Ensure Proper Armpit Clearance to Prevent Pinched Nerves and Restricted Mobility
Selecting lacrosse shoulder pads with adequate armpit clearance is crucial for preventing pinched nerves and restricted mobility during play. Pinching in the armpit area occurs when the pad’s design is too tight or narrow near the underarm. This can compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to tingling, numbness, and loss of feeling in the arm and hand.
Insufficient armpit room can also hamper your range of motion, limiting your ability to cradle, pass, and shoot effectively. When fitting shoulder pads, be sure to raise your arms in a full overhead throwing motion. The pads should not bind or constrict movement. You want to be able to mimic the complete range of on-field arm motions without any pinching or impedance from shoulder pad construction.
Look for shoulder caps with wider, more open armpit cutouts and adjustable straps to customize fit in this sensitive area. Flexible stretch materials can also conform better to your underarm shape. Before purchase, test mobility by simulating lacrosse motions like cradling, checking, and shooting. Repeat these movements with pads on to verify ample armpit clearance.
Correct pad size is another key factor. Pads that are too small will compress the underarm space and can dig into your armpits during play. Consult sizing charts and measure your chest and body circumference to determine optimal shoulder pad dimensions. Proper armpit clearance allows you to move freely without irritation so you can focus, react quickly, and dominate on the field. Don’t settle for subpar shoulder pads that hinder mobility – with the right fit and design, you can unleash your full athletic potential.
Consider Your Position and Desired Protection Level When Selecting Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
When choosing lacrosse shoulder pads, carefully consider the amount of protection and mobility you need for your position and style of play. Attack players who handle the ball more often usually opt for lighter and more flexible pads to maximize speed and dexterity. Defenders favor bulkier, higher-density foam pads to absorb checks. Midfielders need a balance of both since they transition between offense and defense.
Evaluate the type of padding the shoulder pads use – some feature removable pads so you can customize thickness as needed. Denser EVA or closed-cell foam offers rigidity to withstand checks, while softer padding allows more mobility. Attachable epaulettes can also increase protection along the shoulder cap edge.
Look for shoulder caps extending well above the armpit with rounded, beveled edges to deflect checks. Chest plates should have sturdy sternum padding plus segmented panels and floating spine protectors that move naturally with your body. Well-ventilated, breathable materials will keep you cool during intense gameplay.
Consider how the pad material molds and flexes – some solid plastic components add protection at the cost of mobility. Stretch fabrics like lycra spandex allow better movement. Prioritize shock-absorbing materials in high impact zones.
Test different pad styles to find your ideal balance of comfort, mobility and protection. Mimic lacrosse motions to ensure unrestricted movement. Break in pads over time as they will loosen up and conform to your body. Stay safely protected on the field this season by selecting shoulder pads tailored for your position and needs.
Focus on Shoulder Cap Width for Ideal Mobility in Lacrosse
When shopping for lacrosse shoulder pads, pay close attention to the width of the shoulder caps to ensure excellent mobility on the field. Wider shoulder caps allow for full range of motion in key lacrosse movements like cradling, checking, passing, and shooting.
Narrow shoulder caps can restrict motion and feel constrictive, especially when raising your arms overhead to throw. The pad material can pinch and bind against your shoulders and upper arms. Your checking and blocking power will also suffer, giving opponents an advantage.
Look for lacrosse shoulder pads with shoulder caps extending well beyond the curve of your shoulders with ample width from front to back. There should be plenty of room to move without the shoulder caps clamping down over your deltoids.
Test mobility by actively mimicking lacrosse motions while wearing potential shoulder pads. Simulate a full checking motion along with cradling, passing, and shooting. The shoulder caps should glide smoothly over shoulder muscles without tugging or limiting motion.
Wider shoulder caps with elasticized or stretch panel construction also allows better movement. Caps that wrap too tightly around the shoulders negatively impact speed and dexterity.
Finding the optimal shoulder cap width ensures you can utilize your full athletic range on the field. You don’t want your gear restricting natural movements. Prioritize wide shoulder cap construction when shopping for new lacrosse pads this season.
Evaluate Padding Thickness in Lacrosse Shoulder Pads for Comfort and Safety
When selecting new lacrosse shoulder pads, carefully evaluate the thickness and density of padding in key contact areas. Shoulder cap, chest plate, and back padding thickness impact both comfort and safety on the field.
Thicker, higher-density foam or EVA padding absorbs impact better and provides more protection. However, excessively thick pads may restrict motion and retain more heat. Finding the right balance is key for your position and style of play.
Test potential shoulder pads and compare padding thickness by pressing into the shoulder caps, chest plates, and back protective sections. Bend and move your torso to gauge both mobility and protective coverage.
Consider removable padding options to customize thickness as needed. Some pads feature velcro or snap attachments to add or reduce padding layers.
Prioritize thicker padding over the sternum, spine, and collar bones for critical impact zones. Look for segmented chest plates that flex naturally for mobility and breathability.
For goalies, maximum padding thickness is ideal, while attack players may opt for thinner padding focused on key areas. Defenders land somewhere in between for physical play.
Before buying new lacrosse shoulder pads, mimic game motions with pads on to test comfort, movement, and protection. Getting the right padding thickness helps maximize safety and minimize injury risk this season.
Choose Lightweight Lacrosse Shoulder Pads for Faster Speed
When selecting new lacrosse shoulder pads, consider choosing lightweight models if maximizing speed and mobility are your priorities. Lighter pads reduce fatigue over the course of a game and allow you to react and move quicker on the field.
Look for pads made from highly breathable yet tough fabrics like quick-dry polyester mesh instead of heavy solid plastic components. This sheds weight without sacrificing durability and protection. Some pads feature removable padding layers to fine tune weight.
Evaluate the overall pad’s mass by holding different models. Heavier padding adds crucial protection but also slows you down over a full 60 minute game requiring rapid sprints and direction changes. Attack players in particular benefit from minimizing pad weight.
Prioritize lightweight padding across the shoulders, chest, and back. Additional accessories like padded forearm guards and shoulder cap add-ons also contribute to overall pad weight.
Test mobility and speed by doing agility drills while wearing potential new shoulder pads. Time yourself sprinting and change directions to assess any differences.
Finding the right balance of optimal protection and minimal weight enhances your quickness, acceleration and stamina. Dominate the competition this season with lighter, faster lacrosse shoulder pads.
Test Mobility by Simulating Lacrosse Motions When Fitting New Shoulder Pads
When shopping for new lacrosse shoulder pads, take time to test mobility by mimicking in-game motions. Actively simulating key lacrosse moves with pads on will ensure you select the right size and style for optimal athletic performance.
Repeat important motions like cradling, scooping ground balls, passing, checking, and shooting. Raise your arms fully overhead and out to the sides to simulate throwing. Twist and bend at the waist to maximize torso flexibility.
Checking pads should have thick enough foam to absorb impact, but not restrict throwing or arm extension. Mimic your shooting stance and the full follow-through motion.
Practice sprinting while wearing potential shoulder pads as well. Speed and acceleration are critical in lacrosse so new pads shouldn’t limit your running stride length or arm drive.
Trying pads on statically can miss key fit and mobility issues that only arise during actual lacrosse motions. Take the time to simulate realistic gameplay. Compare different pad models and sizes using this dynamic process.
Don’t settle for restrictive shoulder pads that hinder your athletic potential. Follow these tips to find lacrosse shoulder pads that move with you naturally for your best performance on the field.
Ensure Lacrosse Shoulder Pads Don’t Restrict Breathing or Movement
When selecting new lacrosse shoulder pads, be sure to evaluate that the chest plates and sternum padding don’t restrict your breathing or flexibility during intense gameplay. Proper pad fit allows full respiratory and range of motion on the field.
Test different shoulder pads by taking deep breaths and twisting your torso. The chest pads should expand naturally without constricting inhalation. Look for ventilated, perforated chest plate materials that won’t trap heat.
Solid plastic chest plates often limit motion and air flow. Seek out pads with segmented padding sections that flex with your body.
Mimic the full motions required on the lacrosse field like scooping, passing, cradling, and shooting. The shoulder pads shouldn’t pinch or bind against your chest, shoulders or arms during throwing motions.
Prioritize adjustable straps and stretch lycra shoulder cap materials allowing pads to move seamlessly with your body. Proper size is also key – too small of pads will compress your chest and shoulders.
Don’t settle for ill-fitting shoulder pads that hinder breathing and mobility. Be sure new pads allow you to play at your highest athletic level through a full 60 minute game and beyond.
Select Lacrosse Shoulder Pads with Proper Torso Length For Maximum Coverage
When shopping for new lacrosse shoulder pads, be sure to select a size with the proper torso length to maximize protective coverage. Pads shortened in the torso leave you exposed to checks and injury.
Consult sizing charts and measure your torso length from the top of your shoulder to your waistline. Compare this to recommended pad lengths for your chest measurement. The torso section should extend well past your ribs for adequate protection.
Test potential shoulder pads by bending at the waist and reaching overhead. The bottom of the pads shouldn’t lift up or leave a gap at your waistline. Proper length lets you move freely while keeping vital organs protected.
Opt for extenders if between sizes – going slightly longer is better than too short for coverage. The pads will break-in and conform to your shape over time.
For goalies, maximum torso coverage is key. Field players can size more for mobility if needed, but the pad length should still reach your waist area.
Don’t risk injury from ill-fitting shoulder pads. Take the time to find lacrosse pads with ideal torso length so you can play confidently protected this season.
Replace Worn Lacrosse Shoulder Pads Regularly For Peak Performance
For optimal safety and performance on the lacrosse field, remember to replace worn shoulder pads on a regular basis. Pads degrade over time and lose protective capabilities after years of play.
Inspect existing pads closely each season for signs of wear – look for compression marks, cracks, loose stitching or frayed materials. Padding also compacts and hardens with use over time, reducing shock absorption.
Test mobility and flexibility in older pads – if the materials feel constrictive or brittle, it’s time for an upgrade. Straps and fasteners can also stretch out or fail after years of play.
Replace shoulder pads at least every 2-3 years or sooner if used heavily. Positions like defender and midfielder who endure frequent contact need more frequent replacement.
Don’t risk injury by stubbornly hanging onto old equipment past its usable lifespan. Take time each preseason to evaluate gear condition and replace worn items.
Investing in new shoulder pads ensures you benefit from innovations in fit, materials and protection. Your body and athletic skills evolve over time as well – make sure your gear keeps pace.
Stay protected and perform at your peak by routinely upgrading lacrosse shoulder pads and equipment.
