Opt For Lightweight Shin Guard Materials
When selecting youth lacrosse goalie shin guards, it’s important to look for lightweight construction materials like plastic, carbon fiber, or EVA foam padding. Heavier traditional soccer-style shin guards constructed from bulky materials like solid plastic shells or thick foam can weigh down young goalies and restrict mobility in the cage.
Lighter materials like injection molded plastic with ventilation holes are ideal for maximizing protection without limiting quick lateral movements or fast footwork needed to track shots in lacrosse. Advanced composites like carbon fiber plates also offer sturdy shot blocking with less bulk than solid plastic guards.
EVA foam is another popular option for youth goalie shin pads because it molds comfortably to the leg for a custom fit. Open-cell foams with perforations allow airflow to keep players cooler while dense closed-cell foam layers provide durable padding against hard lacrosse ball impacts.
By prioritizing lightweight, breathable materials in youth sizes, lacrosse goalies can stay agile and quick on their feet to react to point blank shots in the crease. Sturdy yet minimalist shin guard construction also helps reduce muscle fatigue so young goalies can maintain their optimal side-to-side technique from start to finish.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation To Avoid Overheating
Proper ventilation is a key factor when selecting youth lacrosse goalie shin guards. The leg area can easily overheat during intense play if the padding doesn’t allow for sufficient airflow. Breathable construction materials and strategic ventilation zones help keep young goalies cool, dry, and comfortable in the cage.
Look for shin guards made with moisture-wicking liner fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin rather than trapping it inside. Mesh ventilation along the front and sides of the guards allows hot air to escape and fresh air to flow through. This keeps the leg area cooler and promotes quicker drying as perspiration evaporates.
Ventilation channels, perforations and cut-out patterns in the protective foam or plastic shell also aid cooling airflow. Guards with an open back design provide additional ventilation across the calf area. Removable and washable liner sleeves further help manage sweat and odor buildup.
Overheating in bulky, non-breathable shin pads causes fatigue and dehydration which can impact performance. Adequate airflow gives youth goalies playing intense lacrosse games the stamina to maintain agility and reaction time from start to finish. Prioritizing shin guards with proven ventilation features helps young players stay energized and focused in the crease.
Choose Extended Coverage Options For Extra Shin Protection
When picking out shin guards for youth lacrosse goalies, look for models that extend protective padding well below the knee for maximum coverage. Standard short guards leave the lower shin area vulnerable, while extended length guards provide extra protection.
Longer shin guards with extra calf wraps, removable knee attachments, or integrated knee pads give complete coverage against lower leg impact. Extra ankle flaps add padding above and below the ankle bones for deflecting low shots in the crease.
Full leg coverage is vital in lacrosse because of the unpredictable nature of rebound shots off the goalie’s pads or sticks. A shot blocking attempt can lead to painful impact on the unprotected lower shin or ankle areas if the guards are too short.
Extended length youth shin guards allow goalies to make kick saves without fear of bruising below the knee. Increased coverage also boosts confidence for young players learning proper positioning techniques in the crease. The added surface area helps absorb shot impact for improved protection.
Choosing the right amount of coverage allows youth lacrosse goalies to stay protected on all areas of the leg while in the line of fire down low in the crease.
Consider Removable Liners For Adjustable Sizing
When shopping for youth lacrosse goalie shin guards, look for models with removable and adjustable liners to get the right customized fit. Children grow rapidly, so guards with static sizing can quickly become too small. Removable pads allow the interior size to be expanded as needed.
Stretchable sleeve liners with hook and loop straps or velcro attachments are ideal for adjustable sizing. These removable inner pads expand with the child while the outer plastic shell can remain the same. This cost-effective design grows along with young players.
Interchangeable liner pads are also great for dialing in the perfect fit. Switching pad thickness from thin to thick allows shin guards to be tightened or loosened as needed until the sizing is just right. No more bulky pads flopping around or cramped guards that cut off circulation.
Custom removable liners also help optimize protection levels. More vital areas like the shins and ankles can use thicker padding, while streamlined pads can be used on lower coverage zones. This modular pad design maximizes mobility and safety.
Overall, youth lacrosse goalies need the advantage of a dialed-in fit for peak comfort and shot blocking performance. Removable and adjustable liner systems provide the right sizing now and flexibility as young players grow.
Avoid Bulky Soccer Style Guards That Limit Motion
When selecting shin guards for youth lacrosse goalies, it’s important to avoid bulky soccer-style designs that can restrict motion and reduce agility in the crease. Soccer shin guards are built for straight-ahead running and kicking, not the explosive side-to-side movements and rapid footwork needed for lacrosse.
Bulkier soccer guards with wide, flat shin plates lead to overheating and don’t allow the ankle to flex freely. The rigid shells and thicker foams hamper lateral mobility. They also have large calf wraps that bunch behind the knee, limiting range of motion.
Lacrosse-specific goalie shin guards have streamlined padding zones that wrap closely around the lower leg and ankle bones for unrestricted mobility. Ventilation holes, reduced foam and thinner shell construction prevent heaviness.
Unnecessary bulk forces youth goalies to exert more energy fighting their own equipment. Poor-fitting shin guards throw off form and footwork mechanics critical for tracking shots in the crease.
Lightweight, low-profile lacrosse goalie shin guards allow young players to move without impedance. Prioritizing agility-focused design protects growing athletes while enhancing performance.
Select Youth Specific Sizing For Proper Fit
Finding shin guards with youth specific sizing is crucial for lacrosse goalies to get a proper fit. Adult sizes are too big and overwhelm smaller bodies. An accurate anatomical design ensures the pads wrap snugly without restricting movement.
Guards sized for youth players map padding zones to lower leg muscles and growth plates. A contoured fit protects without impeding mobility. Removable liners with velcro straps or sleeve attachments dial-in the ideal tightness.
With adult sizing, thick foam and bulky plastic shells slide around. Gaps lead to bruising. Straps loosen mid-game without warning. Oversized guards force young players to compensate with poor positioning techniques.
Properly fitted youth shin guards allow for unrestricted lateral and forward bursts across the crease. Less slippage reduces the need for constant re-adjustment. Snug pads stay in place and become like a second skin.
When shopping for lacrosse goalie shin protection, be sure to consult youth specific sizing charts. Prioritizing the right fit for growing bodies leads to boosted confidence and mobility in the cage.
Pick Breathable & Moisture Wicking Fabrics
When selecting youth lacrosse goalie shin guards, look for padding lined with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Synthetic materials like polyester blends pull sweat away from the skin and speed up drying time.
The interior liner directly against the leg should have ventilated mesh paneling to allow air circulation. Some guards feature anti-microbial liner treatments to resist odor buildup from sweat.
Thick non-breathable materials like cotton trap heat and sweat during intense goalie play. This causes chafing and discomfort. Excess moisture also increases unwanted pad slippage.
Technical sweat-wicking fabrics keep the leg area ventilated, dry and cool. Enhanced airflow reduces heat rash and friction irritation. With less moisture buildup, the pads stay securely in place.
Prioritizing breathable, moisture-managing materials optimizes comfort and minimizes overheating. Well-ventilated shin guards help young lacrosse goalies maintain focus by reducing fatigue and distraction.
Find Guards With Attachable Knee Pads For Added Protection
When picking out shin guards for youth lacrosse goalies, opt for models with attachable knee pads to get expanded protection. The knee area is vulnerable when dropping down to make saves. Removable knee attachments safeguard this crucial joint.
Look for shin guards with an open back design and sleeve liner that allows knee pads to seamlessly integrate. The pads should secure firmly via velcro straps or compression sleeves without slipping.
Detachable knee pads let goalies choose customized protection levels for practice or game day. More intense play demands extra safety measures. The knee joints can then be shielded from bruising during extreme movements.
Some shin guards come equipped with built-in knee padding. But removable pads allow for better fit adjustments and help optimize freedom of motion.
Overall, attachable knee protectors give youth lacrosse goalies wise preventative protection during the rigors of competition. Shielding the joint from harm’s way leads to improved longevity and performance.
