Parent’s Guide To Equipment
The following is a list of equipment that is recommended. However, before you run out to purchase everything on the list, please remember that the first two Sundays in March, we do have an equipment swap! In addition, Lacrosse Central in Elsmere has a deal for all of our players! We will also be receiving coupons for the Big Box stores – Sports Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Those coupons will be posted on the website as soon as they are available.
Stick (Crosse) – Your player will need a stick, which generally consists of a shaft and a head strung with a mesh pocket. Most sticks are around 3 feet long, but boys’ defensive sticks can be up to 6 feet in length.
Helmet – A good helmet is essential for protecting your player’s head, jaw, teeth and eyes and protecting from concussions. Make sure to get a lacrosse helmet, not a batting, football or hockey helmet.
Mouthguard – You will want to get a colored mouthguard that is clearly visible to officials. Mouthguards that attach to the helmet are great because they’re much more difficult to lose.
Shoulder Pads – Shoulder pads will protect your player’s shoulders and chest from balls and mishandled sticks.
Gloves – Gloves will protect your son’s fingers, hands, and wrists. Basic gloves are great for beginners, but nicer gloves allow for better protection and finger movement.
Arm Pads – Arm pads protect your son’s forearms, elbows and triceps. For maximum protection, they should overlap with shoulder pads and gloves.
Athletic Supporter/Cup – No matter how old your son is, he will need a comfortable cup that is the right size.
Lacrosse Ball – Lacrosse balls come in many different colors, however the official game ball can only be white, yellow or orange. Your son will want a ball to practice with at home.
How To Help Your Child Get Ready
Wall Ball – Wall ball is a great way for your son to improve his throwing and catching skills. Have him take his ball and stick, find a solid, outdoor wall, and play catch with himself. Whether your kid is a beginner or a superstar, different variations of wall ball are the best way for him to improve his stick skills.
Cradling – Cradling is the act of keeping the ball in the pocket; this is done by moving the wrist and fingers. Cradling keeps the ball in the pocket using centripetal force. Your player can practice this at home or outside with his stick and ball.
Dodging – Allowing your player to carry his or her stick around the house does, in fact, help to improve his or her cradling, dodging, and all-around stick handling skills. One item to note: mishandled lacrosse balls can break things, so provide your player with some tennis balls for this activity.
Scooping – Your son can practice scooping up balls off the floor at home or off the ground outside. To make scooping more interesting, have your son scoop his dirty clothes off his bedroom floor.
Running – Your son will need to build up endurance for the lacrosse season. Make sure he is running outside or up and down stairs to stay in shape during the off season. If your son doesn’t like running for the sake of exercise, keep him engaged in other sports to build up his athleticism.