Get the Most Out of Your Lacrosse Balls Tips for Buying in Bulk and Caring for Your Balls

Get the Most Out of Your Lacrosse Balls Tips for Buying in Bulk and Caring for Your Balls

Used Lacrosse Balls Can Save You Money

Purchasing used lacrosse balls in bulk is a great way to save money compared to buying new balls. Many players and teams sell their used balls after practice or games to clear out inventory and earn extra cash. This creates an opportunity for buyers to get quality balls on the cheap.

When shopping for used balls, inspect them closely for signs of excessive wear. Minor scuffs or discoloration are normal, but avoid balls with large gashes, heavy staining, or those that have lost their bounce. Deflated or warped balls should also be passed over. Generally, lightly used balls with some life left offer the best value.

Ask sellers how frequently balls were used and request photos of the actual balls for sale if buying online. This helps ensure you get a fair assessment of their condition. Balls used for just one season will typically be in much better shape than those pounded on for multiple years of heavy use.

Well-maintained used balls can deliver the same performance and durability as new ones at half the price or less. Stores like Play It Again Sports often resell quality used balls at steep discounts. Check lacrosse forums, Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for local sellers offloading balls in bulk too.

With some diligence to find lightly used models, going the used route is a smart money-saving strategy. Just be sure to inflation test and inspect each ball to weed out any that are too worn or damaged before stocking up your bag. Saving money on gear means more left over to invest in improving your skills.

Pearl Lacrosse Balls Have Great Grip and Durability

Pearl lacrosse balls are a top choice for many players due to their unmatched grip and durability. The pearl material gives the balls a tacky, textured feel that offers excellent control, especially in wet conditions. Players report pearl balls sticking better in their sticks, with less slipping out on errant throws or hard checks compared to smooth, slick balls.

The grippy surface mimics the tactile feedback of a traditional leather ball, helping players enhance their handles as pearl balls highlight any flaws in technique. The tackiness challenges players to tighten up cradling and develop softer hands. Pearl balls also make ideal training partners for honing shooting accuracy, as their visibility and responsiveness provide instant feedback on catching, passing, and shot placement.

Beyond the handling benefits, pearl lacrosse balls simply last longer. Their rugged, thick shell withstands repeated strikes from sticks, harsh turf, and hard-nosed play. Pearl balls maintain their shape and bounce even when hammered game after game all season long. Other materials often warp or go flat rather quickly. Lacrosse coaches and PE teachers choose pearl balls for their unmatched durability during daily practice and gym class use.

Champro, Guardian, Crankshooter, and Signature Lacrosse are top brands producing pearl lacrosse balls approved for most leagues and tournaments. Guardian balls are a fan favorite for their generous pebbling and bright color options. For a few extra dollars, pearl lacrosse balls offer tangible advantages that can elevate your game. Their superior grip builds confidence and control, while the long-lasting durability saves money over the long haul. Once you try a pearl lacrosse ball, you may never go back to a smooth one again.

Women’s Lacrosse Balls Are Slightly Smaller

When stocking up on lacrosse balls, it’s important to know that women’s lacrosse balls are slightly smaller in size compared to men’s balls. Women’s balls measure between 7.5 to 7.75 inches in circumference, while men’s regulation balls are designed at 8 to 8.5 inches around.

The smaller circumference helps accommodate the narrower women’s lacrosse sticks. Head widths for women’s sticks are mandated between 5 to 5.5 inches, versus men’s head widths of 6 to 10 inches. The reduced ball size provides better ball control and feel in the tighter women’s heads. It allows female players to cradle, pass, catch, and shoot smoothly without the ball rattling around in an oversized head.

Using properly sized balls helps women lacrosse players hone their skills with equipment designed for their game. Despite some shared rules, men’s and women’s lacrosse differ greatly in pace of play, physicality, stick dimensions, and more. The smaller ball promotes women’s lacrosse as a finesse game built on stick skills, quick passing, and smart off-ball movement.

When shopping for women’s lacrosse balls, brands like Champion, Brine, Maverik, and STX all offer regulation sized balls approved for official play. The same materials like rubber, polyurethane leather, or livelier composite polymer are used to produce durable balls. Make sure to reference official ball specifications when purchasing women’s lacrosse balls for games, practice, or drills.

With the right sized ball, female lacrosse players can master cradling, develop silky passing, and shoot with precision. Don’t make the mistake of using a men’s ball, as the improper size can develop bad habits. Invest in regulation sized women’s lacrosse balls designed specifically with the female game in mind.

Textured Lacrosse Balls Help Build Handling Skills

For lacrosse players looking to take their handling skills to the next level, textured lacrosse balls are an excellent training tool. The pebbled, bumpy surface of textured balls forces players to cradle, pass, catch, and scoop with added focus and precision.

The unpredictable rolls and bounces of textured balls challenge players to tame erratic motion with soft hands. You can’t rely on gravity alone to direct the ball, as with smooth balls. Players have to actively control the ball in their sticks, strengthening hand-eye coordination. Quick resets after catches become critical to maintain possession and fluidity.

Textured balls amplify any flaws in form or technique, highlighting sloppy cradling, rushed passing, and stiff hands. This instant feedback allows players to self-correct and develop the soft, quick hands required for high-level lacrosse. Experiencing the lively rolls of a textured ball in practice makes controlling smooth game balls feel easy by comparison.

Brands like Warrior, Maverik, and Brine all produce textured lacrosse balls with pebble, sandpaper, and waffle patterns adding grip and unpredictability. Using them in drills, shooting games, and wall ball routines will lead to noticeable stick skill improvements within just a few sessions. Taking on the challenge of a textured lacrosse ball builds the muscle memory and hand strength needed to dominate in game situations.

Don’t settle for just smooth, predictable ball movement. Seek out textured lacrosse balls and experience the handling boost they provide. You’ll gain the confidence to cradle and pass through traffic, take shots on the run, and go after every tough ground ball.

Bulk Buckets Make Ball Storage Easy

For lacrosse players and coaches managing a high volume of balls for practice, buying lacrosse balls in bulk buckets simplifies storage needs. Bulk buckets hold anywhere from 30 to over 100 balls, keeping them neatly contained in one portable carrier.

Storing loose lacrosse balls can be tedious, as they roll and scatter everywhere. Players waste time chasing stray balls rather than focused practice. Loose balls also get quickly lost, damaged, or dirty when not corralled. Bulk ball buckets allow for quick organization – just toss balls in the bucket and go. No more constant ball wrangling.

Bulk ball buckets feature reinforced or metal carrying handles for easy transport from storage to field or gym. Some models have removable lid sections that allow access to the balls without fully detaching the top. This “grab and go” lid design makes for fast ball distribution when needed.

Many ball bucket models feature venting to allow air flow, which helps balls maintain shape and bounce. Buckets sized for 60 balls or more will have wheeled bases, turning the storage vessel into a portable ball cart. Look for buckets that are weather and rust resistant for extended outdoors use.

Brands like Brine, Guardian, and East Coast Dyes all produce quality bulk ball buckets. With lacrosse balls securely contained, coaches can focus on skill development and drills rather than chasing balls. Bulk buckets lead to more efficient, productive practice sessions.

Properly Inflate Balls for Optimal Performance

One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of lacrosse ball maintenance is proper inflation. Keeping lacrosse balls filled to the right air pressure ensures optimal bounce, responsiveness, and performance.

Underinflated balls lose their lively pop, leading to sluggish rolls, weak passes and shots, and diminished durability. Meanwhile, overinflated balls grow overly firm, creating an uncomfortably hard catching and throwing experience. Proper inflation provides the responsive “snap” players want in ball handling.

For standard rubber lacrosse balls, 8-8.3 PSI is the recommended pressure range. But be sure to follow the exact inflation guidelines printed on your specific ball. Weather conditions also impact ideal inflation – balls may need slightly higher pressure on hot days and lower pressure in colder temps.

Use a pump needle to periodically check ball pressure, letting out air as needed if overinflated. Have a bicycle pump or ball inflator on hand to add air to any underfilled balls before practices and games. Take time as well to inspect balls for leaks, replacing any with gashes or punctures.

A few minutes periodically inflating and inspecting your lacrosse balls ensures you always play and perform at peak levels. Don’t let flat, rock hard, or leaky balls negatively impact your development. Keep balls filled for fast rolls, true bounces, and responsive handling.

Clean Balls Regularly to Remove Dirt and Debris

Consistently cleaning lacrosse balls helps maintain top performance by removing built-up dirt, grass, and debris. Game and practice balls get caked with mud, turf pellets, and sweat after repeated use, negatively impacting handling.

Dirty lacrosse balls lead to poor grip and unpredictable bounces. As balls get gummed up with particles, sticks can’t cradle and control them as cleanly. All the unwanted crud alters the friction and contact between stick and ball, leading to more dropped passes, botched catches, and handling mistakes.

Develop a regular ball cleaning routine to remove the unwanted lacrosse ball “funk.” Use a stiff brush and mild detergent to scrub caked on dirt from ball surfaces, taking care around seams. Rinse thoroughly after washing. Some players report success soaking dirty balls in a solution of warm water and vinegar to break down residue.

For a deeper periodic clean, used lacrosse ball cleaner solutions or products like the Lacrosse Ball Scrubber attachment on a drill. This fully restores balls to like-new condition. Keep some spare clean practice balls on hand to swap in when primary balls get too dirty mid-session.

Proper cleaning extends the lifespan of lacrosse balls and ensures ideal performance. Don’t let dirty balls sabotage your development. Remove debris buildup through regular cleaning for optimal grip and response.

Store Balls Properly to Maximize Lifespan

Lacrosse players must use proper ball storage methods in order to maximize lifespan and performance. Balls stored in the wrong conditions deteriorate more rapidly.

Avoid leaving lacrosse balls outside exposed to elements when not in use. UV rays, dramatic temperature shifts, and moisture quickly weaken balls, fading colors and compromising integrity. Store balls indoors in a dedicated mesh bag or ball bucket.

Keep stored balls away from direct heat sources. Excessive heat causes the air inside to expand, resulting in warped shape and diminished bounce even if properly inflated. Frigid temperatures make balls brittle. Maintain indoor storage temperatures between 55-85 degrees.

When storing balls for prolonged periods, underinflate slightly below normal game inflation levels. This prevents excess pressure buildup inside that could lead to ruptures or deformities. Check pressure and reinflate before use.

Stack balls neatly when stored to prevent excessive or uneven compression. Limit stacking height to avoid deforming bottom balls. Organize balls in ball bags, cages, or storage carts to avoid haphazard piling.

With proper conditions and handling, quality lacrosse balls last for many seasons of play. Use smart storage methods to keep balls playable for as long as possible before replacement is required.

Consider Bright Colors for Better Visibility

When selecting lacrosse balls, consider opting for brightly colored balls to enhance visibility during play. Vibrant colored balls stand out better against grass, dirt, walls, and gym floors, improving handling.

Traditional white lacrosse balls blend into surroundings and can be temporarily lost in messy game action. Momentary lapses in ball tracking ability lead to poor reception, missed catches, and stick checks going awry. Bright balls eliminate tracking issues.

Bold colored balls like neon orange, yellow, green or pink pop against most backdrops. Players instantly spot the ball’s location even in peripheral vision, keeping their heads up and in the play instead of losing focus searching for the ball.

In dim practice facilities or night games, high visibility balls allow for confident play even with reduced lighting. Goalies benefit from seeing shots sooner against dark nets and backdrops. Youth and beginner players build fundamentals more easily tracking vibrant balls.

Brands like Brine, Maverik, STX, and Warrior offer lacrosse balls in a range of high intensity colors. Seek out the brightest hues that stand out from surrounding environment. Fluorescent balls let your eyes and hands work together for superior handling.

Softer Balls Are Safer for Beginners

When selecting lacrosse balls for new players, opt for softer ball varieties to reduce risk of injury. Hard regulation lacrosse balls can bruise or harm inexperienced hands and bodies.

Made from foam, rubber, or other pliable materials, soft lacrosse balls provide a more gentle introduction to handling and throwing fundamentals. Reduced weight and density make them less likely to cause pain on errant catches, poor cradling, or off-target passes.

Soft practice balls build confidence early by eliminating fear of ball impacts. Players learn proper mechanics without developing flinching or shying away from the ball. Soft balls bounce and roll more slowly as well, giving beginners more time to adjust to ball movement.

As skills improve, players can gradually incorporate firmer balls into drills to adjust to true game equipment. But keep a supply of soft balls for full contact practice ensuring safety. Some brands like Brine and Maverik offer multipacks with a mix of soft and regulation balls.

While advanced players should train with standard balls, soft lacrosse balls allow for more repetitions and skill development for youth and novice players. Ensure beginners first experiences are safe and productive.

Buy Balls Designed for Your Player’s Age Group

When purchasing lacrosse balls, be sure to get balls designed and sized appropriately for your player’s age level. Youth and teen lacrosse players require balls made for their developmental stage.

For very young players just starting out, soft foam or sponge balls allow for learning proper handling without fear of impact. Around ages 9-12, intermediate rubber or synthetic leather balls offer improved durability and bounce while limiting potential harm.

By ages 13 and up, players are ready for full-sized leather or rubber regulation balls to prepare for high school and competitive play. Matching ball design to age ensures players learn using appropriate weight, grip, bounce, and firmness.

Brands like Brine, Warrior, and STX offer multipacks and ball sets targeted to age groups. These include specific ball types ideal for that developmental level. Seek balls sized and constructed to match your player’s current needs.

With the right lacrosse balls for their age, young players build skills correctly through crucial formative years without risk of developing bad habits. Don’t have a 12 year old learn using a heavy high school ball. Select balls tailored for your player’s age and physique for confident progress.

Choose Balls That Match Official Regulations

When selecting lacrosse balls for game play, it’s crucial to choose regulation balls that meet official size, weight, and material standards. Using non-compliant balls could lead to penalties or forfeiture.

Both NCAA and NFHS lacrosse mandate using balls of a certain circumference for men’s and women’s lacrosse. Approved cover materials include solid rubber, synthetic leather, soft and hard urethane. Balls must also meet specific weight ranges.

Balls lacking required printing like “Meets NOCSAE Standards” or the specific lacrosse ball icon may be prohibited in play. Only balls specifically marketed as regulation lacrosse balls by major brands can be considered compliant.

Inspect balls closely prior to games and replace overly worn ones that may fall outside permitted dimensions. Use a ball pump with gauge to ensure proper inflation within allowed range. Under-inflated and over-inflated balls may also be disallowed.

Having the right regulation lacrosse balls avoids potential protests or forfeits. Coaches and players must verify specs or ask referees if uncertain about a particular ball’s eligibility. Only certified compliant lacrosse balls should be used for any official practices, scrimmages or games.

Check Lacrosse Ball Reviews Before Buying

Reading lacrosse ball reviews and feedback is wise before purchasing any new balls in bulk. Reviews provide key insights into a ball’s durability, grip, feel, and other vital performance factors.

Rely on reviews from verified buyers who tested balls over a full season or more of play. This ensures their feedback reflects how balls hold up under actual game conditions over time, rather than just initial impressions. Give more weight as well to reviews from experienced players whose criteria align with your needs.

Look for common reviewer threads on the ball’s grip, feel, and hardness. Check if control and handling improves, especially in wet weather. See if poor stitching, odd bounces, or lack of durability are frequently cited. Be aware if reviewers mention certain balls not meeting regulation requirements.

Searching a ball name and model + “review” on lacrosse forums, retail sites, or YouTube will surface candid assessments. You can then compare reviews across your top ball choices to determine optimal ones for your needs.

Quality lacrosse balls demonstrate proven field performance backed up in customer reviews. Let impartial user experiences guide you towards balls delivering the right handling, consistency, and durability demanded by competition.

Work Balls into Drills and Training Routines

Once stocked up on lacrosse balls, be sure to work them into your regular drills, training routines, and practice sessions. Simply having balls isn’t enough – you must use them frequently to build skills.

Set aside time for wall ball sessions to refine cradling, quick sticks, accuracy, and hand strength. Vary ball work by moving around the wall, using different throwing motions, catching in traffic, and incorporating advanced moves. Start with intervals of 10-15 minutes and work upwards.

Add competitive lacrosse ball drills into your team practices, whether rapid passing sequences, obstacle courses, or shot accuracy challenges. Keep players moving and integrate ball work within all fitness, footwork, and conditioning station drills.

Take advantage of solo time to repetitively work on weaknesses. Set up passing outlets to hit outside of practice. Visualize game scenarios you struggle with and walk through correcting errors at full speed with a ball.

Lacrosse players require near constant repetition with their sticks and balls to build skills. Set goals for a minimum amount of reps, touches, and active ball training time per week tailored to your needs. Just like strength training, ball work must be programmed for optimal improvement.

Getting the Most Out of Lacrosse Balls

Lacrosse players invest significant money purchasing quality lacrosse balls for training, drills, and game play. To get the maximum return on that investment, proper care and smart use of balls is required.

Check inflation frequently and maintain optimal air pressure levels based on ball specifications. Underinflation causes sluggish performance, while overinflation leads to increased hardness and risk of ruptures. Use a pump and pressure gauge to keep balls filled correctly.

Implement a consistent cleaning routine using mild detergent, brushes, and lacrosse ball wash to remove built-up residue from constant use. Dirty balls lead to reduced grip, poor handling, and erratic bounces. Keep balls fresh and tacky for best control.

Avoid excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture when storing balls. Use interior storage bins, cages, or mesh bags to contain balls neatly when not in use. Stick to storage temperatures between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Incorporate ball handling skill work into all practice sessions rather than just scrimmaging. Emphasize high repetition of cradling, quick sticks, catching in traffic, and shooting on the run drills tailored to your needs. Wall ball training aids refinement too.

With attentive care and purposeful training, lacrosse balls deliver season after season of high performance. Durable balls and dedicated work yields tangible skill and confidence breakthroughs over time.