Get Your Kid Started in Lacrosse This Summer With Complete Lacrosse Gear Sets

Get Your Kid Started in Lacrosse This Summer With Complete Lacrosse Gear Sets

Sizing Lacrosse Gear – Finding the Perfect Fit For Your Kid’s Safety and Comfort

Getting the right size lacrosse gear is crucial for any young athlete just starting out in the sport. Lacrosse involves quick starts, stops, cuts, and contact, so having properly fitted equipment helps maximize performance and prevent injury. The sizing process may seem complicated at first, but following a few key steps can ensure your child’s gear provides the ideal fit.

For starters, take accurate measurements of your kid’s height, weight, arm length, and other dimensions as listed on size charts for each piece of equipment. Manufacturers provide detailed sizing guides, but you can also visit a knowledgeable sporting goods retailer to get professionally measured. Allow for some room to grow if your child is between sizes.

Next, try things on. Helmets and pads should fit snugly without restricting movement. Helmets in particular must sit level and low on the head, with the chinstrap tightened to keep it stable. Shin guards need to cover the knee when standing. Gloves should allow full wrist flexion and finger motion.

Comfort is critical – get your young player’s feedback on any rubbing, pinching or awkward sensations. Opt for adjustable elements like chinstraps, Velcro straps and lace closures to fine-tune the fit. Focus extra attention on sizing goalie gear given the demands of that position.

Finally, test gear functionality. Run, cut, scoop, catch and cradle to mimic lacrosse actions. Ensuring everything stays securely in place and allows free movement will give your child the confidence to play their best game. Taking the time to properly size all lacrosse equipment keeps the focus on skill development and fun.

Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners – Lightweight and Durable

Choosing the right lacrosse stick is one of the most important decisions when getting started in lacrosse. For beginners, lightweight sticks made from durable yet forgiving materials offer the best mix of playability and value.

Entry-level lacrosse shafts are typically constructed from alloys like aluminum, providing good strength at a low weight. This helps newer players develop proper stick handling techniques without tiring out too quickly. These alloy shafts paired with a molded head is a winning budget-friendly combination.

For youth just learning the sport, soft mesh pockets in the stick head are ideal. They provide excellent ball control and make scooping up ground balls easier. Soft mesh also helps develop the muscle memory for proper cradling and passing. As skills progress, players can upgrade to sticks with a firmer, more consistent pocket.

When shopping for a first lacrosse stick, flexibility is important. Choose a head with a wider flare and more stringing holes, allowing the pocket to be adjusted as your child’s abilities improve. Middie sticks around 30 inches are a good starting length before sizing up to accommodate growth.

Above all, durability matters for those new to lacrosse. Look for sticks rated for high impacts that will hold up to inevitable drops while maintaining their shape and performance. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior make excellent sticks for aspiring young lacrosse athletes ready to take their game to the next level.

Getting the right beginner lacrosse stick establishes proper mechanics and gives your child confidence on the field. With the right lightweight yet sturdy stick in hand, young players can focus on developing their skills rather than fighting their equipment. Investing in the ideal stick for a lacrosse newcomer ensures they’ll be cradling, scooping, and scoring goals in no time.

Lacrosse Helmets – Safety First

Finding a properly fitted lacrosse helmet is a critical first step in keeping your child safe on the field. With lacrosse being a contact sport, the helmet plays a vital role in preventing head and facial injuries.

Look for a lacrosse helmet made by a trusted manufacturer that meets NOCSAE standards. Features like a hard plastic shell, shock absorbing foam padding, and strong facemask protect without impeding vision or hearing. Ensure the helmet sits squarely on the head with the brim one finger width above the eyebrows.

Proper sizing and adjustment are key for maximum protection. Measure your child’s head circumference and match to size charts. The helmet should feel snug when strapped on. Teach your kid how to use the adjustable chin strap, side straps, and rear band to achieve a customized, stable fit. A helmet that shifts or wobbles leaves them vulnerable.

Also consider extra elements like removable jaw pads for a more customizable and comfortable fit. Ventilation openings help keep heads cool but shouldn’t compromise structural integrity. For goalies, look for a throat guard built into the chin.

Durability is a must to withstand routine lacrosse impacts. Opt for a helmet with a durable polycarbonate shell over inferior metals or plastics. Don’t forget the facemask – make sure the bar spacing meets regulations to prevent stick poke-throughs.

Educate your young lacrosse athlete on safely wearing their helmet to avoid injuries. Straps should be snug under the chin and jar at a minimum. The helmet should sit evenly on the head – if it shifts, it’s too loose. Ensure a proper fitting helmet before every practice and game for complete cranial protection.

Essential Protective Padding – Gloves, Arm Guards, Shoulder Pads

Beyond the helmet and stick, protective padding completes the lacrosse gear needed for safe and comfortable play. Purchasing quality gloves, arm guards and shoulder pads suited for your child’s size and position gives peace of mind against injury.

For gloves, look for durable synthetic leather palms to withstand scooping and gripping. Padded mesh backs allow ventilation and flexibility. Wrist cuffs should stabilize without limiting motion. Fingers can be broken or sprained, so ensure gloves fit snugly without cramping.

Arm guards utilize high-density foam or plastic caps to shield the elbow from checks and falls. Forearm padding and extended bicep plates provide comprehensive protection from ball or stick impacts. Look for adjustable strapping for a secure fit.

Shoulder pads cushion the collar bones, ribs and shoulders from body blows. For midfielders who face frequent contact, maximum coverage is ideal. Stick skills like goalies and attackers benefit from lighter padding for unlimited mobility. Secure all pads comfortably but not tightly.

sizWhen buying protective gear, consult your league’s regulations for required equipment. Allow room to grow if sizing up between levels. Comfort and flexibility should not be sacrificed for more padding. Stress keeping guards on at all times during games and practices.

With high-speed play and physicality, lacrosse can tax young bodies. Investing in padded gloves, arm guards and shoulder pads tailored for your child’s age and position provides insurance against minor and major injuries. Don’t overlook basic protection so your kid can safely develop their skills.

Cleats or Turf Shoes – Traction for Quick Moves

Having the right footwear provides essential traction for young lacrosse players to perform at their best. Choosing between cleats or turf shoes comes down to optimizing grip for your child’s playing surface.

For athletes playing primarily on natural grass, cleats are the clear choice. The studs on the bottom dig into soil for excellent acceleration, cuts, and stops. Midfielders in particular rely on cleats for executing quick changes of direction and explosive sprints upfield.

On artificial turf, molded turf shoes prove optimal. The zig-zag pattern or small nubs grip the tougher surface for lateral moves and pivots. Less stud pressure protects feet and joints from excessive torque. Goalies favor turf shoes for reacting across the crease.

When selecting lacrosse footwear, consider your child’s age. Growing kids need a flexible sole and room to grow. Focus on fit over flashy colors or pro endorsements. A snug midfoot with a half-thumb of toe space ensures stability and comfort.

Also factor in your climate. Cleats with metal or composite studs provide more traction in wet conditions. Turf shoes work year-round. Discuss with your young athlete the feel underfoot – any slipping or lack of control indicates new footwear may be needed.

Having proper lacrosse footwear enhances performance while protecting young feet and ankles. For multi-surface players, choose a versatile cleat/turf hybrid. No matter the playing conditions, keep your child’s feet firmly planted with quality, well-fitted lacrosse shoes.

Lacrosse Bags – Carry It All to the Field

A dedicated lacrosse bag ensures your child has a reliable way to transport all their gear to and from practices and games. With multiple pieces of bulky equipment, choosing the right bag helps keep things organized and secure.

Look for bags around 40 inches long to fit a stick up to 37”. Padded pockets protect the stick shaft and head. Spacious main compartments hold helmets, pads, and cleats securely without damage. Durable fabrics like polyester or canvas withstand regular use.

For convenience, choose a lacrosse bag with plenty of specialized storage options. Outside pockets provide quick access to essentials. Zippered pouches help prevent items from bouncing around. Internal dividers, shelf panels, and tie-down straps keep everything in its place.

Comfort features make carrying a fully loaded bag easier. Wide padded shoulder straps minimize fatigue. Look for adjustable and removable straps to evenly distribute weight. Added backpack straps come in handy for longer treks.

Additional details like ventilated shoe tunnels, drains, and removable liners simplify post-game cleanups. Reflective accents improve visibility for commuting. Pick a bold color or print so your child can easily identify their bag.

Investing in a thoughtfully designed lacrosse bag eases the journey and provides peace of mind. Choose a spacious, comfortable bag with smart storage to transport your young athlete’s gear in organized safety. The right bag ensures they’ll arrive ready to play their best game.

Lacrosse Balls – Hard or Soft for Practice and Games

Having the right lacrosse balls ensures your child can develop their skills with equipment sized and constructed for their age and ability level. Hard and soft balls each serve distinct purposes.

For matches, regulation solid rubber lacrosse balls provide authentic performance. Weighing 5 to 5.25 ounces, they offer a true bounce and feel. The rigid surface challenges developing hands in catching, cradling, and passing.

In practice, softer hollow balls build confidence. Weighing just 2 ounces, the flexible material reduces hand sting for repeated catching. Use soft balls for drills working on fundamentals before moving up to stiff regulation balls.

Ball size also varies by age. Start kids 6 and under with a soft 6-inch ball for easier handling. Ages 7-8 step up to a 7-inch ball. By 9-10, players should be able to control a regulation solid 5-inch ball.

Outdoor play requires more durable balls that withstand contact with sticks, ground, and walls. Opt for weather-resistant materials that don’t get waterlogged. Indoor balls can focus more on softness for developing skills.

Stock up on practice and game balls tailored for your child’s age and abilities. Use soft balls for skill work and keep regulation balls for live gameplay as skills progress. With the right lacrosse balls, your young athlete will build confidence while taking their game to the next level.

Goals and Nets – Backyard Practice

Installing a lacrosse goal and net in your backyard gives aspiring young players the opportunity to hone their skills anytime. Investing in portable and adjustable goals tailored for your child’s age builds shooting confidence.

For tykes under 6, scale things down with a 3-foot pop-up goal. Plastic construction holds up to beginning shooters and easy transport and setup let kids practice anywhere. As skills improve, size up goals in 6 or 9-foot lengths.

Portable backstop nets allow shooting practice even without a permanent goal. Look for netting that attaches to chain link fences or sturdy freestanding frames. Angled tops help snare high shots while protecting the yard.

As kids approach middle and high school ages, upgrade to full-size regulation goals. Metal frames last for years while twist-resistant netting improves rebounding. Wheeled bases make moving goals simple when needed.

Always supervise backyard practice sessions. Ensure clear sight lines and sufficient space between shooting zones and other play areas. Wear protective eyewear and mind garage doors, windows, or other hard surfaces.

Having quality home lacrosse goals engages aspiring young players while building confidence. Choose portable, adjustable goals that grow with your child’s improving abilities. With the right backyard setup, they’ll be ready to score when it counts on the field.

Additional Accessories – Mouthguards, Water Bottles, Sweatbands

Beyond the essential gear of stick, pads, and cleats, stocking additional lacrosse accessories prepares your young athlete for comfort, safety, and peak performance.

A mouthguard protects teeth from accidental impacts from sticks, balls, and contact. Custom-molded guards provide the best fit and protection but less expensive self-fit options work too. Attach lanyards to prevent loss on the field.

Hydration is critical during active lacrosse games and practices. Durable plastic water bottles allow easy refueling. Look for larger capacities around 32 ounces to reduce refill frequency. Pick bright colors for visibility.

Moisture wicking head and wrist bands keep vision clear and hands dry for solid catches. stock up on spare shoelaces, athletic tape for preventative wrapping, and body glide to eliminate chafing from pads.

Carry critical medical info like emergency contacts and allergy details on a wallet card or small engraved tag. Keep nails trimmed short to prevent glove tears. Pack a snack like an energy bar for halftime fuel.

Fill your young athlete’s gear bag with convenient accessories to remove minor distractions. A well-stocked bag allows them to focus on fun and developing skills rather than discomforts. Equip your child with helpful tools that make playing their best game a little easier.

Boys vs Girls Gear – Key Differences

While the basic equipment of helmet, pads, and stick are universal, some key differences exist between optimal boys and girls lacrosse gear.

Sticks for girls have shallower pockets for improved control with both hands on the stick. Handles are contoured for a secure grip even without gloves. Girls’ heads must be strung traditionally rather than with meshes or laces.

Given non-contact rules, girls can opt for lighter protective padding focused on vital areas versus full coverage. More open design prioritizes mobility and breathability during active play.

Footwear emphasizes lateral support in girls’ styles for quick cuts rather than cleats for linear speed. Look for turf shoes with solid midfoot support and traction on artificial surfaces.

Girls bags may feature more pockets and compartments for post-practice changing. Bright bold colors and patterns provide personal style. Some bags convert from backpack to duffel for transport flexibility.

When shopping for gear, consult your league rules on required and prohibited equipment based on gender. Provide the same quality construction and materials for both girls and boys. Prioritize proper fit and comfort to maximize performance.

With different rules and priorities, optimize your young athlete’s lacrosse gear for their specific needs. While basic protection remains essential, look for tailored features based on subtleties between boys and girls play. The right gear designed for their game gives them an edge.

Complete Starter Lacrosse Packages – Convenient All-In-One Sets

Purchasing a bundled starter lacrosse package takes the guesswork out of compiling all the essential gear your child needs to get in the game. All-in-one sets provide quality, compatible equipment straight out of the box.

Pre-selected lacrosse starter bundles include a strung stick, helmet, pads, cleats or turf shoes, and bag – everything your kid needs for the field. Components are sized and selected based on age recommendations for a perfect match.

Packages cater to specific positions like goalie, attack, defense, or midfield with equipment tailored for each role. This specialization provides an ideal setup without needing to customize each piece.

With coordinated sizing across all gear, parents can be sure padding, cleats and other elements work together. Consistent brand construction also enhances durability and compatibility.

For convenience, starter sets come fully ready for action – sticks are strung and helmets often include face masks. Simply adjust fits for each item and hit the fields. Bundles simplify ordering and ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Complete lacrosse starter packages eliminate the challenge of piecing together kit essentials for the first time. All-in-one sets get aspiring young players looking the part and ready to perform at their best right out of the box.

Budget-Friendly Options Under $200 – Quality Gear Without Breaking The Bank

Playing lacrosse does not have to be an expensive endeavor. Families can equip their young athletes with quality gear to get started in the sport while staying under a $200 budget.

Begin with an alloy shaft strung with basic nylon mesh – a durable combo for new players. Pair it with a molded plastic helmet that meets safety standards and adjustable pads with ample but lightweight protection.

For other necessities, look for value-focused options without sacrificing key features. Cleats with molded plastic studs provide traction at a fraction of the cost. Bags with adjustable straps and just enough storage hold essentials.

Consider stepping down youth sizes for padding and other equipment your child will quickly outgrow. Stick with major brands known for quality discounted mid-range lines versus off-brands.

Don’t overlook good condition secondhand gear, especially for growing kids. Items like helmets must be properly safety rated, but used pads, gloves, or sticks offer major savings.

Shop end-of-season sales and take advantage of sports retailer coupon codes and price match guarantees. Building a starter lacrosse kit on a budget just takes research and focusing on performance over prestige.

Mid-Range Lacrosse Sets $200 – $300 – Better Materials and Durability

Stepping up into the $200 to $300 range provides lacrosse gear crafted from higher grade materials for increased performance and durability as young athletes develop their skills.

Mid-range lacrosse stick shafts move to stronger alloys like scandium or titanium for an improved strength-to-weight ratio. Heads gain more intricate stringing and sturdier sidewalls. Youth sticks with these features mimic elite models.

Helmets include brand name models with polycarbonate shells and tool-free adjustment systems for the ideal fit. Gloves feature real leather palms and carbon fiber knuckles for pro-level feel and protection.

expect thicker padding in arm guards and shoulder pads at this level along with moisture wicking liner materials. Cleats move to molded or detachable studs for traction and shock absorption.

Bags provide ample storage with separate ventilated compartments for equipment and clothes. Materials like nylon resist tearing while cushioning gear during transport.

In the mid-range category, young athletes gain an equipment edge in quality and design compared to entry-level gear. Extended durability also ensures a longer useful lifespan as skills progress.

Premium Lacrosse Bundles Over $300 – Top-Notch Performance Gear Built to Last

For young athletes serious about excelling in lacrosse, premium gear over $300 delivers professional-grade equipment designed for elite play and durability.

Pro-level sticks feature cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber and scandium alloy for featherlight weight and tremendous strength. Custom stringing and heads are handcrafted for unmatched consistency and ball control.

Helmets at the premium level utilize high-tech materials like thermoplastic urethane for maximum impact diffusion and multi-stage foam lining to reduce rotational acceleration. Expect a precise, customized fit.

Top-tier gloves utilize four-way stretch materials between the thumb and forefinger for unrestricted movement. Added wrist support prevents hyperextension when checking.

Shoulder pads incorporate high-density foam segments for flexible customized protection. Cleats integrate lightweight synthetics and bladed stud configurations for explosive speed.

Bags include organizer panels, vented laundry compartments, water-resistant fabrics, and exterior lash points. Storage and features are maximized for functionality.

For dedicated youth players, premium lacrosse gear provides an edge with the same technologies trusted by today’s top high school, college, and professional athletes. The quality and performance justify the investment.

Premium Lacrosse Bundles Over $300 – Top-Notch Performance Gear Built to Last

Getting your child started in lacrosse does not need to be an overwhelming or expensive process. By learning basic gear needs for beginning youth players and setting a budget, parents can confidently equip their kids with quality equipment to learn and enjoy the sport.

Focus first on properly fitted protective basics like helmets, pads, and gloves to keep new players safe on the field. Invest in a lightweight but durable stick designed for easy handling and stringing that caters to developing skills.

Cleats or turf shoes provide stability for those still learning footwork and cuts. Bags with thoughtful storage features make transporting gear organized and convenient.

Fill out the lacrosse kit with accessories like balls, water bottles, mouthguards and backup items that maximize comfort and minimize distractions. Learn the nuances between boys and girls gear based on typical play.

Complete starter packages simplify the process by bundling all essential gear. But items can certainly be purchased individually as budget and needs dictate. Prioritize fit and comfort to allow play without impediment.

With the proper sizing, quality construction and smart features, beginner youth lacrosse gear gets aspiring players on the field with confidence. Investing thoughtfully in the right equipment starts kids off on the right foot to pursue their athletic passions.