Choose Comfortable, Breathable Lacrosse Jerseys for Optimal Play
When shopping for youth lacrosse apparel, one of the most important items to invest in is a high-quality jersey. The right jersey can help young athletes stay comfortable and perform at their best on the field. Here are some tips for choosing optimal lacrosse jerseys:
Look for jerseys made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Synthetic blends like polyester are ideal, as they will pull sweat away from the skin and allow maximum air flow. This helps prevent overheating and discomfort during intense gameplay. Mesh paneling under the arms and along the sides also aids ventilation.
Prioritize comfort and range of motion. Lacrosse requires constant movement – running, cutting, cradling – so jerseys should not restrict mobility in any way. Seek out athletic cuts designed specifically for the sport. Raglan sleeves allow a full range of arm motion.
Ensure a proper fit. Jerseys that are too baggy can get in the way, while excessively tight ones may hinder movement or cause chafing. Find a style with the right amount of room through the chest and shoulders to allow free arm rotation and cradle motion.
Consider features like stretch fabric or gusseted underarms for maximum flexibility during play. Also look for flat seams, tagless collars and minimal exterior stitching to prevent irritation and discomfort from chafing.
Choose youth sizes to get an optimal fit. Most lacrosse gear brands offer separate sizing for kids rather than just scaling down adult versions. Be sure to consult individual size charts.
Opt for bright, visible colors and prints. Vibrant jerseys help coaches, teammates, and refs identify players from a distance on the field. Solid colors or simple patterns tend to show team spirit.
Look for extra durability. Youth lacrosse jerseys take a beating between practice, games, and machine washing. Seek out reinforced stitching and higher quality materials for extended wear.
Consider moisture wicking, antimicrobial properties to keep odor at bay even after repeat uses. Breathable polyester blends and mesh panels can help.
Prioritizing comfort, breathability, range of motion and proper fit when selecting youth lacrosse jerseys can help young players stay cool, move freely and focus on excelling at the sport.
Invest in Protective Lacrosse Gloves for Safety
Along with a high-quality jersey, lacrosse gloves are another vital piece of apparel for youth players. The right gloves provide protection against checks, slashes, errant sticks and high-velocity shots.
Look for padded gloves designed specifically for lacrosse. They should have dense foam or plastic padding across the fingers, knuckles, wrists and back of hand to shield against impact. More padding means more protection.
Ensure gloves provide a snug, secure fit. Loose gloves can rotate and shift, exposing vulnerable areas of the hands and wrists. Well-fitting gloves stay put and maximize coverage. Be sure to get an accurate hand measurement.
Consider adjustable closure systems. Youth players’ hand sizes change quickly. Velcro, elastic or drawstring closures allow gloves to accommodate growth spurts and offer a customized fit over time.
Prioritize dexterity and feel. While heavily armored lacrosse gloves provide robust protection, bulky materials can make cradling and handling the stick difficult. Seek out gloves offering the ideal balance of cushioning and tactile sensitivity.
Look for moisture wicking materials to keep hands dry and comfortable. Breathable fabrics like nylon or mesh aid ventilation and discourage overheating. This enhances grip and control.
Ensure gloves have an appropriate cuff length. For field players, extended cuffs shield the vulnerable wrist area from checks. Goalie gloves need maximum coverage. Consult position-specific sizing.
Consider features like thermoplastic exoskeletons or molded plastic for added structure and slash resistance. These reinforce key contact zones while maintaining flexibility.
Opt for abrasion-resistant palms and fingers. Synthetics like silicone or rubberized materials stand up to scooping ground balls while enhancing grip security.
Choose bright colors for visibility. This aids coaches and teammates in signaling plays. Also allows refs to easily spot potential penalty infractions.
Well-fitted, protective lacrosse gloves allow youth players to catch, cradle and handle the ball with confidence while shielding their hands. Investing in quality gloves is a smart move for any young athlete.
Pack a Lightweight Lacrosse Hoodie for Versatility
Lacrosse is played across spring and summer, when temperatures can vary widely. Having layering options like a lightweight hoodie or jacket is key for youth players.
Choose a thin but cozy hoodie made of moisture-wicking fabric. Synthetic blends pull sweat off the skin to keep players comfortable across warm-ups, cool evenings, and bench time.
Look for a smooth-faced cotton/polyester blend fleece or microfleece for warmth without weight. Avoid heavy cotton hoodies that hold dampness and restrict movement.
Prioritize mobility and athletic cut. An articulated hood, raglan sleeves and stretch fabric allow cradling, scooping and running without impediment. Non-restrictive clothing supports active play.
Consider thumbholes at cuffs to keep sleeves down and provide extra coverage for wrist protection during play. A hood also shields from errant sticks.
Opt for a front zip closure for easy on/off over pads, jerseys and gear. Side zip pockets securely hold small items like mouthguards, phones or snacks.
Look for mesh venting zones under arms, down sides and along the back to enhance breathability during sprints. This provides climate control.
Choose a semi-fitted silhouette to layer smoothly under a jersey for chillier games. Avoid bulky styles that add bulk.
Look for antimicrobial properties to combat odors even after repeat wears. Synthetics resist bacterial buildup.
Pick bright colors and prints that complement the team jersey and shorts. This identifies players’ positions from a distance.
Consider customizing with the athlete’s name and number for connection to team identity. Bonus points for boosting morale.
Packing a lightweight lacrosse hoodie provides warmth, protection and comfort as conditions and activities change. Having versatile layers equips youth athletes to take on anything game day throws at them.
Shop Quality Lacrosse Helmets for Safety
A properly fitted lacrosse helmet is absolutely essential protective gear for youth players. Helmets shield the head from errant sticks, fast shots, collisions and hard falls. When shopping for young athletes, take helmet selection seriously.
Purchase a helmet designed specifically for lacrosse. Key features like elongated ear and head coverage, a face mask, and chin strap optimize protection for the sport’s common impacts.
Ensure the helmet fits snugly. It should not shift out of position, even when head is tilted. Identify proper sizing by carefully measuring the head’s circumference.
Adjust the chin strap for a very secure fit. Sliding a finger between the strap and chin tests tightness. The strap should be snug but not uncomfortably restrictive.
Look for safety certifications like NOCSAE approval ensuring rigorous impact testing. This indicates quality construction and materials proven to absorb force.
Consider some type of face shield. For field players, a simple bar shield protects the eyes from errant sticks. Goalies need max protection – a full clear shield covering the entire face.
Prioritize comfort and ventilation. Multiple air vents, removable/washable foam pads and moisture-wicking liner materials keep players cool. Inspect inner padding quality.
Opt for adjustable features accommodating growth. An inflatable air liner with pump allows custom fit. Some have swappable pillow pads for sizing up.
Choose vibrant colors and prints so teammates and coaches can easily identify players on the field, especially for new athletes. White and team colors are common.
Look for a high-quality chinstrap with durable stitching and multiple adjustable positions. Webbing straps hold firm. Hardware should withstand tugging and contact.
A properly fitted, top-quality lacrosse helmet protects what matters most – an athlete’s head and face. Never compromise on safety by purchasing used or hand-me-down helmets whose integrity may be compromised.
Try Compression Gear to Prevent Lacrosse Injuries
Compression gear like tights, sleeves, and socks are useful lacrosse accessories providing support and protection for youth players. If worn properly, compression gear may help prevent common sport injuries.
Tight compression keeps muscles stable, reducing muscle vibration and fatigue. This enhances performance while lowering injury risk from overexertion.
Snug sleeves hold the arm securely, preventing soft tissue damage from checks and slashes. Tight calf sleeves specifically help shield lacrosse players’ vulnerable lower legs.
Compression aids blood circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles during intense play. Improved circulation and nutrient supply helps delay onset of muscle acidosis and speeds recovery.
The snug fit of compression gear provides proprioceptive feedback, helping athletes tune into positioning and movement mechanics. This optimizes body awareness and control.
Compression socks improve stability in ankles and feet, protecting against rolls and sudden direction changes. Secure foot wrapping also alleviates blister risk from all the running.
Wicking, breathable compression fabrics keep players cooler by moving sweat off the skin. Staying drier reduces friction that can lead to painful chafing.
Compression tights worn under pads and uniforms streamline the silhouette, removing loose fabric that could get grabbed or tangled unexpectedly during play.
Young lacrosse players can choose compression items based on their personal needs and injury history. Targeting support aids vulnerable joints.
When shopping, focus on sport-specific technical fabrics with adequate compression levels – not so tight as to constrict. Proper sizing is key.
With the right compression wear, young athletes can strengthen joints, enhance performance, avoid injuries, and extend their lacrosse season.
Buy a Lacrosse Ball Bag for Easy Transport
Between practices, games, camps, and travel, lacrosse players lug a lot of gear. Purchasing a lacrosse-specific ball bag simplifies gear transport for busy young athletes.
Look for a bag roomy enough to hold all an athlete’s essentials – sticks, pads, helmet, cleats, and more. Dual over-the-shoulder straps distribute weight for easy carrying.
Choose a durable, water-resistant nylon or polyester exterior to protect contents from the elements. Ripstop fabrics add further strength against tears.
Opt for wide openings and compartments designed to store gear efficiently. Specific slots and straps secure helmets, pads, and handles in place to prevent shifting.
Consider convenient extras like zippered exterior pockets to stash small items or quick-access valuables. Mesh water bottle sleeves are handy too.
Look for ventilated zip panels to allow air circulation inside the bag. This prevents buildup of stale odors in damp gear between uses.
Pick a bright color or bold prints for high visibility. This makes it easier to identify the athlete’s bag at a crowded field or in transit.
Choose a bag with rugged lacrosse-specific wheels if using for frequent travel. Smooth-rolling designs make navigating airports and parking lots much easier.
Select a style with adjustable straps to accommodate growth spurts. Padding along the back and shoulders prevents digging.
Consider handy attachments like removable laundry bags, external daisy chains for hanging items, and integrated fence hooks for easy access during games.
Investing in a thoughtfully designed lacrosse ball bag saves time, simplifies transport, and prevents gear damage for young athletes on the move.
Choose Visible Lacrosse Apparel Colors for Safety
When selecting youth lacrosse apparel and gear, bright colors and contrasting accents aid visibility and on-field communication. Visible clothing helps protect athletes.
Bold jersey colors allow coaches, teammates and officials to clearly identify players from a distance. This helps discern positions and roles.
Contrasting sleeve, side panel or number colors make it easier to differentiate team members. Vibrant accents help refs track uniforms.
Light jersey colors are ideal for night games when visibility diminishes after sunset. Reflective striping also enhances visibility in low light.
Goalies need brightly colored gear for high visibility. Their nets and uniforms often incorporate neon shades to stand out on the field.
Bright pad colors help referees spot potential penalty infractions like illegal stick checks and high hits during fast gameplay.
Team colors on equipment like helmet, gloves, shoes, and bags identify players coming on and off the field or bench.
Opt for light cleat colors that stand out against grass. Visible footwear allows players to see foot position and avoid stepping on feet.
Vibrant mouthguards make it easy to identify when a player’s guard is out so they can promptly replace it to avoid injury risk.
Using color coding on gear helps players locate their own equipment among dozens of scattered lookalike items.
Highly visible youth lacrosse apparel and accessories ensure athletes are seen, keeping them safer on the field. Bright colors also make the game more dynamic and exciting for fans.
Look for Quick-Dry Lacrosse Fabrics
The fast-paced nature of lacrosse leads to copious sweating. Seeking out youth lacrosse apparel made with quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics helps keep athletes fresh and comfortable.
Synthetic fabric blends like polyester or nylon dry faster than natural fibers. These effectively pull sweat off the skin so it can evaporate rapidly.
Mesh paneling or vents placed in sweat-prone zones speed moisture evaporation by enhancing air flow. This accelerates drying.
Moisture-wicking technology draws dampness outwards where it dries faster than next to skin. This keeps players drier.
Opt for smooth-faced polyester or nylon jersey fabrics over textured cotton-blends. Smooth synthetics don’t absorb as much moisture.
Fabrics with an antimicrobial treatment inhibit odor-causing bacteria growth. This keeps gear fresher between washes.
Avoid heavy cottons which take longer to dry and stay damp with sweat. The added moisture weight can fatigue young athletes.
Look for fabric panels, like along the back and under arms, made of open mesh weave rather than solid material. Airflow from mesh accelerates drying.
Consider hydrophobic coatings that cause moisture to bead up and roll off the fabric surface rather than absorb. This technology quickens evaporation.
Test drying time by holding fabric to the light and seeing how translucent it becomes when damp. Faster transparency means faster drying.
Choosing quick-dry, moisture-wicking lacrosse apparel keeps players lightweight, comfortable and at peak performance all game long.
Find Sturdy Lacrosse Cleats for Traction and Support
Proper lacrosse cleats provide traction for quick cuts, starts and stops, while supporting feet and ankles during rigorous play. When shopping for young athletes, choose durable, sport-specific cleats that enhance performance and reduce injury risks.
Prioritize cleats designed for lacrosse’s unique lateral movements. Models with a slightly wider base and more flexibility through the forefoot are ideal.
Look for sturdy synthetic leather uppers providing structure, with minimal seams to reduce abrasion and irritation. Durability is a must.
Ensure cleats have a secure, sock-like fit through the heel and midfoot. Loose-fitting shoes lead to blisters and foot fatigue.
Consider growing feet. Removable insoles or adjustable lacing systems accommodate size changes. Replace cleats more than a half-size too small.
Examine traction plate shape and cleat configuration specific to lacrosse – conical front cleats for traction and maneuverability.
Prioritize ankle support and stability. Mid/high-top cleats and integrated supports protect vulnerable ankles from rolls and blows.
Look for integrated lightweight cushioning. This absorbs shock from repetitive running and abrupt stops, reducing foot fatigue.
Ensure cleats are compatible with orthotics if needed. Remove original sockliner before inserting custom orthopedic supports.
Break cleats in gradually to minimize blister risk. Wear first with socks around the house, then try practicing for short periods before games.
With the right cleats, young athletes gain confidence, prevent injury, and enhance performance through traction, comfort and support.