. However, what you probably don’t know is that there are also traces of oils and plasticizers infused within the lacrosse ball itself. As you play with a lacrosse ball more, physical wear and tear and overexposure to UV rays causes these oils and plasticizers to separate out and rise up to the ball’s surface. From there, the oils and plasticizers solidify, leaving the ball feeling harder than it did originally.
Are Lacrosse Balls Hard Enough to Cause Significant Injury?
Now that you know for certain that lacrosse balls are hard, you’re likely wondering how the resolute nature of these balls relates to the prospect of injury.
Lacrosse balls are hurdled around at a high velocity in lacrosse. It’s an integral part of the game. As a result, there are times where mistakes happen and players do get caught in the line of fire. Unfortunately, injuries do occur as a direct consequence of this.
The average speed of a lacrosse shot is anywhere from 70 to 80 miles per hour. With a hard, solid rubber ball moving at those kinds of speeds and then colliding with another lacrosse player, it’s hard to imagine that any normal human being would come out unscathed.
Most Injuries that Result from Lacrosse Balls are Not Severe
Luckily, the typical injuries that result from these erratic throws are not that severe. The majority of the time, players that get hit with a shot only come away with a welt or bruise. It may feel painful at first, but there’s not any long lasting injury effects.
I actually speak from personal experience on this topic. Being predominantly an offensive midfielder, there were several times where I was stationed on the crease at the wrong place at the wrong time. Those two or three times where I got hit, it didn’t feel good. However, after I sat out for a play or two, I felt good enough to return to action.
Serious Injuries are Less Common, But Definitely Possible
This is not to say that all instances where players get with shots are petty injuries. There are times where serious injuries could result. For example, concussions are a real possibility if a player takes a shot to the helmet. Although helmets do help tremendously to cushion the impact, there’s only so much they can do.
Another real danger that many lacrosse players don’t take seriously are groin injuries. If you aren’t wearing a protective cup and take a shot to the groin, there could be serious damage done. To put it bluntly, just wear a cup. It’s not worth the risk.
Swax Lax Balls: The Safe Alternative to Hard Lacrosse Balls
Due to the potential for injury, there is a considerable number of athletes that enter into the sport of lacrosse with a strong fear of getting hit with the ball. This prevents them from ever grasping the basic fundamentals, such as throwing and catching.
Often times, these players just need an adjustment period to get into the groove of things and overcome their fear. Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative to hard lacrosse balls that resemble lacrosse balls in virtually every regard besides its hard complexion. This healthy alternative is called the Swax Lax Ball.
Swax Lax Balls are identical in size and weight to a standard lacrosse ball, but they’re noticeably softer.
This way, if a player does end up getting hit with an errant throw, it won’t hurt them at all.
Swax Lax Balls are very popular among youth lacrosse players. It helps them hone in on the fundamental maneuvers of lacrosse and build confidence in their stick skills. They don’t have to be afraid of any passes that come their way. It helps them grow to feel comfortable around lacrosse balls, until eventually they can move on to the real thing.
Words don’t do this product justice, so check out this review by Greg from East Coast Dyes to get an even better indication of how the Swax Lax Ball fares.
Just like you need a set of training wheels to learn how to ride a bike, some players need to train with Swax Lax Balls to learn how to play lacrosse. If you fit into this category, I highly recommend you check this product out!
The Bottom Line
It’s undeniable that lacrosse balls are hard. Given their solid rubber makeup, it definitely hurts to be on the wrong end of a lacrosse shot. Fortunately, it isn’t the end of the world if you do end up getting hit with a lacrosse ball since the majority of injuries are minor.
But if you’re struggling with learning the basics of lacrosse due to fear of injury, you should consider investing in some Swax Lax Balls. They’re a remarkably safe way to learn lacrosse.
Sources: 1 2 3 4 5
How It’s Made: Promotional Lacrosse Balls
– branded.disruptsports.com
Though it may not get the recognition it deserves, lacrosse is one of the toughest games in the world. It requires a great deal of athleticism, skill, and bravery, as a solid rubber ball is flung around the field at incredibly high speeds. Promotional Lacrosse Balls are, essentially, just a spherical piece of rubber, but we thought it would be a good idea to go into a little more detail about how these custom made balls are manufactured.
Creating a Mould
The first step in the manufacturing of a lacrosse ball is to develop an appropriate sized mould. Natural rubber is a malleable, unstable material, so to create a spherical promotional lacrosse ball it needs to be moulded into shape. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, or NOCSAE, specify that the ball must be between 7 ¾ inches and 8 inches in circumference. Once a mould of this size has been created, the natural rubber can be poured inside.
The process of pouring rubber into a mould
Vulcanised Rubber
Vulcanised Rubber is the specific type of rubber which lacrosse balls are made of. This is because, very simply, vulcanised rubber is more durable. At the risk of being overly scientific, normal rubber contains independent polymer chains. This means it is more unstable, so products made of natural rubber are prone to falling apart. Adding sulfur, among other things, creates bridges between these chains. If you are not chemistry-minded this may not make much sense to you, but the end result is a product which is more able to withstand stress without becoming deformed. Obviously, this is pivotal in the creation of a lacrosse ball, hence the reason why vulcanised rubber is used.
Creating Vulcanised Rubber
Vulcanised Rubber is created by applying high pressure and high temperature to rubber. To create your promotional lacrosse ball, natural rubber is poured into the previously developed spherically mould. The pressure and temperature is heightened within this mould, which promotes the process of vulcanisation. The rubber will harden into the shape of the mould, and will give you a durable, and perfectly spherical, promotional lacrosse ball.
The finished product
Promotional Lacrosse Balls are a unique way to develop your brand. Check out Branded by Disrupt’s own range.
What is a lacrosse ball made of also know how to made stikes and helmet
One of the fundamental elements that are needed to play a lacrosse game is a lacrosse ball. It is used with a lacrosse stick to produce goals and win the game for their team. A lacrosse ball is made of solid rubber. Though silicone or polyurethane type products also can be used to make lacrosse balls, the most used product is rubber.
How to made laceross ball
Curious minds will want to know what is actually used to make these balls? What is the weight of this ball going to be? Some may also ask about the diameter or circumference of the ball. You will find all of these answers in this article.
“There’s a history of the making of a lacrosse ball. Not much history, but I actually want you to inform how a lacrosse ball was made in the past. In the earliest time, lacrosse balls were typically made of various natural elements.“
- Used buckskin stuffed with hair, grass or sand to make lacrosse balls.
- Used wood to make another kind of lacrosse balls.
- Sometimes rocks were also used to make these balls.
That time the diameter of the ball was 3 inches.
The game lacrosse has already earned popularity as a team sport in the world, particularly in North America. In the past, though various natural elements were used to made lacrosse ball. But at present, solid rubber is the main element to make the balls.
Except for solid rubbers, some other kinds of materials are also used to make the balls.
- Silicone.
- Polyurethane.
- Various types of vinyl.
But among all these materials, solid rubbers are used mostly nowadays to make a lacrosse ball.
Related post: How much does lacrosse cost (accessories cost)
Except for the materials that are used to make a lacrosse ball some other information we would love to know about a lacrosse ball. For example, color, weight, dimension, etc.
Talking about the ball’s colors there’s a color that is mostly used in a men’s lacrosse game and that is white. Meanwhile, in the women’s lacrosse, the yellow color of the ball is used. Depending on the gender the color of the balls varies. There’s a list of the colors of the balls used in men’s and women’s lacrosse.
1. Men’s lacrosse: White, orange, yellow, lime green and pink color balls are usually used.
2. Women’s lacrosse: Yellow and orange color balls are used.
3. Boys youth lacrosse: White, orange, lime green and pink color balls are used.
4. Girls youth lacrosse: Orange, yellow and lime color balls used.
Despite these color variations, white balls are mostly used balls in men’s games and yellow balls in women’s games.
Now let’s discuss about the dimension of a lacrosse ball. To play a lacrosse game we need not know the dimension of a lacrosse ball. But as a lacrosse player or a player of any team sports, you should have a minimum idea about the playing materials. In this regard, knowing something more about lacrosse ball or specifically about the dimension of the balls is needed for you.
The dimension, color, weight of the lacrosse balls varies depending on the rules of each lacrosse leagues. But there’s a certain weight, diameter, circumference of a lacrosse ball.
I’m going to give you information about the dimensions of the lacrosse balls according to the NCCA.
how much does a lacrosse ball weight
1. Weight: The weight of a lacrosse ball is 140 grams to 147 grams. In ounces, the weight is 5 ounces to 5.25 ounces.
2. Circumference: Circumference of these balls is 7.75 inches to 8 inches.
3. Diameter: The diameter of lacrosse balls are 62.7 mm. to 64.7 mm.
Which materials are used to make a lacrosse ball or what is the dimension of a lacrosse ball is now known to us. One important thing is, a lacrosse ball must be made according to the instructions of NCCA. That means it has to be a certified lacrosse ball.
How to made laceross sticks
Another important element of the Lacrosse game is lacrosse sticks. Traditional lacrosse sticks are made of a single piece of wood, bent to form the head of the stick. A lacrosse stick has two parts. One is the head part and the other is the shaft part. Players can buy a fully readymade stick or individual sticks. But experience players buy individual head and shaft.
Three types of lacrosse sticks we will find. Wooden sticks, metal sticks, and carbon fiber sticks. Weight of wooden sticks is 10 oz, metal sticks weigh 5-6 oz and carbon fiber sticks weigh 5 oz. Among these three types of sticks, wooden sticks are mostly used.
How to made lacrosse helmet
Lacrosse helmets are another important equipment of this game. It is used as a protective element. Helmet wasn’t part of this game from the early period. In the past, players didn’t use to wear helmets or this kind of protection. With the rising popularity of this game, these types of equipment are added for ensuring the safety of the players.
The shells of lacrosse helmets are made of injection-molded plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. Some helmets are also made of the same plastics as motorcycle helmets, such as polycarbonate plastics. A lacrosse helmet weighs 2 pounds to 6 pounds.
These are such elements that you need to have to play lacrosse game.
Final words
Lacrosse is a kind of game that is played with the help of a stick and a ball. So lacrosse ball is a must to play the game. After reading the whole article you have already come to know how a lacrosse ball is made or what is used to make a lacrosse ball. In one sentence, just following the rules and regulations of NCCA a lacrosse ball is made and it is made of solid rubber.
Read more: How many players on a lacrosse team
Best 8 Lacrosse Balls of 2021 Reviewed
Playing lacrosse requires us to focus more on safety gear and equipment. And not just protective gear, choosing the best lacrosse stick, passing, helmet, and shoes is undoubtedly of crucial importance.
For the fast-paced sport that lacrosse is, choosing the best lacrosse ball makes a significant difference in the game. In fact, selecting a lacrosse ball that is best suited for the game is tricky; the most complex part of the game to say the least.
In fact, the majority of lacrosse balls are strikingly similar. Ergo, it is imperative to know the key differences to be able to choose the best lacrosse balls from the lot. For players in the intermediate and advanced levels, balls must be the official weight, size, and color. But if you are still learning the game, you may choose between tough and softballs. Typically, softballs are used when playing indoors so that the laxers do not hurt themselves. Soft lacrosse balls are also used for players who have just been introduced to the game. Tough ones are used to build up the laxers’ strength.
In this article, we tell you all about how you can select the best lacrosse for the game. This comprehensive guide will help you find the best lacrosse balls at reasonable prices.
Best 8 Lacrosse Balls
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Here are the list of top lacrosse balls that money can buy –
1. Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls
Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls are made from high-quality materials and that means, they will last really long. These lacrosse balls are all NFHS and NCAA approved and they meet all the guidelines laid out by NOCSAE. If you want to enhance your shooting accuracy, look no farther than these lacrosse balls.
These Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls are great for practice. Available in different colors, Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls can also be used for physical therapy, relieving back pain, juggling or as toys for your pets. The only problem with these lacrosse balls is that they stink like chemicals.
2. Guardian Innovations Pearl X and NX Greaseless Lacrosse Balls
These are legit lacrosse balls. No matter how roughly, you treat these Guardian Innovations Pearl X and NX Greaseless Lacrosse Balls, they will hold up well. All you have to do is to wipe them clean every now and then and they will be as good as new.
Even when used for an extended period of time, these Guardian Innovations Pearl X and NX Greaseless Lacrosse Balls don’t get greased or break down chemically. The use of re-engineered material ensures this. These lacrosse balls definitely last longer than any other traditional rubber balls that are commonly available in the market.
3. Lacrosse Ball – NCAA NFHS Certified – Multi Color
First thing first, this lacrosse ball meets all the guidelines set by NCAA and NFHS. Available in two distinct color combinations, these lacrosse balls are made from rubber and that means they will get greasy that easily. These lacrosse balls can also be used as therapy balls as well. These balls are very soft and super bouncy. These lacrosse balls are also good for deep tissue messaging,
4. Velocity Lacrosse Balls
Velocity Lacrosse Balls meet all the standards laid out by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Tested by Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), these Velocity Lacrosse Balls are soft and bouncy and thus ideal for lacrosse and physical therapy.
Velocity Lacrosse Balls are made from vulcanized rubber and the seams of these balls get polished over and over again and that ensures better ball control and better ball control. Since none of these balls are made from cheap recycled materials, these lacrosse balls will never lose their grip. Pure natural rubber is being used in the making of Velocity Lacrosse Balls.
These lacrosse balls are just perfect for tournaments, training, and games. They ensure accuracy and allows greater control. All these lacrosse balls meet the official size and weight recommendation.
5. Gladiator Lacrosse Single Official Lacrosse Ball
Gladiator Lacrosse Single Official Lacrosse Balls are getting sold like hotcakes. You can use them in professional leagues or in elementary schools. Made from 100% premium vulcanized rubber, these Gladiator Lacrosse Single Official Lacrosse Balls are grease resistant.
Gladiator Lacrosse Single Official Lacrosse Balls are extremely durable and these lacrosse balls are approved official governing bodies. These lacrosse balls are ideal for indoor, field and box lacrosse.
6. Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls
Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls have got approval from both NFHS and NOCSAE which is impressive. You can use these lacrosse balls during the regular practice sessions and in tournaments. These Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls will help you improve your gameplay and your skills to a great extent. Your shooting accuracy will vastly improve. Available in different color combinations, Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls can be used in physiotherapy as well. You can use these Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls to relieve muscle tension. These lacrosse balls are made from molded rubber that helps improving accuracy and passing ability.
7. Franklin Sports Youth Lacrosse Balls
Franklin Sports Lacrosse Balls are all made from soft rubber and therefore, they are ideal for practice sessions. These Franklin Sports Lacrosse Balls are not like normal lacrosse balls, they are much lighter and much softer. They have got soft construction and are extremely lightweight. You need to keep in mind that these Lacrosse Balls don’t meet any of the NFHS and NOCSAE regulations. These lacrosse balls are designed for mini lacrosse shafts. Available in 6 different colors, these Franklin Sports Lacrosse Balls will help you keep the natural flow of the game as far as possible.
8. Velocity Lacrosse Balls
Velocity Lacrosse Balls are designed for competitive games and tournaments. The package contains 12 lacrosse balls and you can use these balls in high school and college tournaments. If you want to improve the accuracy of your game, it is high time you should invest in these Velocity Lacrosse Balls. These lacrosse balls are certified by both NFHS and NCAA. Made from solid rubber, these lacrosse balls can be used for physiotherapy.
Key Considerations
Sure, it may seem simple, but the checklist to choose the best lacrosse balls runs long. It is not just limited to selecting a round looking ball made of rubber. If you are new to lacrosse and are looking for the best lacrosse balls, you are probably lost. Not knowing where to start is one of the common dilemmas.
Start by determining what type of lacrosse balls you need and what you need them for. For instance, if you are looking to buy lacrosse balls for training purposes, you are headed a different way. Similarly, practice balls in lacrosse may be different from game balls.
Official Size of Lacrosse Balls
Irrespective of the use, lacrosse balls come in a predetermined size. The circumference of the ball must be between 7.75 and 8 inches. Lacrosse balls must weigh between 5 to 5.25 ounces.
Lacrosse balls are like tennis balls in appearance. But lacrosse balls are manufactured from rubber and thus, differ from tennis balls in consistency. Before you buy a lacrosse ball, you must check for the NOCSAE certification. The ball must have “meets NOCSAE standards” stamped on it. As long as the ball meets the predefined standards set by NOCSAE, it is worth the investment.
Lacrosse Training Balls
As specified earlier in the article, Lacrosse balls that are manufactured especially for training purposes are not to be used in the game. When shopping for quality lacrosse balls, you must look out for two types of balls:
- Weighted Training Balls
Weighted training balls are the same size as a game ball but are heavier in weight. Weighted training balls are used to help the player gain more strength while practicing for the game. However, such balls must be used sparingly lest it may lead to injuries to the players in the game. Training balls also come in a variety of colors not approved for the game. But choosing a brightly colored ball is suggested so that you do not lose track of the ball when practicing. - Soft Training Balls
Beginners whose skills and abilities with the stick are limited may go for soft training balls. Beginners are more vulnerable to injuries and they do not have polished skills in handling the lacrosse ball. Using a soft training lacrosse ball is a great option when you are playing indoors as you can easily avoid damages to the ceiling and wall. Soft training balls also help the player develop shot speed and acquire better ball-handling skills.
Features of a Lacrosse Ball
There are subtle differences between individual lacrosse balls. It is not important to take note of the details there are certain features that you must be aware of.
Listed below are some of the few differences to consider in individual lacrosse balls.
1. Color
Generally, in men’s lacrosse, the ball used is white in color. In women’s lacrosse, the color of the ball used in official gameplay is yellow. However, a variation in the color of lacrosse balls is possible if both the coaches agree.
Training balls can come in a variety of colors such as pink, purple, blue, marble, orange, and green.
2. Markings
Unlike game balls for table tennis or golf, lacrosse balls do not feature any stripes or markings on the ball. The balls have a plain, solid-colored surface with the name of the manufacturer written on it. Look for the NOCSAE certification stamp to ensure that your lacrosse ball is all the value for money.
3. Surface
It is one of the key differentiators among the other models of lacrosse balls. The surface of the lacrosse balls tends to be greasy or sticky with time. The buyer must buy a ball with tacky surface so that it does not slip out of the lacrosse head during the game.
Lacrosse ball being slick or greasy is a sign that you need to replace it with a new one. Alternatively, you can also make use of a lacrosse ball resurfacing device. Or you can use some DIY tricks to make the ball grippy again. This includes soaking the ball in soapy water and rinsing it with cold water.
4. Materials
Lacrosse balls are typically made of solid vulcanized rubber. Manufacturers also use polyurethane material for lacrosse balls.
Lacrosse Ball Buying Tips
Certainly, when you invest in a quality lacrosse ball, you would want to make the most out of it. Ergo, below mentioned are some tips and tricks that you must know when choosing the best lacrosse ball out of the lot.
- Younger Players must have softer lacrosse balls: Players who are aged 8 or under must use soft or padded lacrosse balls to minimize the chances of injury. It is also a common practice to use tennis balls to play lacrosse for kids. However, to inculcate the best practices of the game in the player from a young age, leagues may make use of official lacrosse balls.
- There is only one size of lacrosse ball approved for the gameplay: The players in lacrosse must use the official size of lacrosse balls. The balls can differ in weight but not in size.
- Equipment differs from men’s game to lacrosse for women: Since checking is not allowed in women’s lacrosse, women do not require gears with solid protective padding. Typically, women do not make use of helmets; they use goggles. Women also do not need heavily padded arm or elbow pads. However, players in the advanced levels may require some extra protection.
- Lacrosse balls can hurt you: It is not unusual for a player to get hit by the ball. Pro-players are able to fire the ball at a speed of more than 100 miles an hour. If you are still in the learning stages, you must pick a padded ball. Not that padded balls do not hurt, but certainly, it is nothing like getting hit by a ball at the speed of the thunder.
- Lacrosse balls can have a bad odor: Lacrosse balls may have a chemically smell. This is because a newly molded lacrosse ball goes through the “outgass” period implying that the ball shall evaporate excess of chemicals into the surrounding atmosphere. To dissipate the smell, you have to store the ball in a ventilated carrying bag.
- Lacrosse balls require cleaning occasionally: To make the ball last the long haul, you must clean it after every two to three consecutive sessions. Cleaning the lacrosse ball is easy. All you have to do is make sure that you clean the ball with mild soap or detergent. Do not soak or clean the ball with a solution too strong. You may soak the ball is soapy water for 30 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Allow the ball to dry in natural air.
FAQs
Below mentioned are some of the FAQs in relation to lacrosse balls.
- Q. Does it really matter if my lacrosse ball is NOCSAE certified?
A. NOCSAE certified balls are manufactured in accordance with the official rules and guidelines in creating each lacrosse ball. This ensures safe gameplay for the players. Using a non-standard ball makes you vulnerable to injuries. It may damage your protective gear as well.
- Q. What are the advantages of using padded lacrosse balls for training?
A. Young players, who have it quite developed their stick-handling abilities must use a padded lacrosse ball to dodge possible career-ending injuries. However, players at intermediate levels can make use of weighted training balls to gain strength and handle the ball better.
- Q. Can I select lacrosse balls in any color?
A. Lacrosse balls come in myriad colors but you must choose the color mandated by your league for the gameplay. Usually, yellow and white color balls are used in youth leagues, colleges and in high schools.
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Special Offer: Great for lacrosse team sports and crossfit as well as massage, fitness and pet toys.
Product type: | Professional Lacrosse Hockey Ball |
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What is lacrosse
Lacrosse is a contact sports game between two teams. Each team has ten players on the field: a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
The goal of the game is to score the ball into the opponent’s goal, for this the players use special clubs.The team with the most goals wins. Games are held on a large pitch comparable to a football pitch, both on natural and artificial turf.
The lacrosse goal is square and is as wide as a hockey goal (1.83 x 1.83 meters).
A small rubber ball with a diameter of 62.8 – 64.77 mm and a mass of 140 – 164 grams and a stick, which consists of two parts: a handle and a head, are used for the game. The head is a specially shaped plastic frame with a specially woven pocket.The length of the handle depends on the role of the player, for attackers and midfielders it is about 1 meter, and for defenders it is about 1.8 meters.
For the protection of players, the mandatory elements of equipment are: helmet, gloves and mouthguard. In addition, it is recommended to wear special elbow pads, bib and groin protectors.
There is an offside rule in lacrosse. Each team may keep a maximum of seven players, including the goalkeeper, in their own half of the field and a maximum of six in the wrong side.
The game begins with a throw-in in the center of the field.To do this, the ball is placed between the sticks of two players and, at the signal of the referee, the players begin to fight for the ball, trying to gain control over it. Players who are on the flanks during the throw-in are allowed to run to the center after the whistle to take part in the fight for the ball. The rest of the players must wait until one of the players takes possession of the ball. A center throw-in is also taken at the start of every quarter and after every goal scored.
Contact and power tricks against an opponent are allowed only if the player is in possession of the ball or is within a three-meter radius of the free ball.Power reception to the opponent’s body should take place from the front or from the side, in the area above the waist and below the shoulders. Players are allowed to attack an opponent’s stick with their own stick, provided that the opponent is in possession of the ball or is within three meters of a free ball.
If the ball or a player with the ball goes out of bounds, then possession of the ball passes to the other team. If the ball went out of bounds due to an inaccurate shot at goal, then possession is awarded to the team whose player was closest to the ball’s exit point.
According to international rules, the playing time is 4 quarters of 15 minutes of dirty time.
History of lacrosse in Russia
The emergence and development of lacrosse in Russia cannot yet boast of a rich and long history. The first team gathered in Moscow in 2007. The pioneers of lacrosse in Russia were initially called “Pioneers”, and only then they chose a new name for themselves – Moscow Rebels.
Moscow “Pioneers”.2010
The founder and captain of the “Moscow Riots” was David Diamonon, the coach of the school team from Texas. The team, which initially consisted of expats and international students from the USA, Japan, the UK and Australia, gradually began to include local players.
In 2013, the team acquired a new look, a new coach and a new name. Now the Moscow Lacrosse Club (MLC) team, which consists mainly of Russian players, is coached by Evgeny Arkhipov with over 15 years of playing experience, including playing for the Rochester Institute of Technology in the university’s lacrosse league.
Cup of Capitals match, St. Petersburg, 2014
St. Petersburg lacrosse originated in the depths of St. Having “infected” his friends with this game, he and his team contacted the European Lacrosse Association, and they sent a set of equipment necessary for training. After several years of training, the St. Petersburg Lacrosse Club was founded, which later received the name “White Knights” (“White Knights”).
White Knights, St. Petersburg, 2016
At the same time, the first competition between the two capitals begins. They become regular and are held twice a year – in the spring in St. Petersburg, in the fall in Moscow.
Capitals Cup match. Moscow, 2015
In 2011 Russia becomes an associate member of the International Federation of Lacrosse (FIL) and already in 2014 takes part in the World Lacrosse Championship in Denver, USA. The final 30th place in the world ranking of 38 teams brought not only useful experience, but also the understanding that the team can achieve more.The second serious competition for the Russian national team was the 2016 European Championship in Budapest (16th out of 24). The participation of our team in the 2018 World Cup, which was held in Israel, has finally cemented Russia on the world lacrosse map.
The Russian national team at its first World Championship. Denver, USA, 2014
In 2018, a third team appears in Russia – Warriors, which is a team of players from Yaroslavl, Moscow and the Moscow region. This circumstance makes it possible to organize the Lacrosse Development League, which becomes the legal successor to the Capitals Cup.
In 2020, an adult team will be formed on the basis of the children’s lacrosse section – Bulldogs Moscow. Thus, the total number of teams in Russia reached four.
White Knights and Warriors after the final game of the Lacrosse Development League. Moscow. 2019
In addition to the teams participating in the Development League, in Russia there are associations of people passionate about lacrosse in Krasnoyarsk, Perm and Saratov, which in the near future will be able to grow into full-fledged teams and take part in Russian competitions.Two children’s teams are also in full swing: Bulldogs Moscow in Moscow and Warriors Lacrosse in Yaroslavl.
Beach ball. Block patchwork schemes templates and sewing patterns for beginners
Are you preparing for the summer with might and main? Then this master class is for you! This patchwork block can be used to decorate a baby blanket, because children love to play with a ball on the beach and beyond. Or sew a blanket for going to the beach.
List of required materials to create a patchwork block:
• Square patchwork blocks (you can decide the size yourself)
• A set of fabrics of different colors (of your choice).
• Quilt ruler.
• A small piece of colored fabric.
• Threads.
• Scissors.
Sewing technology:
It is necessary to cut a square with a side of 12.7 cm.
Next, cut it in half.
Two identical triangles turned out.
It is necessary to choose several fabrics of different colors for the details of the beach ball, follow your imagination. Cut out four squares from them, then cut our squares in half and get triangular parts.
Select two of them and sew the triangles together on the side.
Here’s what we got. The top piece is sewn correctly and matches on both sides, and the bottom piece is wrong. Pay attention to this.
Sew in this way two pieces of four triangles. Press the seams to one side. Lay out the details in colors as you like.
Fold your two pieces together, pin and machine stitch.You should have a multi-colored square.
Press the seam to one side. Cut the square in half on both sides.
You should now have four small colored squares.
This is how it looks.
Next, you need to select two of them and sew together on one side.
Sew the next two squares in the same way.
Press the seams to one side.Lay them in such a way that it looks like two bird beaks.
Fold the parts right side up. pin and machine stitch.
Great! Don’t worry if you end up with a slightly uneven center of the square. This is not critical. The center of the ball will be closed.
Iron the seams. The wrong side will look like this
Now you need to cut out two small round pieces, five centimeters in size.
Fold them together and sew in a circle.
Cut off the excess fabric with scissors.
Move the fabric apart.
Use scissors to make an X-notch on one side and turn the part through this hole. Iron it.
The result is a round piece. Place a circle in the center of the square and secure with a pin.
Zigzag stitch to secure part.
This is how it should look
The seamy side will turn out like this
Spread the fabric again so that the parts do not touch.
