Must-Have Protective Lacrosse Gear for Young Players
When it comes to youth lacrosse, protective gear is absolutely essential for keeping your young athlete safe on the field. Lacrosse is known as the fastest game on two feet, which also makes it one of the most physical. With sticks flailing and hard rubber balls flying at up to 100 mph, players need quality protection. Here’s an overview of some must-have protective gear for youth lacrosse players:
Helmets are arguably the most important piece of protective lacrosse gear. Lacrosse helmets are specifically designed to shield a player’s head and face from direct ball and stick contact. Most helmets consist of a hard outer shell lined with dense padding. They feature a face mask made of sturdy metal bars to protect the nose, cheeks, mouth and eyes. Helmets must have a NOCSAE seal indicating they meet safety standards. Ensure your child’s helmet fits properly and the straps are adjusted for a snug fit.
Gloves protect players’ hands and wrists during play. Youth lacrosse gloves typically include thick padding across the back of the hand and wrist, with extra reinforcement over the thumb. Palm areas are made of durable synthetics that provide grip. Fingers may be left uncovered for dexterity. Make sure gloves fit your child’s hand size and allow enough flexibility. Goalies require heavier, more protective gloves.
Pads protect vulnerable areas on a player’s body from checks, passes and shots. Arm pads shield the elbow, forearm and bicep area from slashing sticks. Shoulder pads cushion the collar bone, ribs and shoulders. Rib pads add extra torso protection. Goalies need full-body padded shirts. For youth players, ensure pads fit snugly but don’t restrict movement.
Mouthguards are essential for avoiding dental injuries. They fit over the teeth to absorb impact. Youth lacrosse mouthguards are available in different styles from basic to custom-fit. Get one that’s comfortable and provides good speech clearance. Make sure your child keeps the mouthguard in at all times during play.
The right protective gear improves safety and gives young athletes confidence on the lacrosse field. Invest in quality, comfortable equipment that’s sized appropriately for your child. Protective gear should be worn for all practices and games.
Custom Maryland Lacrosse Apparel for Showing Team Spirit
One of the best ways for young Maryland lacrosse fans to show their team spirit is by sporting custom Maryland lacrosse apparel. With so many great gear options available, you can deck out your kid in Maryland lacrosse style from head to toe this season.
Custom Maryland lacrosse jerseys and tee shirts let your child rep their favorite team in stylish game-day gear. Choose from replica jerseys modeled after the official Maryland uniforms, or opt for a comfortable tee or sweatshirt featuring Maryland lacrosse graphics. Personalize any top with your child’s name and number for a custom look.
For playtime or game days, lacrosse shorts featuring Maryland colors and logos are a must. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking technology to keep young athletes cool and dry on the field. Cargo shorts provide extra pockets to hold gear. Bold Maryland graphics down the sides show off serious team pride.
Maryland lacrosse socks are the perfect addition for completing a customized game day look. Choose bold sock designs featuring Maryland logos, colors and patterns. Crew socks, ankle socks and knee-high socks are all great options. For practices and backyard play, get a few extra pairs so you always have team socks on hand.
Hats and visors featuring the Maryland lacrosse logo are great for keeping the sun out of your child’s eyes while showing team spirit. Adjustable snapback hats work well for growing kids. For girls, lacrosse visors and headbands can hold back hair while repping the team colors. Refresh accessories each season with the newest Maryland lacrosse gear.
When cooler weather hits, Maryland lacrosse sweatshirts make excellent layered gear for games and practices. Crewneck sweatshirts feature classic team graphics for casual wear. Hoodies provide extra warmth and sport Maryland lacrosse pride with bold graphics and colors. Layer over jerseys or tees to show team spirit all season long.
With so many ways to customize your child’s Maryland lacrosse gear, you can easily create fun, spirited looks they will be excited to wear. Allowing your young athlete to showcase their passion for Maryland lacrosse helps build team loyalty from an early age.
Essential Lacrosse Sticks for Young Maryland Players
Having the right lacrosse stick is crucial for helping young athletes develop their skills and love of the game. When outfitting your child with lacrosse gear this season, investing in a stick designed for their age and ability level will give them the best experience on the field. Here’s what to look for when choosing youth lacrosse sticks for your Maryland player:
For brand new players just learning the sport, beginner lacrosse sticks provide the right blend of durability and playability. Beginner stick shafts are typically made of softer, more flexible materials like aluminum for better control. The heads have wider faces and deeper pockets to make catching and cradling easier for novice players. Colors and graphics are bolder and brighter to engage young kids.
As players gain more experience, intermediate sticks help take their skills to the next level. Intermediate shafts start to incorporate stronger alloys like titanium for improved handling and passing precision. Pockets become more narrowly channeled for increased ball control. Stick weights increase slightly to build players’ strength and endurance over time.
In the higher youth age brackets like U15, more advanced sticks bring out elite performance. Advanced sticks feature stronger yet lightweight shaft materials like scandium titanium alloys. The heads offer superior ball control thanks to stiff sidewalls, narrow channels and hold. Graphics reflect Maryland pride for motivated players.
When shopping for youth lacrosse sticks, carefully match the stick’s design to your child’s age, size and ability. Consult coaches for input and get your player’s feedback during test runs. Ensure the stick is the appropriate length – when standing, the stick head should reach between the chin and mouth.
Proper stringing also affects how the stick handles. Beginners do best with basic single and double strapping string jobs that provide decent hold. Intermediate players gain advantage from double and triple strapping with customized whip and channel depth. Advanced youth players utilize expert stringing for maximized control.
With the right lacrosse stick matched to your young athlete’s developing abilities, you’ll see their confidence, skills and love of the game grow exponentially. Be sure to reevaluate their stick needs each season as they improve.
Must-Have Lacrosse Footwear for Young Maryland Players
Finding the right lacrosse cleats is key for giving young athletes secure footing and explosive speed on the field. With so many cleat options available today, choose a pair designed for your child’s age, position and playing style to enhance their performance.
For beginning youth players, basic molded plastic cleats offer affordability and versatility. Molded cleats have studs or blades permanently attached to the sole. These no-frills cleats are comfortable right out of the box and work well for players of all positions. Focus on fit and comfort for young athletes first learning the game.
As players progress to the intermediate level, consider hybrid lacrosse cleats. Hybrids combine molded and detachable studs to balance comfort, traction and affordability. Hybrids work well for midfielders who need agility for all-field play. Prioritize lockdown heel support at this stage.
For advanced middle and high school players, invest in elite detachable cleats. Detachable cleats allow athletes to customize stud configurations for maximum traction. Opt for a lightweight, low-cut detachable cleat designed for speedsters if your child is an attacker or midfielder. Use a high-top detachable model for more ankle support if they play defense.
Goalies require lacrosse cleats with maximum traction and protection. Look for a cleat with full ankle coverage, durable synthetic or leather upper and aggressive removable studs to dig into the crease. A protected toe cap adds further defense against ball impact.
When fitting your young athlete for cleats, bring their game socks and have them try on cleats toward the end of the day when feet are most swollen. There should be one thumb width between the toes and end of the cleat. The heel should be locked in snugly. Break in cleats gradually before full use.
Proper lacrosse cleats enhance traction and quickness on the field. Replace youth cleats annually as growing feet require. With the right cleats, your young Maryland lacrosse player will have the footwork to take their game to the next level.
Essential Lacrosse Bags for Organizing Young Players’ Gear
Between sticks, pads, cleats and uniforms, young lacrosse players have a lot of gear to haul. Investing in a quality lacrosse bag helps keep all that essential equipment organized and protected. Here’s what to look for when selecting your child’s lacrosse bag for the season.
For young players just starting out, basic duffle bags work well for transporting gear. Look for a bag made of durable, weather-resistant fabric with ample storage space. Multiple large compartments allow room for sticks, pads, shoes and uniforms. Some bags feature a separate vented compartment designed specifically to hold cleats and keep the rest of the gear clean.
As your child plays more competitively, upgrade to an advanced backpack style lacrosse bag. Backpack bags are designed for easy carrying between home, car and field. Padded shoulder straps and haul handles provide comfort no matter how you transport the bag. Storage options include side pouches for water bottles, interior organizer pockets and exterior daisy chains for attaching more gear.
For players involved in tournaments and frequent travel, invest in a rolling lacrosse bag. Wheeled bags allow young athletes to avoid carrying heavy loads. Look for an oversized rolling duffle with smooth rolling wheels and a durable retractable handle. Interior compartments and removable mesh bags keep dirty and clean gear separated.
Goalies require bags that accommodate their specialized protective gear. Look for a bag that combines ample open storage and flexible interior dividers to organize pads and jerseys. Some goalie bags have sections that unfold for quick access during games.
When selecting a lacrosse bag, opt for one a bit larger than your child currently needs. Growing kids will accumulate more gear and apparel over time. Durability is also key – bags take a beating on the lacrosse field. With the right bag, you’ll be equipped to carry whatever your young athlete needs this season and beyond.
Goalie Gear Essentials for Young Maryland Lacrosse Players
Playing goalie in lacrosse requires a whole different set of specialized protective gear to keep these courageous players safe. Outfitting your child with high-quality, properly fitted goalie gear gives them the best opportunity to succeed at this demanding position.
Since the goalie defends a 6’x6’ net against blistering shots, maximum body coverage is a must. Look for a complete padded goalie shirt that protects the chest, shoulders, arms and collarbone. Absolute lacrosse and STX make adjustable shirts with removable arm pads to accommodate growing kids.
Goalie gloves provide heavy padding across the fingers, wrists and palms. Fingers are fully encased and reinforced to absorb high-impact shots. Thumb protection should wrap well beyond the tip for extra defense. Shock Doctor gloves with segmented padding allow flexibility.
Padded goalie shorts safeguard thighs and hips from bruising checks and passes. Nike and Maverik goalie shorts offer removable padded liners, stretch waistbands and protective compression material for comfort and protection.
Since goalies spend so much time in the crease, lacrosse goalie cleats focus on traction and support. Fuller ankle wraps enhance stability when moving laterally. Removable studs provide customization for field conditions. Under Armour highlights include ClutchFit ankles and high abrasion toe caps.
Don’t forget protective accessories like arm guards and rib pads for additional coverage. Chest protectors with heart shields boost safety. Look for gear that fits snugly without impeding movement or visibility. With the right goalie gear, your young Maryland lacrosse player will build the confidence to command the crease.
Custom Maryland Lacrosse Accessories for Young Fans
Beyond apparel and equipment, kids love accessorizing with small lacrosse items emblazoned with Maryland pride. Fun accessories in team colors allow young athletes to take their fandom to the next level. Here are some must-have lacrosse accessories for junior Maryland fans:
Lacrosse bracelets featuring Maryland logos and phrases make excellent accessories for both boys and girls. Braided bracelets in red, black, white and gold inject team spirit into any outfit. Adjustable sliding clasp bracelets easily accommodate growing kids. Inspiring phrases like “Go Terps” and “Fear the Turtle” fire up young athletes.
Bold Maryland lacrosse socks bring color and spirit to practice uniforms. Choose funny lacrosse print socks featuring mascot Testudo for a fun look. Over the calf socks allow more real estate for logos and designs. Match socks to practice jersey colors for a coordinated appearance.
Lacrosse snapbacks and adjustable hats keep the sun out of players’ eyes in comfort. Classic curved brim caps featuring Maryland colors and logos work well for both girls and boys. Switch out hats each season to match the newest Maryland gear.
Water bottles and drink tumblers painted with Maryland lacrosse graphics encourage proper hydration. Look for bottles with protective spout covers to prevent dirt from contaminating the mouthpiece. Insulated tumblers keep drinks cold well into the fourth quarter.
Fun mini lacrosse sticks featuring the Maryland colors make great giveaways and decoration. Autograph sticks with your child’s jersey number and display them in his or her bedroom. Mini sticks also encourage backyard practice sessions and impromptu indoor play.
With the right mix of spirited accessories, your young athlete will be ready to take the field in true Maryland lacrosse style from head to toe. Let their passion shine through!
Essential Maryland Lacrosse Sweatshirts for Young Fans
Maryland lacrosse sweatshirts make great staples for any junior fan’s wardrobe. Whether heading to chilly practices or late-season games, quality lacrosse sweatshirts keep your young athlete warm while repping their Maryland pride. Here’s what to look for when choosing youth Maryland lacrosse sweatshirts this season:
Hooded sweatshirts provide lightweight warmth perfect for tossing on over pads before practice or slipping under a game jersey. Look for soft, brushed interior fabric that feels great against young skin. Bold Maryland lacrosse graphics and logos on the front show off spirit.
Full zip sweatshirts allow for easy on and off while keeping in heat. Models with zip pockets securely hold keys and snacks at practices. Oversized, boxy fits layered over shirts or Under Armour provide comfortable warmth all day long.
Crewneck sweatshirts offer a classic, casual look ideal for everyday wear. Choose soft cotton blends featuring the iconic Maryland “M” logo. Pair with jeans or lacrosse shorts for spirit on and off the field. Bold graphics stand out against neutral colors.
Oversized sweatshirts embrace the popular baggy look kids love. Super soft fleece with dropped shoulders and longer sleeves and torsos make for cozy post-game relaxation. Oversized fits allow room to grow – plus kids can match them with leggings and sweats.
Quarter zip sweatshirts deliver versatile performance. Partial front zip opening allows for customized ventilation during active play. Under Armour and Nike quarter zips utilize quick-drying, sweat-wicking technology to keep young athletes comfortable in motion.
When selecting youth lacrosse sweatshirts, prioritize soft, breathable fabrics that retain heat without adding bulk. Well-constructed sweatshirts in quality fabrics also withstand repeated washing and wearing all season long. With the right spirit sweatshirts, your child can cheer on Maryland in comfort and style.
Gearing Up for Backyard Lacrosse Practice
Backyards make a great practice space for young lacrosse players to hone their skills. With the right gear, you can set up a mini lacrosse field at home for skills training whenever your child feels like hitting the turf. Here is some must-have gear for backyard lacrosse practice:
Portable lacrosse goals allow players to practice shooting on net at home. Choose adjustable folding goals that are easy to transport and store when not in use. Models with quick-release locks make set-up simple. Select goal dimensions scaled appropriately for your child’s age and skill level.
Training cones help mark off spaces to work on drills like dodging, shooting and footwork. Low-profile cones won’t trip up players making cuts. Use different colored cones to designate shooting circles, passing lanes and more. Weigh down cones on windy days.
Equipment backstops protect siding and windows from errant passes and wild shots. Affordable nylon backstops mount to posts or fence tops to create a safe practice zone. Heavy-duty netting absorbs hard shots from all angles.
Turf mats simulate an artificial playing surface for stick work and footwork drills. Large foldable mats provide ample room to maneuver. Durable nylon tops stand up to sticks, cleats and abuse for years. Bonus – they protect your grass too!
Lacrosse rebounders pass the ball back after shots on goal for solo shooting sessions. Models with adjustable angle settings vary return speed and trajectory to sharpen reflexes. Goal Wrap rebounders are a smart buy.
With the right practice gear, your child can sharpen their skills in the backyard on their own schedule. Frequent solo sessions build muscle memory faster. Gear up for lacrosse success from home all season long!
Essential Gear for Young Lacrosse Goalies
The goalie position in lacrosse requires a specific set of equipment to protect these courageous players from blistering shots. Outfitting your child goalie with high-quality, properly fitted gear gives them the best opportunity to shine in net this season. Here is essential gear for young lacrosse goalies:
Goalie chest protectors safeguard the sternum, ribs and heart from impact. Hard plastic shields cover the chest with padded shirt extending over shoulders. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Remove pad assemblies accommodate growth.
Throat protectors guard against shots to the neck and trachea. Look for extended collar styles that wrap around to the spine for maximum protection. Neck doughnuts allow adjustability for proper coverage. Mandatory for goalies at all levels.
Shin guards shield the knee joints and shins from ball contact. Hard caps on the kneecap diffuse impact while padding extends down the shin. Soccer style wraps work well, allowing sizing adjustments as legs grow.
Protective goalie pants feature padded waistbands, tailbone and thigh protection. Hockey style goalie pants work for lacrosse. Stretch mesh insets allow free movement while hex padded foam absorbs impact.
Goalie helmets must provide full face protection. Grills made of thick titanium alloy bars shield the entire face. Full head coverage includes ear guards. Optional throat danglers boost protection.
Properly outfitted goalies gain confidence knowing they have essential protection from the demands of the position. High-quality gear designed specifically for lacrosse goalies reduces injuries and anxiety in net.
Fun Maryland Lacrosse Accessories for Young Fans
Along with apparel and equipment, kids love showing their Maryland lacrosse spirit with fun accessories in their favorite team’s colors. Creative lacrosse-themed accessories allow young fans to take their fandom to the next level. Here are some cool accessories for junior Terps fans:
Bold Maryland lacrosse socks bring color and flair to any outfit. Novelty socks featuring the Maryland flag design or mascot Testudo are popular. Over the calf tube socks provide more real estate for logos and colors. Match socks to shirt colors for spirit from head to toe.
Lacrosse bracelets made of stretchy silicone are easy to slip on and off. Maryland’s red, gold, black and white bracelets work for both boys and girls. Sliding bead bracelets allow adjustability for the perfect fit on growing wrists.
Hair accessories like Maryland printed scrunchies and headbands show spirit while holding back hair. characters like Testudo. Stretchy, non-slip fabric keeps accessories securely in place all day.
Hydration is key, so lacrosse water bottles encourage drinking water during games. Colorful metal and plastic bottles printed with the Maryland lacrosse logo make practices more fun. Bonus points if they keep drinks cold.
Mini stick keychains featuring iconic Maryland lacrosse graphics clip easily to backpacks. They also encourage impromptu indoor lacrosse practice! Autograph mini sticks and lacrosse ball keychains with jersey numbers.
Fun, spirited accessories allow young athletes to highlight their passion for Maryland lacrosse. With the right accessories, your child will be ready to rep their team in style all season long!
Gearing Up for Indoor Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse is a fun variation of the sport played indoors during the offseason. The confined playing area requires specialized gear tailored for box lacrosse. Here is the essential equipment your child will need to stay protected and perform their best:
Indoor sticks optimize ball control in tight quarters. Shorter shafts and more narrowly strung heads provide superior cradle and passing precision. Materials like composite and scandium titanium alloy optimize durability and lightweight handling.
Box lacrosse pads balance protection and mobility in compact versions. Padded girdles or compression shorts are ideal for unrestricted leg movement in indoor close play. Multi-pad combo sets streamline gear.
Indoor lacrosse balls have extra rebound for the confined space. Softer cores get livelier bounces off boards and turf. Durable cover materials like PU withstand box ball abuse. Orange and yellow colors improve visibility.
Lightweight indoor shoes optimize traction and support for lateral cuts. Models with full-length balanced cushioning and low-profile support plates grip tightly during change of direction. Herringbone treads grip flooring.
Box helmets require extended visors and shields to protect face and ears from ball and wall impact. Wide peripheral vision is a must. Full ventilated coverage balances visibility, airflow and protection from ricochets.
The right box lacrosse gear allows young athletes to take their game inside and refine stick skills during the offseason. Gear up with protection and performance in mind to make indoor play safe and fun.
Essential Lacrosse Hydration Gear for Young Athletes
Proper hydration is critical for optimizing the health, endurance and performance of young lacrosse players. Investing in quality hydration gear encourages kids to drink enough fluids before, during and after play. Here is some must-have hydration equipment for your young lacrosse athlete:
Reusable sports water bottles allow players to stay hydrated no matter where the game takes them. Durable, BPA-free plastic bottles with leak-proof lids are ideal. Look for larger 24-32 oz. capacities to hold sufficient water for extended play and replenishment. Insulated bottles keep liquids cool.
Hydration packs with built-in water bladders make hands-free hydration possible right on the field. Lightweight backpacks hold 1-3 liters of water connected to a tube and nozzle for easy sipping between plays. Models with perforated foam backing maximize airflow and comfort.
Electrolyte tablets and powders replenish critical minerals lost in sweat. Multi-electrolyte blends with sodium restore optimal fluid balance and energy. Unflavored electrolytes mix easily into water bottles without added sugars.
Lacrosse water coolers offer team hydration during timeouts and halftime. Durable, insulated jugs with spigots allow easy refills of individual bottles. Wheeled coolers with cargo bays transport large volumes of water from bench to bench.
Reusable spill-proof sports top squeeze pouches are great for younger players still developing motor skills. Easy-squeeze bodies deliver hydration in manageable doses between plays. Bonus – they won’t soak uniforms and gear.
Proper sports hydration gear ensures young athletes get sufficient fluids to power their best play. Keeping kids hydrated enhances stamina, focus, and on-field performance.
Great Lacrosse Gift Ideas for Young Maryland Fans
Looking for the perfect gift for the young Maryland lacrosse fan in your life? With the sport’s popularity growing exponentially, lacrosse-themed gifts allow kids to enjoy their passion on and off the field. Here are some great lacrosse gift ideas for junior Terps fans of all ages:
Custom lacrosse jerseys embroidered with your child’s name and number make them feel like a superstar. Choose Maryland colors and logos for team spirit. Adjustable sizing allows room to grow for years of wear.
Full lacrosse starter sets provide all the gear for new players learning the sport. Sets include custom strung sticks, helmets, pads, gloves and balls for full protection. Ideal for brand new players.
Goals and nets encourage practice any time. Adjustable portable goals work for backyard or indoor setups. Rebound nets pass the ball back for developing shooting skills solo.
Lacrosse socks mix spirit and style. Crazy lacrosse print socks in Maryland colors or customized socks embroidered with your child’s number show team dedication.
Custom lacrosse gear bags haul equipment in Maryland pride. Backpacks or duffels embroidered with your kid’s name organize all their essentials. Just add stick and pads!
With the gift of lacrosse, kids gain skills, exercise, coordination and friends. Support your young Maryland fan with gear that fuels their passion year-round.
Top Spots for Maryland Lacrosse Apparel and Gear
With lacrosse fever sweeping the state, every young Maryland fan needs quality gear to show their team pride. Shopping with reputable Maryland lacrosse retailers ensures you get authentic apparel, equipment and accessories to represent the Terps. Here are some top spots to get outfitted:
Lacrosse Unlimited is a premier destination for Maryland lacrosse gear online or in stores. Shop replica jerseys, custom sticks, helmets, pads and more. Experts assist with sizing/stringing. Loyalty program perks.
Lax.com stocks a deep inventory of Maryland items. Browse men’s and women’s apparel including jerseys, sweatshirts and tees. Extensive selection of sticks, heads, shafts and protective gear.
Dick’s Sporting Goods carries licensed Maryland lacrosse products in many locations. Find jerseys, shorts, hoodies, accessories and equipment essentials from top brands. Check site for availability.
Maryland Lacrosse Store is the officially licensed online shop for Terps gear. Browse officially licensed items including polos, sweaters, hats, novelties. Quick fulfillment and shipping.
Local sporting goods shops like Sports Authority, Modell’s and City Sports often carry select Maryland inventory. Call ahead to check lacrosse selections. Helpful staff can assist with fitting.
Shop smart this season by purchasing Maryland lacrosse gear from reputable retailers. Ensure quality, fit and authenticity with gear from trusted vendors.