Top 3 Recommended Lacrosse Ball Brands – Brands players trust
When it comes to lacrosse balls, not all brands are created equal. As a lacrosse player, you want to choose a ball from a reputable brand that is known for quality and durability. After testing out dozens of options over the years, here are my top 3 go-to lacrosse ball brands that I confidently recommend:
Warrior Lacrosse – Without a doubt, Warrior is one of the most popular and trusted brands among lacrosse players across all levels. Their rubber lacrosse balls have the perfect amount of rebound and grip for improving your handling skills. Warrior offers lacrosse balls in a wide range of vibrant colors, plus they sell them in bulk packages at affordable prices. As an added bonus, their lacrosse balls tend to hold up well over time without going flat.
STX Lacrosse – STX is another leading brand in the lacrosse world known for their high-end sticks and gear. I’ve found that their lacrosse balls have a very durable outer shell that provides great feedback when cradling or shooting. They sell rubber lacrosse balls in bulk sets for training exercises at home. STX lacrosse balls also bounce and roll true, helping sharpen your accuracy.
Ballistx Lacrosse – This relative newcomer has made a name for themselves quickly thanks to their focus on lacrosse balls specifically. The Ballistx rubber lacrosse training balls have a soft, cushioned feel with enhanced grip, making them ideal for stick tricks and handling drills. They sell lacrosse ball sets individually or in discounted bulk packages. Based on player reviews, Ballistx lacrosse balls hold their shape exceptionally well over time.
While there are certainly other decent lacrosse ball brands out there, I can personally vouch for the quality and performance of balls from Warrior, STX, and Ballistx. Their lacrosse balls consistently impress players with their playability, durability, and value. You really can’t go wrong choosing from these leading manufacturers when stocking up on lacrosse balls for the season.
Pearl VS Rubber Lacrosse Balls – The pros and cons of each material
When purchasing lacrosse balls, one of the key decisions is whether to choose traditional rubber lacrosse balls or pearl lacrosse balls. There are pros and cons to each material, so let’s break it down:
Rubber Lacrosse Balls:
- Pros:
- Very durable – can withstand outdoor use and being hit by sticks
- Good grip and tackiness for handling drills
- Provides responsive feedback when caught or thrown
- Budget-friendly price point, especially for bulk orders
- Can feel “hard” during wall ball exercises
- Limited color and design options
- Over time rebounds less and loses shape
Pearl Lacrosse Balls:
- Pros:
- Softer feel and more cushioning for wall ball drills
- Increased friction and tackiness for stick tricks
- Fun, vibrant colors and color schemes
- Custom logo and text options for teams/events
- Less durable for outdoor use/hard checks
- Higher cost per ball, especially for bulk orders
- Does not bounce or roll as true as rubber
When it comes to choosing between pearl and rubber lacrosse balls, it really comes down to your training needs and budget. For most lacrosse players doing general wall ball drills, handling exercises, and shooting practice in their yard, traditional rubber lacrosse balls are the more affordable, durable option. However, serious players who want softer balls for repetitious wall ball exercises or creative stick tricks may want to invest in pearl lacrosse balls. For youth and high school teams looking for custom printed balls for games, pearls offer more design flexibility too. Whichever material you choose, investing in quality lacrosse balls from reputable brands is essential for taking your skills to the next level.
Lacrosse Ball Drills To Do At Home – Improve your handling skills
One of the best ways to improve your lacrosse handling and stick skills is to do lacrosse ball drills at home. With just a wall, a few lacrosse balls, and your stick, you can work on essential techniques like cradling, scooping, passing, catching, and shooting.
Here are some of my go-to lacrosse ball drills to add to your home training routine:
- Wall Ball – Throw a lacrosse ball against a brick or concrete wall and work on quickly cradling it on your stick after it bounces back. Focus on soft hands receiving and maintaining control. See how many reps you can do without dropping the ball.
- Figure 8s – While cradling a ball in your stick, move your stick in a continuous figure 8 motion around your body. Change direction and lead with both your strong and weak hand. Work on keeping the ball centered without having to adjust too much.
- Quick Stick Passing – Stand about 5-10 yards from a wall and pass lacrosse balls against it, concentrating on quick releases and accuracy. After passing, work on immediately cradling another ball once receiving the rebound.
- Behind-the-Back Cradling – Cradle a ball across your body from your weak hand to your strong hand by swinging your stick around your back. This drill enhances your hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Alley Dodges – Set up cones or yardsticks as “alleys” 2-3 yards apart on your driveway or backyard. Practice dodging, juking, and changing pace while cradling the ball through the alleys.
- Shooting – Designate a shooting area on a wall or set up a makeshift goal with cones and practice ripping different shots. Work on both overhand and sidearm.
- Quick Hands Drills – Place 2-3 balls about a stick’s length apart on the ground. In a continuous motion, practice scooping up each ball as quickly as possible into your stick and then placing it back down gently.
Completing just 10-15 minutes of these lacrosse ball handling and passing drills at home 3-4 times a week will drastically strengthen your stick skills over time. Having your own stock of lacrosse balls on hand makes it easy to get quality reps in your backyard. Before you know it, cradling, scooping, catching, and shooting will feel like second nature.
Using Lacrosse Balls for Injury Prevention – Reduce risk of common injuries
One of the most valuable yet often overlooked benefits of using lacrosse balls is for injury prevention. By incorporating specific exercises with a lacrosse ball into your training routine, you can reduce your risk of common nagging injuries that lacrosse players suffer from.
Here are some of the main ways to use a lacrosse ball to aid injury prevention:
- Target Muscle Trigger Points – Use a lacrosse ball to apply direct pressure to tender muscles prone to overuse injuries like the IT band, calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and back. Slowly rolling on the ball loosens tight muscles and breaks up adhesions.
- Increase Range of Motion – Dynamic stretching with a lacrosse ball prior to activity enhances mobility in key joints like ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders to improve function and reduce strain.
- Relieve Muscle Soreness – Lightly rolling on a lacrosse ball helps flush out lactic acid built up from intense training sessions. This speeds up muscle recovery time.
- Improve Body Mechanics – Exercises promoting core strength, balance, and proper movement patterns with a ball under specific body parts teaches your body better position and control.
- Release Neck and Shoulder Tension – Place a ball between your upper back and a wall and lean into it, rolling slowly to alleviate muscle tightness from the repetitive motions of cradling and checking.
- Decrease Hand and Wrist Pain – Knead a ball in your palm and along your forearm to reduce inflammation and tendon stiffness from frequent catching and checking.
- Restore Normal Nerve Function – Roll along nerves that can get compressed like the sciatic nerve to relieve pain and tingling by taking pressure off.
Making lacrosse balls part of your warm-up, cool-down, and recovery can go a long way towards keeping your body balanced and injury-free. The extra time spent pinpointing problematic areas with a ball is well worth avoiding extended time off the field. Consistency is key – even just 5-10 minutes a day can keep those common aches, pains, and strains away.
Buying Lacrosse Balls in Bulk – Where to get the best deals
For lacrosse players who train regularly, going through balls quickly is a given. To get the most bang for your buck, buying lacrosse balls in bulk is the way to go. Here’s what you need to know to get the best bulk deals on lacrosse balls:
Look for bulk packaging – The most savings come from buying a “bucket” or “crate” of new lacrosse balls sold together versus individually. Often a bucket of 36, 72, or 144 lacrosse balls will be offered at a discounted per ball rate. They may also throw in free items like ball sacks or pump needles as bonuses.
Shop online – The widest selection of bulk lacrosse ball options can be found at online retailers that specialize in lacrosse equipment and apparel. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior sell directly through their websites. Online stores like Lax.com, LacrosseMonkey, and LaxWorld also offer major bulk discounts.
Buy in higher quantities – Pay attention to pricing tiers on bulk packs. Buying 72 balls may be cheaper per ball than 36 balls, for example. For big team orders, going with over 100 balls likely gets you the best value.
Look for deals on practice balls – Training lacrosse balls often come at a lower price point than higher grade game balls. These are perfect for drills, wall ball, and handling practice so buy them in bulk.
Consider DIY custom balls – For a fun team project, buy plain white pearl lacrosse balls in bulk then use permanent markers to decorate them yourselves. This is much cheaper than custom printing.
Ask coaches about team discounts – Youth and high school coaches may get special bulk pricing from certain brands, manufacturers, or local lacrosse shops. Don’t be shy to ask!
Buy extra – It’s smart to overestimate how many lacrosse balls you’ll need and take advantage of bulk savings. Extras can be given to teammates or saved as backups since balls tend to get lost frequently!
Following these tips will ensure you get the most lacrosse balls for your money. Taking advantage of bulk deals means always having plenty of balls on hand for practice without breaking the bank.
Custom Printed Lacrosse Balls – Make your balls stand out
Having lacrosse balls with custom printing is a great way for teams and players to make their balls unique and add some extra flair. Here’s what you need to know about ordering custom printed lacrosse balls:
Consider pearl vs rubber – Custom designs and logos show up best on pearl lacrosse balls since the surface is white. Rubber balls only come in solid colors. Pearl also provides more texture for designs to grip.
Decide on a design – Most companies allow you to submit your own artwork, logos, and text to print on the balls. Keep designs relatively simple for clearest resolution. Choose 1-3 colors max for a bold look.
Pick a ball color – While white pearl balls work best for showing off custom designs, you can choose pearls in other solid colors too like yellow, orange, pink, purple, etc. This adds a nice background color.
Know size and quantity needs – Custom printed lacrosse balls typically come in standard regulation sizes for men, women, and youth. Order enough for your whole team with a few extras.
Look into palette printing – A new trend is palette printed lacrosse balls with full photographic images or landscapes covering the entire ball. This provides virtually endless design options.
Check turnaround time – Custom lacrosse ball orders generally take 2-3 weeks to allow for design proofing, printing, and shipping. Plan ahead so you get them in time for games or tournaments.
Compare pricing – Shop around different custom lacrosse ball vendors online for the best pricing. Bulk orders usually get better rates and free shipping. Expect to pay more than plain balls.
Carefully proof designs – Double check spelling, logo details, uniform number colors, etc. before approving the final design proofs. Changes after approval often incur fees.
Custom printed lacrosse balls let teams and players make a bold statement on the field. With the right preparation and vendor, you can get imaginative designs that perfectly represent your program.
Lacrosse Balls for Youth Players – Choosing the right size
When selecting lacrosse balls for youth players, choosing the proper ball size for your child’s age and skill level is important. Here are some guidelines for picking youth lacrosse balls:
6U and 8U – At these young introductory levels, start with soft, spongy rubber balls or mini mesh balls roughly tennis ball sized. Focus is on basic stick handling and cradling, so very soft balls build confidence.
10U – Transition to a slightly larger rubber ball comparable to a racquetball. This introduces more weight to improve hand-eye skills while still being manageable for small hands and arms.
12U – Upgrade to a real lacrosse ball but sized down to about 70% regulation weight. The smaller ball won’t feel too heavy yet mimics motions of an actual lacrosse ball. Hardness can range from extra soft to medium.
14U – Move up to a true regulation sized lacrosse ball for their age bracket. Girl’s balls are a bit smaller and lighter than boy’s. Focus on medium or firm balls to start developing passing and shooting mechanics.
Youth League Chiefs – Rubber lacrosse balls comparable to tennis balls work great for first organized team practices. They are lightweight and won’t overwhelm brand new players.
High School Freshmen – Standard regulation lacrosse balls help acclimate players to the speed and physicality of high school lacrosse. Balls on the firmer side with good grip mimic varsity game balls.
The key is gradually progressing kids up in lacrosse ball size and hardness as their skills and strength develop. Be patient and let them build confidence before advancing too quickly. With the right ball, youth players will have success and most importantly, fun playing lacrosse.
Caring for Your Lacrosse Balls – Keep them in top shape
Taking proper care of your lacrosse balls ensures they maintain optimal performance and longevity. Here are some tips for keeping your lacrosse balls in great shape:
- Check inflation – For rubber lacrosse balls, routinely check inflation levels with a ball pump needle to maintain the right bounce. Add air as needed if balls become underinflated.
- Wash periodically – Over time, lacrosse ball fabrics collect dirt, grass, and debris. Use a mild detergent and scrub with a brush to clean off buildup and discoloration.
- Avoid excessive heat – Don’t leave lacrosse balls baking in the hot sun when not in use. This can cause the rubber to break down faster. Store balls out of direct sunlight.
- Rotate frequently – Alternate which lacrosse balls you use during wall ball drills and practice. This distributes wear and tear evenly across your supply.
- Check for cracks – Inspect balls routinely for cracks, holes, loose threads or other damage. Retire balls once they start deteriorating or take on water.
- Keep balls dry – If balls get wet, dry thoroughly with a towel before storing. Letting balls air dry prevents mold and mildew growth.
- Store properly – Keep extra balls in mesh sacks/bags and avoid leaving ones in use outside overnight where dew can accumulate.
- Replenish often – Plan on replacing practice lacrosse balls at least once a season as older balls lose rebound. Donate retired balls.
Taking a little extra time to properly care for your lacrosse balls ensures you always have balls in ideal playing condition ready for drills, practice, and games. Develop consistent habits like washing, rotating, inflating, and inspecting your lacrosse balls to maximize their lifespan.
The Best Lacrosse Ball Bucket – Convenient storage options
For lacrosse players who go through a lot of balls during training, a quality lacrosse ball bucket is a must-have item. Here are the key factors to consider when picking the best lacrosse ball bucket for your needs:
- Capacity – Look for buckets that hold at least 2 dozen balls, with some options holding up to 144 balls. Estimate how many you’ll need accessible at once.
- Portability – Buckets with handles make transporting balls to and from the field much easier. Wheeled buckets are ideal for large supplies.
- Durability – Seek out heavy-duty buckets made from rigid plastics that won’t crack or warp over time with frequent use.
- Ventilation – Buckets with mesh panels or breathable materials allow for air circulation to keep balls dry.
- Organization – Some buckets have removable dividers to separate balls by type or color. Side pockets provide storage too.
- Added features – Look for useful extras like mesh ball sacks, pump needles, wallet for ID/cash, external clips, umbrella holder, etc.
- Brand reputation – Trusted lacrosse brands like Maverik, STX, and Brine make high-quality ball buckets suited for frequent use.
- Price – While cheaper generic buckets exist, pay a little more for all-lacrosse buckets with useful amenities built specifically for players.
Investing in a solid, feature-packed lacrosse ball bucket eliminates hassles by keeping all your balls neatly organized, protected, and easy to transport. Models like the Maverik Transport Lacrosse Ball Bucket are well worth the price for their convenience during training, games, and team events.
Picking the Right Lacrosse Ball Hardness – Firm vs soft balls
Lacrosse balls come in a range of hardness levels, from extra soft to very firm. Choosing the right ball hardness depends on the type of practice you’ll be doing. Here are some guidelines on firmness levels:
Extra Soft: These lacrosse balls have a squishy, almost spongy feel. They are ideal for very young players just learning the basics. The softness builds confidence catching and cradling. They can also help rehab injuries when needing reduced impact.
Soft: Slightly firmer than extra soft balls, these add some feedback for developing stick skills. Soft balls are great for repetitive wall ball drills, as they reduce arm fatigue from the cushioning effect. Young players can transition to soft balls as skills improve.
Medium: This middle-ground hardness provides a nice balance of responsiveness and soft feel. They offer good grip and a familiar lacrosse ball feel, making them a popular choice for casual practicing.
Firm: Once players reach elite club levels, firm balls are preferred for more advanced drills. The limited cushioning helps fine-tune catching technique and passing accuracy needed at higher competition. Firm balls mimic true game balls.
Extra Firm: Very rigid lacrosse balls with a solid rubber feel are reserved for specialized drills. The rock-like stiffness requires precise stick work and hand-eye coordination to control. They delay feedback to hone quick reactions.
Try out lacrosse balls in various hardness levels to see what suits your skills. For most recreational and youth players, a soft or medium ball will meet training needs. As the level intensifies, shift to firmer balls that provide less margin for error. The control challenges ultimately improve overall ball handling.
Why Every LAX Player Needs Lacrosse Balls – Essential for skills training
Owning your own supply of lacrosse balls is absolutely vital for any player serious about improving their game. Here’s why every lacrosse athlete needs lacrosse balls:
- Enhance stick skills – The only way to truly develop elite handling, cradling, scooping and passing is through repetitive practice with balls.
- Build ball control – Mastering the nuances of containing and maneuvering balls in your stick leads directly to improved performance.
- Increase hand-eye coordination – Hours spent drilling with lacrosse balls ingrains automatic, reflexive reactions for seamless ball control.
- Improve shooting aim – Dialing in shooting accuracy demands consistent practice aiming for targets on walls and nets.
- Develop footwork – Choreographing your feet with stick movements while maintaining ball control breeds fluid athletic motion.
- Build lacrosse IQ – Game-like scenarios using balls trains you to quickly analyze visual cues and execute the right response.
- Prevent injuries – Using balls to activate stabilizing muscles and dynamically stretch aids injury prevention during play.
- Gain confidence – The more “touches” you get with balls through solo practice builds self-assurance come game time.
Bottom line, if you want to maximize lacrosse skills, balls are required. Having an ample personal supply removes any excuse to skip drills. Take your training into your own hands by investing in quality lacrosse balls tailored to your abilities. Consistent practice yields tangible improvements over time.
Creative Lacrosse Ball Drills – Take your training up a notch
Once you master the basics, it’s time to mix up your solo lacrosse ball training with more creative drills that introduce new challenges. Here are some innovative ways to take your skills up a notch:
- Blind Cradling – Work on feel by cradling a ball with your eyes closed. Trust your senses to control the ball’s motion and centering.
- Multiball Drills – Scoop and cradle several balls rapidly to juggle them in your stick. Or pass against a wall working one ball, then switch seamlessly to the next.
- Obstacle Courses – Set up cones, ropes, hoops, etc. to weave and dodge through while maintaining possession and focus.
- Timed Drills – Challenge yourself to beat personal records for consecutive cradles, fastest gathering from ground, or most goals in 60 seconds.
- Partner Mirror Drills – Stand facing a teammate and mirror their every movement in unison while cradling balls.
- Situational Simulation – Recreate game scenarios like coming out of penalties or last minute challenges to practice reactions.
- Behind-the-back passing – Work on accuracy whipping sudden passes to a wall target while keeping your body squared up.
- cradle – Twist your top hand in and out while cradling to keep the ball moving across your body fluidly during direction changes.
Stepping outside your normal routine with unorthodox drills forces you to develop new lacrosse skills and reactions. Keeping things fresh and challenging prevents you from going through the motions and stimulates further improvement. Think creatively and you’ll discover countless ways to become a better overall player.
Gifting Lacrosse Balls – Great present ideas for LAX players
Looking for the perfect gift for the lacrosse player in your life? You can’t go wrong giving them more lacrosse balls! Here are creative ways to gift lacrosse balls they’ll appreciate:
- Custom Printed Balls – Personalize balls with their name, number, team name or fun phrases like “LAX Boss”.
- Themed Balls – Choose balls representing their favorite sports team colors, tie-dyed, camo print, flag pattern, etc.
- Pearl Party Pack – Give a variety pack of pearl balls in an array of cool colors like lava, swirl, glitter, neon, pastels.
- Ball Bucket – Fill a monogrammed ball bucket with an assortment of new balls for practice.
- Division I Balls – For college-bound players, opt for high-end balls used at top NCAA programs.
- Signature Series – Many brands sell pro replica balls branded with endorsees’ names and logos.
- Limited Edition – Look for unique balls like NCAA Championship commemoratives or All-Star Game souvenirs.
- Birthday Balls – Label each ball with milestones from their birth year for a meaningful, nostalgic gift.
Balls tailored to their personality or interests shows sincere thoughtfulness. Pair lacrosse balls with other accessories like stick wax, sweatbands, locker decals or compression sleeves for a complete gift box. For avid players, you really can’t have too many fresh lacrosse balls on hand!
Lacrosse Balls FAQs – Answers to common questions
For new and experienced lacrosse players alike, there are often questions around lacrosse balls that come up. Here are answers to some frequently asked lacrosse ball FAQs:
How long do lacrosse balls last?
With proper care, most rubber lacrosse balls will maintain good playability for 1-2 seasons of regular use before needing replacement. Less durable pearl or soft lacrosse training balls may only last weeks to months. Rotating through balls extends longevity.
Where is the best place to buy lacrosse balls?
Online retailers like Amazon, Lax.com and Lacrosse Unlimited offer the widest selection of brands and bulk pricing. Local sporting goods stores also carry basic balls. For custom and specialty balls, order directly from manufacturers.
What is the proper inflation PSI for lacrosse balls?
Men’s regulation lacrosse balls should be inflated to around 8-9 PSI. Youth balls use 4-6 PSI. Underinflation causes inadequate rebound while overinflation gives too much bounce. Refer to ball packaging for recommended pressure.
Why are some lacrosse balls soft?
Softer balls are designed for beginner players, indoor use or wall ball training where ball control is emphasized over speed/power. The more cushioning reduces arm stress and builds handling confidence.
Do college teams use different lacrosse balls?
NCAA teams use high-end balls meeting strict quality standards for grip, hardness and durability. Major brands make replica versions available to emulate college game balls for elite high school players.
Having the right intel on lacrosse balls removes frustrations and helps maximize your training. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – knowledgeable teammates and coaches are great resources too.
Lacrosse Balls for Youth Players – Choosing the right size
When selecting lacrosse balls for youth players, choosing the proper ball size for your child’s age and skill level is important. Here are some guidelines for picking youth lacrosse balls:
6U and 8U – At these young introductory levels, start with soft, spongy rubber balls or mini mesh balls roughly tennis ball sized. Focus is on basic stick handling and cradling, so very soft balls build confidence.
10U – Transition to a slightly larger rubber ball comparable to a racquetball. This introduces more weight to improve hand-eye skills while still being manageable for small hands and arms.
12U – Upgrade to a real lacrosse ball but sized down to about 70% regulation weight. The smaller ball won’t feel too heavy yet mimics motions of an actual lacrosse ball. Hardness can range from extra soft to medium.
14U – Move up to a true regulation sized lacrosse ball for their age bracket. Girl’s balls are a bit smaller and lighter than boy’s. Focus on medium or firm balls to start developing passing and shooting mechanics.
Youth League Chiefs – Rubber lacrosse balls comparable to tennis balls work great for first organized team practices. They are lightweight and won’t overwhelm brand new players.
High School Freshmen – Standard regulation lacrosse balls help acclimate players to the speed and physicality of high school lacrosse. Balls on the firmer side with good grip mimic varsity game balls.
The key is gradually progressing kids up in lacrosse ball size and hardness as their skills and strength develop. Be patient and let them build confidence before advancing too quickly. With the right ball, youth players will have success and most importantly, fun playing lacrosse.