When suiting up for box lacrosse, one of the most critical pieces of gear is your stick. The right stick can make all the difference in your handling, passing, catching and shooting. Here’s a breakdown of how to choose the perfect stick based on your position:
How to Choose the Right Stick Based on Position
For attackers, you’ll want a stick with a narrower head to maintain control during quick stickwork and shots on goal. Avoid an oversized head which can slow you down in traffic. A 30-inch shaft is suitable for most attackers. Defenders need a wider head to snag ground balls and intercept passes. An extra-long shaft like 60 inches gives you maximum reach when poke checking.
Midfielders do it all – advance the ball in transition, play defense, and take shots. Look for a head with an oval/hybrid shape approximately 6 inches wide to balance handling and passing. Attack and defense-focused heads can work too. Goalies have specialized sticks with extra wide heads up to 15 inches across to block shots. The shaft is cut down to around 40 inches for close-range reacting.
For all field positions, a good starter stick has a 7075 alloy shaft for durability and lightness. Beginners may prefer a molded head while intermediate/advanced players upgrade to a strung head. Tech mesh pockets provide premium ball control. Know your budget – sticks range from $20 to $300+ for pro models. Don’t overlook attachments like shaft grips and end caps to enhance feel.
Essential Protective Gear – Helmet, Gloves & Arm Pads
Safety is priority #1, so invest in quality protective gear. Start with a helmet with a facemask certified by NOCSAE or CE. Make sure it fits snugly with the chinstrap fastened. Next are gloves which shield your hands from checks and slashes. Look for abrasion-resistant palms and molded plastic cuffs. Arm pads with hard plastic caps secure from the wrist to above the elbow for blocking shots.
Additional padding like shoulder pads and rib guards provide extra insurance against bruising hits, especially for young players. Ask about sizing kits to find the right fit. Don’t forget a mouthguard – get one custom molded for the best protection and speech clarity. Protective cups are a must for male players.
Finding the Best Shoulder Pads for Hard Hits
Shoulder pads take the brunt of cross-checks and body checks, making the right pair critical. Focus first on protection – see that the main shoulder caps are made of high-density foam or plastic. Make sure the chest pad extends far enough down to protect the sternum. Lightweight pads with ventilated straps enhance mobility.
For sizing, measure across the broadest part of your shoulders and chest. Pads shouldn’t pinch but allow free arm movement. Floating shoulder caps that move independently offer better coverage. Properly fitted shoulder pads worn under the jersey reduce the impact of collisions. Brands like Warrior, Maverik, and STX offer pads engineered for box lacrosse punishment.
Selecting Lacrosse Shorts with Pockets & Padding
Along with your jersey, lacrosse shorts complete the uniform while adding performance features. Look for shorts with built-in padded compression lining or interior pockets for sliding in protective cups, thigh pads and tailbone pads. This streamlines gear instead of wearing bulky girdles. Stretchy fabrics allow running and pivoting.
Side cargo pockets are handy for stashing an extra ball. For goalies, consider shorts with extra thigh padding to withstand close-range shots. Compression shorts with cup pockets worn under your uniform shorts simplify gearing up. Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial materials keep you cool and odor-free even on hot summer nights inside the box field house.
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When getting ready to play box lacrosse, having the proper protective equipment is an absolute must to keep you safe on the field. A helmet, gloves and arm pads form the core protective foundation for box lacrosse players.
Essential Protective Gear – Helmet, Gloves & Arm Pads
Let’s start from the top with probably the most vital piece of protective gear – the helmet. Only use a helmet specifically designed for box lacrosse or hockey and certified for impact protection by organizations like NOCSAE or CE. Make sure to properly fit your helmet so it doesn’t shift around. Securely fastened chin straps will keep it firmly in place. Full cage facemasks protect your mug from errant sticks and balls.
Gloves safeguard your hands and wrists from slashes, poke checks and stingers. Look for abrasion-resistant palms and durable molded plastic cuffs so you can fearlessly catch, pass and scoop. Getting hit in the forearms and elbows is common, so arm pads extending from wrist to above the elbow help fend off bruising blows.
Additional padding like shoulder pads and rib protectors isn’t required in box lacrosse but can give youth and smaller players extra insurance. Mouthguards protect teeth and gums from direct shots – get a custom fitted one for best protection and speech clarity. And don’t forget the essential protective cup!
The right safety gear allows you to play aggressively with confidence. Seek out equipment made with lightweight and breathable materials so excess bulk doesn’t hinder your mobility. Brands like Warrior, Maverik, STX and Shock Doctor offer gear purpose-built for box lacrosse’s fast-paced physical style of play.
Now that you’re covered in essential protection, it’s time to focus on choosing the perfect lacrosse stick, shorts with pockets for extra pads, and shoes with grip for quick cuts in tight quarters. Your gear bag also deserves consideration – go for a spacious duffle or backpack to tote all your equipment….
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When playing box lacrosse, taking and giving out hard hits is just part of the game. Having proper shoulder pad protection is crucial to absorbing those bruising collisions while allowing full range of motion.
Finding the Best Shoulder Pads for Hard Hits
The main job of lacrosse shoulder pads is shielding your shoulders, collar bones and sternum from the impact of cross-checks, body checks and general physical contact. Seek out pads with high-density foam or plastic shoulder caps. The chest padding should extend far enough down to protect the sternum from shots and checks.
Ensuring a good fit is key – measure across your shoulders and chest and follow size charts to find your proper size. The shoulder caps should sit just above your shoulders without pinching, and allow full arm rotation. Some pads have floating caps that move independently for better coverage from all angles.
The best lacrosse shoulder pads will be protective yet lightweight. Breathable backing and ventilated straps prevent overheating. For field players, low profile pads worn under the jersey optimize mobility. Goalies need extra beefed-up padding to fend off close-range shots.
Brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior design shoulder pads engineered for box lacrosse’s hard-hitting style. The Warrior Rabil Next Shoulder Pads offer flexible and slim padding with an X floating caps system for premium protection. Get the right pads and you can bring the boom!
Now that you’re protected from shoulder to shoulder, don’t neglect other critical gear like a sturdy helmet, gloves for hand protection, and arm pads for covering those limbs. Box lacrosse shorts with built-in pockets and padding streamline putting on additional protection like thigh pads, knee pads, and tailbone pads….
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An often overlooked but important piece of box lacrosse gear is your shorts. The right pair of lacrosse shorts adds extra padding while giving you storage options for gear.
Selecting Lacrosse Shorts with Pockets & Padding
Lacrosse shorts these days come with bonus features to enhance performance and protection. Look for shorts with built-in compression padding or interior pockets to hold protective gear like thigh pads, knee pads, and tailbone pads. This lets you pad up without wearing bulky girdle systems underneath.
Interior stash pockets are great for carrying an extra ball. Sideline cargo pockets provide extra storage space as well. Stretchy, lightweight fabrics allow for unrestricted movement while moisture-wicking materials keep you cool and dry.
For goalies, padded lacrosse shorts provide extra protection for the thighs and hips versus shots at close range. Compression shorts with cup pockets worn under your team shorts also work to securely hold protection in place.
Proper fitting lacrosse shorts shouldn’t restrict your leg motion for running, cutting or shooting. A little extra padding goes a long way toward blunting impacts from checks, slashes, dives and falls in the box lacrosse arena.
Now that your lower half is covered, be sure to choose shoulder pads engineered for maximum protection and range of motion. Arm yourself with durable gloves for handling checks. Pick the perfect lacrosse stick for your position. And get a spacious bag to haul all your gear in one trip!
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Having the proper footwear for box lacrosse is key to staying on your feet and avoiding injuries. Let’s explore why cleats are so important for traction and ankle support in the sport of box lacrosse.
The Importance of Cleats for Traction & Ankle Support
The fast-paced, confined nature of box lacrosse makes high-quality cleats a must-have. Those smooth synthetic floors can get extremely slippery, especially when making quick cuts or abrupt stops. Rubber or plastic cleats grip the surface for sure-footed running, dodging, and rapid changes in direction.
Cleats also lend critical stability for the ankles and feet. The lateral support cleat designs provide fend off rolls and twists. This protection is vital when jostling for loose balls or absorbing checks. Higher mid and high-top cleats offer even more ankle stability.
Seeking out cleats designed specifically for box lacrosse is recommended over outdoor models. They’ll be optimized for maximum traction on indoor surfaces without picking up excessive floor debris. Brands like New Balance, Nike, Under Armour, and Warrior make box lacrosse cleats.
Getting the right fit is important – too loose and your feet will slide around, leading to blisters. Cleats that are too snug can pinch and restrict blood flow. Consider inserts if you need extra arch support. Broken-in cleats you’ve practiced in are ideal for game days.
With sure-gripping cleats laced up, you’ll have the stability and traction needed to cut, pivot and push off aggressively in the tight box lacrosse arena. Now lace up your stick skills and get ready for intense fast-paced action!
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Goalies have the toughest job on the floor in box lacrosse. Let’s breakdown the specialized protective gear goalies need to stay safe and perform at their best.
Goalie Gear Explained – Chest Protector, Throat Guard & More
First and foremost, a goalie needs a chest protector to absorb shots to the torso. Chest pads cushion hard impacts and diffuse energy away from the sternum and ribs. They wrap around the rib cage while leaving the arms free for reacting.
Goalie pants feature thick foam pads to protect the thighs, hips and tailbone from close-range shots. Most also have a built-in protective cup. Shin guards shield the knees and forelegs from stingers.
A throat guard is a must-have for goalies to fend off shots aimed at the neck and collar area. Full-hand mitts provide more surface coverage than regular gloves. Many goalies add an extra blocker glove for their non-dominant hand too.
For the all-important face protection, a hockey style helmet with full cage mask is standard. Some goalies opt for “Cheater Cages” cut a bit larger for expanded vision. Pelvic protectors and elbow pads add another layer of cushioning for goalies as well.
Brands like Warrior, STX, Maverik, Bauer and CCM offer specialized gear to suit the needs of lacrosse goaltenders. With the right equipment, goalies can fearlessly put their bodies on the line!
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The ball is the centerpiece of any lacrosse game. For box lacrosse, specialized balls with different rubber densities give unique performance. Let’s look at the differences between soft and hard box lacrosse balls.
Box Lacrosse Balls – Differences Between Soft & Hard Rubber
Soft box lacrosse balls have a flexible rubber exterior that compresses on impact. This increased “give” absorbs some of the energy, resulting in less bounce and slower shots. Youth players find soft rubber balls easier to catch and control.
Hard box lacrosse balls use rigid rubber covers. This limits compression, creating lively rebound off sticks, boards and goalies. Hard balls lead to faster passes and more blistering shots. Experienced box players prefer the quick play with rigid balls.
While rigid balls are standard for top-level box lacrosse leagues, recreational and youth divisions often use soft balls to tone down the velocity for safety. Women’s box lacrosse also favors soft balls for better stick handling.
Some key specs – box lacrosse balls range from 20-23 oz in weight and 7.5-8 inches in circumference. Rubber covers come in white or colors like orange and pink for visibility. Branded box balls from companies like STX, Maverik and Warrior give optimal rebound and durability.
The right box lacrosse ball improves handling, shooting, and safety. Try out both types to decide which performs best for your skill level and league rules.
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No box lacrosse game can happen without goals at either end of the field. Let’s go over the key features to look for when choosing box lacrosse goals for your home, team, or league.
Box Lacrosse Goals – Key Features to Look For
Box lacrosse goals share similarities with ice hockey nets but on a smaller 4’x4′ footprint. The frames consist of 1.5-2″ steel or aluminum piping bent into a squared off shape. This rigid construction allows the goal to withstand hard shots.
The back and side netting uses heavyweight nylon or cord lacing to prevent balls from penetrating through.behind the pipe frame. Bottom rear supports add stability so the goal doesn’t tip back on powerful impacts.
Portable box lacrosse goals will breakdown into sections for easy transport and storage. Look for models with stable, non-marking base feet to grip indoor surfaces. Premium goals offer features like wrap-around netting and target shooting corners.
Whether playing competitively or just for fun, proper full-sized 4×4 goals optimized for box lacrosse allow you to practice shooting and scoring just like the pros. Brands like STX, Gladiator and Mazon make goals durable enough to withstand even heavy-duty box lacrosse action.
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One vital piece of protection every male box lacrosse player needs is a protective cup. Let’s go over key factors like sizing and material options when choosing a cup.
Protective Cups – Sizing Tips and Material Options
A properly fitted cup is crucial to keeping sensitive areas protected from checks, errant sticks, and shots. Measure around the widest part of your hips and consult size charts to find your right fit. If too small, the edges can dig in and restrict motion. Go too big and it may shift around ineffective.
Many cups integrate into compression shorts or jocks for security. Some cups feature extra side padding or removable inserts for customized protection. Ventilation and wicking fabrics help reduce moisture buildup.
Cup materials include flexible plastics like HDPE or copolyester for lightness and mobility. Rigid polycarbonate and carbon fiber offer more robust protection at the expense of some comfort. Many cups have soft fabric edges for comfort.
Major brands for lacrosse protective cups are Shock Doctor, Nutty Buddy, STX, Maverik, Nike and McDavid. Take time to find the right sized cup so you can play confidently and safely. A properly worn cup should go unnoticed while on the field.
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Transporting all your box lacrosse gear to and from the field requires a solid equipment bag. Backpacks, duffle bags and wheeled bags each offer advantages for managing your haul.
Box Lacrosse Bags – Backpacks, Duffle Bags & Wheeled Gear Bags
Backpack-style gear bags feature two padded, adjustable shoulder straps for easily carrying equipment on your back. Trekking-style straps and sternum belts ensure a comfortable, stable load. Look for bags with ventilated backing and pockets to organize gear.
For maximum storage space, duffle-style equipment bags can’t be beat. Durable polyester or canvas construction creates a bottomless pit for helmets, pads and other essentials. Shoulder straps help manage heavier loads.
Rolling bags mounted on smooth-rolling wheels excel at transporting heaps of bulky equipment across long distances and up stairs. Telescoping handles ensure a comfortable pull. Some even have shoe pockets and removable backpack straps.
Key factors are durability, storage organization and proper sizing. Measure the cubic volume of your gear pile and add at least 20%. Major lacrosse brands like Warrior, Maverik, STX, and Gait all offer roomy bags purpose-built for the gear-intensive sport of box lacrosse.
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