Essential Equipment to Elevate Your Lacrosse Training
Essential Equipment to Elevate Your Lacrosse Training
Quality Lacrosse Sticks for Optimal Ball Control
Having the right lacrosse stick is crucial for developing top-notch ball control and handling skills. The optimal lacrosse stick has a head designed for quick passes, accurate shots, and slick cradling. The shaft should feel lightweight yet sturdy in your hands. Stick flex and pocket depth are also key factors that affect ball control. For example, a soft, flexible stick with a deep pocket is ideal for beginning players learning to cradle and pass. As you advance, a stiffer stick with a shallow pocket gives you more command over ball handling.
When shopping for lacrosse sticks, pay attention to your position too. Attack players tend to use more flexible sticks for dexterous dodging and passing. Defensemen opt for stiffer sticks that can take checks without warping. Midfielders need an all-around stick since they play both offense and defense. Custom stringing provides another way to personalize your lacrosse stick’s ball control capabilities. The experts at your local lacrosse shop can advise you on pocket and stringing styles suited to your skill level and position on the field.
With the wrong lacrosse stick, even basic techniques like cradling, scooping up ground balls, and passing can feel awkward. Investing in a stick that suits your hands and playing style is a wise move. As your skills develop, you may need to upgrade from a beginner’s stick to an intermediate or even advanced one. Don’t wait too long though, or you’ll plateau in your progress. Pay attention when your lacrosse stick starts holding you back instead of propelling you forward. That’s the time for an equipment upgrade so you can reach the next level of ball control mastery.
Lacrosse Protective Gear to Prevent Injuries

Lacrosse is an intense full contact sport, so wearing protective gear is essential. The required equipment includes a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and a mouthguard. Though it may seem cumbersome at first, lacrosse protective gear allows you to play safely and aggressively. The gear absorbs checks, slashes, errant sticks, and high-speed shots that are common occurrences in practices and games.
Helmets with a face mask are a must. Models with extra ventilation keep you cooler as the action heats up. Lacrosse shoulder pads cushion your upper body from checks while allowing mobility. Arm pads protect your elbows, wrists, and forearms from slashes and cross-checks. Protective gloves safeguard your hands and wrists when cradling and passing. A custom fitted mouthguard prevents serious dental injuries caused by a stick or ball impact. Goalies require extra padding like chest protectors and throat guards due to the number of high-speed shots they face.
Lacrosse protective gear comes in different sizes for a proper fit. Measure your body parts like your head, shoulders, chest, arms, and waist when sizing gear. Pieces that are too tight restrict movement while oversized gear leaves gaps making you vulnerable. Try on different brands since sizing varies. Female players need gear designed specifically for a woman’s build. Your gear should allow free range of motion while covering all vulnerable zones. Break in pads and gloves over a few practices so they move naturally with your body. Inspect all equipment before each game and replace worn or damaged gear.
Though lacrosse protective equipment may seem bulky and restrictive at first, you’ll appreciate the protection when aggressive play leads to routine body blows. Safety has to be the top priority so you can play your best game without fear of injury. High-quality, properly-fitted gear gives you the confidence to check, pass, catch, shoot, and scoop without holding back.
Lacrosse Goals for Shooting Practice

Perfecting your shooting accuracy requires regular practice on regulation lacrosse goals. Setting up real goals on a field isn’t always feasible for solo practice sessions though. Fortunately, there are portable lacrosse goal options that provide netted targets for any location.
Full-size foldable lacrosse goals are handy for backyard practice. They assemble and disassemble quickly while still mimicking regulation sizes. Weighted goals ensure stability even during intense shooting reps. For maximum portability, opt for pop-up style goals that collapse into a compact carry bag. The quick set-up and tear-down makes them ideal for taking to parks or open spaces for practice. Adjustable goals allow you to vary the width, so you can hone in on top corners, high shots, and other precision placement.
Other options include wall-mounted rebounder nets and screens that attach to upright posts or slide onto chain link fences. Look for rebounders with multiple shooting surfaces at different heights and angles. Solo practice nets with wrapped edges allow you to sharpen your overhand, sidearm, and underhand shooting from close range. For indoor shooting practice any time, miniature tabletop goals and stick targets offer fun ways to get reps in. Weather, lack of field space and practice partners won’t limit your shooting practice with portable lacrosse goals.
No matter what type of moveable lacrosse goal you choose, consistency is key for developing your shooting prowess. Set up your portable goal in a spot with a solid backdrop to prevent errant misses. Angle it to mimic game-like shots on goal. Use floor or turf tape to mark off regulation distances like eight meters and twelve meters for shot drills. Log your makes and misses from each spot and track your progress over time. Don’t just fire random shots. Structure your lacrosse shooting practice with measured, focused repetition to become a feared scorer.