Lacrosse

Lacrosse helmet

• Helmets are required equipment for all lacrosse players
• Lacrosse helmets incorporate a 4-point buckling system to assure they stay on as well as to allow for a better fit
• They are made of a hard plastic with a wire mesh cage, or face mask, to protect the front of the face
• It is required that the face mask have a center bar running from the top to the bottom for better protection
• Goalie helmets add a throat protector

Determining your helmet size

• Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches
• To ensure a player's safety, it is important that his/her helmet fit properly
• For the perfect fitting helmet, measure the circumference of the players head.  Once known, use the following guidelines to purchase your helmet: Helmet Size/Head Size (circumference in inches) X-Small: up to 21 1/4" Small: 21 1/2" to 22 3/8" Medium: 22 3/4" to 23 5/8" Large: 23 3/4" to 24 1/4" X-Large: 24 3/8" and up

Lacrosse Gloves

Lacrosse gloves have heavy padding on the tops of the fingers and around the wrist to protect against being hit by a stick

• The palm is made of leather or a leather substrate for comfort and handling with thick pads around it for protection
• It is okay for gloves to be a little large, as long as the padding covers all areas of the hand and wrist

Determining your glove size

• Most manufacturers use different sizing levels for their gloves--usually small, medium, large, or extra large--but in general they range from youth sizes of about 9 inches up to full adult sizes of 16 inches
• Use a tape measure to measure the distance from where your elbow pads will end to the tip of your fingers. This number equals your glove size.
• Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the glove size you should buy based on the above measurement

Lacrosse pads

There are a number of pads that need to be worn during a lacrosse game.

Rib Pads

• These protect the vulnerable rib area
• Some versions wrap around to protect the lower back and kidney area as well

Shoulder Pads

• Shoulder pads protect the shoulders as well as the upper part of the chest

Determining the right shoulder and rib pad size

• Most pads are sized according to body type
• To measure, wrap a tape measure around your chest just below your armpits
• Different manufacturers use different sizing charts, but the chart below provides a general guide

Elbow/Arm Pads

• Elbow pads are required equipment in most leagues
• They cover the elbow as well as the upper arm and forearm
• Most elbow pads are adjustable and are secured with hook-and-loop straps, so sizing is general in terms of body size
• There are also a varying numbers of straps available on different pads to help with adjustments
• You may want to add a forearm slash pad for further protection in a sensitive, highly vulnerable area

Determining your elbow pad size

• Measure the distance between the edge of your shoulder pads and the cuff of your lacrosse glove
• The top of the elbow pad should leave no exposed skin between the shoulder pad and the glove
• Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the elbow pad size you should buy based on the above measurement

Lacrosse Sticks

Lacrosse sticks come in a variety of lengths and styles according to position and type of game played, with cost and durability as additional factors.

Men's Lacrosse Sticks

• Men's sticks generally have an aluminum handle
• All manufacturers now make more technically advanced sticks made of aluminum, graphite or even titanium
• These styles are generally more lightweight and durable than wood sticks, but more expensive
• Men use either a traditional or meshpocket depending on their position and playing style

Women's Lacrosse Sticks

• Women's sticks have either a wood or aluminum handle
• Wood sticks, like wooden baseball bats, are prone to damage and breaking
• These sticks utilize a traditional pocket
• The head on a women's stick is 1 inch above the center stop
• The head has an overall length of 10-12 inches
• Women's stick pockets are shallower than men's. The pockets must have 4 or 5 leather thongs and no more than 2 shooting strings.

Kids' Lacrosse Sticks

• Plastic sticks are primarily used by younger players just learning the sport
• These are lighter, easier to break in and more durable than the models for more advanced players
• They usually utilize a mesh netting
• The plastic stick's pointed mouth makes it easier for younger players to pick up the ball and throw it accurately

Anatomy of a lacrosse stick

Handles

• The type of handle you buy is very much a matter of preference
• Some players like heavy, thick handles for defensive purposes
• Attacking players generally prefer lighter, rounder handles for better faking and maneuverability
• Some players prefer square shaped handles for a better feel on which way the head is facing

Pocket types

Lacrosse sticks come with either a traditional woven pocket for more experienced players or a mesh pocket for novices. They also can be bought strung or unstrung.

• Traditional pockets
  • These consist of nylon laces woven around 4 adjustable strips of leather
  • The leather strips can be adjusted to fit any type of shot. They do need to be replaced after repeated use.
  • A stiffer pocket is more accurate but gives less control while running and moving
• Mesh pockets
  • They are made of a nylon webbing woven into the side of the pocket and require little or no adjustment
  • Mesh pockets are looser and give less accuracy on passes and shots, but make it easier to control the ball when running
  • These require less maintenance than traditional pockets
  • The mesh netting does not control or absorb the ball as well as leather netting
  • Goal keepers tend to prefer mesh netting because it reduces rebounds
• Pocket depth
  • Pocket depth is mostly a matter of preference and playing style
  • Generally, a deeper pocket provides more feel and ball control, while a shallower pocket gives you a quicker release but sacrifices ball control
  • Ball-control players who do a lot of short passing should use a fairly deep pocket
  • Fast-break players who tend to pass the ball over longer areas should use a shallower pocket
  • Overhand shooters should have an average depth pocket (a ball width or less)
  • Sidearm and underhand shooters should have depths of a ball or more
• Shooting strings
  • Shooting strings, positioned horizontally near the top of the stick's head, affect the ball's balance and direction
  • Overhand passers usually put in 3 or 4 shooting strings to make a smooth path for the ball to run out of the pocket. Heavy skate laces are best used for this.
  • The shooting strings determine whether your shot will have "whip,"which occurs when the ball is released smoothly and gradually. Experienced players prefer a whippy release.

Proper stick length according to position

The length of your stick depends almost entirely on the position you play.

• Attackers should buy a stick that is close to the minimum length of 30 inches to allow for more control and maneuverability
• Midfielders should buy a slightly longer medium-length stick to allow them to play both offense and defense
• Defenders should use the longest stick they are comfortable with, usually around 60 inches, for greater reach
• Goaltender sticks are generally 42 inches long
• Younger players should make sure they choose a stick that fits them comfortably, regardless of position. It is more important to be able to handle the stick and ball comfortably.
• Women's sticks range only from 36 to 44 inches. The exact length depends on the position--longer (43-44 inches) for defenders, shorter (36 inches) for attackers.