MustHave Lacrosse Coaching Gear for 2023
MustHave Lacrosse Coaching Gear for 2023
High Quality Helmets Protect Players During Training
Having the right lacrosse helmet is crucial for player safety during practices and games. A high quality helmet designed specifically for lacrosse absorbs impact and helps protect against traumatic brain injuries. When fitting players for helmets, coaches must ensure proper size and fit – an ill-fitting helmet with gaps can expose players to serious risk. Most youth and high school programs require NOCSAE certified helmets that meet performance standards for impact absorption. Top brands like Cascade and Warrior engineer cutting edge helmet tech for optimal protection. Features like interchangeable liners allow custom fit while integrated ventilation channels, antimicrobial padding, and moisture wicking materials keep players cool and sweat-free. Some companies offer high-end titanium face masks for expanded vision. Face mask attachments even allow coaches to clip on GoPro cameras to analyze mechanics and positioning. With girls’ lacrosse often prohibiting full headgear, specialized eyewear like the Cascade LX have gained popularity for protecting eyes and orbital bones from dangerous stick checks. Ultimately, proper lacrosse helmet fit along with regular inspection and replacement every 2-3 years helps minimize head and face injuries during intense on-field action. Coaches must lead by example, wearing helmets themselves and promoting a team culture focused on safety.
Sticks Engineered for Optimal Ball Control and Passing

Having the right lacrosse stick is vital for players to develop proper handling and passing techniques. Sticks come in different designs for specific positions – attackmen traditionally use shorter sticks for quicker cradling and shooting while defenders rely on longer poles to intercept passes and checks. Advanced sticks today are engineered with precision features for optimal ball control, handling, and passing accuracy. Offset heads with scooped sidewalls create deeper pockets for cleanly cradling and retaining possession. Composite shafts made of lightweight carbon fiber mixed with resin boost power and precision while reducing fatigue. For youth players, crosses with wider heads and shallower pockets help in initially learning to catch and pass. Experienced midfielders benefit from sticks with a mid-range design ideal for both offensive and defensive roles. Stringing the lacrosse stick is both a science and an art – tighter stringing in the upper third improves accuracy while looser strings below help trap and maintain ball control. Knowing proper stringing techniques allows coaches to restring sticks with the right pocket tension to suit each player’s ability and needs. Testing different head and pocket styles helps determine an ideal fit based on player position, skill level and personal preference. Coaches must ensure sticks meet regulations for overall length based on age as well as inspect for fraying grips or illegal modifications. Mastering lacrosse stick fundamentals gives players the tools to develop into well-rounded players capable of moving the ball quickly upfield or charging the crease with confidence.
Protective Pads Prevent Injuries During Competitive Play

Lacrosse is a high-intensity full contact sport, so wearing properly fitted protective gear is essential for player safety. Pads protect vulnerable areas like shoulders, arms, hands, ribs, and legs from the bruising impacts and checks dished out when battling for ground balls or attacking the goal. Goalies in particular rely on an arsenal of padding to cover their torso, thighs, knees and shins when standing in the line of fire. High-quality pads utilize lightweight foams, plastic caps, and vented compression sleeves to absorb and diffuse the forces from body blows. Moisture-wicking fabrics keep players cool under all that padding. For youth leagues, bulkier and more protective pads level the playing field for players of disparate size and physical maturity. Proper pad sizing involves measuring key contact points like chest, shoulder width, arm length, and knee caps. Ill-fitting pads with gaps or slipping can expose players to nasty stingers and slashes. Some players add elbow pads for extra coverage though most opt for more flexibility. Broken-in pads will mold to a player’s body over time for better comfort and responsiveness. Coaches must enforce wearing pads at all times, setting a zero-tolerance policy for renegade players tempted to ditch pads for greater speed and agility. Pads may restrict mobility to a degree, but promoting a team culture focused on safety helps ensure players can give their all out on the field without fear of injury.