15 MustHave Lacrosse Goalie Leg Gear for Maximum Protection and Performance
15 MustHave Lacrosse Goalie Leg Gear for Maximum Protection and Performance
Shin Guards
Let’s face it, those shots can really sting if your shins aren’t covered! Shin guards are a must for goalies looking to protect their frontal leg from bruising shots. Look for guards with adjustable straps and molded plastic plates to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. As a goalie, you’ll be facing a barrage of shots, so quality shin protection is key.
Padded Goalie Shorts
Tailbone and hip injuries from a hard fall can sideline a goalie, so padding this area is crucial. Thick foam shorts absorb impact and allow you to focus on making saves. For extra coverage, look for shorts that extend down the thighs. Compression shorts underneath will prevent chafing as you move around the crease.
Thigh Pads
Those rocket shots right to your thighs won’t feel too great without padding! Adjustable thigh pads protect against bruising while conforming to your body. Make sure to secure the straps for a customized fit that won’t slide around. High quality pads with moisture-wicking fabric will also keep you cool as the game heats up.
Goalie Pants/Girdle
For comprehensive leg coverage, a goalie girdle provides padded protection all around. The sturdy shell shields your hips, thighs and tailbone while allowing full range of motion. Look for a lightweight girdle with breathable fabric if overheating is a concern. For youth goalies, the girdle and pant combo is ideal.
Knee Pads
Springy knee pads are a must for relieving pressure on your kneecaps when dropping down to block low shots. Look for durable pads that stay put throughout the game. Breathable fabric is key, since sweaty pads can slide around and leave you vulnerable. For field lacrosse goalies, integrated knee padding in leg guards does the trick.
Hopefully these tips help you gear up with the right leg protection to play confidently between the pipes! Let me know if you need any other goalie equipment recommendations.
Compression Shorts
Chafing and discomfort can distract any goalie, so compression shorts are a must-have under layer. The tight fit wicks moisture to keep you cool and comfortable in the crease. Compression also improves circulation in your lower body, reducing fatigue in your legs during games. Look for shorts with an antimicrobial finish to combat odor after working up a sweat. And don’t forget the cup! An athletic supporter with protective cup ensures your most sensitive areas are protected.
Chest Protector
Protecting your core from painful shots is vital as a goalie. A high-quality chest protector absorbs impact against your sternum, ribs, and shoulders while allowing flexibility. Lightweight, breathable padding is ideal to prevent overheating. For the best coverage, look for extenders that wrap around your sides. Adjustable straps will dial in the fit. As you move and react to shots, the last thing you want is a bulky chest protector throwing off your form. Find the right balance of padding and mobility to rule the crease!
Elbow Pads
Diving for saves often means landing hard on your elbows. Protecting these joints is key for any goalie. Look for lightweight, breathable elbow pads with adjustable straps to dial in the fit. The pads should stay in place and not restrict your arm movement as you react to shots. High-density foam over the elbow caps absorbs impact on bone while allowing flexibility. For field lacrosse goalies, integrated elbow padding in your arm guards does the trick. Take shots to the elbow during practice to test out the protection of any pads before game time.
While you’ll sacrifice your body for the save, the right padding ensures you won’t miss any time between the pipes. Prioritize protection for vulnerable areas like your elbows while evaluating comfort and flexibility. Your gear should be an asset, not a hindrance, as you strive to dominate the crease!
Goalie Gloves
As a lacrosse goalie, your gloves take a beating while blocking blistering shots. Padding across the fingers, wrists and palms absorbs impact and protects against stingers. Look for segmented padding and a flexible cuff for maximum dexterity as you react to shots. Abrasion-resistant palms enhance durability when hitting the turf. Getting the right fit is key – too loose and the glove can rotate, opening you up to injury. Take some practice shots to ensure your gloves provide ample padding while allowing you to smoothly catch and clear the ball.
Don’t forget, you relay on your stickhandling too! Choose a strung goalie head with a deep pocket to snag shots and quickly transition to starting the clear. Wing it around with your defenseman to get a feel for scooping tough hops and rolling out smoothly. With dialed in gloves and stick skills, you’ll be ready to stone cold rob shooters all game long!
Cleats
As a goalie, your footwork is vital for covering the net and tracking shots. The right cleats provide traction for quick lateral movement and changes of direction in the crease. For field lacrosse, look for cleats with molded or detachable studs that match your playing surface. Synthetic leather uppers offer lightweight support. Prioritize ankle stability and a glove-like fit to prevent slippage as you react. Low tops allow mobility while high tops provide more protection.
Don’t neglect comfort! Pressure points or blisters from ill-fitting cleats can throw off your game. Take some warmup shots in your cleats to ensure your feet feel secure during play. With dialed in footwear, you’ll command the crease and own the cage.
Next up – let’s discuss goalie heads and mesh for dominating between the pipes. We’ll cover scooping tough hops, stringing deep pockets, and quick ball release. As a goalie, your stickhandling is almost as vital as your stopping ability. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks!
Leg Guards/Pads
For field lacrosse goalies, full leg guards are essential protection. Pads wrap around the calf and shin with integrated knee blocks to absorb impact. Calf plates should be adjustable for a customized fit. Look for lightweight, breathable materials like polyethylene foam that allow freedom of movement. Tighten all straps to prevent padding rotation and open gaps during play.
Proper sizing is key – sitting in your stance, the knee block should make contact just above the kneecap. Thigh rise should reach near your hip crease for full coverage. Take some outside shots during practice to ensure your pads provide ample protection. With dialed in leg guards, you can fearlessly attack every save!
We’ve covered the critical protective gear from head to toe. Let me know if you need any specific recommendations for your lacrosse goalie setup. Don’t neglect protection – your safety should be the top priority between the pipes!
Helmet
A goalie helmet is mandatory head protection from blistering shots. Look for a helmet constructed from compressed foam or durable plastics that absorb and dissipate impact. Jawline extensions and ear guards provide extra coverage. Ensure proper fit with adjustable chin straps and straps at the base of the head.
Vision is also key – look for a helmet with a wide viewing area and strong facemask. Attachment points on the cage should align with your eyes for optimal sight lines. For box lacrosse, a cat-eye cage optimizes upward vision. Take some test shots while wearing your helmet to ensure unobstructed vision and ample padding.
Don’t neglect maintenance – inspect padding for deterioration and make sure the facemask is securely mounted. Replace helmet components like straps if they become worn. A properly fitted and maintained helmet provides critical protection as you patrol the crease.
Compression Socks
Don’t neglect lower leg protection and recovery! Compression socks worn under equipment improve circulation in your calves and feet. Tight compression minimizes muscle vibration and swelling for increased stamina. Look for moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet dry and comfortable in cleats.
Compression also aids recovery by reducing lactic acid buildup and post-game soreness. Calf compression sleeves allow custom coverage – pull them up to the knee or down to the ankle as needed. Proper leg recovery helps you bounce back strong between games when playing multiple times per week.
With the pounding your lower legs take during play, compression socks are a goalie essential. Tight calf coverage keeps you energized and efficient in the crease while aiding overnight repair. Don’t neglect your lower half – compression has you covered!
Jock/Pelvic Protector
A properly fitted jock and cup provide essential protection for a goalie’s sensitive areas. Look for a design with ventilated, breathable fabric to prevent overheating. The waistband and leg straps should keep the cup securely in place even during extreme movements. Foam or padded cups absorb shots and minimize stingers down low. Don’t play without one!
Get the right fit – a loose cup can shift and expose you to injury. Most protectors come in small, medium and large sizes. Measure your waist and order the corresponding size. Take a few warmup shots before strapping in to ensure the cup stays put. Dialed in pelvic protection gives you the confidence to focus on stopping shots, not potential injuries.
Don’t let fear hold you back from making saves. A quality jock has you covered literally below the belt. Stay safe and play aggressive knowing your most sensitive assets are protected.
Cup and Supporter
For complete protection down low, a cup and supporter combo is the way to go. The jock’s supportive waistband, leg straps and ventilated fabric keep the cup securely in place. Look for a cup with padded sides to shield the hips along with foam padding over vital areas.
It’s all about the fit. Measure your waist size and choose the proper supporter. Take warmup shots and make small adjustments until the cup stays centered on impact. A loose cup can shift and expose you. Don’t play games – get the right supporter so you can focus on stopping shots without worrying about shots to the jock.
Dial in your cup and supporter early in the season. Breaking them in insures the utmost comfort and protection game after game. Staying active between the pipes requires keeping your most sensitive assets safe from harm!
Goalie Knee Pads
Protecting your kneecaps from bruising shots is a must! Quality knee pads absorb impact when dropping down into the butterfly. Look for sturdy pads that wrap securely around the knee without restricting mobility. Integrated pads on goalie pants work too, but separate pads allow custom coverage.
Getting a pad to stay put is key. Consider attachments above and below the knee along with an adjustable grippy strip behind the calf. Take some shots in warmups to ensure the pads don’t shift or rotate. Properly secured knee pads give you the confidence to aggressively attack every save!
Don’t let knee injuries keep you sidelined. Dial in pads that provide flexible protection without limiting your range or reflexes. Comprehensive leg coverage is a goalie essential – don’t leave your knees vulnerable!
Lacrosse Goalie Leg Guards
For comprehensive lower body protection, lacrosse leg guards are a must. These pads wrap around the shin and calf with integrated knee blocks to absorb shots from all angles. Look for lightweight padding that allows mobility while covering vulnerable areas.
Proper sizing is vital – when kneeling, the knee cradle should make contact just above the cap. Calf plates should wrap securely to avoid rotation. Adjustable straps dial in the perfect fit. Take some warmup shots to ensure the pads stay put when attacking saves.
High quality leg guards allow you to fearlessly defend the net. Let me know if you need specific brand or sizing recommendations. With the right pads, you’ll be an unstoppable force in goal!
Lacrosse Goalie Shin Guards
Hard shots directly to the shin can really sting without protection. Lacrosse-specific shin guards shield your anterior leg from bruising impacts. Look for guards with molded plastic plates that wrap securely around the calf and shin.
Proper fit is key – shin guards that rotate or shift can leave you exposed. Straps across the calf and below the knee secure the pads in place. Adjustable sizing ensures a customized fit. Take some warmup shots to test stability before strapping them on for games.
High quality shin protection gives you the confidence to aggressively attack saves. Let me know if you need help selecting the right lacrosse goalie shin guards for your game. I’m always happy to help equip you with the best protective gear!
