A Parent’s Equipment Buying Guide for Beginning Lacrosse Players
Your son or daughter has decided to try lacrosse for the first time and that's awesome! But, as a company of parents and coaches, we understand that suiting up your young player for the first day of practice can also be a daunting task. Properly fitted equipment can help you and your little laxer enjoy his/her first lacrosse experience safely. That's why at Swax Lax Lacrosse we're here to help! Lacrosse requires a few specific pieces of equipment, which varies by both age and gender, and we’ve put together the following buying guide to help walk you through what you’ll need.
Girls Lacrosse Equipment Checklist
Stick
Lacrosse sticks are made out of composite, metal alloy, wood, nylon, plastic and any other synthetic material with a head attached at the end. Beginner lacrosse sticks range from $40 to $100 and are made by different brands such as STX, Under Armour, Warrior, and Brine. There is not much difference between beginner sticks, but just be sure to buy a girls’ lacrosse stick. A helpful hint for first-time shoppers is that girls’ sticks have pockets made from string and leather thongs (and sometimes mesh), whereas boys’ sticks only have mesh pockets. First-time buying tips, including proper sizing, can be found here. No fiddlesticks/mini sticks.
Goggles
Eyewear is made by numerous manufacturers. It is recommended your daughter tries on a few different pairs of goggles to see which one feels most comfortable. At Swax Lax Lacrosse, we do not require goggles until 3rd grade and above, but be sure to check with your lacrosse clinic or lacrosse program. We have a few pairs to lend out if you let us know in advance, so no worries if you’d like to hold off purchasing them until you’re confident that your daughter is going to continue playing.
Mouthguard
At Swax Lax Lacrosse, we require mouthguards for 3rd grade and above, but again, be sure to check with your local lacrosse program on their requirements. There are companies that make customized mouthguards that are more durable and longer lasting than traditional mouthguards. However, traditional mouthguards bought at a sporting goods store and molded with hot water at home will also do the trick and are financially a better option for younger players. It is best to put the mouthguard in a ziplock bag or plastic container labeled with your player’s name.
Cleats/Turf Shoes
Many players choose to wear cleats on grass fields and regular sneakers or turf shoes on turf fields. Soccer cleats are acceptable; cleats do not have to be lacrosse specific. That said, most schools do not allow cleats inside since they could damage the gym floor. For camp, we strongly recommend sneakers since it can be a long day to be in cleats.
Gloves
Not mandatory, but some girls like to wear them all year round while others just wear them in the early months of the season because of the cold weather. It is recommended that gloves have some sort of grip so that players hands do not slide on the stick.
Shin Guards
Only required for goalies at the youth and high school level, not required for field players.
Bag
It’s recommended that players bring a bag (but not too large that they cannot carry their own gear) to all practices and games to store all their equipment.
Balls
Keep several game balls and Swax Lax balls handy for training and practicing anytime, anywhere.
Resources
Boys Lacrosse Equipment Checklist
Stick
Lacrosse sticks are made out of composite, metal alloy, wood, nylon, plastic and any other synthetic material. Beginner lacrosse sticks range from $40 to $100 and are made by a number of different brands. There is not much difference between beginner sticks, with the exception of the Warrior Warp.The Warp has an unadjustable pocket that will be consistent regardless of wear or weather. This is a great advantage for young players and especially their parents, but just be sure to buy a boys’ lacrosse stick. A helpful hint for first-time shoppers is that boys’ sticks have mesh pockets, whereas girls’ sticks have pockets made from string and leather thongs. We offer first-time buying tips, including proper sizing, on our blog. No fiddlesticks/mini sticks.
Helmet
A required piece of equipment worn by field players and goalies. Due to the structure at our camps and clinics, helmets are not necessary or required until boys reach 3rd grade, but we recommend checking in with your local lacrosse program. It’s recommended to try on different helmets to see which one fits best. Fit is important. An improperly fitted helmet offers little protection. Goalies must have throat protectors attached to their helmets.
Mouthguard
At Swax Lax Lacrosse, we require mouthguards for 3rd grade and above, but be sure to check with your local lacrosse program on their requirements. There are companies that make customized mouthguards that are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional mouthguards. However, traditional mouthguards bought at a sporting goods store and molded with hot water at home will also do the trick and are financially a better option for younger players. Must be a visible color.
Cleats/Turf Shoes
Many players choose to wear cleats on grass or turf fields Soccer or football cleats are acceptable; cleats do not have to be lacrosse specific. That said, most schools do not allow cleats inside since they could damage the gym floor.
Gloves
A piece of equipment worn by all field players and goalies. The cutting or altering of gloves is not allowed. Try on different pairs to get correct sizing.
Pads
At Swax Lax Lacrosse, we require pads at the 3rd grade level and up, but check with your lacrosse program. There are different sets of pads required and/or recommended for all players, which can include the following:
Shoulder pads: required for all players except the goalie
Arm pads:
Must cover elbows. Helps protect arms and upper body.
Rib Pads: to help protect rib area, but not required
Chest Protector: required for goalies
Cup: highly recommended for all boys, but required for goalies
Leg protection: goalies occasionally wear shin pads and padded lacrosse pants under shorts (usually younger players, under 6th grade or players working through an injury)
Balls
Keep several game balls and Swax Lax balls handy for training and practicing anytime, anywhere.
Bag
It’s recommended that players bring a large bag (but not too large that they cannot carry their own gear) to all practices and games to store all their equipment.
Resources
Some helpful links include: