As a lifelong lacrosse player and coach, I’ve tried just about every training tool out there. Through trial and error, I’ve found the gear that provides the biggest boost to your skills and game performance. If you’re looking to improve your lacrosse abilities, these are the must-have pieces of equipment that will take you to the next level.
Lacrosse Cones for Drills That Improve Stick Skills
Lacrosse cones are essential for setting up drills that hone your cradling, scooping, passing, catching, and shooting mechanics. You can use cones to weave in and out while practicing cradling, set up passing lanes to hit on the run, or line up multiple cones for shooting target practice. Sturdy rubber lacrosse cones hold their position on turf or grass so you can focus on your stick work.
Some of my go-to cone drills for enhancing stick skills include the zig-zag cradle, box passing, triangle passing, and the shooting gauntlet. The simplicity of working with cones lets me repeat these drills and ingrain proper form. Setting up cones to simulate game situations like dodging defenders or winding through midfield trains my hands and brain to react instinctively during live play.
Having a full set of durable, weighted cones allows you to set up elaborate passing networks, intricate dodging patterns, or rapid-fire shooting games anywhere. I like to bring cones with me to the park or backyard to get extra reps in. With some creativity and strategic cone placement, you can practice just about any lacrosse move to build stick confidence.
Weave Through Cones for Cradling Mastery
One of my favorite drills is the zig-zag cone cradle. Set up a line of 5-10 cones about 1-2 yards apart in a zig-zag pattern. Start with the ball in your stick’s pocket and weave in and out through the cones, cradling the ball smoothly the entire time. Concentrate on protecting the ball with your stick while maintaining speed and control around the cones.
This drill forces you to cradle the ball with proper hand positioning as you sharply change directions. The cones teach you to cradle confidently in traffic while keeping the ball secure. Vary your cradle direction each time you run the drill – go right to left, then left to right. Cradling cleanly through the zig-zag will translate directly to dodging defenders on the field.
Box Passing Sharpens Accuracy
Set up 4 cones in a 10 yard square box shape. Begin at one cone with a partner and make crisp passes back and forth to each other around the box perimeter. Concentrate on quick passes, hitting each cone target accurately while moving around the box.
This box passing drill develops your passing accuracy, power, and footwork. Having to hit precise cone targets from different angles and distances improves your passing mechanics. Quick repositioning around the box strengthens your athletic stance and footwork agility. Vary the drill by passing one-touch or allowing a catch between passes. Box passing with cones will sharpen your passing for breaking the clear or hitting cutters in motion.
With some simple lacrosse cones and creativity, you can take your stick skills to the highest level through deliberate, focused practice. Setting up cone patterns tailored to various lacrosse moves will ingrain muscle memory faster than random practice. Work these cone drills into your training routine and you’ll notice crisper cradling, increased passing precision, and greater overall ball control.
Rebound Nets for Solo Shooting Practice Anywhere
Finding time for consistent shooting practice can be tough, especially without a partner or net handy. Lacrosse rebound nets are a game-changing solution that let you get quality shooting reps in whenever and wherever.
Rebound nets have a bungee cord system that cradles the goal. When you shoot into the goal, the ball rebounds back out to you. This allows you to continuously shoot without having to chase balls or rely on a goalie. With a rebound net you can practice your shot from any location – your backyard, a parking lot, an empty field, etc. I like to keep one in my car for quick shooting sessions at the park.
The rebounding action strengthens your shooting form by forcing you to shoot then immediately recover for the next shot. This builds muscle memory for quick-release shooting in game situations. The constant repetitions also improve your shot accuracy. Dialing in your shot on a rebounder translates directly to increased scoring during competition.
Look for rebound nets with replacement bungees and all-weather nylon material that can withstand outdoor use. I recommend hanging a rebounder about 6 feet high for overhand rifle shots on goal. Angle the bottom outward slightly for better rebounding. You can always lower the net for side-arm or underhand shots too.
Practice Quick Stick Shooting
One of my favorite drills with a rebound net is practicing quick stick shots. Stand 3-4 yards out with ball. Toss ball in air, catch, then immediately shoot in one swift, continuous motion. The rebounder feeds the ball right back to continue the rapid quick stick sequence.
This drill forces you to catch and shoot in tight quarters at game speed. Quick sticks are a vital scoring skill when receiving fast passes around the crease. Repping quick stick shots on a rebounder ingrains the technique and hand-eye coordination necessary to convert these chances in live action. The portability of rebound nets enables you to rehearse this drill anywhere to become a feared quick stick scorer.
Between the limitless shooting repetitions and convenience of solo practice, lacrosse rebound nets are absolutely invaluable for honing your shot. Choose a durable all-weather model that gives you consistent rebounds. Incorporate shooting drills on the rebounder into your regular training to gain shooting confidence and consistency in any situation.
Agility Ladders to Boost Footwork Speed and Agility
Developing fast, precise footwork is a huge advantage on the lacrosse field. Agility ladders build this explosive foot speed and coordination through focused footwork drills. Ladders assist with training the complex multi-directional movement necessary for dodging, checking, and off-ball cutting.
Agility ladders have a flat surface with rungs spaced every 1-2 feet to step through. The rung pattern allows you to rehearse specific foot sequences that replicate lacrosse moves. Sliding and hopping through the ladder ingrains agile footwork technique and control.
Setting up an agility ladder on grass or turf opens up countless drill options. I like to laterally shuffle down and back through the ladder, emphasizing sliding footwork. Explosive in-and-out patterns or carioca moves across the ladder build change of direction ability. Other go-to drills are the Icky Shuffle to rehearse dodging footwork and Rapid Feet for improving recovery speed.
The great thing about agility ladders is you can continuously invent new foot patterns. Mimicking game moves like split dodges, roll dodges, and crossovers will directly translate to the field. I often think of evasive attackman dodges and recreate those moves through the ladder. Moving efficiently through ladder rungs also forces you to lift your knees and step wide, developing proper running form.
Boost Dodging Dexterity
The Icky Shuffle drill uses the ladder to rehearse attacker dodging footwork. Begin just in front of the ladder with a sideways athletic stance. Shuffle to your right through the first square, planting your right foot just past the rung. Next shuffle left then plant your left foot through the second square.
Repeat this lateral shuffle pattern all the way down and back. Concentrate on pushing off each plant foot for maximum burst out of your cut. Keep knees bent with good body lean and arm drive, like when dodging a defender. This drill teaches you to sharply change direction while maintaining speed and power.
Incorporating agility ladder drills removes the hesitation from complex footwork, making movements more instinctual in game situations. The ladder’s rung system provides measurable progress as your foot quickness and coordination improve daily. Training with a lacrosse-specific focus will translate to immediate gains in acceleration, dodging ability, and recovery on the field.
So in summary, lacrosse training equipment like cones, rebound nets, and agility ladders are game-changers for maximizing your skills. Take advantage of the solo training opportunities and repetitious drills these provide. The more touches you get on your stick and the stronger your athletic base, the quicker your lacrosse abilities will grow. Teaming smart training tools with hard work will elevate your game to the next level this season!
Having a reliable shooting partner to feed you passes isn’t always possible. Between busy school and work schedules, it can be tough to coordinate shooting practice. But lack of a passer shouldn’t limit your shooting reps. Lacrosse rebound nets enable you to get quality shooting practice in anytime, anywhere. These game-changing nets provide endless shot opportunities and ingrain proper shooting mechanics through repetitive motion.
Rebound Nets for Solo Shooting Practice Anywhere
Rebound nets have a bungee cord system that attaches to a lacrosse goal frame. When you shoot into the net, the ball rebounds right back out to your stick. This creates a continuous loop of unassisted shooting repetition. You don’t need a partner, just bring a rebound net to an open space and let the shooting begin.
I like to keep a rebounder in my garage for shooting practice after work. The convenience means I can maintain consistent shooting sessions despite my busy schedule. I also throw one in the trunk before heading to the park. Set up takes just minutes and offers unlimited shot opportunities. The portability and simplicity of rebound nets removes all barriers to daily shooting practice.
Beyond convenience, the rebounding action also improves shooting technique. Having to immediately recover and shoot again forces you to shoot then reset quickly, just like in a game. This builds the muscle memory needed to catch and release your shot in tight quarters. The non-stop shooting repetition also hones accuracy as you instinctually aim for the corners.
Drill Game-Speed Quick Stick Shots
One of my go-to shooting drills with a rebound net is practicing quick stick shots. I’ll stand a few yards out and toss the ball in the air. As it falls I’ll catch it and in one swift motion shoot immediately off the catch. The rebounder feeds the ball right back to replicate catching and shooting game-speed passes in tight.
Quick stick chances often occur around the crease when receiving dump passes or rebounds. Repping quick releases on the rebounder ingrains the footwork, timing, and handling needed to convert these opportunities. The constant reps build confidence I can quick stick the ball home when those split-second chances emerge.
I like to move around the arc, working on quick sticking shots from different angles. This forces you to adjust your stance and release point while maintaining sharp execution. Whether it’s side-arm wicked shots from X or overhand lasers from straight out, a rebound net has your back.
Portable lacrosse rebounders provide high-quality, solo shooting practice anytime, anywhere. The unlimited reps promote proper technique, boost accuracy, and build confidence through sheer repetition. Shooting consistency from all angles and situations will make you a feared scorer on game day!
Developing lightning quick footwork and change of direction skills is vital for excelling in lacrosse. Agility ladders provide a framework for rehearsing the complex multi-directional footwork needed on the field. Running through ladder drills ingrains proper technique to boost acceleration, dodging ability, and reactive foot quickness.
Agility Ladders to Boost Footwork Speed and Agility
Agility ladders have rungs spaced every 1-2 feet to step through. The rungs teach precise foot placement while the flat surface challenges your balance and coordination. This combination allows you to rehearse specific lacrosse footwork patterns to sharpen change of direction skills.
Setting up a ladder on grass or turf opens up endless drill options. I like to incorporate carioca moves, sliding runs, and shuffle steps between rungs. The measurable nature of moving through rungs provides indicable progress as agility improves. I also create patterns mimicking game moves like split dodges, roll dodges, and jab steps to directly translate gains.
Ladder drills force quick lateral cuts, crossover steps, and backward runs to develop multi-directional speed. The repetitive patterns build muscle memory so complicated footwork becomes second nature. Training your fast-twitch muscles and tendons through ladder work promotes explosive starts and stops.
Explosive In-and-Out Drill
One of my favorite agility ladder drills for lacrosse is the in-and-out. Set up with athletic stance just before the ladder. Sprint and plant your right foot into the first square, loading your weight over that leg. Now explode back out the same hole to sprint past the ladder.
Quickly cut to sprint back into the second square, again firmly planting your foot through the rung. Blast out and repeat the in-and-out pattern down the length of the ladder. Concentrate on pushing off your plant foot for maximum burst.
This drill teaches you to drop your hips and drive off each plant foot to reach top speed. The lateral moves enhance multi-directional explosiveness to elude defenders. Stay low with good arm drive for optimal body lean. In-and-out ladder drills translate directly to juking dodges during live play.
Agility ladders provide measurable markers to monitor quickness gains through deliberate practice. Tailoring patterns to mimic game footwork ingrains muscle memory faster. Work ladder drills into your routine to enhance first-step acceleration, lateral agility, and reactive cutting speed critical for lacrosse success.
Strength and power are huge assets on the lacrosse field. Resistance bands provide an easy yet effective way to build the muscular endurance and explosiveness needed for domination. Bands are extremely portable so you can strengthen lacrosse-specific muscles from anywhere.
Resistance Bands to Build Powerful Lacrosse Muscles
Resistance bands use elastic tension to provide challenging strength training. Bands come in varying resistance levels to accommodate different strength stages. This makes them perfect for safely improving power at any age or skill level. Resistance bands target all the muscle groups used in lacrosse.
I like to focus on upper body and core exercises that mimic shooting, passing, and cradling motions. For legs, bands add drag to running or lateral shuffle steps to build stronger pushing muscles. The light weight and portability means I can get a workout in anywhere – at home, in a hotel room, even at the park.
Beyond strength gains, bands also increase muscular endurance. Constant timed tension taxes muscles in a way weights can’t replicate. Having to actively stabilize muscles against resistance improves functional stability for injury prevention during play.
Boost Passing Power
Attach a band to a fence or post at chest level. Hold the other end of the band in both hands with athletic stance facing the anchor point. Drive your hands forward powerfully against the band’s resistance, mimicking a lacrosse pass.
The continuous timed tension throughout the passing motion improves shoulder and core stability. Your muscles must contract harder to overcome the resistance. This builds strength specific to generating powerful passes from multiple angles.
Make sure to work both right and left-handed passes. Vary the angle you pass from to challenge muscles in different ways. Take small recovery steps during sets to simulate passing on the move. Firing passes against resistance ingrains the muscle patterns and endurance needed for consistent full-field outlets.
Resistance bands allow you to strength train lacrosse movements from anywhere. Focus exercises on motions used during play to maximize carryover. Bands build the functional power and stability to go all out every minute. Incorporating bands into your training will give you a distinct edge come game time!
Consistent repetition is key for developing smooth lacrosse skills. Having lacrosse balls on hand enables you to get extra reps in anytime. The portability means you can practice essential techniques like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping in your backyard, basement, or local park.
Lacrosse Balls for Passing, Catching, Cradling Practice
Simply owning a few extra lacrosse balls opens up countless training opportunities. I like to keep balls in my car and backpack so I’m always prepared to work on my fundamentals. Even 10-15 minutes of wall ball passing or cradle reps ingrains muscle memory to boost stick skills.
Focusing practice on proper mechanics instead of just quantity of reps maximizes growth. For passing, concentrate on hand positioning in the cradle, rotating your hips and shoulders, and following through towards your target. Smooth catches focus on seeing the ball into your stick pocket with soft hands to absorb impact.
Clean cradling entails keeping the ball centered in the pocket, protecting it with your body, and maintaining constant soft contact between stick and ball. Deliberate training of each skill element develops confidence and control.
Cradle Progression Drill
A great solo drill for improving cradling technique is the cradle progression. Start by cradling the ball nice and wide with high hands. Focus on even pressure between stick and ball while protecting with your body. Now slowly narrow your cradle, condensing it inch-by-inch while maintaining smooth control.
Continue bringing the ball closer to your core until you’re cradling tight in traffic position. The ball should stay centered in your pocket throughout the drill. Work on cradling right and left handed. This drill teaches you to adapt your cradle to game situations while building overall ball security.
Just having a ball on you at all times lets you squeeze in valuable reps whenever possible. While watching TV, do stationary cradling, quick sticks against a rebounder, or stick tricks to stay sharp. Repetition ingrains muscle memory, so take every opportunity to handle your lacrosse ball.
Owning multiple lacrosse balls enables repetitious skill training anywhere. Focus on mastering proper passing, catching, and cradling technique. Consistent quality reps develop the confidence and control needed to make plays during live action.
Pushing your limits in practice requires protective gear, even during drills. A helmet and pads enable you to rehearse game-speed techniques safely and confidently. The added protection means you can focus on precise execution without hesitation or fear of contact.
Helmet and Pads for Protection During Intense Drills
A helmet is crucial for practicing dodges, cuts, and off-ball movements at full tilt. Quick changes of direction with aggressive leans can lead to falls without a helmet. The head protection allows you to sharpen evasive footwork and work on balance through contact when cradling in traffic.
Pads allow you to experience incidental contact from all field positions worry-free. Take reps at the faceoff X or cut hard through the crease without lingering thoughts of checks or slashes. Goalies can track and challenge high-velo shots knowing their body is protected.
The comfort and security pads provide builds assertiveness in your play. Instead of shying from contact, you seek it out to harden your game for live competition. Practicing body positioning against contact ingrains proper defensive and box out technique as well.
Rehearse Off-Ball Contact
Adding pads enables you to rehearse absorbing incidental contact on cuts, catches, and off-ball movement. Have a partner lightly shove or hold you as you work off ball to ingrain maintaining balance and focus.
Pads allow you to learn to cut hard and use your body even when you know contact is coming. Clearing out defenders on picks or sealing off ground balls becomes instinctual. The protection builds confidence you can handle physical play when it emerges in games.
Wearing gear even for skill drills instills the assertive mentality vital in lacrosse. You practice playing through checks, collisions, and contact without inhibition. The added intensity and realism transfers directly to excelling through physical play on the field.
Invest in basic protective gear so you can push your limits during practice. A helmet and pads enable you to sharpen skills and decision-making at game speed. The added protection builds assertiveness, balance, and physical readiness to thrive against live competition.
Goalies, the right protective gear can elevate your development exponentially. A helmet, chest protector, gloves, and leg pads enable you to train at game speed and intensity. Goalie-specific gear builds safe technique repetition, confidence facing shots, and the quickness needed between the pipes.
Goalie Gear for Developing Save Techniques
Complete goalie equipment allows you to challenge shots without hesitation or fear. A chest protector disperses ball impact to keep your torso and shoulders protected on all save planes. Throat protection ensures you can track high shots confidently. Gloves boost hand-eye coordination for snagging reflex saves.
Leg pads cover five-hole openings when dropping into butterfly position. Materials like plastic and foam absorb impact while retaining flexibility for rapid recovery. Geardurability means you can focus completely on technique, not wear and tear during practice.
The protection enables you to see and save a wide variety of shot types at full speed. Facing hard dips and bouncers in practice will seem easy during games. You can also experiment with different save motions knowing you won’t feel shots as sharply afterward.
Ingrain Proper Save Approach
Quality goalie gear promotes deliberately perfecting save technique for shots of all speeds and locations. For example, consistently tracking the ball into your body as you drop helps with rebound control. Extending hands all the way to meet low shots can eliminate five-hole issues.
Gear enables endless repetition to make positioning adjustments and ingrain proper approaches. The protection builds confidence to come out of the goal hard on 1v1s or push the arc on shooters. You can refine agility and reset skills needed to cover the entire net.
Durability also improves stamina, as gear holds up through drill after drill. This allows you to develop the fitness required to battle all game in the crease. Wearing full gear even for skill work instills game readiness.
Investing in complete, high-quality goalie gear sparks rapid growth with protection and versatility. The equipment enables you to refine technique by facing every shot type at full speed. Gear gives you the confidence and quickness in net needed to rob shooters this season!
Proper lacrosse stick preparation promotes peak performance. Applying stick wax improves handling and ball control by optimizing friction between your pockets and the ball. Take a few minutes before each practice to wax your stick for superior command all session long.
Stick Wax for Better Ball Control and Handling
Stick wax creates just the right amount of grip between your mesh pockets and the ball. Too little friction and the ball rattles around and dislodges easily. Too much and the ball sticks in your netting, slowing quick release passes and shots.
Applying wax provides a smooth glide optimizing ball movement within your pockets. This allows for confident catches without absorption issues. The ball stays centered in the sweet spot but releases cleanly for immediate passes or rip shots.
I put a few swipes of wax along the inside rails of my stick head before each wall ball or shooting practice. This keeps all pockets gliding smoothly once body heat warms the wax. I reapply wax if handling seems off or the ball starts rattling around the head.
Pre-Practice Prep Ritual
Make stick waxing part of your regular pre-practice routine. Keep a wax stick in your bag and take a minute to rub wax evenly along the inside of your head. Use smooth vertical strokes along the sidewall rails to spread wax across the mesh and shooting strings.
Get in the habit of a quick wax touchup before every warmup. Not only does this optimize ball control, it also gets you in the mindset to handle with focus and intent for the rest of practice. Making stick prep part of your gameday ritual develops consistency.
Take pride in cranking out a few crisp passes and checks after waxing – feel the glide and command now activated in your stick. Slick pockets put you in the driver’s seat to showcase your skills all practice long.
Applying stick wax takes under a minute but pays big dividends in practice ball control and handling. Optimize pocket friction and release with wax and dominate possession from start to finish.
Having the right cleats provides a performance edge on the lacrosse field. Proper studs dig in to generate explosive speed, quick cuts, and powerful pushes. Cleats engineered for traction and lacrosse motions let you showcase your physical abilities.
Cleats to Improve Traction and Speed on the Field
Lacrosse cleats use short studs and angular edges for traction during lateral cuts and crossovers. This prevents slipping during quick change of direction movements. A lower cleat profile offers stability when jabbing, pivoting, or reacting off checks.
Stud placement along the outside edges grips into the turf for faster sprints and breaks. Interior studs provide power when pushing off. A flex groove through the middle enables natural foot motion for smooth accelerations.
Having turf-specific cleats eliminates traction excuses – you can go all out without worrying about wipe outs. The stability inspires confidence to cut harder, lean more aggressively, and fully use your athleticism. Your skills and work ethic determine outcomes, not slippage concerns.
Break in Cleats Properly
Be sure to gradually break in new cleats so they conform to your feet. Wear them around the house initially to soften materials. Jog and do lateral shuffles during warmups to further mold stud placement.
Properly broken in cleats become an extension of your feet. The stud platform acts as a launch pad to reach top speed out of cuts and dodges. You can jump cut and stick your foot in the turf without catching. The fit allows your natural athletic ability to take over.
Remember to keep cleats clean before games for optimal traction. Wipe off turf pellets or debris lodged in your studs. Proper footwear maintenance paired with broken in comfort prevents slippage or injuries.
Great lacrosse cleats provide stability, traction, and explosive speed to excel on the field. Invest in footwear engineered to unleash your physical gifts and get every edge out there.
Quality lacrosse gloves safeguard your hands while optimizing performance. Protective padding absorbs checks and slashes without sacrificing dexterity or feel. Improved grip and moisture-wicking fabrics keep hands comfortable and functional all game long.
Gloves for Increased Grip, Protection, and Comfort
Lacrosse gloves cushion hands from frequent contact via padded zones on the back and fingertips. Thick padding across the fingers and knuckles protects against Checks, while maintaining stick feel. Palm padding absorbs ball impact from catching passes and scooping ground balls.
Gloves also optimize stick control and handling. Rubberized textures on fingers and palm improve grip when carrying or passing. Silicone dots create friction when cradling to keep the stick locked in. Ventilated fabrics wick sweat to combat slippage and overheating during intense play.
Cushioned cuffs stabilize wrists when checking or shooting overhand shots. Custom fits conform to your hand shape for a natural range of motion. Broken-in gloves almost feel like a second skin.
Focus On Fit
Take time finding lacrosse gloves with the right size and fit. Test different brands and palm widths until you find one matching your hand size. Proper fitting gloves should be snug but not restrict finger flexion or wrist movement.
Gloves aligning with your hand physiology reduce strain and fatigue. Optimal dexterity keeps you scooping, passing, and shooting confidently all game long. Dialed in fit prevents slipping or readjusting gloves during intense play.
High-quality leathers and fabrics mold to your hands the more you wear them. Keep gloves game-ready by storing them properly so materials rebound. Rotate between a few pairs over the season.
Great lacrosse gloves increase protection, grip, and comfort to bring out your best. Find the ideal fit and use quality materials to enhance performance and confidence each game.
A quality lacrosse bag keeps all your gear securely organized in one place. Durable bags with ample storage make transporting equipment to practices or games quick and painless. Thoughtful features allow custom organization so you can find gear instantly when needed.
Mesh Lacrosse Bags to Organize Gear
Mesh lacrosse bags provide excellent ventilation and visibility of contents. Mesh compartments air out damp gear between uses to prevent foul odors. The transparency lets you view all items at a glance to ensure you have everything.
Bags optimize storage with a helmet holder, padded valuables pocket, and numerous side pouches. Large main compartments have ample room for pads, shoes, and bulky items. Some bags even stand upright for easy access.
For events, use the detachable shoulder strap to sling a full bag hands-free. Inline skate wheels on certain bags’ bottoms roll across pavement smoothly. Look for bags with durable denier fabrics able to withstand frequent use.
Customize Interior Pockets
Take advantage of interior organizational pockets and slots to arrange gear methodically. Designate pouches for practice balls, tape, gloves, etc. so their location becomes rote.
Place items you need most frequently near the top or in exterior pockets.position bulky pads along the bag’s back panel. Add identifier tags on compartments or gear if needed. Keep dirty items separate from clean clothes.
A meticulously organized lacrosse bag minimizes time spent digging. You can grab gloves, swap practice balls, or access tools in seconds before or during practice.
Invest in a thoughtfully designed lacrosse bag offering protection, ventilation, and custom organization. Streamline gear transport and keep equipment readily accessible at all times.
Proper hydration is crucial for optimizing lacrosse performance. Staying well hydrated maintains energy levels, prevents cramping, and reduces fatigue. A quality water bottle keeps cold water accessible so you can hydrate consistently throughout practices and games.
Water Bottle to Stay Hydrated During Practice
Having your own dedicated water bottle ensures you get ample water before, during, and after sessions. Durable, insulated bottles keep water ice-cold for hours even in heat. This makes it easier to hydrate frequently without disruptions.
Wide mouths on certain bottles allow you to add ice cubes and flavorings. Look for at least 20-ounce capacities for sufficient water to get through intense training. have a few sips between each drill or during breaks in gameplay.
carrying your bottle offers frequent refreshment. Set reminders to drink after every interval or game quarter. wetting your mouth keeps muscles refreshed and body temperature down.
Monitor Hydration Level
Get to know your personalized hydration needs based on sweat rates and exertion levels. Weigh yourself before and after practices to see typical water weight loss from sweat.
notice urine color – dark yellow signals dehydration. Prioritize replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost from heavy sweating after sessions. Adjust water intake as needed if cramping occurs.
Rotating hydration and sports drinks aids electrolyte replenishment. But emphasize pure water before and during activity for easiest digestion.
A quality water bottle simplifies staying hydrated for peak performance. Keep cold water on hand and drink consistently to maintain energy levels and body function.
Having athletic tape on hand serves many purposes in lacrosse. Taping up handles strengthens grip and prevents slippage. Stabilizing pads improves fit while protecting from abrasion. Simple taping techniques promote performance and safety.
Tape for Securing Pads and Strengthening Handles
Athletic tape stabilizes pads and gloves so they stay snug during intense play. Covering pad edges with overlap tape prevents cuts from abrasion. I reinforce my elbow pads’ straps and glove cuffs to optimize fit.
On sticks, tape builds up handles for better grip and control. Longitudinal strips up the shaft improve comfort while wrapping transverse tape over Those provides cushion. Finishing tape ends just below the head maintains feel.
Having tape enables on-the-fly adjustments. Quick pad or handle re-tapes get gear regulation-ready after dislodging. Covering small cuts or blisters protects from worsening when back in play.
Learn Proper Taping Techniques
Practice using proper taping methods for durability and security. Make sure pads and handles are clean and dry beforehand. Apply pre-wrap under tape to protect skin and surfaces.
Use zinc oxide athletic tape that sticks firmly but removes cleanly. Anchor ends by tearing rather than cutting for less unraveling. For handles, overlap by half the tape width, rotate direction at the end.
Carry versatile tapes like cloth medical tape for lightweight support or waterproof tape for extreme durability. Have an emergency roll for quick fixes during games.
Simple athletic tape techniques optimize lacrosse gear function and safety. Prepare handles and pads properly so tape enhances performance when it matters most.
Finding the optimal lacrosse shaft flex accelerates development by maximizing feel and control. Stiffer shafts provide more precise passing and shooting while flexible shafts absorb checks better. Testing different flexes helps determine your ideal balance of snap and cushioning.
Lacrosse Shafts for Finding the Right Stick Flex
Stiffer lacrosse shafts offer more rigid stability and improved accuracy for passing and shooting. The decreased flex lets you feel the ball release crisply with control. Firm sidewalls also bounce checks away aggressively during defensive play.
More flexible shaft designs absorb contact better while cradling in traffic. The added flex provides cushion and elastic energy to bounce back from checks. Softer materials mold smoothly around hand positioning for confident handling.
Trying out different lacrosse shaft flexes allows you to experience the performance spectrum. Look for manufacturers denoting quantitative flex ratings. Brands also engineer specific flex points like mid-low or high-low to fine-tune performance.
Consider Position-Specific Needs
Factor in your position’s needs when choosing ideal shaft stiffness. For example, midfielders may opt for more flex to maintain possession when being pressured. Meanwhile, attackmen favor stiffer shafts for firmer outside shooting.
Defenders benefit from moderate flex to absorb checks while still directing them efficiently with snap-throughs. Goalies also prefer some bend and cushioning when extending sticks for saves and clears.
Trying a range of shaft flexes develops your personal preference over time. Selecting the right flex boosts performance through optimizing balance and control.
Experiment with lacrosse shafts of different flexes until you find your performance sweet spot. The right stiffness amplifies accuracy and power while retaining enough flex for cushioning.
Having custom lacrosse jerseys promotes team unity and identity. Unique designs in your program’s colors immediately identify your squad. Quality materials and comfy fits keep players looking and feeling sharp on the field.
Custom Lacrosse Jerseys to Look Sharp on the Field
Custom lacrosse jerseys make your team’s brand stand out. Creating unique designs and adding names/numbers personalizes jerseys. Distinctive jerseys quickly identify your program and intimidate foes.
Jerseys engineered for lacrosse optimize mobility and ventilation. Stretchy, lightweight fabrics allow full range of motion for passing and shooting. Mesh venting wicks moisture to keep players cool and dry in heat.
For comfort, ensure jerseys properly fit your players’ shoulder pads and allow adequate torso length for tucking into shorts. Well-fitting jerseys feel like a second skin when playing.
Foster Pride in Custom-Gear
Having custom lacrosse jerseys boosts player morale and pride. Seeing unique gear await in lockers energizes young athletes. Donning team jerseys promotes bonding and shared identity.
Standing out from opponents in tailored jerseys boosts team confidence. Look sharp, feel sharp! Adjust designs over the years to maintain excitement over updated styles.
Let players vote on creative jersey tweaks like nickname or mascot additions. Collaboration invests athletes in gear they helped conceptualize and take the field in.
Custom lacrosse jerseys make your program instantly recognizable. Enable players to compete with unity, flair, and intimidation by designing unique team jerseys.