Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Glove Fit For You

Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Glove Fit For You

Finding the Right Youth Lacrosse Glove Size

Getting the proper lacrosse glove fit is crucial for young players just starting out in the sport. Youth sizes differ quite a bit from adult gloves, so it’s important to consult sizing charts specifically geared to younger hands. The goal is finding protection without limiting mobility, while also accounting for growing room.

For starters, age guidelines on sizing charts provide a baseline indicator, as younger kids have smaller hands than older ones. Generally speaking, gloves for 6-8 year olds range from 8-10 inches in length, 9-11 years old go from 10-12 inches, and 12-14 years old span 11-13 inches. However, since hand size varies individually, measuring your child’s hand is ideal.

To measure, have your young player spread their hand on a flat surface while keeping fingers together. Use a tape measure to determine the length from the top crease of the wrist to the tip of the longest finger. This measurement in inches will match up with a glove size chart. It’s best to round up if between sizes for a comfortable fit allowing room to grow.

Beyond pure measurement, also evaluate if gloves fit snugly around the fingers and palm without constricting movement. The wrist cuff should seal securely to keep the glove from shifting, but not be overly tight. Trying on different brands can help dial in the right match, as sizing varies across companies. Even color and style preferences can boost comfort and confidence on the field.

With some trial and error while keeping size charts handy, you’ll find the perfect lacrosse gloves to protect small hands without impeding development. Prioritizing safety and comfort will set young players up for success as they hone their skills.

Considering Your Lacrosse Position For Optimal Glove Fit

When looking for the ideal lacrosse glove fit, your position on the field is a major factor along with hand size. The needs of various roles like attackers, midfielders, defenders and goalies differ quite a bit. Understanding how gloves cater to each position will ensure you find the right match for comfort, flexibility and protection during play.

For attackers, a tighter narrower fit is preferred to enhance control and feel for stick handling. Attacker gloves allow greater freedom of movement in the fingers and wrists for quick maneuvers and passing. They also feature minimal to no padding for maximum dexterity. Popular options like the Maverik Rome and STX Cell gloves exemplify the snug fit and lightweight flexibility attackers desire.

Midfielders tend to prefer more padding than attackers across the fingers and back of the hand since they play both offense and defense. Gloves like the Warrior Burn Pro and Under Armour Command provide protection when contesting ground balls or batting away checks, without sacrificing too much feel and mobility. Finding the right balance is key for midfielders.

Defenders need gloves offering maximum protection like the STX Assault and Maverik Rome. More padding across the fingers, wrist cuff, and back of hand cushions against elbows, facemask hits and bat checks when jousting for possession. Abrasion-resistant materials stand up to ground ball scrums and slashing. Despite heavier padding, dexterity remains a focus for quickly reacting to offensive threats.

Goalies have specialized padding across the palm, fingers, and thumb to absorb high-velocity point blank shots. Deep pocket designs enhance ball control and outlet passing precision. Snug flexible cuffs keep the glove secure as goalies extend to make saves. Brands like Warrior and STX design goalie gloves to withstand repeated heavy contact.

While hand size charts provide a starting point, considering your lacrosse position ensures you ultimately select gloves tailored for your needs on the field. The goal is optimizing fit, protection and performance based on your unique role and playing style.

Comparing Youth and Adult Lacrosse Glove Sizing

One of the most critical factors in finding the ideal lacrosse glove fit is understanding key differences between youth and adult glove sizing. Children’s hands are still growing and developing, necessitating gloves designed specifically for their smaller measurements. Simply sizing down an adult glove would be far too large and bulky.

Youth gloves have smaller finger compartments, palm width, cuff openings and overall glove length compared to adult versions. For example, a youth large is equivalent to about a 7.5-8 inch measurement, while an adult small starts at 8 inches. So while the youth large fits most 12-14 year olds, they’d swim in an adult small much too long in the fingers.

The lighter padding of youth gloves enhances touch and control needed while kids hone their skills. Less bulk also allows for quicker hand speed and movement. Several brands like Warrior and Maverik optimize protection without impacting mobility and dexterity for young players.

Many youth gloves also utilize stretchy lycra cuffs with adjustable wrist straps to achieve a tight seal, preventing slippage for better ball control. Straps allow for a custom fit accommodating varying hand and wrist sizes as kids grow. Some adult gloves lack this degree of adjustment capability.

With hand injuries a top concern, ensuring proper length, finger compartment width, and snug fit is crucial for youth players. Consulting age and size-specific gloves alongside measuring hand size will provide the safest option. While kids may dream of wearing pro-level adult gloves, only youth sizing will deliver comfortable protection.

Referencing Lacrosse Glove Sizing Charts

With many lacrosse glove brands and models available, sifting through all the size chart variations can be confusing. While there’s no universal standard, some best practices in referencing sizing guides will help find the right fit.

First, always measure your hand size in inches from wrist crease to finger tip to get your starting point. This numbered measurement can then be cross-referenced across different brand’s charts. Be aware that listed sizes may not perfectly align, with up to a half inch variance.

Pay close attention to youth versus adult designations, as children’s gloves use completely different sizing scales. Ensure you’re looking at the appropriate range. Goalie gloves also have their own specialized charts, as finger protection requires a looser fit than tight field player gloves.

Consider your playing position and needs as well. Attacker gloves run smaller for superior control, while defenders require more padding and protection. Let desired features help narrow choices while keeping size as priority.

If falling between measurements, try going up a half size rather than down for comfort and growing room. Too tight of a glove can hinder performance. Also be aware that brand fit varies, with STX and Maverik on the smaller side while Brine and Warrior run larger.

Checking online customer reviews can provide insight into real hand fit versus listed size. Taking the time to carefully consult charts will give you confidence in ordering the right lacrosse glove size, preventing returns and injuries.

Finding the Right Palm and Finger Width

Beyond overall glove length, a properly fitted lacrosse glove requires paying close attention to palm and finger compartment width. Adequate space in these key areas prevents restricted movement and discomfort during play.

Having gloves that are too narrow in the palm places uncomfortable pressure on the hand. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and reduced stick control and flexibility. With frequent cradling, shooting, and checking motions, an ideal snug palm fit is key.

Testing width by gauging how gloves feel when tightly gripping your stick handle gives the best sense of fit. There should be no pinching or compression across the palm heel or fingers, just a light stable pressure.

Finger boxes that are too narrow make it difficult to fully curl your hand, limiting dexterity. This affects cradling, scooping, and passing motions requiring strong dexterous fingers. Excess width leaves sloppy noisy fit, so finding the right groove matters.

Trying on different brand and model gloves is the best way to gauge ideal palm and finger compartment spacing. Consider adjustable gloves like Maverik with their Flexframe technology to customize width for comfort across the palm and fingers.

While overall glove length charts provide a starting point, catering glove fit specifically to your palm and finger needs ensures the flexibility and protection to excel on the field across positions.

Getting the Right Lacrosse Glove Cuff Tightness

An often overlooked aspect of proper lacrosse glove fit is achieving ideal tightness in the wrist cuff. The cuff seals the glove to the arm, keeping the hand stable within the glove for optimal control. But finding the right snugness is key.

Cuffs that are too loose allow the glove to slide around on the arm, especially when slashing and making contact. This impedes quick reactions and ball handling. Excessively tight cuffs cut off circulation to the hand, causing discomfort, numbness, and fatigue.

Test cuff tightness by mimicking lacrosse motions like cradling, scooping ground balls, and passing. Slide a finger underneath the cuff when clenched in a fist to gauge snugness. If difficult to insert a finger, the cuff may be too restrictive when actively playing.

Consider adjustable closures like Velcro or laced straps to customize tightness as needed. Flexible lycra material also accommodates different wrist sizes versus leather. Trying gloves on with your protective arm pads gives the most accurate feel of cuff compression.

Cuff fit often breaks in over time so initially snug gloves become looser. Re-testing periodically ensures optimal tightness is maintained as gloves get worn in. Proper wrist cuff snugness enhances stability and mobility for confident glove performance.

Getting lacrosse glove cuff tightness right goes hand-in-hand with an overall great fit. Keep this often overlooked factor in mind when selecting gloves to elevate on-field play across positions.

Considering Lacrosse Glove Styles For Fit

Lacrosse gloves come in a variety of styles like mitts, cutters, and specialty goalie gloves, each providing a different type of fit. Beyond overall size, the glove configuration impacts protection, flexibility and performance for various positions.

Mitts offer snug finger compartments with heavy padding across the back hand for defensemen and attacking midfielders. They limit dexterity but excel at shielding against checks. Narrow palms enhance control during physical play for ground balls and clears.

Cutters feature a looser open finger design maximizing mobility for stick handling. Attacking players favor the freedom of movement for quick passing and dodges. Minimal back hand and finger padding caters to finesse over physicality.

Goalie gloves allow some finger movement but focus heavily on padded protection across the palm, wrist cuff and thumb. Deep pocket designs assist with outlet passing accuracy. Finger saves necessitate roomier compartments than tight field gloves.

Trying on mitts, cutters and goalie-specific gloves gives a feel for how snugness and padding placement varies. Consider your position and style of play when factoring in fit. A midfield scrimmage specialist may prefer a mitt over a cutter for balanced mobility and protection.

Factor in desired features like adjustable wrists, ventilated materials and glove shapes catering to your needs. An informed fitting ensures you select the best glove style for comfort and high performance.

Allowing for a Lacrosse Glove Break-In Period

Finding that ideal lacrosse glove fit often requires allowing for a break-in period. Brand new gloves right out of the package may not feel completely comfortable at first. But investing some time letting gloves mold to your hands reaps big rewards.

The materials of new gloves can feel stiff and restrictive until worn in. Finger compartments, palm width, and cuffs take some time adapting to your unique hand size and shape. Be patient through an adjustment phase focusing on protection.

Gradually work gloves in through practices and drills. Focus on flexing fingers, running, cradling and basic catching and passing to loosen things up. Don’t expect to be game ready right away in new gloves until properly broken in.

As gloves get worked in over hours of play, keep testing fit across the fingers, palm and wrist cuff. Optimal snugness often comes after the materials adapt through wear. Check for areas becoming too loose over time as well.

Breaking gloves in correctly molds fit and feel unlike anything right out of the box. Allowing for this adjustment period results in the protection and flexibility enabling peak performance during competitive play.

While initially tight or uncomfortable, staying patient through a lacrosse glove break-in period results in an ideal customized fit. Give those new gloves some time to adapt before expecting a perfect glove experience.

Prioritizing Protection in Lacrosse Glove Selection

When shopping for lacrosse gloves, it’s tempting to focus on factors like color, style and brand. But above all, keeping protection as the top priority results in the safest fit. The right gloves should act as armor for your hands on the field.

Look for gloves with thick padding across the fingers, knuckles, palm and wrist cuff. Materials like D3O and Poron offer top-tier impact absorption, dispersing and diffusing shock. Check padding density, avoiding gloves with minimal lightweight foam.

Consider your position and needs as well. Defenders require maximum cushioning across the back hand to withstand checks. Goalies need heavy reinforced thumb and palm padding for stopping shots. Find gloves aligning protection to your role.

Durability is also key for gloves to stand up to ground balls, faceoffs and rebounds season after season. Focus on high-grade leathers, ballistic nylons and abrasion-resistant fabrics built to last.

While aspects like moisture-wicking fabrics and vent holes boost comfort, well-padded stable gloves offer the best injury prevention. Don’t let other flashy features detract from core protective elements and a secure fit.

Making hand safety the ultimate deciding factor when selecting lacrosse gloves ensures you find the right protective fit. Your gloves should act as armor, not just accessories, out on the field.

Allowing Room to Grow in Lacrosse Youth Glove Sizing

When fitting for lacrosse gloves, growing room is an important consideration, especially for young players. Kids’ hands rapidly develop, necessitating gloves offering length and width to accommodate growth.

Consulting age-specific sizing charts provides ranges to allow for expanding fingers and palms over a season or year of play. Avoid selecting gloves at the lowest end of the current size.

Trying on multiple brands can help gauge fit with room to grow rather than an ultra-snug impossible to size up fit. If a certain brand runs larger, capitalize on the extra breathing room.

Adjustable wrist straps and velcro closures found on many youth gloves allow cinching down as hands get bigger. Features like these extend usable life as kids grow rather than necessitating constant costly replacements.

Consider purchasing gloves a half-size up from current measurements to allow leeway. Quickly outgrown gloves can negatively impact performance and risk injury.

Allowing for growth during lacrosse glove fitting ensures parents get their money’s worth from purchases. A properly fitted glove optimizes protection while adapting as kid’s hands mature across seasons.

Factor In Player Style and Preference for Lacrosse Glove Fit

While performance and protection should take priority in finding the right lacrosse glove fit, player style and preference are also important considerations. Allowing kids to express their individuality results in greater comfort and confidence.

Provide a choice across a few recommended top-performing gloves in their ideal size. Features like colors, graphics, branded designs and other stylish flourishes help them feel like the gloves are their own.

Consider if they like mitts for heavy padding or cutters for greater dexterity. Do they need maximum palm reinforcement for faceoff specialists? Get input on what attracts them visually to certain gloves over others.

If they strongly prefer a certain brand like Maverik or STX, use that as a starting point to evaluate sizing. But don’t compromise fit solely for brand loyalty and style.

While you want to make sure they don’t choose based solely on looks, incorporating personal preferences makes getting the right lacrosse gloves much more exciting. Boost comfort and bolster confidence by allowing them to express their style.

Blending performance, protection and player passion in the lacrosse glove selection process results in ideal fit. When kids feel positively about their gloves, it shows in their motivated play.

Seeking Adjustability For Lacrosse Glove Fit

One key feature to look for when selecting lacrosse gloves for optimal fit is adjustability. Brands now offer innovative technologies to customize the gloves for ideal security and flexibility across positions.

Adjustable wrist straps allow custom tightening of the cuff opening for a snug seal preventing slippage. This accommodates varying wrist sizes and adapts as player’s hands grow over time. Goalies in particular rely on a locked-in cuff fit.

Some gloves feature removable pads across the fingers, palm or backhand to modify protection and dexterity. Players can add or reduce padding aligned to their preferences at attacker, midfielder or defender.

Stretchy lycra glove inserts conform to the player’s hand for a contoured fit. Materials like neoprene also mold to the shape of the hand and fingers for a broke-in feel right away.

Indexed finger compartments reduce bunching and custom tailor fit across each finger. Padded inserts can adapt overall glove length from the fingertips.

Seeking out lacrosse gloves with adjustable elements allows dialing in the ideal fit. Capitalize on innovative technologies to personalize security, mobility and protection for confident commanding performance.

Consulting With Coaches on Lacrosse Glove Fit

When seeking the right lacrosse glove fit, a great resource to utilize is advice from coaches. Their expertise and hands-on experience with equipment can help ensure you find the best match.

Coaches spend hours analyzing players’ performance and abilities up close. They can recommend ideal styles and protection features aligned to your child’s position, skill level and areas needing improvement. A midfielder may benefit from more wrist support, while an attacker needs maximum finger dexterity.

Bring your top glove choices to the coach and get feedback on sizing, adjustability and padding configurations. Be open to considering their suggested alternatives to dial in fit.

Ask for input on proper break-in procedures to get gloves game-ready. Coaches can spot small fit adjustments to optimize comfort and flexibility as gloves get worked in through drills.

For goalies, review sizing considerations unique to the position like thicker thumb protection and a deeper pocket. Get coaching perspective on achieving the right balance of finger mobility and stability.

Tapping into the lacrosse knowledge and experience of coaches ensures you find gloves offering maximum performance. A coach’s glove fitting insights can give your child an edge on the field.

Trying Lacrosse Gloves Until Finding the Perfect Fit

Discovering the ideal lacrosse glove fit often requires persistence through multiple rounds of trying on gloves. Budgeting time for a thorough selection process results in that perfect match with time.

Don’t get discouraged if the first few pairs don’t feel quite right in the fingers, palm or cuff. Be methodical in taking notes on how each model and brand fits for reference. Different glove configurations take some getting used to.

Narrow options down by identifying features that work like adjustable wrists or proper palm width. Retest these gloves after a break-in period for comparison once worn in.

Don’t assume you have to lock in the first pair feeling halfway decent. The right fit should feel like a natural extension of your hand with no pinching, pressure points or restrictive padding.

Consider custom gloves as a last resort if unable to find suitable retail options. While pricy, they allow tailoring glove dimensions precisely to your hands. This achieves comfort and flexibility difficult to find in standard sizes.

Sticking through an extensive process of trying gloves results in ideal fit. Don’t settle until finding lacrosse gloves feeling like a second skin ready for elite play.