Choose Quality Helmets to Prevent Injuries
Having the right lacrosse helmet is crucial for preventing head and face injuries. With lacrosse being a full contact sport, players need ample protection from checks, slashes, and errant shots. When shopping for a helmet, look for brands known for safety like Cascade and Warrior. Ensure the helmet has a face mask with a chin strap to secure it in place. The helmet should have a high-quality shell material like polycarbonate alloy plastic with shock absorbing foam padding inside. Getting the right fit is key – the helmet should be snug but not too tight. Consider getting a custom fitted helmet for maximum comfort and protection. High-end helmets have additional safety features like SevenTechnology liner systems to reduce impact forces. Take time to break in and adjust your helmet properly before stepping on the field. Getting hit directly can still result in a concussion, so work on skills like cradling, dodging checks, and keeping your head on a swivel. Wearing the right protective lacrosse helmet significantly reduces your risk of traumatic brain injuries.
Find Gloves that Improve Grip and Protection
Having a good pair of lacrosse gloves is essential for maximizing your performance on the field. The gloves help improve grip on your stick, absorbing checks, and protecting your hands during play. When shopping for gloves, look for brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior that offer a good mix of flexibility, protection, and durability. The gloves should fit snugly but allow your hands to breathe – materials like synthetic leather and stretch mesh work well. Pay attention to palm padding thickness – enough to dampen vibrations but not too bulky to affect feel. Fingers should have individual stalls for maximum dexterity. High-end gloves have features like Thermo molded foam padding and abrasion resistant materials on the palms and fingers. For attack players who handle the ball often, choose gloves with extra grip coating on the palms. Defensive players should opt for more padded gloves to absorb checks. Take time to break in your new gloves so they contour to your hands. Proper gloves allow you to cradle and pass securely, scoop ground balls with confidence, and take slashes and hits without injury. Investing in high-quality lacrosse gloves tailored to your position gives you an edge on game day.
Lacrosse Sticks: Choose Based on Position
Selecting the right lacrosse stick is vital for maximizing your effectiveness on the field. Sticks come in different shapes, sizes, and styles tailored to each playing position. For attack players, choose an offset or curved head stick for superior ball control and quick passing and shooting. Middies should use a straight lacrosse head for versatile play at both ends. Defensive players need wider heads with more hold to intercept passes and checks. Goalies have extra large heads to help block shots. Handle length and stiffness also vary – longer and more flexible pockets suit midfield transition play, while short, stiff sticks provide precision for attackers. Materials matter too – composite and alloy metals make sticks light yet durable. Pockets come in different widths and depths – shallow pockets have greater ball control while deeper pockets increase ball security. Stringing, weaving, and tensioning the head affects passing, catching, and shooting capabilities. Custom stringing services can modify sticks to suit your preferences. Consider your position and playing style when selecting a lacrosse stick. Investing in a stick engineered for your needs, with the right head, pocket, and handling gives you an edge over opponents.
Pick Pads for Protection from Checks
Having proper lacrosse pads is vital for protecting yourself during play. Since legal body checking is integral to lacrosse, wearing pads on vulnerable areas helps minimize injury from hits, slashes, and collisions. For arm protection, lacrosse elbow pads with molded plastic caps cushion blows while flexible padding keeps a full range of motion. Shoulder pads with high-density foam absorb checks from all angles. Rib pads underneath your uniform shirt add extra protection to your core. Compression shirts and pants worn underneath also buffer impacts. Goalies require full-body padded uniforms for maximum coverage. When selecting pads, ensure they conform snugly to your body type for a secure fit. Lightweight yet high-impact resistant materials like carbon fiber and plastic alloys maximize mobility. Ventilation zones prevent overheating while integrated strapping systems keep pads stable as you move. Take time to break in pads so they contour to your physique. Well-fitting pads allow free movement while providing essential shielding from routine physicality. Investing in lacrosse pads tailored to your position gives you the confidence to play all out with reduced risk of injury.
Goalie Gear: Unique Protective Equipment
As the last line of defense, lacrosse goalies require specialized protective gear. First, goalies need extra padding to cover their entire body. Chest protectors cushion shots to the core while arm and shin guards shield from close-range attacks. Most goalies wear full helmet/mask combinations for maximum face protection. Throat protectors are also essential. Goalie gloves have extra padding across the palms, fingers, and wrists to thwart stingers. When shopping for goalie gear, look for equipment designed specifically for the position by brands like STX and Maverik. Materials like high-density foam, compression padding, and plastic plates dissipate ball impact. For leg padding, many goalies opt for soccer-style padded pants to allow mobility. Arm guards secure firmly to prevent shifting during saves. Goalie gear should fit snugly without restricting reaction time. Take time to break in new equipment properly. Well-fitting goalie gear tailored for lacrosse helps instill the confidence to control the crease. With the right protective equipment, goalies can focus on making saves without worrying about injury.
Customizable Jerseys and Uniforms
Having a uniform customized for your lacrosse team promotes unity and identity on the field. Most teams wear reversible jerseys with home and away colors. Performance fabrics like polyester wick moisture while providing durability and stretch. Consider getting jerseys in your school colors or adopting an original color scheme. Add your team logo, mascot, or other graphics for a signature look. Numbering jerseys helps identify players in their positions. Goalie cut jerseys allow room for padding. For a coordinated look, add matching shorts and helmets. Custom socks, shooting shirts, and warm-ups with team branding build cohesion off the field. Utilize online jersey designers to experiment with color schemes and customization options. Sub-limation printing provides vibrant, lasting team logos and numbers. Mesh paneling enhances ventilation while strategic padding protects key contact areas. For clubs and youth teams, customizable jerseys make great keepsakes. Quality customized uniforms give your team a sense of identity and promote team spirit. With the right lacrosse uniforms, your team will look sharp and play with unity.
Lacrosse Bags to Carry Gear
A good lacrosse bag is essential for transporting all of your gear to and from the field. Bags come in a variety of sizes and designs to meet your storage needs. Look for bags with multiple compartments to keep equipment organized and protected. Padded helmet compartments prevent damage while side pockets hold gloves, goggles, and other accessories. Durable synthetic materials withstand wear and tear – canvas is lightweight while cordura nylon adds structure. Backpacks allow for easy carrying but duffel bags work well for packing large hauls. Gear bags with wheels and extendable handles provide convenience when lugging all your equipment. Ventilated shoe compartments keep dirty cleats separated. Some bags have removable laundry bags for post-game sweaty uniforms. Customize your bag with your name, number, and team logo for quick identification. Consider overflow bags or sacks when extra equipment hauling capacity is needed. Investing in a spacious, protective lacrosse bag with customizable organization makes transporting your gear to the field efficient and easy.
Lacrosse Training Equipment for Practice
Utilizing the right training equipment helps maximize lacrosse practice effectiveness. Portable lacrosse goals in various sizes enable shooting drills. Netting backstops retrieve missed shots while passing nets develop accuracy. Agility ladders and cones setup obstacle courses to enhance footwork. Speed chutes and resistance bands add strength training elements. Wall-mount rebounders let solo players sharpen reflexes and handle skills. Weighted lacrosse balls increase shot power. Scoop nets and quick-stick handles polish ground ball skills. Goalie reaction trainers mimic shot speed and movement. Tactical boards with shooting targets promote precision. Gear like arm pads allows full contact during drills. Dummies enable safe checking and collision practice. Switching up sticks, eyewear, and gloves during training adds versatility. Setting game-like constraints, formations, and objectives boosts in-game readiness. Rotate stations focusing on essential fundamentals like cradling, dodging, picking, passing, and catching. Varying drills while utilizing position-specific gear optimizes development. Investing in versatile training equipment tailored to core lacrosse skills allows players to maximize improvement during practice.
Mouth Guards Essential for Safety
Wearing a high quality mouth guard is vital for all lacrosse players to prevent oral injuries. With high speed shots and physical checking, teeth are at risk without adequate protection. Custom-fit guards made by dental professionals provide the best protection and comfort. These are molded to your bite for secure fit and enable clear speech. Multi-layer construction like laminated EVA or silicone absorbs impact. Boil and bite guards can also be effective if properly fitted – follow molding directions carefully. Choose thickness and low profile designs to minimize interference with breathing and vision. Make sure guards have thick posterior ends to protect back molars. Attachments to keep guards tethered to helmets prevent loss on the field. Allow time to adjust to having a guard in during practices. Keep guards in protective cases when not in use. Replace guards at first signs of tearing or compromised fit. No player should ever step on the field without a properly fitted mouth guard. Taking simple precautions like wearing protective mouth guards reduces risk of severe dental trauma during lacrosse games and practices.
Arm Pads Help Shoulder Checks
Quality lacrosse arm pads are essential for protecting players from shoulder checks. Since legal body checking is integral to lacrosse, the arms and shoulders take a pounding from routine contact. Arm pads cushion blows and absorb the brunt of collisions. Lightweight, low-profile designs maximize mobility while still offering protection. Foam or plastic cap covers defend the elbow and bicep region from slashes and hits. Forearm padding shields from poke checks. Some pads have integrated abrasion resistance for added durability. Moisture wicking liner materials keep pads comfortable. Adjustable strapping ensures a secure contour fit. For goalies, extended wrist and elbow guards protect from close-range shots. Take time to break pads in properly for full range of motion. Replace pads immediately if damaged or ill-fitting. Wearing properly fitted arm pads gives players confidence to play physically without fear of injury. Investing in high-quality lacrosse arm pads reduces the risks of painful hits and checks during intense game action.
Rib Pads Absorb Hits to Torso
Wearing lacrosse rib pads protects players from bruising hits to the torso. The rib cage and oblique areas are vulnerable to checks, collisions, and errant shots during games. Rib pads made specifically for lacrosse feature lightweight, breathable designs that contour to the body. Thick foam or plastic padding cushions blows from all directions. Shirts with integrated rib padding offer extra protection and compressive support. For goalies, chest protectors provide expansive coverage of the core region from close-range shots. Youth players are encouraged to utilize rib pads for added safety as checking skills develop. Ensure pads fit snugly without obstructing mobility or vision. Hard shell ribs pads are not recommended as they can obstruct breathing and do not absorb impact as effectively. Take time to adjust pads for maximum comfort through practices. Damaged or ill-fitting rib pads compromise protection and should be replaced immediately. Wearing properly fitted rib pads reduces risk of painful mid-body injuries so lacrosse players can compete physically with peace of mind.
Compression Gear Boosts Comfort
Wearing compression gear provides vital comfort and protection for lacrosse players under pads and uniforms. These form-fitting garments keep muscles supported and stabilized during intense play. Compression shirts, shorts, and leggings are made from moisture-wicking fabrics that ventilate sweat. This helps maintain body temperature control on hot days. Compression sleeves support the elbow and knee joints while protecting the extremities. Goalies rely on full compression suits for padding coverage. The snug fit optimizes pad integration for minimal shifting. Compression gear also facilitates quicker post-game recovery by improving circulation. Graduated compression promotes blood flow back to the heart. Range of motion and flexibility are maintained with thoughtful construction utilizing Lycra or spandex blends. Take care to select proper compression clothing fit – too loose counteracts benefits. Replace gear once elasticity declines. Wearing quality lacrosse-specific compression gear under equipment enhances comfort, stability, and recovery during high-exertion play.
Shop Online for Convenience and Selection
Shopping online for lacrosse gear and equipment offers many advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The wide selection available online ensures you can find gear tailored for your exact needs and preferences. Major brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior all offer full product lines on their websites. Specialty online lacrosse retailers like Lax.com and LacrosseMonkey.com offer one-stop equipment shops with advanced sorting and filtering to simplify browsing. Buying online provides convenience – shop anytime from anywhere rather than having to make a trip to a store. Many sites offer free shipping and hassle-free returns to minimize risks trying new gear. Online shopping allows easy price comparisons to get affordable deals on premium equipment. Some sites provide pro customer support and sizing guides to assist with purchase decisions. Players can read reviews and watch product videos for further insight. Building custom lacrosse starter packages with all essential gear is made simple. For the biggest selection and shopping convenience, equip yourself by buying lacrosse gear online.