How to measure hand size for lacrosse gloves. What factors affect lacrosse glove fit. How to choose the right glove size for youth players. Why proper glove fit matters in lacrosse. When to replace lacrosse gloves for growing players.

The Importance of Proper Lacrosse Glove Fit

Lacrosse gloves are a crucial piece of equipment for any player, especially young athletes. Proper fit ensures optimal performance, protection, and comfort on the field. Ill-fitting gloves can hinder a player’s ability to control the stick, catch the ball, and even lead to hand injuries.

Do glove size and fit really impact a player’s performance? Absolutely. Gloves that are too large can cause the stick to slip within the player’s grip, affecting shot accuracy and passing precision. On the other hand, gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort, potentially leading to fatigue during extended play.

Understanding Lacrosse Glove Sizing Factors

Several factors come into play when determining the right glove size for a youth lacrosse player:

• Hand size (length and width)
• Age and growth potential
• Playing position
• Brand-specific sizing variations

Is hand size the most critical factor in glove sizing? Indeed, it is. While age ranges can provide a general guideline, hand measurements offer the most accurate basis for selecting the correct glove size.

Measuring Hand Size for Lacrosse Gloves

To measure hand size for lacrosse gloves, follow these steps:

1. Measure hand length from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger.
2. Measure hand width across the knuckles (excluding the thumb).
3. Use these measurements to consult brand-specific size charts.

Should you measure both hands? It’s advisable to measure both hands and use the larger measurement, as hand sizes can vary slightly.

Youth Lacrosse Glove Size Chart by Age

While hand measurements are the most accurate way to determine glove size, age ranges can provide a general starting point. Here’s a typical youth lacrosse glove size chart by age:

• Ages 7-9: Youth Small
• Ages 10-12: Youth Medium
• Ages 13-14: Youth Large
• Ages 15-16: Youth XL or Adult Small

Can you rely solely on age for glove sizing? No, it’s essential to use this chart as a general guide and always prioritize hand measurements for the most accurate fit.

Position-Specific Glove Considerations

Different playing positions in lacrosse have unique glove requirements:

Goalie Gloves

Goalie gloves typically feature extra protection on the thumb and an extended cuff for increased wrist coverage. They may also have additional padding on the back of the hand to protect against high-velocity shots.

Defensive Player Gloves

Defensive players benefit from gloves with enhanced palm padding to absorb the impact of checks and ground ball pickups. The overall protection is prioritized over extreme dexterity.

Midfield and Attack Gloves

Midfielders and attackmen require a balance of protection and flexibility. Their gloves often feature strategically placed padding that allows for quick stick handling and shooting accuracy.

Women’s Lacrosse Gloves

In women’s lacrosse, where there is less body contact, gloves have minimal padding. They focus more on providing a secure grip and protecting the hands from stick checks.

Do all positions require the same level of glove protection? No, the level of protection varies based on the specific demands and rules of each position.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Glove Fit

To ensure you find the ideal glove fit for your youth lacrosse player, consider these tips:

• Try before you buy: Whenever possible, have your player try on gloves in-store.
• Check for comfort: Ensure there’s no painful pinching or cramped fingers.
• Assess width fit: There should be no gap between the glove sidewall and the hand.
• Allow for growth: Provide about a half-inch of wiggle room in the fingers and width.
• Consider online options: When buying online, order multiple sizes to find the best fit.

Is it okay to buy gloves with extra room for growth? While it’s tempting, oversized gloves can hinder performance and increase injury risk. Stick to the half-inch rule for optimal fit and safety.

Breaking In and Maintaining Lacrosse Gloves

New lacrosse gloves often feel stiff and uncomfortable initially. Here are some tips for breaking in and maintaining gloves:

Breaking In New Gloves

1. Wear the gloves around the house, flexing and shaping them.
2. Use a glove conditioner to soften the leather.
3. Practice stick skills with the new gloves to accelerate the break-in process.

Proper Glove Maintenance

• Air out gloves after each use to prevent odor and bacteria growth.
• Clean gloves regularly with mild soap and water.
• Store gloves in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape and integrity.

How long does it typically take to break in new lacrosse gloves? The process usually takes 1-2 weeks of regular use, but this can vary depending on the glove material and how frequently they’re worn.

When to Replace Youth Lacrosse Gloves

As young players grow, it’s crucial to replace their lacrosse gloves regularly. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for new gloves:

• Visible wear and tear (rips, holes, or worn-out padding)
• Gloves feel tight across the palms and fingers
• Player experiences hand numbness or discomfort during use
• Significant growth spurt since the last purchase

How often should you replace youth lacrosse gloves? In general, expect to replace gloves every 1-2 seasons, depending on the player’s growth rate and the gloves’ condition.

The Impact of Proper Glove Fit on Player Development

Properly fitted lacrosse gloves play a crucial role in a young player’s development. They contribute to:

• Improved stick control and ball handling
• Enhanced shooting and passing accuracy
• Better protection against checks and impacts
• Increased confidence on the field
• Reduced risk of hand and wrist injuries

Can ill-fitting gloves hinder a player’s skill development? Absolutely. Oversized or undersized gloves can create bad habits in stick handling and shooting technique, potentially slowing a player’s progress.

By prioritizing proper glove fit, parents and coaches can help young lacrosse players maximize their potential and enjoy a safer, more rewarding experience on the field. Remember to regularly assess glove fit as players grow and develop, ensuring they always have the right equipment to support their performance and safety.

Introduction to Lacrosse Glove Sizing

As a parent of a youth lacrosse player, I know firsthand how confusing it can be to find the right glove size for your kid. Proper glove fit is essential for maximizing performance and safety on the field. In this article, I’ll share the key factors for sizing lacrosse gloves, walk through size charts by age, and provide tips for measuring your player’s hand size and finding the perfect fit.

When my son first started playing lacrosse, we bought gloves that were way too big, thinking he’d grow into them. But oversized gloves made it hard for him to control the stick and catch the ball cleanly. After some trial and error, we learned how lacrosse glove sizing works and found a pair that fit him like a glove (pun intended).

Consider Hand Size and Age

The most important factor in glove sizing is measuring your player’s hand size. Every brand will have a size chart based on hand length and width. While age ranges provide a starting point, hand size can vary quite a bit among kids of the same age.

My son was on the smaller side at age 10, so we bought youth large gloves based on his hand measurement of 7 inches long by 8 inches wide. His friend who had just turned 10 needed a youth XL glove for his 8-inch long, 9-inch wide hands.

Account for Growth Spurts

It’s tempting to buy lacrosse gloves with room to grow, but oversized gloves can hinder performance. During growth spurts, you’ll likely need to size up every season or even mid-season.

My rule of thumb is to allow about a half-inch of wiggle room in the fingers and glove width. Any more, and the gloves will be too clunky and compromise stick control.

Consider Position-Specific Needs

Lacrosse glove requirements vary slightly by player position. Here are some tips:

• Goalies need gloves with maximum protection on the thumb and expanded cuff.
• Defensive players should prioritize protective features like palm padding.
• Midfielders and attack need a balance of protection and dexterity for stick handling.
• Women’s lacrosse gloves have less protective padding since there is less body contact.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, have your player try on lacrosse gloves in-store to find the right size. Brands have slightly different sizing, so you can’t rely on size alone.

When trying on gloves, focus on overall fit and comfort. There should be no painful pinching or cramped fingers. For the width, make sure there is no gap between the glove sidewall and the hand. The gloves shouldn’t be falling off, but also not overly tight.

Order Multiple Sizes When Buying Online

If you can’t get to a store for an in-person fitting, order a couple sizes when buying lacrosse gloves online. Rather than returns, consider keeping the backup pair as hand-me-downs for younger siblings.

Be sure to check the retailer’s return policy when ordering multiple sizes. Most will allow returns within 30 days on unworn gloves, but you may have to pay return shipping.

Break in Gloves Properly

Brand new gloves will be stiff at first. Break them in before games and practices by shaping and flexing the gloves while wearing them around the house.

To speed up break-in, some players will get gloves damp and put them on wet before shaping and flexing. Just be sure to let them fully dry before using on the field.

Replace Outgrown Gloves

In youth lacrosse, you can expect to buy new gloves every season or two as kid’s hands grow. Ill-fitting gloves increase the risk of injury.

Replace lacrosse gloves if you notice rips, worn out palm padding, or if the gloves are tight across the palms and fingers. Trying to squeeze into too-small gloves can cause hand numbness and affect stick control.

Hand-me-down gloves are okay if they are gently used and still offer a comfortable fit. For safety, get your player fitted for new gloves at least every other season.

Proper Fit Ensures Safety and Performance

Finding the right lacrosse glove size for your young athlete is well worth the effort. Properly fitted gloves allow for better ball control, quicker reaction time, and protect growing hands from injury.

Use hand size as your primary guide, account for growth spurts with a little wiggle room, and consider position-specific needs. With the tips above, you’ll be on your way to finding perfect fit lacrosse gloves for safe and successful play.

Factors for Proper Lacrosse Glove Fit

As kids grow and develop, getting the right lacrosse glove fit can be a moving target. Proper glove sizing depends on a few key factors:

• Hand size – The width and length of your player’s hand is the starting point for finding the right glove size.
• Position – Goalies, defenders, midfielders, and attack players have slightly different glove needs.
• Comfort – The gloves should feel snug but not pinch or restrict movement.
• Protection – Padding must provide sufficient coverage without limiting dexterity.
• Growth spurts – Allow a half-inch of room in the fingers and palm to accommodate growth.

While age-based size charts provide a starting point, hand measurement and trying on different sizes is the best way to dial in proper fit. Here are some tips for each factor:

Measure Hand Size

To measure hand size, use a soft measuring tape to determine the length from the tip of the longest finger to the base of the palm. For width, measure across the widest part of the palm under the knuckles.

Compare these measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart to identify the suggested glove size. Keep in mind that size varies across brands, so focus on fit rather than just the size label.

Consider Position Needs

Lacrosse gloves are designed to meet the specific needs of each position:

• Goalie gloves emphasize padded protection on the thumb and expanded cuffs.
• Defensemen gloves focus on maximum palm and finger padding for checked shots.
• Midfielders need a balance of dexterity and protection for all-around play.
• Attackers favor responsiveness and ball control with minimal padding.

For youth players still learning positions, opt for midfielder gloves to allow flexibility.

Evaluate Comfort and Flexibility

When your player tries on lacrosse gloves, focus on overall comfort. The gloves should fit like a second skin with no pinching, cramped fingers, or restriction of movement.

Have your kid flex their hands, make fists, and fully extend their fingers to ensure the gloves allow a full range of motion for cradling, catching, and throwing.

Prioritize Protection

Lacrosse gloves must protect young hands from bruising checks, blocked shots, and stick impacts. Padding should cover the fingers, knuckles, palms, and wrists without limiting mobility.

Ensure padding fully encases joints and sensitive areas. Look for gloves marketed for youth players, as these offer protection tailored to developing hands.

Allow Room to Grow

When sizing up for growth spurts, add about 1/2 inch of length in the fingers and width through the palm. Any more room than that can compromise fit and dexterity.

For kids in rapid growth phases, you may need to reevaluate glove size mid-season. Have them try on their buddy’s gloves and compare for tightness.

With the right lacrosse glove fit, your young athlete will build skills and confidence while staying protected on the field. Keep comfort, position, protection, and growth in mind as you equip the next generation of players.

Youth Lacrosse Glove Size Chart by Age

Lacrosse glove manufacturers provide general sizing charts based on age ranges. While these charts give you a starting point, keep in mind that kids of the same age can have very different hand sizes.

My son’s best friend is the same age but needed a glove two sizes bigger. After some trial and error, we learned not to rely too heavily on age and instead use hand measurement as the guide.

Here is a breakdown of typical youth lacrosse glove sizes by age:

Ages 6 to 8

Kids in early elementary school are usually ready for mini or junior youth small gloves. These accommodate hand lengths around 5 to 6 inches and widths from 6 to 7 inches.

Smaller glove options allow for greater dexterity as young kids build fundamentals. Look for mini gloves with adjustable wrists to help achieve an ideal fit.

Ages 9 to 11

As kids approach middle school ages, they will likely need a youth medium or youth large, depending on their hand size and growth phase.

Average 9 to 11 year old hands measure around 6 to 7 inches long and 7 to 8 inches wide, moving them into a medium. Quickly growing kids may take a large.

Ages 12 to 13

In the pre-teen years, players start to bridge into adult glove sizes like youth XL, adult small, or adult medium.

Given variation in puberty timing, some may stay in a youth large at this age. Measure hands first and allow room to grow rather than relying on age.

Ages 14+

By high school, most young men will need an adult glove size. Hand size for 14 year olds averages around 8 inches long and 9 inches wide, equating to an adult medium or large.

Teen girls nearing their full hand size may fit well in a youth XL or adult small. Goalies may require a size up for protective features.

Beyond Size Charts

While age-based size charts provide starting estimates, glove fit depends entirely on measured hand size. Two kids can be the same age but different glove sizes.

Measure your player’s hand length and width. Compare to brand size charts, order two possible sizes if needed, and return what doesn’t fit.

To allow room to grow, add about 1/2 inch length and width over measured hand size. Proper lacrosse gloves move with you, protecting hands without limiting mobility.

With age as a baseline, hand measurement as a guide, and a focus on flexibility and protection, you’ll equip the next generation for lacrosse success.

How to Measure Hand Size for Lacrosse Gloves

While age-based size charts provide a starting point, the most accurate way to size lacrosse gloves is by measuring your player’s hand size directly. Follow these simple steps:

1. Use a soft flexible tape measure for comfort.
2. Have your player hold their hand out flat and straight, fingers together.
3. Measure palm width across the widest part, usually under knuckles.
4. For length, measure from tip of longest finger to base of palm.
5. Round up to the nearest 1/4 inch.
6. Compare to brand sizing charts to identify glove size.
7. Allow 1/2 inch of growth room in width and length.

Seems simple enough, but getting accurate hand measurements can be trickier than you may think. Here are some tips for measuring youth players:

Relax the Hand

Kids tend to tense up their hands when trying to hold them out flat. Have them shake out their hand first before extending their fingers and palm for measurement.

Measure Dominant Hand

For youth players, the dominant hand is typically a bit bigger. Be sure to measure the glove hand size.

Stand vs Sit

Measurements can vary slightly when sitting vs standing. Take measurements in the position your player will be fitted.

Press Don’t Pull Tape

When measuring width, press the tape gently against the palm without indenting skin. Pulling too tight across knuckles distorts the measurement.

Longest Finger

For length, be sure the tape extends to the very end of the longest finger, not stopping at the fingernail.

Growth Room

Add about 1/2 inch length and width over measured size to allow for growth. Gloves stretches slightly but you don’t want an overtly loose fit.

Follow these hand measuring techniques for the most accurate lacrosse glove sizing. Dialing in the right fit ensures maximum comfort, dexterity and protection as your young athlete develops their skills.

Lacrosse Glove Size Differences by Position

Beyond overall hand size, optimal lacrosse glove fit also depends on your player’s position. The protective padding and mobility requirements vary for goalies, defenders, midfielders, and attack players.

When my daughter first started playing midfield, we bought her the same glove as players at other positions. She quickly realized they lacked the finger dexterity she needed for stick handling.

Here’s an overview of how glove sizing differs across youth lacrosse positions:

Goalie Gloves

Goalie gloves prioritize maximum hand protection given the high-velocity shots they encounter. Padding extends further up the fingers, wrist, and cuff compared to field player gloves.

To allow room for the extra padding, goalies often wear a glove one size larger than their measured hand size. Mobility is less of a concern since they protect the net rather than handle the ball.

Defense Gloves

Defense players also benefit from increased padding given their physical play and risk of checks. Their gloves emphasize palm and finger protection.

A tighter fit is preferable for defenders to maintain responsiveness when poke checking. Consider sizing up only if needed to accommodate padding.

Midfielder Gloves

As all-around players, midfielders need a balance of protection and dexterity. Their gloves allow more finger and hand movement for cradling, passing, and shooting.

Midfielders should wear a glove fit based on measured hand size. Prioritize flexibility by sizing down if between sizes.

Attack Gloves

precise ball control. Minimal palm and finger padding gives them the responsiveness needed around the net.

Attackers require a snug glove fit geared toward stick handling. Consider sizing down if gloves are loose in the fingers when cradling.

While position impacts optimal glove fit, comfort and protection remain the top priorities. Measure your player’s hand size first, then fine tune fit based on their position’s specialized needs.

Goalie Lacrosse Glove Sizing Tips

Finding the right goalie glove size is key for protecting young hands while allowing mobility to stop shots. Goalie gloves require specialized sizing considerations compared to field players.

The oversized gloves my son first wore as goalie swallowed up his hands. Shots squeezed through because he couldn’t control the rebounds well. Properly fitted gloves made a big difference in his confidence and performance.

Here are my top tips for sizing youth goalie lacrosse gloves:

Size Up for Protection

Goalie gloves incorporate substantial extra padding in the fingers, wrists, and cuff. To accommodate it, goalies need a glove about one size larger than their measured hand size.

If the sizing is too tight, the padding bunches uncomfortably and restricts mobility. Oversized is better than undersized for goalies.

Prioritize Thumb Protection

A properly sealed thumb is crucial for stopping shots. Ensure ample room for the thumb padding without pinching at the joint.

Have your goalie make a thumbs-up gesture in the glove to check for comfortable thumb movement and coverage.

Consider Wrist Flexibility

Goalie gloves have an expanded wrist cuff for protecting shot impacts. Make sure it’s supple enough for full wrist flexion and rotation.

Test range of motion by having your player mimic catching different angle shots and extending to make saves.

Check Finger Length

Fingers on goalie gloves are longer to protect fingertips. Ensure the glove length extends just past the end of your player’s fingers.

Excess finger length can make the gloves unwieldy. Too short, and shots sting unprotected fingertips.

Focus on Fit at the Base

While the fingers and cuff are oversized, the glove base should fit snugly around the wrist and palm. This enhances control.

A loose base forces the goalie to over-grip the stick, tiring hands and losing responsiveness.

With the right goalie glove fit, up-and-coming players gain confidence making those heart-stopping saves to keep their team in the game.

Finding Right Fit Attack Lacrosse Gloves

Attack players rely on their gloves for maximum dexterity and ball control around the net. The right fit enhances their stick skills and scoring ability.

My daughter struggled as an attack wing with gloves that were too bulky. Sizing down helped improve her cradling, catching, and shooting.

Here are tips for fitting youth attack lacrosse gloves for optimal responsiveness:

Prioritize Snug Finger Fit

A glove that’s loose in the fingers hinders attack players’ ability to precisely handle the ball. Ensure a snug finger fit without cramping or pinching.

Have your player fully extend their fingers to check for excess material bunching up. Tight is better than loose for attack.

Minimize Palm Padding

Extra padding in the palm muffles ball feel for attack players. Seek gloves with minimal palm padding to maximize control.

High density foam or added material will compromise your player’s ability to cradle and pass cleanly.

Consider Youth Sizes

Youth gloves often better suit the hands of young attackers. The smaller size enhances dexterity and “touch” on the ball.

If between sizes, size down for the responsiveness needed around the crease. Don’t go so small that fingers cramp.

Ensure Snug Wrist Fit

A loose, baggy wrist on gloves throws off the attack player’s handle as they cradle downfield. The wrist should fit smoothly without gaps.

Check for a comfortable wrist seal as they simulate cradling motions. No mobility should be sacrificed.

Try Various Brands

Attack glove requirements vary across brands depending on padding. Don’t assume the same size glove will fit the same.

Try on different brands to get the right balance of responsiveness and protection for your young player’s style.

With the right attack glove fit, emerging young scorers will command the ball and find the back of the net.

Proper Sizing for Defensive Lacrosse Gloves

Defense players take a physical beating protecting the goal, making properly fitted gloves crucial. The right defensive glove size enhances protection while allowing mobility.

My son’s early gloves as a defenseman were way oversized. He struggled to control his stick for poke checks. Sizing down made a noticeable difference in his defensive agility.

Here are tips for fitting youth defense lacrosse gloves:

Prioritize Palm Protection

The glove palm takes a lot of abuse from checked shots and sticks. Ensure ample padding to protect the heel of the hand and fingers.

Insufficient palm padding risks painful stingers that can shake confidence and hamper playing ability.

Allow Room for Thumb Padding

Proper thumb protection is vital for defensemen reaching to poke. Make sure the glove thumb box fits snugly around the thumb without pinching.

Test thumb mobility by having your player extend their thumb fully while wearing the glove.

Focus on Dexterity

While protection is key, defensive players can’t afford bulky, restrictive gloves. Seek close-fitting gloves allowing free hand motion.

Your player should be able to make a tight fist and fully splay fingers in their gloves.

Consider Youth Sizes

Many defensive youth players find better fit and mobility in gloves sized for their age group. Don’t assume junior sizes won’t work.

Youth gloves often accommodate hand padding without excess bulk that limits agility.

Get the Right Wrist Snugness

A loose wrist cuff throws off a defender’s stick handling. The glove wrist seal should fit smooth against the hand without gaps.

Test wrist mobility by simulating poke check motions while wearing the gloves.

With the right fit, young defenders gain confidence and control battling on the back line protecting their goalie.

Midfield Lacrosse Glove Size Considerations

As versatile players, midfielders need a balance of protection, durability, and dexterity from their gloves. The right size enhances their all-around skills.

My daughter went through several gloves playing midfield before we dialed in the fit. Proper sizing improved her ball control and confidence in traffic.

Here are tips for fitting youth midfield lacrosse gloves:

Focus on Finger Comfort

Ample finger room allows midfields to handle the ball cleanly. Ensure fingers fill the gloves without cramping or pinching.

Too much extra finger room causes lacking control. Tight is better than loose for midfielders.

Consider Wider Padding

Midfield gloves incorporate padding across the fingers and back of hand to protect from all field directions. This may require sizing up in width from measured hand size.

The glove padding should encase the hand without limiting mobility or feeling too bulky.

Prioritize Palm Durability

Midfielder’s gloves take a beating from all angles. Inspect the palm material for durability to withstand ground balls and checked shots.

Synthetic palms withstand abuse better than mesh. Look for abrasion-resistant glove palms.

Ensure Snug Wrist Fit

A baggy wrist on gloves throws off ball control during cradling and passing. Opt for gloves with a smooth, seamless wrist seal.

Test wrist mobility by simulating cradling motions. No adjustment should be needed to tighten loose gloves.

Try Both Junior and Senior

Midfielders fall between positions, so don’t assume age-group gloves won’t work. Try on both junior and senior gloves to determine best fit.

Junior sizes often suit developing hands better despite their older age.

With the right size glove for balanced performance, midfield players will power through the hustle between creases.

Women’s Lacrosse Glove Size Chart

With less allowable body contact, women’s lacrosse gloves focus more on fit for ball control than heavy protective padding. Most female players can fit well in unisex youth gloves.

My daughter struggled with bulky men’s gloves as a teen. Sizing down to a youth glove improved her cradle and accuracy placing shots.

Here is an overview of women’s lacrosse glove sizing:

Hand Size is Key

As with men’s gloves, proper fit for women’s gloves depends on accurately measuring hand size. Compare your player’s hand length and width to unisex youth size charts.

Women with smaller hand sizes may fit well in junior gloves marketed for ages 12 and under.

Prioritize Responsiveness

With less physical contact allowed, female players need gloves that maximize ball control and feel. Opt for snugger fits favoring dexterity over protection.

Extra glove room muffles ball handling. Tight equals right for responsive women’s gloves.

Palm Padding Needs

While finger and back-of-hand padding are minimal, some palm padding helps women handle checked shots. Look for gloves with supple, low-profile palm padding.

Avoid gloves with thick, dense foam or vinyl that reduces touch on the ball.

Focus on Finger Room

Precise ball control and release relies on a comfortably snug finger fit. Ensure no pinching or cramping when fingers are flexed.

With less checking, women can opt for a second-skin finger fit to enhance dexterity.

Wrist Seal for Control

A loose wrist throws off ball control during cradling. Seek gloves with a smooth, seamless wrist seal that moves naturally with hand motion.

Snug wrist bands on gloves keep them positioned properly on the hand.

With the right gloves, female players will take command of the ball and lead their team to victory.

Tips for Trying On Lacrosse Gloves In-Store

While buying lacrosse gloves online can be convenient, trying on different sizes in person is the best way to assess fit. Heading to a lacrosse specialty store allows hands-on testing before you buy.

After my son struggled with ill-fitting online gloves, I took him to our local store so he could try on multiple sizes and brands. Being able to compare the fit made all the difference in finding his ideal glove.

Here are my top in-store glove fitting tips for lacrosse players:

Bring Hand Measurements

Come prepared with exact hand measurements to better guide glove selection. Provide the length, width, and player’s position to the store staff.

Measurements prevent reliance on the size label alone. Different brands size gloves differently.

Try Both Hands

Don’t forget to fit the non-dominant hand too, especially for goalies. Measure and fit both hands even if only buying one glove.

Well-fitted gloves provide protection and enhance performance for both hands.

Assess Weight and Dexterity

Beyond fit, in-store trying enables assessing glove weight, mobility, and overall feel. Move and flex hands fully when testing gloves.

Ensure adequate padding without excessive bulk that could fatigue hands and arms.

Mimic Game Motions

Try cradling an in-store stick with gloves on. Simulate motions for your player’s position to test fit and feel in action.

Ensure gloves allow full mobility – no restriction when catching, throwing, or checking.

Compare Brand Options

Take advantage of in-store variety to compare fit across different brands. Variable sizing means you can’t rely on size alone.

Try on multiple gloves in the same marked size to determine best comfort and flexibility.

Don’t assume online ordering provides glove buying convenience. Make time for an in-store fitting to find the perfect gloves for your young athlete’s needs and playing style.

Buying Lacrosse Gloves Online Sizing Guide

While trying gloves on in person is ideal, it’s not always convenient. Buying lacrosse gloves online can be done successfully with proper sizing steps.

After ordering ill-fitting gloves online for my son, I developed a careful process for subsequent online purchases. Precise hand measurements, size chart research, and ordering multiple sizes enabled on-target glove selection.

Here is my online guide to confidently buying well-fitted lacrosse gloves:

Measure Hands Precisely

Carefully measure hand length across the palm and width under knuckles using a soft tape measure. Capture exact dimensions rather than rounded sizes.

Measure the glove hand for length and both hands for width. Record sizes for quick reference.

Consult Multiple Brand Size Charts

Compare hand measurements against size charts for the specific glove brands and models of interest. Consider youth and adult sizes.

Make note of the recommended sizes but don’t assume consistent fit across brands. Order accordingly.

Order Your Top Two Size Options

To allow leeway for variable sizing, order your player’s top two probable glove sizes based on research.

Many lacrosse retailers allow returns on unworn gloves. Trying two enables sending back the unused pair.

Prioritize Precise Finger Length

Pay special attention to finger length when assessing fit of online-ordered gloves. Ill-fitting fingers particularly hinder performance.

Fingers that are too long are harder to work with than slightly short ones.

Focus on Palm Width Fit

An accurate palm width match enhances ball control. Palm gaps or overhang indicate improper width fit.

Err toward gloves fitting snugly through the palm but not painfully tight.

Don’t let lack of access to in-store fitting deter you. With proper planning and sizing steps, your young athlete can hit the field with perfectly fitted gloves ordered online.

Breaking In New Lacrosse Gloves Properly

Brand new lacrosse gloves will be stiff and restrictive until broken in properly. Use these tips to gently loosen gloves for ideal flexibility and responsiveness.

Eager to play with his new gloves, my son declined breaking them in. His restricted catching and cradling reflected the mistake. Taking the time to loosen gloves is worth the enhanced performance.

Here are my top tips for safely breaking in your player’s new lacrosse gloves:

Flex and Bend Hands

After sizing and initial try-on, have your player put gloves on and repetitively flex hands, fingers, and wrists through full range of motion.

Glove liners stretch and padding molds with hand movement. Fist clenching further loosens fingers.

Apply Leather Conditioner

Rubbing leather softening conditioner on the gloves exterior helps relax stiff materials. Avoid petroleum-based products that could degrade latex.

Work conditioner into snug glove areas like fingers and palms that need the most pliability.

Play Catch Barehanded

Wearing gloves while catching, cradling, and passing a ball helps shape to hands and break in palm padding.

Start barehanded to maximize feel. Transition to wearing gloves once sufficiently loosened.

Avoid Water Soaking

While sometimes suggested, soaking leather gloves risks over-stretching materials. The leather also dries out stiff if not properly conditioned after soaking.

For minimal wetting, lightly spritz gloves with water and shape before they fully dry.

Complete Break-In Before Games

Ensure gloves are fully broken in during practices before debuting in games. Insufficiently loosened gloves could hinder performance.

Break-in enables gloves to move seamlessly with hands as natural extensions.

With patience and proper technique, your player’s gloves will gain softness and dexterity for confident play on the field.

Replacing Outgrown Youth Lacrosse Gloves

Proper fitting lacrosse gloves are critical for young players developing their skills. As kids grow, gloves need periodic replacing to maintain ideal fit.

My son was stubborn about giving up his worn gloves until a popped seam caused a painful blister. Don’t wait for injuries or restricted play to replace ill-fitting gloves.

Here are signs it’s time to size up your youth athlete’s lacrosse gloves:

Fingers Too Short

Gloves with fingers that are too short increase the risk of jammed digits. Ensure adequate finger length as kids hands grow.

Insufficient finger coverage also reduces protection from checks and hard shots.

Palm Span Too Narrow

Outgrown gloves will feel too narrow through the palm. This pinches the hand, decreasing control and comfort.

Look for excess palm material bunching up, creating creases when clenched.

Difficulty Flexing Hands

Restricted finger, hand, and wrist mobility are telltale signs gloves are now undersized. Dexterity is compromised.

Replace gloves if players struggle catching or cradling due to tightness.

Lacing Cannot Loosen Further

Most youth gloves feature adjustable lace wrists. Maxing out lacing to loosen too-tight gloves indicates the need to size up.

Palm or finger tightness despite loosened lacing means gloves are now undersized.

Durability Issues Emerge

In addition to fit, replace youth gloves displaying significant wear. Fraying laces, holes, and worn palms put hands at risk.

Rotate new gloves in each season as kids outgrow them to ensure protection and performance.

While growing kids hate giving up gear, properly fitted gloves will make them better competitors on the field.

Ensuring Proper Lacrosse Glove Fit for Safety

In a sport with speed, contact, and hard-thrown balls, having properly fitted gloves is vital for youth players’ safety. Take the time to get sizing right.

My daughter suffered a bad finger jam in an undersized glove that could have been avoided. Don’t let ill-fitting gear put your young athlete at risk.

Follow these tips to ensure proper lacrosse glove fit:

Make Hand Size Top Priority

Precisely measure hand length and width rather than guessing at size. Comparison to size charts provides a starting point that fit validation confirms.

Inconsistent sizing across brands means you can’t rely on the label alone for proper fit.

Allow Growth Room

When in doubt, size up to leave a little room for growth spurts in rapid developing kids. But avoid super loose fits.

Plan to reevaluate sizing mid-season as some players grow a full glove size in months.

Prioritize Finger Fit

Ill-fitting glove fingers are a safety issue. Ensure fingers fill gloves without pinching ends. No jamming room means less injury risk.

Proper finger fit also enhances ball control and feel.

Replace Worn Gloves

Don’t push old gloves beyond their usable limits. Holes, tears, and worn padding put hands in danger.

Rotate new gloves in yearly as kids outgrow them for assured protection.

With safety as the priority, take time to equip your young player with perfectly fitted lacrosse gloves this season.