Selecting the Best Brine Lacrosse Goal for Your Needs
When shopping for a new lacrosse goal, considering your specific needs and setup is crucial to choosing the right Brine model. Backyard recreational players have different requirements than high school teams or pro training facilities. Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding which Brine lacrosse goal is the optimal choice for you or your organization:
Portability – If you need to set up and break down your goal frequently, portability is essential. Brine’s ultra-light foldable goals with carrying bags allow for easy transport to games or practices. Bulkier in-ground anchored goals provide supreme stability but lack mobility.
Durability – Youth and high school players who will be using a goal constantly need one made with weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel that will hold up season after season. Brine’s Pro Series goals are built to withstand intense play and repeated impacts.
Stability – Nothing disrupts play more than a shaky goal that slides or tips over. For stable recreational play, opt for an in-ground anchor system or heavy square steel base from Brine. Their polycarbonate and aluminum goals with wraparound triangle bases also resist tipping.
Safety – Player safety should always be the number one priority. Choose Brine goals with softer perimeter padding to prevent injuries from collisions. Look for finger-safe net designs as well. Avoid flimsy budget goals that can collapse or deform from repeated hard checks.
Size – Official goals for high school, college, and pro play must meet exact dimension requirements (6×6 feet). But youth and backyard models can offer smaller sizing options better suited for developing players not yet ready to shoot on the full-sized goal.
By taking stock of your specific needs in terms of portability, durability, stability, safety, and size, you can select the ideal Brine lacrosse goal set up that will maximize your or your team’s performance this season.
Maintaining Proper Tension on Your Brine Lacrosse Net
One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of caring for your Brine lacrosse net is maintaining proper tension. A loose net that sags quickly deteriorates ball rebound and accuracy for developing shooting skills. Here are some tips on keeping your Brine lacrosse net taut for optimal performance:
Use a lacrosse ball – Place a ball in the center rear of the netting and use it as a tension gauge. The ball should hold its position on its own when properly stretched. If it falls through, the net needs tightening.
Tighten laces frequently – The laces lacing the net to the goal frame should be checked every few uses and tightened as needed. Rain and use continuously loosen lace tension. Keep a lace pull tightener tool in your gear bag.
Adjust side straps – The side net attachment straps also loosen over time. Keep these straps tightened to the frame to prevent side or corner sagging.
Take down net when not in use – Leaving lacrosse nets up during extreme weather when not in use accelerates loosening from wind, rain, and sun exposure. Take nets down between uses.
Replace worn laces – Don’t wait until laces snap to replace them. Swap out fraying laces periodically to ensure consistent tension. Carry backup laces in your equipment bag.
Consider wind – Breezy conditions require tighter lacing to prevent billowing. Tighten laces an extra turn on windy practice and game days.
Inspect for rips – Small net holes or rips compromise overall net tension and must be repaired. Check for damage frequently.
Buy a quality net – Invest in a durable high-grade Brine net made for consistent tension retention. Don’t buy on price alone.
Protect from UV – UV damage accelerates net degradation. Use a goal cover or keep nets out of direct sunlight when stored.
Balance tension – Over-tightening nets strains the lacing system. Find the sweet spot between taut and excessively tight. Err on the loose side.
By continually monitoring and adjusting lacing tension, swapping worn laces, repairing holes, and protecting nets from UV when not in use, you can maintain the consistent tension your Brine lacrosse net needs for honing shooting accuracy.
Transporting Brine Lacrosse Goals Safely
Transporting lacrosse goals to and from the field requires careful planning and execution to prevent equipment damage or player injury. Here are some tips for safely moving Brine lacrosse goals for games, practices, or storage:
Disassemble goals – Take apart goals into their separate frame segments for easier and safer handling. Remove nets and padding.
Carry cautiously – Use enough people to carry large frame sections safely without dropping. Bend knees when lifting. Avoid carrying multiple pieces at once.
Load securely – When transporting in vehicles, carefully load and stack goal frames to prevent shifting. Use truck beds over trailers when possible.
Tie down pieces – Securely tie down goal segments and use padding to prevent scratching. Goal frames banging against each other causes dents.
Fold up nets – Nets and padding should be cleaned first to remove moisture and debris before packing. Fold nets cleanly for storage.
Use storage bags – Place nets and padding in ventilated bags and keep separate from dirty equipment and surfaces.
Check for damage – Before reassembling goals, inspect all sections, joints, nuts/bolts for damage during transport. Repair or replace as needed.
Reinstall padding – Padding gets reinstalled before nets to allow room to relace nets tightly. Replace worn padding.
Anchor securely – Use auger-style ground anchors driven deep into dirt or cement weights. Check for stability before use.
Control wind – Use ballast bags or weights on the rear base bar as needed in windy conditions to prevent tipping.
Watch footing – Move carefully around assembled goals due to protruding anchor bolts. Cover or mark ground holes.
By taking the proper precautions when disassembling, transporting, and reassembling your Brine lacrosse goals, you can help prevent equipment damage while also keeping players safe around the goals during practices and games.
Getting the Most from Your Brine Professional Lacrosse Goal
Brine’s pro-level lacrosse goals are designed for elite play, but you’ll only maximize their performance by properly caring for them. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your investment in Brine professional goals:
Limit use – Professional goals should primarily be used for games/competitions to preserve quality. Use other practice goals for daily drills.
Handle with care – Take extra precaution transporting and storing pro goals to prevent cosmetic damage that could undermine quality.
Protect surfaces – Keep frames covered when not in use and frequently wipe down frame tubes to limit rust and corrosion.
Check hardware – Frequently inspect clips, bolts, and fasteners for loosening that compromises structural integrity.
Detail frames – Touch up scratches, chips or flaking paint to maintain the pro aesthetic. A clean look preserves pride.
Replace pads – Upgrade game pads to thickest models to limit frame vibration noise. Replace immediately if compromised.
Tune net lacings – Keep net lacing knot-free and uniformly tensioned for consistent ball rebound in games.
Anchor optimally – Use maximum recommended anchor weight for your exact ground surface for rock-solid anchoring.
Assess surface – Ensure concrete or turf conditions don’t undermine stability. Address field imperfections.
Replace net promptly – Upgrade game nets every season or sooner for perfect hole-free ball retention.
Garage store – Keep folded/disassembled goals in a garage or shed, not exposed to external elements.
While a hefty investment, pro-caliber Brine lacrosse goals will provide years of elite play if properly maintained and cared for. Follow these tips to maximize your return on investment.
Lacrosse Goal Shooting Targets from Brine
Honing shooting accuracy is a crucial skill in lacrosse requiring countless repetition on the practice field. Brine offers a variety of shooting targets and training aids to help players develop precision shooting technique:
Target net overlays – Mesh netting overlays affix to goals with targets printed on them. Aim small for different difficulty levels.
Corner targets – Mesh pockets attach to the four corners to train shooting to the tough-angle corners.
Pass through targets – Mesh squares attach inside the goal for pass-through shooting practice.
Rebounders – Netting or bungee cord rebounders return your shot to your stick without chasing balls.
Feeder nets – Large catching nets allow coaches to safely feed balls to dodging players for finishing drills.
Goal light – LED strips light up when a shot hits the net for visual feedback. Great for repetitive drilling.
Awareness screens – Mesh screens block vision partially to sharpen shooting instincts and reactions.
Shooting stools – Adjustable stool height and angles develop shooting form from different planes.
Agility cones – Place cones strategically around the goal to weave through before shooting on the move.
Pass feeders – Automatic ball feeders deliver consistent passing to work on catching and quick release shooting.
With Brine’s comprehensive shooting targets and accessories, players can zero in on any shooting skill and get the volume of deliberate repetitions needed to develop consistent, accurate shot-making ability.
Fun Lacrosse Drills Using Brine Nets
In addition to fundamental skill drilling, Brine lacrosse nets can be used creatively to develop players’ overall field vision, awareness, footwork, and conditioning in fun, competitive ways. Here are some engaging lacrosse drills utilizing Brine nets:
Net ball – Place a ball on top of the net and compete to see who can knock it off from varying distances and angles.
Obstacle course – Run an agility ladder, zig-zag cones, and sprint to shoot on goal in a timed obstacle course.
Shootout – Small-sided rapid fire shootouts with no goalies to work on shooting on the run.
Goalie wars – Shooters get one chance to score on opposing team’s goalie in elimination style competition.
Free-for-all – Scatter balls around two opposing nets and battle to see which team scores the most goals in 5 minutes.
Team keep-away – Work on team passing, catching, and moving to maintain possession inside the opposing team’s restraining area.
Net lacrosse – Use outdoor lacrosse nets as miniature vertical goals in competitive 3-on-3 games.
360 shots – Start back to goal, catch a pass, pivot and shoot in one fluid motion.
Deflection challenge – Players deflect skipping passes from coaches into the goal using their sticks.
Dodging gauntlet – Weave through a line of defenders before sprinting to dodge a final defender and shoot on goal.
By bringing out their inner child through competitive fun, players develop lacrosse skills, fitness, and teamwork in exciting new ways with Brine practice nets.
Buying Used vs New Brine Lacrosse Equipment
With the cost of lacrosse gear, buying used equipment can seem appealing. But there are pros and cons to purchasing used vs new Brine lacrosse equipment to weigh.
Used Pros:
- Significant cost savings over new gear
- Opportunity to try gear before investing in new
- Access to discontinued or rare equipment
- Environmentally friendly to reuse vs waste
Used Cons:
- No warranty protection on used gear
- No ability to customize specifications
- Potentially compromised safety and integrity
- Possibility of cosmetic damage or defects
New Pros:
- Full manufacturer warranty and protection
- Latest gear innovations and technologies
- Custom fitting for size, comfort, and performance
- Ideal condition out of the box
New Cons:
- Higher cost investment upfront
- Unknown if gear will meet preferences until used
- Constant newer models soon outdated
For parents equipping growing young players each season, used Brine gear often makes sense. But high school, college, and pro players investing more seriously in performance may want the advantages new provides.
Storing Your Brine Lacrosse Gear in the Off-Season
Properly storing Brine lacrosse gear during the off-season is crucial to ensuring equipment lasts safely from year to year. Follow these tips for optimal off-season storage:
– Clean all equipment thoroughly first – remove dirt, grime, moisture before storage to prevent mildew or corrosion.
– Disassemble goals carefully – take apart, inventory hardware, and inspect for any damage or wear.
– Air dry pads/netting – Never store damp gear; hang to fully air dry nets, pads, gloves, helmets first if washing.
– Store gear dry – Keep all equipment in a clean, dry, cool place. Avoid non-climate controlled spaces with humidity.
– Use breathable bags – Netting and pads need open-mesh bags that allow air circulation to prevent mildew.
– Hang up goals/sticks – Store goal frames vertically and sticks horizontally if possible, not laying flat compressed.
– Wrap sticks loosely – Gloves wrapped too tight around sticks can lead to warped heads; wrap sticks gently.
– No direct sunlight – Keep gear out of direct sunlight which can degrade lacing, mesh, and materials.
– Check for pests – Inspect stored gear periodically for any evidence of mice or insects that could damage equipment.
– Lubricate metal – Coat goal metal tubes with a rust preventing lubricant before storage.
– Inventory gear – Know exactly what you are storing and its condition so no surprises or shortages emerge next season.
With proper prep and storage, your Brine lacrosse gear will be protected during the off-season and ready for peak performance when play resumes.
Protecting Your Brine Net from UV Damage
Lacrosse nets exposed to the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays day after day deteriorate over time. Here are some tips to minimize UV damage to your Brine lacrosse nets:
– Use UV resistant material – Opt for specialized UV-treated netting made to withstand sun exposure better.
– Hang a sun shade – Drape a tarp or mesh shade cloth over the top of the goal when not in use.
– Rotate goal direction – Change which side faces sun to distribute exposure across the net evenly.
– Take nets down – Removing nets when not practicing significantly reduces UV exposure.
– Store covered – Keep spare nets stored away from sunlight in bags or boxes.
– Apply UV coating – Consider a UV-blocking lacquer or spray made for plastics to the netting.
– Check for fading – Inspect regularly for telltale fading or discoloration signaling net damage.
– Replace when compromised – Don’t wait until it fails; replace nets once UV degradation is observed.
– Shield back side – Hang an old sheet behind the goal to provide UV backup protection.
– Avoid peak hours – Schedule practices early/late when sun is lower to limit most intense exposure.
– Washing resets UV resistance – Regular net washing can help “reset” built-in UV blocking chemicals.
Taking deliberate steps to minimize UV exposure will extend the playable life of your Brine lacrosse nets and reduce replacement costs over time.
Finding Replacement Parts for Brine Goals
Eventually parts like netting, padding, or hardware need replacing on well-used Brine lacrosse goals. Here are some tips for finding replacement parts to extend the life of your Brine goals:
– Check Brine first – Brine sells nets, pads, replacement hardware kits for their goals at brinelacrosse.com or authorized dealers.
– Generic replacements – Universal replacement pads, netting, straps can work but may not fit Brine frames perfectly.
– Buy used parts – Check sidelineswap.com and eBay for used Brine parts salvaged from retired goals.
– Call Brine – Their customer service can help track down discontinued or rare replacement parts still in stock.
– All lacrosse sites – Lacrosse equipment retailers like lax.com or lacrossemonkey.com sell some replacement parts.
– DIY options – For metal hardware, visit a home improvement store to match bolts, hinges, fasteners.
– Ask teams – Schools or clubs retiring old gear may be willing to sell or donate components.
– Bulk buyers – Wholesalers like eLacrosse or Lax World can access larger part inventories.
– Buy new goals – At a certain age it may be more cost effective to buy new Brine goals than continually replacing parts.
– 3D print – For small plastic clips or couplings, 3D printing services can custom fabricate replacements.
With some diligent searching and creativity, you can likely resurrect aging Brine goals with replacement parts rather than new purchases.
Improving Your Game with Backyard Brine Gear
Installing Brine lacrosse gear in your backyard lets you get extra reps in anytime to take your game to the next level. Here are some tips for maximizing your training with backyard Brine equipment:
– Start small – A 6x6ft foldable goal and rebounder is an affordable way to practice shooting and passing.
– Add obstacles – Sprinkle cones around to work on shooting after dodging defenders.
– Build a shed – Store gear safely when not using it and protect from elements.
– Create shooting games – Compete in timed shooting challenges with friends and family.
– Train different angles – Don’t just shoot straight on; practice tough angle corner shots.
– Work both hands – Take double the reps, half with right and half with left hand.
– Focus on weaknesses – Isolate and repeatedly drill skills that need most improvement.
– Recruit helpers – Have friends, parents, or siblings feed you passes to work on shot mechanics.
– Vary distances – Move farther away or closer to goal to diversify shot technique.
– Take video – Record practice to study and self-critique shooting form later.
– Practice dodging – Add a dummy, brother, or lawn mower to dodge before shooting on goal.
With creativity and determination, your backyard Brine gear can become a personalized training field to make you a better player.
Reviews of Top Brine Lacrosse Nets
The lacrosse net is the most abused part of the goal, so choosing a high-quality net is essential. Here are reviews of some top Brine lacrosse net options:
– Brine EZ Goal Net – This affordable net fits most goals and is ideal for youth and basic practice. The 1.5mm knotless polyethylene netting holds up well but lacks durability for elite play.
– Brine Championship Net – A step up with softer 2mm twisted knotted polyethylene for better ball control. The thicker knotted material withstands high school and college club play.
– Brine NCAA Regulation Net – Made to exact NCAA specifications with premium white 3.5mm polyethylene knotted netting. The ultimate in durability and performance for college and pro levels.
– Brine Knotless Competition Net – For a soft feel with elite durability, Brine’s knotless competition mesh uses 4mm twisted filament polyethylene. High abrasion resistance maximizes longevity.
– Brine Training Net – This economy polyester option best suits youth players first learning shooting mechanics. Won’t handle high velocity shots but allows visibility and affordability.
– Brine All Weather Net – For year-round outdoor use, this specialty UV-treated polyethylene net blocks sun damage. Twice the thickness provides a rugged net.
– Brine Kevlar Goal Net – Used in box lacrosse, this ultra strong net provides amazing durability. It’s overkill outdoors but a smart investment for indoor lacrosse arenas.
Whether you need a basic backyard practice net or want pro-level quality, Brine offers lacrosse nets for every level of play.
How to Anchor Your Brine Lacrosse Goal Properly
Proper anchoring is crucial to keeping Brine lacrosse goals secured upright and preventing tip-over injuries. Here are some tips for solid lacrosse goal anchoring:
– Assess ground – Softer soil requires longer auger anchors; concrete may need weighted anchors.
– Auger style – Screw-in earth augers provide most secure in-ground anchoring for soil fields.
– Minimum 18 in – Auger shaft length should be 18+ inches to reach below frost line and prevent loosening.
– Angle backward – Anchor bolts should angle back towards goal frame, not straight down or forward.
– Additional weights – For extra stability, add cinder block weights hanging from the rear crossbar.
– Use all anchors – Anchor each frame section individually rather than trying to share anchors.
– Test stability – Have 3-4 players hang from goal frame simultaneously to test anchoring before use.
– Face into wind – Orient open goal side facing prevailing winds which can generate tipping force.
– Check often – Anchors can loosen over time so regularly confirm goal stability before practices or games.
– Cover holes – Use old tennis balls or foam covers on protruding anchor bolt ends to prevent leg cuts.
– Concrete opciones – Lag bolts embedded into concrete footings or heavy weighted anchors work on hard surfaces.
Taking the time to properly anchor Brine goals using best practices tailored to your field surface will maximize stability and prevent accidents.
Staying Safe with Proper Padding for Brine Goals
Adding protective padding to Brine lacrosse goals is crucial for preventing player injuries from collisions with the metal frames. Here are some tips for safely padding your goals:
– Soft foam only – Avoid hard plastics; use soft, flexible open-cell foam padding only.
– Full wraparound – Pad entire goal frame, not just select sections, so all sides have padding.
– Secure tightly – Use durable zip ties, not tape, to attach padding tightly to metal frame.
– Proper thickness – Opt for maximum 2-inch thickness padding for ideal blend of protection and playability.
– Replace worn – Inspect old pads for tears or thinning foam and replace damaged pads immediately.
– Custom cutouts – Use sharp knife to trim padding for clean light or camera mount cutouts.
– Cover hardware – Pad anchor mounts and protruding bolt ends to prevent cuts and abrasions.
– Contrasting color – Choose bright padding colors for visibility since grey foam blends into galvanized goal posts.
– Shop lacrosse sites – Lacrosse retailers have thicker optimal pads vs. hardware store options.
– Youth focus – Prioritize padding youth goals since beginners lack checked awareness around goals.
– Velcro strapping – Some pads offer Velcro ties rather than glue backing for adjustable attachment.
Taking the time to properly install protective Brine goal padding reduces injuries and lets players compete physically without worry around the crease.