The Essential Lacrosse Protective Gear Every Player Needs

The Essential Lacrosse Protective Gear Every Player Needs

Helmet – Most Important For Head Protection

A lacrosse helmet is arguably the most vital piece of protective equipment, shielding a player’s head from high-speed rubber balls and flailing sticks. Today’s helmets utilize advanced materials like polycarbonate cages and expanded polypropylene foam padding to absorb and distribute impact forces. Proper helmet fit is critical – it should feel snug but not pinch. Some key elements to look for include strong face masks, adjustable chin straps, and optional visors to protect eyes.

Shoulder Pads – Shield Collarbone And Rib Area

Lacrosse can get rough and tumble, so quality shoulder pads are a must to protect collarbones and ribs from checks. Plastic caps buffer the impact of pointy elbows and stick ends. However, don’t just strap on football shoulder pads – lacrosse-specific pads allow greater mobility. Seek adjustable pads with sternum and spine protection. Want extra protection? Rib guards and padded undershirts provide an additional layer of security.

Arm Pads – Guard Elbows Against Checks

Ever been whacked on the elbow by a soaring lacrosse ball? It’s not pleasant. Arm pads cushion players’ elbows as they cradle and pass, absorbing the force of checks. Lightweight, low-profile pads allow freedom of movement while still protecting this vulnerable joint. For maximum coverage, make sure pads extend several inches above and below the elbow.

Gloves – Protect Hands From Ball And Sticks

Lacrosse gloves safeguard players’ hands and wrists from bruising ball and stick impacts while also improving grip on their own stick. Palm padding and molded plastic on the back of the hand offer shock absorption. Make sure gloves have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating yet still provide wrist support. Goalies require bulkier gloves with reinforced thumb protection.

Rib Pads – Extra Shielding For Vital Organs

While shoulder pads help protect ribcages, additional rib pads bolster defenses for athletes’ vital organs. These padded “girdles” wrap around the midsection to add a supplementary layer of shock-absorbing armor against poke checks. Some rib pads even extend up to integrate with shoulder pads. For optimal safety, ensure complete coverage and a snug, bendable fit.

Cup – Necessary Protection For Groin Area

Let’s be real – sticks and balls flying around at high speeds pose a serious threat to lacrosse players’ groins. Don’t discover this the painful way. Cups are 100% mandatory equipment for male athletes, while female players often opt for padded shorts or pelvic protectors. Proper fit is key to keep sensitive regions secure. Now go play with peace of mind!

Mouthguard – Prevents Dental Injuries

No one wants a tooth knocked out during competition. Mouthguards cushion blows that could otherwise cause dental trauma. They come in varied types – basic boil-and-bite, custom fitted, and high-tech options with breathing channels and impact sensors. Technique is also key – make sure to keep lips sealed around the mouthguard while playing. Say goodbye to emergency dentist visits!

Stick Head – Legal Head Ensures Safety

Lacrosse sticks pack a wallop, so regulating head dimensions improves on-field safety. Stick heads must be between 6-10 inches wide to be legal for play. Pocket depth is also restricted. Officials will remove oversized heads from games, so stick to regulation parameters. Properly strung heads with tight netting also reduce errant release angles.

Cleats – Proper Footwear Prevents Injury

Sure, you could technically play lacrosse in running shoes, but that’s begging for rolled ankles and knee injuries. Cleats provide traction for quicker cuts and pivots, especially on damp grass. Look for lacrosse-specific cleats with a mix of short and long studs for multidirectional grip. Don’t forget to break them in before game time to prevent blisters!

Protective Eyewear – Shield Eyes From Ball

While less common than other gear, protective eyewear does offer an extra layer of security for players’ peepers. Sports goggles help fend off runaway bounce shots to the face. Some contain polycarbonate lenses wrapped in soft flexible frames for optical clarity and comfort. Wraparound temple protection blocks objects entering from the side. Consider prescription lenses too!

Practice Uniform – Padded Shirt Absorbs Checks

Padded lacrosse shirts provide lightweight protection during practice, absorbing routine body checks. Though less bulky than game uniforms, they still integrate padded segments on shoulders, chest, back, and arms. Compression shirts offer some impact defense too. For versatility, practice shirts work as undershirts when suits are required for real competition.

Goalie Equipment – Extra Padding On Arms And Legs

Goalies withstand more pelting than any other position, so they need heavy-duty padding – chest protectors, oversized helmets with full face masks, bulky gloves, and shin guards or padded pants. These reinforced barriers shield net minders as they squat, dive, and block shots in the crease. Lacrosse balls can really sting from close range, so goalies gear up!

Tape – Wraps Help Prevent Sprains And Strains

From jammed thumbs to turned ankles, athletic tape binds minor injuries during play. Quick wrap-arounds compress and support vulnerable joints. Carry tape just in case. However, don’t conceal major swelling or deformities – get those checked out by medical staff. Tape can also improve stick grip in a pinch!

First Aid Kit – Treats Minor Injuries On The Field

Knotted calves, scraped elbows, and bloody noses are par for the course in lacrosse. Make sure first aid kits are on hand to provide instant care. Stock essentials like gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, instant cold packs, and medical gloves. Bonus if kits include meds like anti-inflammatories and allergy relief. Then players can quickly treat splinters and stingers without missing much game time!

Proper Fitting – Gear Must Fit Snugly And Comfortably

Even quality lacrosse gear loses efficacy if it doesn’t fit properly. Helmets should feel secure, not loose and wobbly. Pads shouldn’t restrict range of motion or chafe skin. Seek gear sized specifically for your body type, instead of using bulky hand-me-downs. Ask coaches for fitting tips too. Snug and supportive equipment keeps athletes safer and more confident on the field.

Shoulder Pads – Shield Collarbone And Rib Area

When that bruising midfielder comes charging down the alley straight at you, high-density shoulder pads are the only barrier protecting your fragile clavicles and ribs from a shattering blow. Today’s lightweight, low-profile lacrosse shoulder pads utilize space-age materials like injection molded thermal plastic urethane (TPU) caps and high-impact polyethylene foam to effectively disperse the force of bone-crunching pokes, checks, and slashes. Unlike bulky football pads, lacrosse-specific shoulder pads optimize mobility with articulated designs, strategic padding zones, and adjustable straps for a personalized fit. Seek models with ample coverage of the sternum, spine, and collarbone since these bony areas often sustain injury. For even more protection, reinforced rib sleeves and padded lacrosse undershirts integrate with shoulder pads to provide supplementary armor for core vital organs.

I’ll never forget the time our team’s arrogant rivals hosted us for a road game grudge match. Their notorious midfielder “Crusher” Collins was notorious for obliterating opponents with ruthless slashes and cross-checks. But I was ready – strapped into my shock-absorbing Epoch Dragonfly shoulders, I felt like a padded warrior. When Collins hammered me with an X-hit straight to the ribs, my pads diffused the worst of the impact. I bounced back unfazed and proceeded to score the game-winning goal in overtime. My trusty shoulder pads saved me from becoming another casualty of Collins’ carnage that day!

Arm Pads – Guard Elbows Against Checks

You ever take a screamer of a shot right to the funny bone? Hits with the force of a boxer’s uppercut, sending your entire arm into a tingling purgatory. Thankfully, padded lacrosse arm guards act as personal bodyguards for players’ elbows, absorbing the brunt of checks while allowing full range of motion. Arm pad technology has come a long way from bulky, restrictive designs. Now sleek, lightweight pads use space-age materials like d30 foam and removable plastic caps to cushion blows while conforming to natural arm movement.

For optimal elbow protection, look for arm guards that extend several inches above and below the joint. Some models even include removable bicep and forearm padding for customizable coverage. Compression sleeve pads with integrated elbow caps provide low-profile protection too. Don’t forget to secure straps for a snug fit – loose pads can slide and shift. With high-performance arm pads in your arsenal, you can crafty cradle and rip rockets without fear of joint jarring hits ruining your day!

During a championship game last season, I dodged through three defenders while cradling towards the goal. I wound up to bomb a blistering shot, but a crushing cross-check hammered my exposed elbow mid-shot. My Cascade LP Arm Pads took the brunt, and I still scored! Those elbow pads turned a painful stinger into a game-changing play. Now I never hit the field without them.

Gloves – Protect Hands From Ball And Sticks

Ever tried cradling and shooting bare-handed? That stinging lacrosse ball will eat your palms alive after one catch attempt. Luckily, specialized lacrosse gloves shield players’ hands from bruising ball impacts and damaging stick checks. Inside the palms, foam or gel padding absorbs vibrations while improving grip on your crosse handle. On the back, plastic plates dispersed shocks from slashes. Ventilation holes circulate air to prevent sweaty, stifling hands.

Goalies require the most heavy-duty gloves to fend off point-blank blasts, with oversized padding, reinforced thumbs, and wrist cuffs. For field players, flexibility is key – ensure gloves allow dexterity for catching, throwing and checking. Molded plastic segmentation maximizes mobility and protection. Seek a snug, ergonomic fit and check glove regulations – some leagues ban certain models. With high-performance gloves on your hands, you’ll be stopping shots and dishing dimes in comfort!

I’ll never forget the first time I tried catching without gloves. After just one practice catch attempt, my hands were screaming in protest, pulsating with pain. Lesson learned – never glove-less again! Now I exclusively use Maverik Rome gloves. The cushioned palms absorb stingers, while the flexible back plates allow nimble stick skills. My Maveriks have saved my hands countless times!

Rib Pads – Extra Shielding For Vital Organs

Even with shoulder pads strapped on, lacrosse players’ vital inner organs remain vulnerable to bruising blows. Luckily, padded rib shirts provide reinsurance for athletes’ rib cages and cores against jamming pokes and checks. These protective “girdles” wrap around the torso with integrated foam or hard plastic padding. High-impact polyethylene and EVA foams absorb shock while conforming to body contours for optimum coverage. Some rib pads even feature adjustable lacing or extendable flaps to integrate with shoulder pads for 360 degrees of protection.

Proper rib pad fit is crucial – too loose, and they’ll shift out of place, leaving gaps in protection. Too tight, and ribs can’t expand for breathing. Look for lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking materials that won’t trap heat. For midfielders constantly hustling up and down the field, opt for thin, flexible rib pads that maximize mobility. Take body shots without flinching by equipping your core with these essential reinforcement shields!

During a summer travel tourney, the temperature was sweltering, and I ditched my rib pads for better ventilation. Mid-game, I got leveled on a blistering pick and took a bruised rib that knocked the wind out of me. I painfully learned my lesson – never again will I play defense without rib armor! Now I proudly rock Cascade Rookie rib pads every game, breathing easy and body checking without fear.

Cup – Necessary Protection For Groin Area

Let’s be real, one wrong shot to the nether regions could sideline any lacrosse player for the season. Thank science for the athletic cup! This padded shield guards male athletes’ sensitive groin area from agonizing blows. Hard polycarbonate or compressed foam disperses brutal ball impacts that could otherwise crush the family jewels. A secure jockstrap keeps the cup anchored in place during intense activity. Can’t afford any slippage down there!

Proper cup sizing is critical for comfort and protection. Measure waist size and consult sizing charts to ensure a snug, tailored fit. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the area cool and chafe-free. Change out cups regularly as compression patterns develop over time. Female players often opt for padded shorts or pelvic protectors instead. However you shield your privates, a cup offers peace of mind to charge through checks without compromising the future gene pool!

During last year’s summer tournament, our cocky attackman Derek refused to wear a cup despite everyone’s warnings. Ten minutes into the first game – CRACK! – a blistering overhand check from the opponent D-pole nailed Derek right in the nuts. He immediately collapsed, crews hauled him off the field, and we had to forfeit. Don’t be like Derek – protect your kibbles and bits!

Mouthguard – Prevents Dental Injuries

Ever taken a scorching lacrosse ball to the teeth? Kiss those pearly whites goodbye. A properly fitted mouthguard protects players’ chompers from traumatic blows that could otherwise lead to cracked enamel, lost fillings, or even knocked-out teeth. The best guards use shock-absorbing materials like gel-lined plastic or moldable TPU to cushion collisions. They also keep lips and tongues safe from lacerations by braces and clenching.

When buying a guard, consider custom-fitted vs boil-and-bite vs stocks. Stocks are least expensive but fit poorly. Boil-and-bites mold to your mouth when heated. Custom-fitted are priciest, but fabricated by dentists for perfect protection and comfort. Look for guards that allow talking and breathing while sealing out damaging impacts. Don’t swallow repair costs – guard your grill with a mouthguard!

During a championship game last year, a blistering bounce shot ricocheted off the pipe and smashed me in the mouth. My Shock Doctor mouthguard absorbed the force, sacrificing itself but saving my front teeth from certain ruin. I invested in a custom-fitted guard after that wake-up call. Comfy protection that fits like a dream!

Stick Head – Legal Head Ensures Safety

In lacrosse, the stick is both an offensive weapon and defensive liability. Those solid wooden shafts and tightly woven leather pockets can inflict some serious pain. To promote player safety, governing bodies regulate the legal dimensions of stick heads. For example, men’s sticks cannot exceed 10 inches wide, while women’s sticks are capped at 8 inches. Pockets cannot be too deep either – balls must move freely within.

Stick regulations aim to improve safety on the field. Oversized heads have more surface area for increased ball control, making it harder for opponents to dislodge balls. Excessively deep pockets allow players to whip shots with dangerous speed and accuracy. By mandating stick specs, errant release angles are reduced. Before games, officials use gauge boxes to ensure legality. Don’t get flagged – play it safe with a regulation-approved stick head.

One season our cocky freshman attackman Hank strung his stick with a balloon pocket so deep it was practically a slingshot. He blindly ripped shots that flew wildly off-target, nearly concussing multiple teammates in warmups. The refs swiftly intervened, cutting out the illegal pocket. Hank learned the hard way to keep his head within regulations.

Cleats – Proper Footwear Prevents Injury

Sure, you could theoretically play lacrosse in plain old running shoes. But unless you fancy rolled ankles and blown knee ligaments, quality cleats are a must. With quick cuts, tight dodges, and rapid directional changes, lacrosse demands a shoe that grips grass and dirt. Unlike soccer and football, the best lax cleats feature a mix of short and long studs for multidirectional traction.

When shopping for cleats, look for sturdy synthetic leather uppers that provide foot stability. Mid and high tops support ankles better. Removable studs allow customization for turf or grass. Don’t forget to factor in comfort – improperly sized or worn-in cleats will blister feet fast. Replace cleats annually as cushioning breaks down. With the right kicks, you’ll have the moves to shake defenders without shaking up your feet!

Freshman year, I decided to ball on a budget and bought cleats a size too small. I endured three straight practices with toes cramped and blisters rubbing raw before finally investing in properly fitted Nikes. My feet and performance thanked me! Now I know skimping on cleats only leads to pain and poor play.

Protective Eyewear – Shield Eyes From Ball

While less common than pads and gloves, protective eyewear provides an additional safeguard for lacrosse players’ peepers. Stray balls glancing off crosse heads or ricocheting off goal posts can inflict some serious damage to unprotected eyes. Sports-specific goggles help defend against shots to the face with polycarbonate lenses encapsulated in soft, padded frames.

Look for eyewear that wraps around the temple and peripheral vision for maximum coverage. Anti-fog coatings maintain clarity even when you’re sweating buckets sprinting midfield. For prescription lenses, confirm your goggles can accommodate them. Proper fit eliminates gaps where objects could enter and strike eyes. While optional, protective eyewear gives players and parents extra peace of mind.

Last season our team knucklehead Grant refused to wear goggles despite taking multiple bounce shots to the face in practice. During our first game he took a blistering rocket straight to the eye and was benched with a massive subconjunctival hemorrhage. Lesson learned – Grant begrudgingly strapped on sports goggles after that rude awakening.

Practice Uniform – Padded Shirt Absorbs Checks

Not every practice needs full battle rattle gear. Padded lacrosse practice shirts provide a lightweight layer of protection without limiting mobility. Compared to bulky game uniforms, practice shirts integrate lightweight foam or plastic padding into the shoulders, chest, back and arms. Ventilated mesh keeps athletes cool, while segmented padding allows free range of motion.

Thinner pads absorb routine knocks and jostling common during drills and scrimmages, cushioning the blows. For versatility, practice shirts work as undershirts beneath standard pads for games. Compression shirt pads with built-in elbow caps are low profile options too. Whatever your style, practice shirts let you hone stick skills with less fear of minor bumps and bruises along the way.

Our freshman phenom Johnny would only practice in shorts and tee, refusing any padding. After taking a nasty point-blank shot to the ribs that benched him for weeks, the coach mandated he wear a practice shirt for every practice. Padded up, Johnny quickly regained confidence to mix it up without worrying about nagging stinger injuries.

Goalie Equipment – Extra Padding On Arms And Legs

When a blistering shot is dialed in from point-blank range, goalies need heavy-duty padding to withstand the impact. Chest protectors cushion the core while massive shin guards shield legs from high-speed stingers. Thicker gloves prevent hand injuries from reaction saves and checking away inside shots. Even helmets bulk up with extra bars to guard the cage.

Compared to field players, goalie gear is reinforced with extra high-density foam, thick plastic plates, and heavy textile exteriors like Kevlar or ballistic nylon. Arm pads extend down to the wrist for protects against tricky bounce shots. The padding does restrict mobility, but provides necessary protection in the heat of battle inside the crease. Facing nonstop peppering, goalies suit up for battle!

Our starting goalie Mark learned this lesson freshman year. He shrugged off shin guards for mobility and took a point blank shot off the knee cap – season ending break. Once healed, Mark wrapped pillows of protective padding onto every limb. He resembled a hockey goalie, but enjoyed bruise-free games in the crease after that wake-up call!

Tape – Wraps Help Prevent Sprains And Strains

From jammed thumbs to turned ankles, athletic tape provides instant first aid for minor lacrosse injuries. Lightweight cloth tape with adhesive backing can be quickly wrapped around swelling, strains or sprains to provide compression and stabilization right on the field. Proper taping techniques immobilize joints, allowing athletes to keep playing through tweaks and twinges.

Always carry tape on the sidelines for emergency wraps. However, don’t conceal serious deformities or damage with tape – get those checked by medical staff immediately. Also, don’t circumvent protective gear with makeshift tape jobs. Used responsibly, tape can support vulnerable limbs, buy relief from nagging aches and pains, and provide grip on stick handles in a pinch!

Our scrappy midfielder Dan refuses to leave games, even after taking shots to his unprotected wrists. At the first signs of swelling, he’ll have trainers tightly tape up the joint so he can shake off the stinger. They call him Tape Mummy Dan! His stubbornness and tape fixation once allowed him to complete a game after dislocating two fingers.

First Aid Kit – Treats Minor Injuries On The Field

From scraped elbows to bloody noses, lacrosse games involve nonstop collisions that result in minor dings and dents. Make sure first aid kits are readily available on the sidelines to provide instant care as needed. These portable bags should contain medical essentials like gauze pads, stretchy bandages, antiseptic wipes, instant cold packs, and disposable gloves.

Bonus points if the kit includes over-the-counter meds like anti-inflammatories and antihistamines for allergic reactions. Don’t forget blister care supplies too. Promptly treating cuts, abrasions, and minor sprains allows athletes to quickly return to play with minimal downtime. So equip your bench with a fully stocked first aid kit!

Our attackman Calvin thinks he’s too tough for pads – refuses to wear elbows or gloves even in games. The athletic trainer finally compromitted by making Calvin personally restock and manage the team’s first aid kit. Now Calvin races to treat every ding, enjoying playing team medic when he won’t take measures to protect himself!

Proper Fitting – Gear Must Fit Snugly And Comfortably

Even the most protective lacrosse gear loses efficacy if improperly sized. Helmets should feel snug, not rattling around atop heads. Pads shouldn’t restrict range of motion or chafe bare skin. Seek gear made for your specific body type, rather than wearing bulky hand-me-downs. Get coaches’ input on proper fitting too.

Properly fitted equipment allows athletes to play with confidence. Tight pads stay positioned correctly when diving, dodging and checking. Well-secured helmets prevent concussions upon impact. Shackled by overly loose or restricting gear, players hesitate, react slower, and injure themselves. Take time to find gear tailored for you. Snug and supportive equipment keeps athletes safer and more self-assured on the field.

Our team manager Amy was small and slender, but too shy to request properly-sized gear. Swimming in oversized pads, she’d lose her stick and footing with every nudge. After a hard collision caused a shoulder sprain, coaches intervened and ordered custom-fitted gear just for Amy. Finally secure in armor made for her body, she exceeded everyone’s expectations!