Essential Lacrosse Gear to Get You Started as a Beginner

Essential Lacrosse Gear to Get You Started as a Beginner

Choosing the Right Beginner Lacrosse Stick

As a new lacrosse player, one of the most important pieces of equipment to get right from the start is your lacrosse stick. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know what to look for in a beginner stick. The right starter stick will help you develop proper mechanics and skills from day one.

When shopping for your first lacrosse stick, you’ll want to look for a few key features. First, make sure to get a stick for your position. Attack and midfield sticks have narrower heads designed for quicker passing and shooting, while defensive heads are wider to help intercept passes. As a beginner, a midfield stick is a good all-around choice. Next, consider the head material. Basic plastic heads are durable and affordable, while higher-end composite materials are lighter but pricier. For new players, plastic is just fine.

You’ll also want an appropriate pocket depth. Pockets that are too deep make throwing and catching harder for novice players. A medium, universal pocket is a safe bet. Finally, choose a stick length based on your age and height. Youth sticks typically range from 37 to 54 inches, while high school and adult sticks are 60 inches. The head should come to around your nose with shoes on. Getting the right length helps you control the ball better.

Beyond these key specs, it’s also smart to go for an entry-level, pre-strung stick from a reputable brand like STX, Maverik or Warrior. As you gain more experience, you can customize and restring your stick to suit your preferences. Taking the time to find the right beginner lacrosse stick will pay dividends by setting you up for success in your early development as a player. With the proper stick in hand, you’ll be ready to take the field and develop your skills.

Why Wearing a Lacrosse Helmet is Crucial for Beginners

As a beginner lacrosse player, wearing a helmet designed specifically for lacrosse is one of the most important pieces of protective gear you can invest in. Lacrosse is a high-speed, contact sport, so helmets are essential for preventing serious head and facial injuries. When you’re just learning the game, wearing head protection should be a top priority.

Lacrosse helmets differ from other sports helmets in a few important ways. The cage face mask on a lacrosse helmet is designed with wider spacing between bars to improve vision and breathing. Visibility is key in lacrosse, since the ball moves rapidly. Lacrosse helmets also feature extra padding on the chin, jawline, and back of the head for added protection. The additional side and ear padding helps absorb impact from lacrosse sticks during play.

When shopping for your first lacrosse helmet, look for a NOCSAE certified model from a trusted manufacturer like Cascade or Warrior. Avoid football or hockey helmets which lack the proper face mask and padding. The helmet should have a snug fit with no gaps, but not be painfully tight. Take the time to adjust the chin straps and side straps to ensure maximum comfort and stability. High-end helmets with extra padding and ventilation can cost over $200, but excellent beginner models are available for under $100.

During games and practices, be sure to keep your chinstrap securely fastened at all times. This ensures the helmet stays in place and properly absorbs force on impact. Inspect your helmet frequently for cracks or damage, and replace it immediately if needed. Following safety precautions helps minimize injury risk and allows you to focus on developing skills and confidence on the field as a beginner.

While some more experienced players may ditch their helmets during casual pickup games, this is never advisable for new players. Wearing protective headgear should become second nature right from the start. A proper lacrosse helmet provides essential protection as you learn positioning, stick handling, and contact fundamentals. Making safety a priority will allow you to get the most out of your early lacrosse experience.

Lacrosse Gloves for Injury Prevention as a Beginner

As a new lacrosse player, wearing padded gloves is strongly recommended to help prevent hand and wrist injuries during play. Lacrosse gloves cushion your hands from the impact of constantly catching, scooping, and throwing the ball using your lacrosse stick.

Standard lacrosse gloves feature thick padding across the back of the hand and knuckles, extra protection on the thumb, and increased flex and ventilation for mobility. The padding helps absorb shock when catching passes or when your hands get caught between opposing sticks during contests for ground balls. Quality lacrosse gloves will allow you to cradle and handle your stick with dexterity while giving your hands, fingers and wrists essential protection.

When shopping for your first pair of lacrosse gloves, fit is important. The gloves should be snug enough to stay in place without restricting flexibility. Move your hands and make fists to ensure the gloves allow a full range of motion. Most youth and adult gloves come in small, medium and large sizes. High-end lacrosse gloves can cost over $100, but excellent beginner gloves are available for $40-60.

During games, be sure to keep your gloves on at all times, even when off the field. This ensures you avoid any hand injuries along the sidelines. Inspect your gloves routinely for rips, holes or loose stitching and replace them if needed. Following proper glove care makes them more durable and safer for game use.

Although not required in recreational play, lacrosse gloves provide an invaluable extra layer of protection for new players learning the sport. The physical nature of lacrosse with constant stick checks means hands take a beating. Wearing appropriate gloves from the start helps minimize bruising and prevents more serious injuries like fractures, dislocations or ligament damage. Focus on developing your skills without worrying about hand safety by investing in a quality pair of beginner lacrosse gloves.

Why Lacrosse Shoulder Pads Are Crucial for Beginners

As a new lacrosse player, wearing shoulder pads might not seem essential at first glance. However, lacrosse shoulder pads play an important protective role for beginners learning the sport. While not mandatory, shoulder pads help shield the collarbones, ribs, chest, and back from injury during physical play.

In lacrosse, legal stick checking and body contact is permitted within 5 yards of a loose ball. Without padding, novice players are vulnerable to bruising or fractures around the shoulders, chest, and back when jostling for possession. Quality lacrosse shoulder pads feature lightweight, ventilated padding with enlarged chest plates and rib guards to protect these fragile areas.

When shopping for your first set of lacrosse shoulder pads, prioritize fit and comfort. The pads should feel snug but not constricting when moving your arms in all directions. Lightweight, low-profile pads maximize mobility for beginners learning stick skills. For goalies, bulkier pads with chest plates that wrap around the torso provide enhanced protection.

It’s smart to buy lacrosse-specific shoulder pads rather than football pads to ensure the right fit. Football pads restrict arm movement too much for lacrosse players. Well-fitting beginner lacrosse shoulder pads cost $40-80. Higher-end pads with removable liners and adjustable straps provide a customized fit but run over $150.

During games, keep your shoulder pads on even when on the sidelines to prevent injury from inadvertent contact. Inspect your pads regularly for cracks or tears, and replace damaged pads immediately. Following safety precautions allows you to focus on skill development as a beginner.

While not required, lacrosse shoulder pads provide an invaluable protective barrier for new players. Making protection a priority early on instills good habits. Wearing appropriate pads gives beginners confidence to participate fully without fear during those vulnerable early practices and games.

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Cleats as a Beginner

As a new lacrosse player, one of the key pieces of equipment to get right from the start is a proper pair of lacrosse cleats. Wearing the appropriate footwear provides essential traction and allows you to move confidently on the field as you learn the game.

Lacrosse is played on natural grass, so cleats are necessary for gripping the surface and changing direction quickly. The studs on lacrosse cleats are designed specifically for the demands of the sport. They differ from soccer cleats in their distribution and shape to provide enhanced traction for the constant starting, stopping, and cutting of lacrosse.

When choosing your first pair of lacrosse cleats, prioritize fit and comfort. Lacrosse involves lots of running, so the cleats should be snug but not painfully tight. Try on cleats at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Lacrosse cleats feature a high ankle cut for stability and support on cuts. Look for youth or adult sizes in a reputable lacrosse brand.

The stud pattern and material are also key factors. Molded or detachable plastic studs provide excellent grip on natural grass. For beginners, molded studs are preferred for their durability and lower cost. Metal lacrosse cleats are not recommended for new players due to increased injury risk. Expect to spend $50-100 for a quality beginner pair of molded plastic lacrosse cleats.

During games, keep your laces tied properly and studs cleaned of debris. Replace cleats annually or sooner if worn. Following these tips enhances traction and shoe life. The right lacrosse cleats empower beginners to accelerate, pivot, and push off confidently on the field.

Investing in your first pair of purpose-built lacrosse cleats establishes proper footwork fundamentals. With surer footing, you can focus on developing skills rather than slipping around the field. Lacrosse cleats engineered for the sport’s specialized movements provide a key advantage that let you get the most out of your early practices and competition.

Lacrosse Balls: Hard and Soft Options for Beginner Practice

As a new lacrosse player, having access to lacrosse balls is essential for skills training and games. Lacrosse balls have specialized properties to withstand the sport’s dynamic play. For beginners, using regulation balls develops proper fundamentals.

Lacrosse balls have a solid rubber exterior and range from 7.75 to 8 inches in circumference. Hard lacrosse balls are made of solid vulcanized rubber. They have a stiff feel and lively rebound off lacrosse sticks. Soft lacrosse balls contain a rubber sponge interior encased in leather or synthetic material. They provide more cushioning upon impact.

For beginners, soft lacrosse balls are ideal for solo wall ball practice to work on passing, catching, and shooting skills. The soft feel allows you to hone mechanics at close range without jamming your hands. Hard lacrosse balls are mandatory for organized team practices and games. Their livelier play better simulates actual game conditions.

When shopping for lacrosse balls as a new player, buy a 3-pack of soft balls for solo training and a bucket of hard balls for team sessions. Soft balls cost $10-15 for a set of 3. Buckets of 30-50 hard balls run $40-60. Select regulation size balls from major brands like Maverik, Warrior, or STX for optimal durability.

During practice, inspect balls for exterior nicks, deep grooves and loose stitching. Retire overly damaged balls to avoid errant bounces. Proper ball care improves safety and playability.

Investing in regulation lacrosse balls from the start instills proper mechanics for handling, catching, passing and shooting. As a beginner, using official balls rather than makeshift substitutes teaches you the right feel and develops essential stick skills that translate directly to game situations.

Why Lacrosse Bags Are Essential Beginner Gear

As a new lacrosse player, investing in a lacrosse bag is a wise early purchase. Lacrosse bags provide convenient transportation and storage to keep all your gear organized as you get started.

Lacrosse requires a full range of protective equipment, pads, uniforms and stick that can be unwieldy to carry without a proper bag. Lacrosse-specific bags feature a roomy, elongated shape to accommodate sticks up to 60″. Padded pockets organize helmets, pads, gloves, balls and other gear for safe transport.

For beginners, look for bags with an adjustable length strap for easy carrying. Compartments to separate clean and dirty gear are useful once games start. Durable water-resistant fabrics protect contents from the elements. Expect to spend $50-100 for a quality lacrosse bag sized for youth or adult gear.

When packing your bag, organize gear systematically so needed items can be found quickly. Separate jerseys and socks to keep dirty items isolated. Store pads flat and balls in mesh pockets to prevent rolling. Check bags before leaving practice or games to avoid forgetting key pieces.

Investing in a lacrosse bag early on fosters organization habits. Keeping all your gear contained in one place makes transport hassle-free. Lacrosse bags with specialized storage features help beginners stay on top of the many required pieces of equipment needed for practices and games.

Must-Have Lacrosse Goalie Gear for Beginners

For new lacrosse players interested in the goalie position, investing in full protective gear is absolutely essential. Lacrosse goalies require specialized equipment to withstand the rigors of play in front of the net.

At minimum, lacrosse goalie gear includes a helmet, chest protector, gloves, and leg pads. Goalie helmets feature extra neck padding and full face masks for added protection. Chest protectors wrap around the torso and shoulders with increased padding. Goalie gloves provide reinforced padding across the palms and fingers. Leg pads shield the shins and thighs during play.

For beginners, comfort and fit are key factors when selecting gear. Chest protectors and leg pads should fit snugly without restricting movement or flexibility. Beginner goalie gear sets from brands like Maverik and STX provide an affordable, integrated setup with matching sizing. Expect to spend $250-500 for a full set.

During games, take time to properly strap and tighten all pads to ensure maximum stability and safety. Inspect equipment frequently for cracks or damage and replace as needed. Following proper safety steps minimizes injury risk from high-velocity shots.

While pricier than field gear, goalie equipment is a mandatory investment for lacrosse newcomers interested in tending net. The specialized padding provides essential protection as you learn proper positioning and reaction techniques. Prioritizing safety from the start allows you to become more confident and aggressive in goal as a developing player.

Why a Lacrosse Mouthguard is Vital for Beginners

As a new lacrosse player, a mouthguard is one piece of protective gear that no beginner should ever play without. Wearing a mouthguard during lacrosse prevents serious dental and mouth injuries.

In lacrosse, stick checks to the head are permitted and balls routinely travel at high speeds. Without a mouthguard, a stray stick or ball impacting the mouth can easily cause cracked, displaced or knocked-out teeth and lip lacerations.

Lacrosse mouthguards fit over the upper teeth and absorb shock to protect teeth, gums, lips and jawbone. Guards come in varied styles from basic boil-and-bite to custom fitted based on dental impressions. For beginners, an affordable boil-and-bite guard from Shock Doctor or STX is sufficient protection.

When fitting your mouthguard, follow instructions carefully to achieve an ideal snug fit. Test talking and breathing to ensure the guard stays securely in place. Take time to trim excess material if needed. Properly cared for, a mouthguard can last 1-2 seasons of use before needing replacement.

During any lacrosse activity, keep your mouthguard in at all times – even during practice. This ensures teeth are protected even during incidental contact. Aquality mouthguard is the single most important piece of gear for beginners to prevent lasting dental damage.

No lacrosse player is too experienced to go without a mouthguard given the risk of injury. By making a mouthguard an essential habit from the very start, beginners can confidently develop their game without compromising safety.

Why Lacrosse Practice Jerseys Are Key Beginner Gear

As a new lacrosse player, having at least one practice jersey is an essential piece of basic gear. Lacrosse practice jerseys help identify team affiliation and promote team bonding during early development.

Lacrosse teams wear coordinated uniforms for practices to foster team unity and spirit from the start. Practice jerseys feature school colors and mascots with a lightweight, breathable design for comfort. Having your own practice jersey instills feelings of belonging and pride as a new team member.

For beginners, focus on fit and comfort when selecting a practice jersey. Synthetic blends provide good moisture-wicking performance for active practice sessions. Loose cuts allow padding to be worn underneath. Expect to spend $20-50 on standard lacrosse practice jerseys from brands like Nike and STX.

During practice, take care to keep your jersey properly tucked into shorts to avoid interfering with stick play. Launder gently after practices to eliminate odors and bacteria. Proper jersey care maximizes durability over multiple seasons.

Investing in a practice jersey is a right of passage for any new lacrosse athlete. The shared identity of wearing your team colors during those first practices helps you connect with teammates as you learn the sport’s fundamentals together. Practice jerseys generate team cohesion during the critical early stages of your lacrosse development.

Lacrosse Shorts and Socks for Beginner Comfort

As a new lacrosse player outfitting yourself with gear, lacrosse shorts and socks are essential for comfort during training and games. Proper shorts and socks allow freedom of movement on the field.

Lacrosse shorts feature a lightweight, loose fit with side vents for mobility and breathability. The smooth inner liner prevents abrasion from pads. Lacrosse socks provide cushioning and moisture wicking to protect feet and ankles during play. Synthetic blends enhance durability and comfort.

For beginners, focus on finding a comfortable shorts and sock fit. Shorts should be loose enough to allow free range of motion for running and side-to-side cuts. Socks should provide snug support without constricting circulation around calves and ankles. Expect to spend $15-30 each for starter lacrosse shorts and socks.

During games and practice, keep shorts properly cinched to avoid tripping and socks pulled up to prevent blisters. Wash socks after each use to minimize bacterial buildup. Replace worn socks annually to maintain fresh cushioning and support as you develop.

Outfitting yourself in well-fitting lacrosse shorts and socks establishes a solid foundation for active play. Proper gear keeps you cool, dry and blister-free as you learn the sport’s nuances through rigorous training. Don’t overlook these fundamental pieces of gear that impact comfort and performance.

Why Lacrosse Players Need Water Bottles

As a beginner lacrosse athlete, remembering to bring a water bottle to practices and games is essential. Staying hydrated during active lacrosse participation prevents fatigue and crispness.

Lacrosse is a physically demanding sport requiring constant motion and exertion. Without proper hydration, players quickly overheat and energy drops. A quality water bottle allows frequent access to cool water to replace fluids lost through sweat.

Look for lacrosse water bottles that offer durability and leakproofing with easy one-hand drinking capability. Hard plastic provides protection from drops and dents. Wide mouths allow adding ice. Expect to spend $10-20 for a reliable 32oz beginner lacrosse water bottle from brands like Nike and Under Armour.

During lacrosse activities, take regular water breaks to sip from your bottle—don’t just gulp at half-time. Position your bottle for quick access near rest periods. Rinse and wash bottles thoroughly after use to prevent bacterial buildup.

Making water bottles a standard gear item from day one establishes hydration diligence. Dehydration causes mental errors, muscle cramps, and lackluster performance—issues no beginner wants hampering their development. Investing in a quality water bottle keeps your body energized and mind focused.

Lacrosse Training Aids for Beginner Skill Building

As a new lacrosse player, incorporating training aids like cones and targets into practice helps build key skills. Lacrosse training tools allow focused repetition of fundamentals.

Items like folding agility cones develop footwork with drills for weaving, cutting and dodging. Quick-release passing targets improve aim, accuracy and hand-eye coordination for delivering crisp passes. Rebound nets allow solo perfecting of shooting technique for placing different types of shots.

For beginners, training aids from major brands like Brine and Warrior reinforce proper mechanics through purposeful repetition. Expect to spend $10-25 on items like cones, passing arcs and rebounders for solo and team practice areas.

When using lacrosse training aids, set up with adequate spacing for unobstructed movement. Ensure targets and nets are securely anchored. Rotate through stations during team sessions to maintain engagement. Take care of equipment to maximize lifespan.

Incorporating training aids creates focused opportunities to develop areas needing improvement. As a beginner, isolation drills with cones, targets, and rebounders allow mastery of fundamentals like footwork, passing, catching and shooting in a progressive fashion.

Investing in portable and durable lacrosse training aids provides beginners with resources to supplement team practices. Targeted skill repetition instills muscle memory and confidence that translates directly into enhanced performance during game situations.

Online Lacrosse Resources for Beginner Learning

As a new lacrosse player, leveraging online instructional videos and sites accelerates skill development between practices. Online lacrosse resources provide beginners with on-demand learning.

From YouTube channels to training apps, a wealth of digital tools exist to help newcomers master lacrosse fundamentals. Instructional shooting, passing, dodging and goalie videos reinforce proper mechanics. Lacrosse drill databases provide practice inspiration. Training apps gamify stick skills.

For beginners, free YouTube channels like Coach Daniel’s Lacrosse Camp and Lacrosse 360 provide a wealth of on-court demonstration videos and voiceover tips. Paid apps like Ya Lax and STX ranged from $5-$10 monthly provide progressive digital drills. Expect to spend $40-$60 annually for subscription sites like Nike Lacrosse Camp.

When using online lacrosse resources, focus on quality over quantity. Seek trusted instructors explaining techniques in a clear and structured fashion. Ensure you have adequate space to mimic demonstrated drills properly and safely.

Tapping online lacrosse tools allows beginners to fill knowledge gaps between team sessions by accessing specialized instruction anytime. Digital resources help refine stick skills, footwork, and positioning through self-directed learning led by experts in the sport.

Investing time in online lacrosse instruction supplements in-person training for accelerated development. Blending digital and on-field learning provides beginners with a decided edge in building lacrosse skills and confidence.