How can weighted lacrosse sticks improve shot power. What are the benefits of training with weighted balls. How does weighted gear enhance overall performance on the field. What is the optimal weight for lacrosse training equipment. How can players safely incorporate weighted gear into their routines. What are the long-term effects of using weighted lacrosse gear. How does weighted training translate to game-day performance.
The Power of Weighted Lacrosse Sticks: Revolutionizing Player Performance
Weighted lacrosse sticks have emerged as a game-changing tool for players looking to elevate their performance on the field. These specially designed sticks feature handles and shafts that are significantly heavier than standard equipment, providing a unique challenge during training sessions.
The additional weight, which can range from 10 to 32+ ounces above standard stick weight, engages muscles more intensely during shots, passes, and cradling. This increased resistance has a profound impact on player development, targeting key areas crucial for lacrosse success.
Key Benefits of Weighted Lacrosse Sticks
- Enhanced shot power and velocity
- Improved wrist flexibility and strength
- Increased forearm and upper body endurance
- Better ball control and stick handling precision
- Heightened muscle engagement during training
Do weighted lacrosse sticks really make a difference in game performance? Research and player experiences suggest a resounding yes. When athletes transition back to standard sticks after training with weighted versions, they often report increased shot speed, more precise ball control, and improved overall stick handling abilities.
Optimizing Your Training: Selecting the Right Weight for Your Lacrosse Shaft
Choosing the appropriate weight for your training stick is crucial to maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. The key lies in gradual progression and attentive form maintenance.
Guidelines for Weight Selection
- Begin with a modest increase of 10-12 ounces above your standard stick weight
- Focus on maintaining proper form and full range of motion during drills
- Gradually increase weight by 2-4 ounces as your body adapts
- Aim for a total increase of 20-28 ounces for optimal training effects
- Listen to your body and adjust weight as needed to prevent strain
How long does it take to see results from weighted stick training? While individual experiences may vary, many players report noticeable improvements in shot power and stick control within 4-6 weeks of consistent training. However, for lasting gains, incorporating weighted sticks into your regular routine over an extended period is recommended.
Beyond the Stick: Exploring Weighted Balls and Socks in Lacrosse Training
Weighted lacrosse sticks are just the beginning. Innovative players and coaches are incorporating a variety of weighted training gear to target different aspects of the game.
Weighted Lacrosse Balls
Training with heavier lacrosse balls offers unique benefits for both offensive and defensive players. These specialized balls, typically weighing between 10-16 ounces (compared to a standard 5-ounce ball), challenge players in several ways:
- Improved catching reflexes and soft hands
- Enhanced shooting accuracy due to increased focus
- Strengthened wrists and forearms for better ball control
- Increased passing power and precision
Are weighted lacrosse balls suitable for all skill levels? While advanced players may benefit most from weighted ball training, even beginners can incorporate lighter weighted balls into their practice routines. The key is to start with a modest weight increase and focus on proper technique before progressing to heavier options.
Weighted Socks for Footwork and Agility
Lacrosse demands quick footwork and explosive movements. Weighted socks or ankle weights can be valuable tools for enhancing lower body strength and agility. Benefits of incorporating weighted socks into your training regimen include:
- Improved acceleration and deceleration
- Enhanced change of direction abilities
- Increased lower body endurance
- Strengthened ankles and calves for injury prevention
How heavy should weighted socks be for lacrosse training? A good starting point is 1-2 pounds per ankle. As with all weighted training, gradual progression is key. Begin with shorter durations and lighter weights, then increase as your body adapts to the added resistance.
Implementing Weighted Gear: Crafting an Effective Training Regimen
To maximize the benefits of weighted lacrosse gear, it’s essential to incorporate these tools strategically into your existing training routine. Here’s a framework for building an effective weighted gear training program:
1. Establish a Baseline
Before introducing weighted gear, assess your current performance levels. Record metrics such as shot speed, passing accuracy, and agility drill times. This baseline will help you track progress and adjust your training as needed.
2. Introduce Weighted Gear Gradually
Begin by replacing one training session per week with weighted gear. As your body adapts, you can increase the frequency and duration of weighted training sessions.
3. Focus on Technique
The added weight can challenge your form. Pay extra attention to maintaining proper technique during all drills and exercises. Poor form with weighted gear can reinforce bad habits and increase injury risk.
4. Alternate Between Weighted and Standard Gear
To maximize the transfer of skills, alternate between weighted and standard equipment within the same training session. For example, perform a set of shots with a weighted stick, then immediately switch to a standard stick for another set.
5. Incorporate Sport-Specific Drills
Design drills that mimic game situations while using weighted gear. This approach enhances the transfer of strength gains to actual gameplay.
How often should players train with weighted lacrosse gear? A general guideline is to use weighted gear in 2-3 training sessions per week, allowing for adequate recovery between sessions. However, individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, experience level, and overall training volume.
The Science Behind Weighted Training: Understanding Neuromuscular Adaptations
The effectiveness of weighted lacrosse gear training is rooted in fundamental principles of exercise physiology and neuromuscular adaptation. Understanding these concepts can help players and coaches optimize their training approaches.
Overload Principle
The overload principle states that to improve physical performance, the body must be challenged beyond its current capacity. Weighted lacrosse gear provides this overload, forcing muscles to work harder and adapt to the increased demand.
Specificity of Training
By using weighted versions of actual lacrosse equipment, players train the exact movement patterns and muscle groups used in the sport. This specificity enhances the transfer of strength gains to on-field performance.
Neural Adaptations
Weighted training not only strengthens muscles but also improves the nervous system’s ability to recruit and coordinate muscle fibers. This neural adaptation leads to improved power output and movement efficiency.
What physiological changes occur during weighted lacrosse training? The body responds to the increased demand by:
1. Increasing muscle fiber size (hypertrophy)
2. Enhancing motor unit recruitment
3. Improving intermuscular coordination
4. Strengthening connective tissues
5. Boosting metabolic efficiency in the trained muscle groups
Balancing Act: Integrating Weighted Training with Other Aspects of Lacrosse Preparation
While weighted gear training offers significant benefits, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach to overall lacrosse preparation. Here’s how to effectively integrate weighted training with other essential aspects of player development:
Conditioning and Endurance
Weighted gear naturally increases the intensity of training, which can contribute to improved conditioning. However, it’s important to supplement this with sport-specific endurance work, such as repeated sprints and game-simulating drills.
Flexibility and Mobility
The added resistance of weighted gear can lead to muscle tightness if not properly managed. Incorporate dynamic stretching and mobility exercises into your warm-up and cool-down routines to maintain flexibility and range of motion.
Skill Development
While weighted gear enhances physical attributes, it’s crucial not to neglect fundamental skill work with standard equipment. Allocate sufficient practice time to refining techniques and decision-making skills without the added weight.
Recovery and Injury Prevention
The increased demands of weighted training require appropriate recovery strategies. Implement proper nutrition, hydration, and rest protocols to support adaptation and prevent overuse injuries.
How can players ensure they’re not overtraining with weighted gear? Monitor fatigue levels, maintain a training log, and periodically assess performance metrics. If you notice a decline in performance or unusual soreness, it may be time to reduce the volume or intensity of weighted training sessions.
From Training Ground to Game Day: Translating Weighted Gear Benefits to On-Field Success
The ultimate goal of any training program is to improve performance when it matters most – during games. Here’s how the benefits of weighted gear training can manifest in real game situations:
Increased Shot Velocity
The strength and power developed through weighted stick training can lead to noticeably faster shots. This increased velocity can catch goalies off guard and improve scoring opportunities.
Improved Ball Control
The enhanced wrist and forearm strength gained from weighted gear training translates to better cradling and stick handling, especially in tight situations or under defensive pressure.
Enhanced Passing Accuracy
The fine motor control developed through weighted ball training can result in more precise passes, even over longer distances.
Quicker Defensive Reactions
Improved strength and coordination from weighted training can lead to faster stick checks and improved ground ball pickups.
Late-Game Endurance
The overall conditioning effect of weighted training can help players maintain high-intensity play throughout the entire game, giving them an edge in crucial late-game situations.
Can weighted gear training help players at all positions? Absolutely. While the specific benefits may vary, players in every position can gain advantages from incorporating weighted training. Attackmen may see improvements in shot power, midfielders might notice enhanced transition play, defenders could experience quicker stick checks, and goalies may develop faster reaction times.
As the lacrosse season approaches, integrating weighted training gear into your preparation routine can provide a significant competitive edge. By challenging your muscles and nervous system in new ways, you’ll develop the strength, power, and control needed to excel on the field. Remember to approach weighted training progressively, maintain proper form, and balance it with other aspects of your lacrosse development. With consistent effort and smart training, you’ll be well-equipped to pack a punch and take your game to the next level this season.
If you’re looking to improve your lacrosse game this season, adding weighted training equipment into your routine can be a game-changer. Packing extra weight into your lacrosse stick and training with weighted balls and socks engages your muscles in new ways for more powerful shots, quicker reaction times, and increased endurance on the field.
What Are Weighted Lacrosse Sticks and Why Use Them?
Weighted lacrosse sticks feature handles and shafts that have been weighted down to be heavier than standard gear. Adding weight to your stick shaft through weighted end caps, tape, or built-in inserts engages your forearms, wrists, and hands more intensely as you whip the stick during shots, passes, and cradling. This extra resistance builds explosive power for harder shots, increases wrist flexibility and strength for better ball control, and boosts endurance for a strong late-game play.
During training, a heavier lacrosse stick forces your muscles to adapt, building strength in your arms, shoulders, and upper back. When you switch back to a normal stick for games, the increased power gives your shots, passes, and clears more speed while the stick will feel lighter and easier to maneuver. Weighted lacrosse sticks range in weight from 10 ounces up to 32+ ounces heavier than a standard stick for athletes looking to take their training to the next level.
Choosing the Right Weight for Your Lacrosse Shaft
Picking the right amount of weight for your lacrosse shaft is an important part of weighted stick training. Add too much weight too quickly and you risk injury from putting excessive stress on your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Start with no more than 10-12 extra ounces to get a feel for the heavier load. Focus on good form and full range of motion as you shoot and pass, avoiding muscle compensation patterns that put undue strain on your body. Build gradually over time, adding 2-4 ounces as your body adapts and you become comfortable at each new weight level. For most players, an increase of 20-28 ounces is sufficient overload to spur gains in shot power, control, and endurance after a training cycle of weighted sticks.
The Benefits of Training with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
Here are some of the biggest benefits you can gain from adding a weighted lacrosse stick into your skills training and conditioning routine:
Improving Shot Power and Release Speed
The extra resistance of a weighted stick as you shoot engages your muscles more fully, forcing them to work harder. This overloads the muscles, inducing gains in strength and power as you adapt to handle the heavier weight. When you return to your normal stick, your shots will have greater velocity and a snappier release.
Building Forearm and Wrist Strength
Having strong forearms and flexible wrists is essential for lacrosse, from cradling to passing and shooting. The constant tension an added-weight stick places on these muscles as you maneuver it trains them to be stonger and more durable for executing techniques with precision.
Enhancing Stick Control and Hand-Eye Coordination
A weighted stick provides a great challenge for developing quick, dexterous stick handling skills. Working through extra stick weight forces you to concentrate on finer motor control and timing. The instant feedback of an off-target pass or slowed reaction time helps dial in your coordination.
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Choosing the Right Weight for Your Lacrosse Shaft
As lacrosse season approaches, players everywhere are gearing up and getting ready to bring their A-game. One important but often overlooked piece of equipment is the lacrosse shaft. While lightweight shafts have grown in popularity over the years, adding some extra weight to your stick can provide tangible benefits for your training and overall gameplay. Let’s explore why a weighted lacrosse shaft may be the right choice to pack an extra punch on the field this season.
The Power of Weighted Training
The concept of using weighted implements to build functional strength is nothing new. For example, baseball players swing weighted bats in the on-deck circle to prep their muscles and increase bat speed. Golfers use weighted clubs for the same reason. The principal here is simple: by using a heavier implement during training, you force your muscles to exert more energy. This extra effort strengthens the muscles and nervous system overtime. The result is that when you go back to using a regular weight implement, you can swing it with greater velocity and power.
This same logic applies to lacrosse. Adding some extra weight to your shaft acts as resistance training for the muscles you use to cradle, pass, and shoot. The extra weight forces you to engage your muscles more to control and maneuver the stick. Over time, this enhances your strength, speed, and shot power. When you go back to using a normal shaft during games, it will feel lighter and easier to whip around. You’ll notice cleaner cradling, quicker release on passes, and more velocity on your shots.
Finding the Right Weight
If you decide to try a weighted lacrosse shaft, it’s important to find the right amount of added weight. Too much extra weight can throw off your mechanics and feel uncomfortable. Not enough may not provide a big enough training stimulus. Most experts recommend adding between 4-8 ounces for optimal results. This equates to about 10-20% of a normal shaft weight. Here are some options to consider:
- Weighted end caps – End caps add weight to the bottom of the shaft which helps quicken shot release.
- Full weighted shafts – These have weight integrated throughout the entire shaft length.
- Weighted lacrosse balls – Heavier balls reinforce proper cradling technique.
- Weighted socks – Wearing ankle/wrist weights while practicing builds functional strength.
You can also look into specialized “power” shafts designed with extra weight for training. When trying any weighted gear, give your body time to adjust to the new resistance to avoid injury. And remember, weighted training is meant to complement, not replace, normal lacrosse practice.
Goalies Gain an Edge
Weighted shafts provide unique benefits for goalies. Having to move a heavier stick trains goalies’ quickness and reaction time. This is because controlling and maneuvering a weighted stick requires more muscular engagement and energy. When goaliesdrop back to a regular stick, their hands and arms feel faster and more reactive. Weighted shafts also reinforce proper technique for blocking and checking. The extra resistance strengthens goalies’ ability to move their stick efficiently into passing lanes for interceptions and checks.
Universal Benefits
While weighted shafts help build game-specific strength, they also provide total body conditioning benefits. Having to constantly control a heavier implement engages your core and lower body, not just your arms and shoulders. This enhances overall stability, balance, hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and endurance. So you get a great full-body workout while honing your lacrosse skills at the same time. What’s not to love?
Time to Get Heavy
Adding some extra weight to your lacrosse shaft is a simple way to infuse your training with new resistance. This “strength training” effect will prime your muscles and nervous system for the dynamics of real gameplay. You’ll be able to swing and maneuver your regular stick with greater speed, power, and precision. Just remember to give your body adequate time to adapt to avoid overexertion injuries. With the right weighted shaft or training gear, you can pack some extra punch into your game this season.
The Benefits of Training with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
As lacrosse players gear up for the upcoming season, many are looking for ways to gain an edge over the competition. One training method that is gaining popularity is using a weighted lacrosse stick. Adding extra weight to your stick through various means provides tangible benefits that can take your game to the next level. Let’s take a closer look at why training with a weighted lacrosse stick can give you a leg up this season.
Building Functional Strength
The main benefit of using a weighted stick is that it acts as a form of strength training. Having to constantly control and maneuver a heavier implement forces your muscles to work harder. This extra effort engages your arms, shoulders, core, and lower body to a greater degree. Over time, training with a weighted stick increases overall strength, stability, endurance, and power.
This is because wielding the extra weight provides resistance that simulates real gameplay conditions. When you switch back to a normal stick for games, your shots will have more velocity, your passes will be crisper, and cradling will feel smoother. Essentially, a weighted stick makes regular gameplay feel easier by comparison.
Enhancing Skill and Technique
In addition to building functional strength, weighted sticks reinforce proper cradling, passing, catching, and shooting mechanics. The extra weight forces you to be more precise with hand positioning, footwork, and full-body engagement when performing lacrosse skills. This instills good habits and technique.
Using a weighted ball in conjunction with a weighted stick is great for honing cradling skills. Having to control a heavier ball tight to the pocket trains quick stick work and dexterity. This translates directly to better ball control during live gameplay.
Goalies Get Faster Reactions
For goalies, weighted sticks provide unique advantages. Having to move and position a heavier stick quickly strengthens reaction time. Goalies also learn to maneuver weighted sticks into passing lanes with purpose and efficiency for interceptions. This improves technique for checking and blocking shots. Faster reaction time and efficient stick positioning are crucial for goalies when fractions of a second count.
Options for Adding Weight
There are a few options when looking to add weight to your stick for training purposes:
- Weighted end caps on the bottom of the shaft
- Full weighted shafts with weight built throughout
- Specialized “power” shafts designed for adding weight
- Weighted lacrosse balls
- Wrist and ankle weights worn during practice
Most experts recommend adding 4-8 ounces of weight, or about 10-20% of your stick’s normal weight. This provides enough of a training stimulus without being excessive. Allow time for your body to adapt to avoid overexertion injuries when introducing weighted gear.
Complement Normal Drills
It’s important to remember that weighted stick training should complement, not replace, normal lacrosse drills and practices. The goal is to build functional strength and reinforce proper technique to give you an edge. But you still need repetitions with normal gear to ingrain muscle memory and timing.
With some discipline and consistency using a weighted stick in your training regimen, you’ll notice improvements in power, quickness, endurance, and technical skills. The extra resistance primes your nervous system and muscles for the speed and dynamics of real gameplay. Get a leg up on the competition this season by training with a weighted lacrosse stick.
Improving Shot Power and Release Speed with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
Developing a powerful shot with a quick release is a coveted skill in lacrosse. Using a weighted stick in training is an effective way to build shot power and increase release speed. The science behind this concept is simple – the extra resistance strengthens muscles and heightens technique. Let’s explore the benefits of wielding a weighted stick to maximize your shooting proficiency.
Principles of Resistance Training
Adding weight to your lacrosse stick acts as a form of resistance training. Having to maneuver and control a heavier implement forces your muscles to work harder. This extra effort engages your arms, shoulders, core and legs to a greater degree during shooting motion. Over time, controlling a weighted stick increases strength, stability and muscular endurance.
When you go back to using a normal stick, it will feel lighter in comparison to the weighted training stick. This allows you to whip the stick through shooting motion with greater speed and power. Your shots achieve higher velocity and a quicker release off passing and shooting mechanics honed with a weighted stick.
Where to Add Weight
There are a few effective ways to add weight to your stick for training:
- Weighted end caps on the shaft bottom
- Full weighted shaft with integrated weight
- Specialized “power” shafts designed for adding weight
- Wrist and ankle weights worn during shooting drills
Most experts recommend adding 4-8 ounces of weight, or about 10-20% of your stick’s normal weight. This provides enough resistance to be effective without severely altering mechanics. Weighted end caps are great for quickening release speed by strengthening bottom-hand muscles most active at shot release.
Shooting Drills with Added Resistance
Here are some great shooting drills to do with a weighted stick:
- Quick stick shots – Emphasizes fast release from a feed
- Dodging shots – Weights make it harder to shoot after dodging a defender
- Outside shots – Forces full extension and follow through
- Catch and shoot – Develops shooting immediately after receiving a pass
- Agility ladder shots – Enhances footwork and coordination
Be sure to utilize good technique during weighted stick drills – proper footwork, full extension, follow through, wrist snap and body rotation. This ingrains muscle memory and skills that directly translate once removing the added weight.
Sensible Weight Progression
To get the most out of weighted stick training, gradually increase weight over multiple sessions. This allows muscles time to adapt to each new resistance level. Weighted end caps enable easily adjustable weight. Alternate weighted stick drills with normal shooting practice to ingrain proper mechanics.
Listen to your body and take days off as needed. Pain or compromised technique are signs to reduce weight or take a break. Adequate rest and nutrition allow muscles to recover and strengthen.
Gameday Performance Enhanced
With consistent weighted stick training, you’ll notice benefits like:
- Increased shot power and ball velocity
- Faster release on shots
- Smoother, more controlled shot mechanics
- Stronger shooting muscles and improved endurance
- Heightened in-game confidence
While proper shooting fundamentals still need to be practiced, weighted sticks provide a great way to build functional muscle memory and strength. Heavier resistance prepares your body for the speed and physicality of real gameplay. Use a weighted lacrosse stick this off-season to maximize your shooting prowess.
Building Forearm and Wrist Strength with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
Strong forearms and wrists are essential for lacrosse players. These muscles control cradling, passing, catching, checking and shooting mechanics. Using a weighted lacrosse stick in training engages forearm and grip muscles to a greater degree. Over time, this builds strength to enhance on-field performance.
Forearm and Wrist Strength Matters
A lacrosse player’s hands, wrists and forearms take a beating during gameplay. Having strong forearm muscles enables you to cradle seamlessly, make accurate passes to teammates, snag passes out of the air, and deliver checks with authority. Wrist strength creates whip on shots and greater control guiding the stick head.
Unfortunately, direct forearm and grip training are often neglected in favor of overall conditioning. Adding weight to your lacrosse stick forces these specific muscles to work harder. The extra resistance molds more durable forearms and sturdy wrists over time.
Weighted Training Methods
Here are some effective ways to utilize weight for forearm and wrist training:
- Weighted lacrosse shaft – Heavier shaft stresses forearm muscles controlling the stick
- Weighted lacrosse ball – Harder to cradle a heavier ball with precision
- Wrist weights – Worn on forearms/wrists during drills
- Squeeze ball exercises – Builds grip and wrist strength
When using weights, allow time for muscles to adapt to avoid overexertion injuries. Experts suggest adding 10-20% of your stick’s normal weight, or 4-8 ounces, during training. Rotate weighted implement drills with normal stickwork.
Drills for Forearm and Wrist Strength
Some great drills to pair with weighted gear include:
- Cradling – Control a weighted ball precisely in the pocket
- Quick stick passes – Quick forearm engagement to receive and pass
- Shooting – Forces wrist strength and control
- Checking – Deliver solid checks with a weighted shaft
- Wall ball – Repeatedly pass and catch off a wall
Use proper mechanics during the drills to ingrain muscular memory. Over time, weighted implement training sculpts durable forearms, sturdy wrists, and an unbreakable grip.
Forearm and Grip Exercises
Off-field exercises also target forearm and wrist strength:
- Farmer’s walks – Hold heavy dumbbells at your sides for time or distance
- Wrist curls – Use lightweight dumbbells or resistance bands
- Plate pinches – Squeeze a weight plate between your hands
- Towel pull-ups – Hang a towel from a bar and pull yourself up
Proper recovery including rest, nutrition, and massage keeps muscles pliable and injury-free. With time and consistency using weighted implements, you will notice marked improvements in forearm and wrist durability and strength.
Reap the Rewards
Training with a weighted lacrosse stick pays dividends in the form of:
- Better control cradling under pressure
- Enhanced passing and catching ability
- More fluid off-hand skill
- Added stick protection on checks
- Improved wrist snap on shots
Don’t neglect focused grip and forearm training this offseason. Pick up a weighted lacrosse shaft or other weighted implements to mold stronger forearms and sturdier wrists, taking your game to the next level.
Enhancing Stick Control and Hand-Eye Coordination with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
Precise stick control and pinpoint hand-eye coordination separate good lacrosse players from great ones. Using a weighted lacrosse stick during training is an effective way to hone these crucial skills. The added resistance forces you to concentrate on exact stick positioning and reacting to the ball. Over time, weighted stick drills instill precision muscle memory and reactivity.
Stick Control Matters
Stick control refers to a player’s ability to smoothly and effortlessly maneuver their lacrosse stick with precision. From cradling to passing and shooting, you want the stick to feel like an extension of your hands. Pinpoint hand-eye coordination allows you to track and react to the ball fluidly. Weighted stick training makes regular gameplay feel easier by comparison.
Weighted Stick Benefits
Here are the main benefits of training with a weighted stick:
- Heavier stick forces precise positioning and handling
- Reinforces proper cradling, passing and shooting technique
- Need to concentrate harder to control stick and ball
- Heightens hand-eye reactivity from added difficulty
- Regular gameplay and ball feel easier afterwards
Experts suggest adding 10-20% of your stick’s normal weight during training. This provides enough resistance without severely altering mechanics. Allow muscles time to adapt to avoid injury.
Drills for Enhanced Control
Some great drills for improving control and hand-eye coordination include:
- Cradling – Maintain tight cradles at faster pace
- Quick sticks – Emphasize fast passes to teammates
- Shooting on the run – Control shot after dodging defender
- Obstacle courses – Maneuver stick precisely around obstacles
- Agility ladders – Step in and out quickly while cradling
Perform drills at game-like speed and intensity. Don’t sacrifice technique – maintain proper footwork, passing and shooting mechanics. Weighted training ingrains muscle memory to make skills second nature.
Goalies Benefit Too
For goalies, weighted sticks improve reaction time, hand positioning and ability to track the ball. Having to move a heavier stick quickly strengthens reflexes. Controlling shots after saves also gets easier.
More Durable Stick Skills
With consistent weighted stick training, skills become:
- More accurate and consistent
- Executed with less effort
- Better able to withstand defensive pressure
- More efficient and controlled
- Quicker reaction time
While proper technique still needs practice, weighted drills build focused stick muscle memory. The added difficulty heightens concentration and control. Weigh down your lacrosse stick this offseason to enhance dexterity and take your game to the next level.
Increasing Endurance for Long Games and Tournaments with a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
Lacrosse games and tournaments can be grueling tests of mental and physical endurance. Matches often last 48 minutes or more and multi-game tournament days are common. Using a weighted lacrosse stick in training is an effective way to boost strength and stamina required for the long haul.
The Importance of Lacrosse Endurance
Lacrosse demands tremendous endurance. Players are constantly sprinting up and down the field, dodging defenders, cradling and passing, and giving/taking hits. Goalies need endurance to stay poised and athletic in the crease under shot pressure. This constant activity taxes muscles and the cardiovascular system.
Without proper endurance, players fatigue both mentally and physically as games wear on. Technique, decision making, and hustle start to decline. A weighted training stick forces you to work harder, increasing strength and conditioning your body for the unique endurance demands of lacrosse.
How Weighted Sticks Build Endurance
Here are the main endurance benefits of training with a weighted lacrosse stick:
- Increases muscle strength and durability
- Heightens cardiovascular fitness
- Engages the core and lower body more
- Forces body to withstand added resistance
- Better simulates real gameplay exertion
This makes real gameplay feel easier by comparison. Experts suggest adding 10-20% of your stick’s normal weight for optimal endurance training.
Endurance Training Drills
Some great endurance drills with a weighted stick include:
- Lengthy dodging runs at speed
- Fast break drills the entire field length
- Extended shooting reps with limited rest
- Obstacle course sprints while cradling
- Simulated game scrimmages with weighted gear
Focus on proper technique and intensity during reps. Rotate endurance drills with normal practices to ingrain muscle memory and skills.
Recovery and Progression
Allow muscles adequate rest and nutrition between weighted stick sessions. Gradually increase weight over time as strength improves. Listen to your body and reduce weight if overly fatigued or sore.
Lasting Improvements
With consistent weighted endurance training, you will notice:
- Increased hustle late into games
- Better body control and technique when tired
- Faster recovery between tournament matches
- Ability to play entire games without subs
- Heightened mental toughness
Don’t neglect endurance training this offseason. Use a weighted lacrosse stick to increase strength, conditioning, and durability for the demands of long, grueling lacrosse games and tourneys.
How to Add Weight to Your Lacrosse Shaft
Adding some extra weight to your lacrosse shaft for training purposes provides tangible performance benefits. The additional resistance engages muscles more and reinforces proper technique. Let’s explore some effective methods for weighing down your lacrosse stick shaft.
Benefits of a Weighted Shaft
Here are some of the main benefits of using a weighted lacrosse shaft in practice and drills:
- Builds functional strength and stability
- Increases shot power and ball velocity
- Heightens hand speed and stick control
- Enhances cradling, passing, catching skills
- Makes gameplay feel easier post-training
Experts recommend adding 10-20% of your shaft’s normal weight. This provides enough resistance to be effective without severely altering mechanics.
End Cap Weights
The easiest way to add weight is attaching a weighted end cap to the bottom of your shaft. End cap weights are cylindrical weights that screw into the bottom of your shaft. They add ounces of weight while keeping the shaft balanced.
End caps enable easy weight adjustments – swap heavier or lighter caps to fine tune resistance. They also concentrate weight on bottom-hand muscles critical for shooting power and release.
Full Weighted Shafts
Full weighted shafts have heft built throughout the entire shaft length. Materials like heavy metals are used to make these shafts heavier. This distributes weight evenly for balanced feel. Full weighted shafts also look identical to normal shafts.
The drawback is lack of adjustability. You would need multiple full weighted shafts of varying ounces to progress resistance training.
Adding Weight Tape
You can add weight to any shaft using weighted tape or rings. Simply wrap the weighted tape around areas of the shaft you want weighted. This enables customized weight placement and progressions.
The downside is weighted tape alters shaft dimensions and appearance. It can also shift during use. So frequent re-wrapping is required to maintain balance.
Other Weighted Gear
Wrist weights, weighted vests, and weighted balls can be used along with a weighted shaft for added resistance. Just be careful not to overdo it too quickly. Allow time for muscles, tendons, and ligaments to adapt to avoid injury.
With some creativity and consistency using a weighted lacrosse shaft, you can build game-changing functional strength this offseason. Carefully add weight to maximize performance gains.
Ready to Pack a Punch This Lacrosse Season? How Weighted Training Gear Can Take Your Game to the Next Level
Start Low and Progress Slowly to Avoid Injury
As lacrosse season ramps up, players are looking for ways to improve their game and get an edge on the competition. One strategy that has become increasingly popular is training with weighted gear, like weighted lacrosse sticks, weighted lacrosse balls, and weighted workout socks. The theory is that adding extra resistance during practice strengthens muscles, increases power, and improves overall performance. However, while weighted training can provide benefits, athletes need to be smart about implementing it into their routines.
Here are some tips on using weighted lacrosse gear safely and effectively:
Start with Low Weight
When adding weight to any piece of equipment, it’s important not to go overboard right away. Start with just a few ounces added to your lacrosse stick or ball and give your body time to adapt. Dramatically increasing resistance too quickly can lead to injury or hinder skill development by throwing off your mechanics. Build up slowly over several weeks or months. An adjustable weighted lacrosse shaft or stick enables you to gradually increase weight as your body conditions.
Emphasize Control
It can be tempting to focus solely on strength building when training with heavy gear, but control is equally important. Continually practice proper shooting, passing, and cradling technique, emphasizing fluid motions. Don’t use so much additional weight that it negatively impacts your form or coordination. Developing accuracy and stick skills should remain priorities.
Target Specific Muscle Groups
Weighted equipment directly overloads the muscles you use in lacrosse: shoulders, chest, arms, and hands for stick work, and legs for power. But be thoughtful about which areas you want to target. Wrist weights while shooting strengthen hands and forearms. A weighted lacrosse shaft stresses shoulders and arms. Weighted lacrosse balls challenge hand quickness and reaction time. Decide what your biggest strength and skills priorities are and design weighted drills accordingly.
Allow Recovery Time
While adding resistance trains muscles, it also creates small tears in muscle fibers. Schedule rest days to allow tissues to fully recover and become stronger. Athletes who train with heavy lacrosse equipment seven days a week often wind up drained or injured. Monitor your energy levels and post-workout muscle soreness so you can take a day off when needed.
Use Proper Progressions
Jumping straight from your normal stick into an extremely weighted one can strain muscles and ligaments. Gradually progress in small increments over time. Most experts recommend increasing resistance by no more than 10% per week. Periodically cycle back down to lighter weights for a week to ease tension before progressing back up. Listen to your body so you don’t push too far too fast.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
More is not always better when it comes to weighted training. Focus on making every repetition high quality, with full range of motion and proper mechanics. Reduce your normal workout volume slightly to accommodate the increased resistance from weights. It’s better to do fewer quality reps than sloppy ones trying to muscle through exhaustion.
Implementing these tips will help optimize strength and performance gains when incorporating weighted lacrosse equipment into training. Avoid the temptation to fast track development by overloaded too quickly. Be patient, start low, focus on technique, and progressively increase resistance. Your body will adapt over time to pack more punch come game day.
Ready to Pack a Punch This Lacrosse Season? How Weighted Training Gear Can Take Your Game to the Next Level
When to Use a Weighted Stick vs. a Normal Stick
Weighted lacrosse sticks and shafts have become go-to training tools for players looking to increase shot speed, power, and overall athletic performance. However, integrating a weighted stick into your routine doesn’t mean ditching your normal lacrosse stick. Both have important roles to play. Here are some guidelines on when to use each for maximum benefit:
Use Weighted Sticks for Strength Training
The primary benefit of weighted sticks and shafts is they overload muscles, inducing gains in strength over time. Use them during solo training sessions focused on strength development through high-resistance repetitive motion. Shoot consistently with a weighted stick to build shoulder and arm power. Execute tricky one-handed cradles to improve wrist and grip stability. Perform pass and catch drills to increase throwing velocity. Just be sure to allow rest time between weighted stick sessions.
Use Normal Sticks for Skill Drills
Stick skills requiring fine motor control and coordination should be practiced with a normal stick. While weighted training develops foundational strength, accuracy and precision stem from technique. Take time to master passing, catching, scooping, and shooting with a regular stick weight. Start slow and patten each skill before working up to game-speed.
Use Weighted Gear Occasionally In-Game
Some players incorporate weighted shafts or sticks periodically into games to train under live conditions. The extra resistance engages muscles harder in-game movements. But don’t overdo it – playing full games with a substantially weighted stick can alter mechanics and reduce stick control. Limit weighted gear to certain drills or a few possessions here and there.
Train With Weights More Off-Season
The off-season is the perfect time to initiate a weighted stick training regimen. The additional resistance helps maintain strength gains from heavy in-season lifting when on-field time is limited. Just gradually taper weight as the season approaches to allow skills training with a normal stick.
Focus Weights on Specific Needs
Isolate areas for improvement and customize weight training accordingly. If increased hand speed is a priority, weighted shafts withdense ends challenge hands. For added shot power, a weighted head overloads shooting motion. Defenders may benefit from an extended weighted shaft when poke checking. Cater the weight placement and distribution to individual needs.
Consider Weighted Gear for Rehab
Under doctor guidance, weighted equipment can aid lacrosse-specific rehab. Extra resistance strengthens areas recovering from injury when lighter training is required. The weight challenges muscles while limiting risk of re-injury from full-contact play. Always consult a physician before beginning rehab with weighted gear.
Train With Weights in Moderation
Weighted gear must supplement, not replace, normal lacrosse sticks during training. Workouts should include a balance of skill-focused drills with standard equipment and strength-targeting exercises using weighted shafts and sticks. Blend weighted and traditional training elements for the best results.
By incorporating weighted lacrosse gear into off-season strength programs, skill sessions, and in-game situations, players can build game-changing power. But normal sticks remain crucial for developing technical proficiency. Use both weighted and standard lacrosse sticks strategically at different times to improve all-around.
Ready to Pack a Punch This Lacrosse Season? How Weighted Training Gear Can Take Your Game to the Next Level
As lacrosse players know, success on the field requires strength, speed, agility, and finesse. While regular practice hones your skills, adding weighted training equipment to your routine can really take your game to the next level. Weighted lacrosse shafts, heads, balls and other gear add resistance to your training, increasing overall power and strength for improved performance.
Weighted Lacrosse Stick: Build Power in Your Cradle and Shot
A weighted lacrosse stick shaft and head places extra resistance on your arms and hands while cradling, passing, and shooting. By forcing you to work harder to control and maneuver the stick, weighted gear helps build strength and power. Look for lacrosse shafts and heads with built-in weights, or add removable weighted inserts to a regular stick. A heavier stick makes every movement more challenging, engaging more muscle fibers and leading to gains in strength over time. During games, the regular stick will feel light as a feather!
When shopping for a weighted lacrosse stick, consider length and weight distribution. Longer shafts challenge stability and control. Putting more weight at the bottom versus the top changes the weight dynamics. Experiment to find the weighted stick features that give you the best training stimulus without throwing off your mechanics. Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper technique for 10-15 reps before increasing the load.
Benefits of Training With a Weighted Lacrosse Stick
- Builds wrist, arm and shoulder power for harder, more accurate shots
- Improves strength for cradling through checks and defensive pressure
- Enhances hand and forearm endurance for securing ground balls
- Increases stick handling dexterity and control
- Strengthens muscles to help prevent arm and shoulder injuries
Weighted Lacrosse Balls: Take Your Passing and Catching to the Next Level
Weighted lacrosse balls add resistance for your hands and arms when passing and catching. Heavier balls force you to tighten your grip strength and use proper technique to control the ball off passes, scoops, and shots. As with weighted shafts, increased resistance when passing a weighted ball engages more muscle fibers and leads to gains in arm, wrist and hand power.
Start by tossing and catching a weighted ball for 10-15 reps before moving up in weight. Move up and down the field, working on quick stick passes, catching high and low passes, and scooping tough ground balls. Training with heavier balls improves hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and overall ball control.
Benefits of Training With Weighted Lacrosse Balls
- Develops stronger hands and arms for controlling passes and shots
- Improves grip strength for securing ground balls and finishing through checks
- Enhances hand-eye coordination and reaction time
- Increases ball control and confidence catching passes in traffic
- Builds wrist stability for quicker release when shooting
Weighted Gear for Lacrosse Goalies: Faster Hands and Explosive Power
For lacrosse goalies, lightning-fast hands and explosive power are essential. Weighted gloves, arm bands, and other gear can help elevate hand speed, reaction time, and power to stop more shots.
Weighted gloves force goalies to engage more forearm and hand muscles to move the glove quickly into position for saves. Quick hand drills and reaction ball training with added weight improve overall hand speed and coordination.
Incorporating weight into lower body training is also beneficial for goalies. Performing lunges, squats, lateral shuffles and other drills wearing ankle/wrist weights or a weight vest develops leg drive and power for explosive lateral movements across the crease. Just keep the weights moderate and focus on maintaining proper technique.
Goalie Benefits of Training With Weighted Gear
- Quicker hands and glove saves
- Faster side-to-side movement and lateral power
- Enhanced hand-eye coordination and reaction time
- Improved explosiveness for quick-stick clears
- Increased leg strength for powering across the crease
Add Weighted Accessories to Your Routine
Besides weighted sticks and balls, a variety of weighted gear can be added to lacrosse training routines. Wrist, ankle weights, and weight vests make basic drills more challenging, promoting strength gains. Other options include:
- Weighted lacrosse sleeves – Add resistance to shooting and passing
- Weighted gloves – Improve hand and forearm strength
- Weighted shafts – Increase grip, arm and shoulder strength
- Weighted hats – Build neck strength
- Weighted vests – Boost power in sprints, jumps and change of direction
Start with lighter weights focusing on quality movement before progressing. Remove weights at least 48 hours before a game to allow muscles to recover. Avoid overtraining with heavy weights to prevent injury. And make sure to get clearance from coaches or trainers before performing weighted exercises.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
Adding weighted lacrosse training gear can build game-changing functional strength and power. With weighted sticks, balls, and accessories, you can train harder and reach new performance heights. Just remember to progress gradually, use proper form, and give muscles adequate rest between weighted workouts. With the right weighted training plan, you’ll dominate the field and be unstoppable this season!
Power Up Your Ankles and Lower Body With Weighted Socks
As any lacrosse player knows, strength and stability in the ankles and lower body is critical for success. From quick cuts and dodges to powering ground balls and shots, your legs and feet take a pounding game after game. While basic training builds a solid foundation, adding weighted socks into the mix can take lower body conditioning up a notch for next-level performance.
Weighted socks add resistance to lower body movements, forcing your ankles, feet, and legs to work harder. This increased load strengthens muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons for enhanced stability, endurance, and power on the field. From weighted ankle socks to full compression socks, a variety of weighted sock options can be integrated into your training routine.
Build Ankle Strength for Cuts and Jukes
For lacrosse players, the ankles undergo a ton of stress from constant starting, stopping, cutting and changing direction. Weighted ankle socks place added resistance directly on the joint during drills and exercises to improve strength and stability. The extra weight challenges the ankle muscles to work harder during cuts, dodges, and jukes.
Look for ankle socks with padded compression zones and built-in pockets for removable metal or sand weights. Start with a lighter weight focusing on proper form during lateral shuffles, crossovers, and ladder drills before increasing resistance. The result? Stronger ankles and explosive multi-directional moves.
Ankle Sock Training Benefits
- Improves ankle stability for cuts, pivots and jukes
- Strengthens ankle muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Enhances multi-directional speed and agility
- Reduces risk of ankle rolls and other injuries
- Builds explosive lower body power
Full Compression Weighted Socks: Leg Strength and Endurance
Full compression weighted socks covering the calf, shin, and foot area can build lower leg strength and muscular endurance for lacrosse. The additional weight challenges your lower legs on moves like lunges, squats, and lateral shuffles. Gradually increase weight focusing on proper form and alignment.
Weighted compression socks also improve stamina, keeping legs feeling fresh longer. Compression improves circulation and reduces fatigue. More oxygen delivered to working muscles, combined with leg strength gains from added weight, boosts staying power for four relentless quarters.
Weighted Compression Sock Benefits
- Builds lower leg strength for power
- Increases muscular endurance
- Improves stability and balance
- Enhances circulation to reduce fatigue
- Speeds muscle recovery between games
Integrate Weighted Socks into Your Training
Here are some ways to effectively incorporate weighted socks into lower body training:
- Wear ankle socks during ladder, agility and footwork drills
- Use compression weighted socks for squats, lunges and lateral shuffles
- Perform cariocas and high knees with ankle weights
- Do standing calf raises with weighted socks
- Wear compression socks during sprints and change of direction drills
Focus on gradual progression in weight, starting with lighter loads, and allow at least 48 hours between weighted workouts to prevent overtraining. Weighted socks combine with plyometrics, sprints, lateral training and other drills for an integrated, game-changing program.
Play Powerful All Game Long
Conditioning your lower body with weighted sock training will help you dominate all over the field. With stronger ankles and lower legs, you’ll juke past defenders, power through ground balls, and sprint past midfielders all game long. Bring your ankle and leg strength to the next level with weighted socks!
Take Your Goalie Game to the Next Level with Weighted Gear Training
For lacrosse goalies, quickness, reaction time, and explosive power separate the good from the great. While regular practice hones technique, adding weighted gear to your training can develop the physical attributes needed to aggressively own the crease. Weighted gloves, pads, vests, and other equipment build hand speed, leg drive, and overall power – turning average goalies into brick wall saviors.
Weighted Gloves for Lightning-Fast Hands and Saves
Weighted lacrosse gloves place added resistance on the hands, challenging goalies to engage forearm and grip muscles more to move the glove quickly into position. Quick hand reaction drills with weighted gloves build wrist stability and hand speed to snag more saves.
Start with a comfortable weight that allows completing hand drills with control. Move up in increments, focusing on speed while maintaining proper technique. Variable weight lacrosse gloves allow removing or adding inserts for progression. With weighted glove training, gaining quickness to get a mitt on blistering shots becomes reality.
Goalie Benefits of Weighted Glove Training
- Faster hands and glove reaction time
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- Stronger wrists and forearms
- Quicker stick saves and clear transitions
- Enhanced ability to track and save the ball
Weighted Vests and Gear for Power and Quickness
A weighted vest challenges a goalie’s legs, core and full body to move with intensity across the crease. Weighted vests add resistance to lunges, shuffles, lateral moves, and drop steps, developing strength and quickness.
Start with a lighter vest weight, focusing on proper movement mechanics during drills. Progress up in small increments, keeping the weight manageable. Combine with box jumps, ladder drills, and footwork patterns for integrated power and agility.
Besides vests, a variety of other weighted gear like wrist weights, padded belts, and ankle weights can be added to build goalie explosiveness. Use these during warmup movements, footwork drills, and crease-specific exercises.
Benefits of Weighted Vest and Gear Training
- Stronger legs to explode across the crease
- Quicker feet and lateral movements
- Enhanced power for drop steps and saves
- Improved strength and stamina to perform all game
- Increased core stability and balance
Strengthen Your Grip and Stick Skills
Weighted lacrosse sticks and balls engage forearm and grip muscles more during passing, catching, and clearing. Heavier sticks and balls force goalies to tighten their grip and control the ball off reaction saves and outlet passes.
Use sticks and balls with removable weighted inserts, starting light and progressing up in small increments focusing on technique. Work on quick outlet passes, clears, and communication with defenders. The result? Stronger hands and enhanced stick skills toostart fast breaks.
Weighted Stick and Ball Training Perks
- Improved grip strength and forearm endurance
- Faster hands and reaction time
- Better control handling tough passes and clears
- Quicker stick saves and outlet passes
- Enhanced hand-eye coordination
Next-Level Goalie Gains
Take your goalie game to the next level by adding weighted gear into your training routine. Work weighted gear in gradually, focusing on proper mechanics and full recovery between sessions. Combining weighted gear training with field drills and crease-specific exercises will build the quickness, explosiveness, strength and stamina all elite goalies need to dominate games.
Finding the Right Length and Weight Goalie Shaft to Unleash Your Potential
For lacrosse goalies, having the right shaft length and balance is critical. Length impacts clearing power and range of motion in the crease, while weight affects control, quick sticks, and ball handling. Optimizing these factors results in peak performance between the pipes.
Goalie shafts are generally 40-72 inches, longer than field sticks. Length provides an expanded clearing range to outlet the ball. The extra length also allows using shafts to block shots. However, too long of a shaft can hinder quick stick movements and outlet passing accuracy.
Weight is another key consideration. Heavier shafts build hand strength for securing saves and controlling clears. But excessive weight reduces speed of glove reactions, stick checks, and ball handling. Finding the ideal combo of length and weight is crucial for goalie dominance.
Length: Balance Clearing Range and Crease Mobility
Longer goalie shafts provide several benefits:
- Expanded clearing range for hitting outlets
- Extra leverage for blocking shots with the shaft
- Added poke check reach beyond the crease
However, extra length can also hinder quick stick moves, reaction saves, and clearing accuracy. Excess length slows glove speed and hampers ball control.
For most goalies, 50-60 inch shafts provide the optimal balance of range and control. Taller goalies can often handle longer sticks, while shorter goalies need more control from shorter shafts.
Finding Your Ideal Length
Test different lengths to find your personal sweet spot. Evaluate clearing accuracy/speed and crease mobility with each. Some key assessments:
- Outlet pass targets and clear speed/accuracy at distance
- Quick stick reaction times on saves
- Ability to move laterally across the crease
- Comfort initiating poke checks beyond the crease
Choose the maximal length you can control and move quickly within the crease. Remember, excess length hampers reaction time. Don’t sacrifice glove speed and ball handling by going too long.
Weight: Adding Control and Strength
Heavier lacrosse shafts build wrist stability and grip/forearm strength needed for a goalie. The added weight forces you to tighten your grip and engage more muscles controlling saves and clears. This develops major grip power.
But adding too much weight reduces reaction speeds, costs quickness on saves, and hampers accuracy passing and clearing. Excess weight also contributes to late game fatigue.
The sweet spot is a weight that provides optimal challenge without sacrificing quickness and control. Variable weight shafts allow adjusting weight for progression. Add weight in increments, assessing its impact on key goalie actions.
Determining Ideal Weight
Test different weights, evaluating:
- Glove speed/reaction time on saves
- Accuracy passing and clearing the ball
- Ability to direct clears and outlet passes
- Fatigue level through four quarters
- Wrist/forearm comfort and control
Choose the heaviest weight you can control without compromising speed, accuracy, or hand comfort. Remember, moderation is key for balancing strength and control.
Find Your Winning Shaft Specs
Dialing in lacrosse goalie shaft length and weight establishes a foundation for success. Test different specs to find your optimal balance of range, power, control and quickness. With the right shaft, unleash your full dominance between the pipes!
Shop Smart – Where to Find the Best Weighted Lacrosse Gear
As weighted lacrosse equipment grows in popularity for taking skills to the next level, the gear options have exploded. With more choices than ever for weighted shafts, heads, gloves, balls and accessories, it can be tricky finding high-quality weighted gear that boosts your game. Shopping smart and buying from reputable suppliers is key to getting the most from your weighted lacrosse investments.
Purchase Weighted Shafts from Specialty Lacrosse Brands
Weighted and adjustable lacrosse shafts allow adding and removing weight inserts for progression. Look to the top specialty lacrosse brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior for weighted and adjustable shafts with excellent performance and durability.
These companies offer advanced composite and alloy materials engineered specifically for lacrosse shaft performance. This results in optimal strength, flex, and weight distribution for control. Their shafts accommodate removable weights evenly and securely.
Leading brands also utilize specialized end caps and connections for rock-solid head attachment – critical for a weighted setup. While more expensive, their quality and performance justify the price.
Best Weighted Shaft Sources
- Maverik – Adjustable Caliber shaft
- STX – PowerShaft line
- Warrior – Burn FO adjustable goalie shaft
- Brine – King VI PowerKrease shaft
Shop Lacrosse Specialty Stores for Weighted Heads
Leading lacrosse retailers like Lax.com, Lacrosse Monkey, and Lacrosse Unlimited offer specialty weighted heads to pair with your chosen shaft. Shop brands like Maverik, STX, and Brine for consistent quality and performance.
These weighted heads utilize advanced scoop and sidewall design for control, ball retention, and quick release when shooting. Weight is distributed smartly across the head area or concentrated in the scoop for maximal training stimulus.
Heads with adjustable weight allow progression from light to heavy as skills improve. While pricier, these heads are extremely durable for long-term use. Take time to read product reviews and descriptions when choosing a weighted head to match your needs.
Lacrosse Gear Brands for Training Balls and Gear
For weighted balls, gloves, arm bands, belts and other training gear, lacrosse equipment companies like Warrior, Brine and Maverik again offer excellent quality and performance. Their gear holds up to intense training use and abuse.
Weighted lacrosse balls use premium materials and often feature removable inserts to adjust weight. Training gloves provide adjustable wrist support and secure weight inserts evenly across the hand. Vendors also offer weighted goalie gear designed specifically for the position.
While more expensive, their lacrosse-specific design and premium construction ensure the gear meets your weighted training needs for years to come. Invest wisely for a long-term training edge.
Quality Weighted Gear Beyond Lacrosse Brands
Expanding beyond lacrosse-only brands opens more weighted gear options, but read reviews carefully when venturing outside the core vendors. Sports brands like Nike and Under Armour offer weighted vests, compression gear, ankle weights and more that can aid lacrosse training.
General fitness companies also sell weighted accessories, but assess construction quality and durability in reviews before purchasing. Check sizing carefully for good fit. With non-lacrosse gear, you sacrifice some sport-specific design for more affordable pricing.
Shop Smarter, Train Harder
With the right weighted lacrosse gear from reputable brands and vendors, you can take your skills to the next level. Shop smart for equipment that provides a real performance edge and durable construction to boost your game. Now get out there, train harder, and dominate the competition!