Lacrosse Equipment List

Lacrosse is a very popular sport in the United States. It’s so popular that it is currently the fastest growing sport out of all the major sports in the US. Lacrosse originated in the early 1800s and was created by Native American tribes playing against each other. Since then, it has grown immensely in popularity among youth in the United States. Lacrosse is fast paced, with a combination of high scores and a lot of physical activity. Lacrosse is currently most popular in the United States and Canada, but there is a growing international presence in countries all over the world.

Lacrosse Equipment

Below we will cover each piece of equipment you will need to play lacrosse. The equipment list is organized in alphabetical order. We will explain the equipment and what is used for in a lacrosse game.

Accessories

Lacrosse accessories can be a range of different products, as lacrosse is a sport where a lot of equipment is required. Players can choose to wear headbands, armbands, sweatbands, shooting sleeves, compression shorts, or pants. For players there are many different options to further accessorize their look. Accessories, however, can total up to be expensive, so if you're on a tight budget pick the accessories you think are needed.

Arm Guards

Lacrosse arm guards are additional padding and protective gear that lacrosse players wear in order to protect their arms from checks. Arm guards offer slightly more protection than arm or elbow pads. In the sport it is very common to have an opposing player hit your arm with their stick and these guards help lessen the blow. When purchasing armguards ensure that they are comfortable cover the majority of arms and your entire elbow. Offensive players tend to have larger guards for more protection from defenseman’s checks. The average price is around $30.

Bags

Lacrosse bags are used to lacrosse players and coaches to carry essential lacrosse gear in one central and convenient bag. Lacrosse bags are often large in order to carry extra lacrosse shafts, lacrosse heads, helmets, and other larger gear. When looking to buy a lacrosse bag you should make sure that the bag can fit all your lacrosse gear. Having additional side pockets can be beneficial as well for holding smaller accessories. Bags vary in price depending on the brand and size but most will be in the range from $30 to $80.

Balls

A lacrosse ball is made up of solid rubber and can be white, yellow, or orange. Each ball according to NCAA regulations must have a circumference of 7.75 to 8 inches and a weight of 5 to 5.25 ounces. Brand new lacrosse balls can be expensive if you're looking to purchase a lot at once. Buying used lacrosse balls can be a cheaper alternative and are just as effective. A pack of ten lacrosse balls usually costs around $10.

Chest Protectors

A chest protector is a piece of a lacrosse equipment that is worn by goalies to protect their upper bodies from lacrosse ball shots. This is essential for all goalies as it protects a majority of their body. When looking to buy a lacrosse chest protector make sure that it fits tightly and securely around your body, but does not limit your throwing or catching motion. Chest protectors depending on the size will typically vary from $50 to $100.

Chin Pads

A lacrosse chin pad is attached to lacrosse chin straps and positioned in the center on the lacrosse player’s chin. They are used to reduce friction and provide a more comfortable experience for lacrosse players who find their chin strap too uncomfortable. When purchasing a chin pad it is important that you find a comfortable material; color can also be important as some teams may have restrictions limiting players to team colors only. Chin pads will usually cost around $10.

Chin Straps

Lacrosse chin straps are utilized to secure a lacrosse player’s helmet securely on top of their head. There are four separate buckles and straps that make up a chin strap, two are fastened to the top of the helmet and the other two on the sides of the helmet. When looking to purchase a chin strap for lacrosse make sure the chin strap is compatible with your current lacrosse helmet and fits your head comfortably.

Cleats

Lacrosse cleats are light in weight and have specific peg placements that are different from other sports, so they are only regulation for the game of lacrosse. Lacrosse cleats have a toe spike on the top of the shoe, as well as spikes on the outsides of the soles that are not allowed in sports like soccer and baseball. These spikes are there to allow for mobility and traction, as well as cuts and jukes. Additionally, players are not allowed to use metal spikes, as they do in baseball. Cleats can also be very expensive costing in the hundreds of dollars, but also as low as $50.

Cones

Lacrosse cones consist of pieces of plastic that are structured into circular and conical shapes and are primarily used in practice for drills. Cones in lacrosse can be utilized in practically any drill where the player is supposed to start/stop/or perform another lacrosse related skill. When looking to buy lacrosse cones you should purchase these in a pack. Depending whether it's for individual (less) or team (more) use the number of cones needed will vary. Cones tend to be inexpensive, under $10 for a pack.

Crosse

A lacrosse stick can also be referred to as a crosse, and this term can be applied to both men and women’s lacrosse. According to the NCAA, in women’s lacrosse all crosses must be between 35 and 43.25 inches. For men in the NCAA, attackmen’s crosses must be between 40 and 42 inches; defenseman’s and midfield’s must be between 52 and 72 inches.

Cups

A lacrosse cup is used in the sport in order to protect the groin area from lacrosse balls or stick checks. A cup may be overlooked, but is still an important piece of equipment all lacrosse players should wear while playing. When buying one take into account size and style and pick whichever is most comfortable for yourself. The average cost of a lacrosse cup in the market today is around $20.

Defense Sticks

A lacrosse defense stick is used by defenders in the sport of lacrosse. These sticks are much longer than attackmen or midfielders’ sticks allowing the defender to cover a much larger area with their stick. It allows defenders to make longer checks and slide to opposing team players more quickly.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads in lacrosse are generally smaller than arm guards but still offer protection to mainly the elbow and some parts of the arm. Elbow pads use plastic and cushioning material to absorb the impact of lacrosse balls and sticks. When purchasing elbow pads making sure the pad is covering the entire elbow, but does not constrict it from bending. The cost of elbow pads can vary with high end pads costing up to $60, with lower end pads costing about $25.

Eye Blacks

Lacrosse eye black is used to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight or large stadium lights. It also serves as an intimidation factor and allows players to develop individualized eye black styles. Eye black can come in the form of a chapstick type capsule that players can draw under their eyes with. There is also a tape/sticker style eye black which players can stick under their eyes. Eye black is generally not very costly around $5.

Face Masks

The lacrosse face mask is the portion of the helmet that allows players to see while still protecting their face. It consists of vertical and horizontal bars of metal that create a grid-like pattern. Most helmets when purchased come with a face mask, but can also be customized to the exact needs of an individual. Helmets tend to be more on the more costly side with the average new lacrosse helmet costing anywhere from $100 to $300.

Gloves

Gloves in lacrosse are the pieces of equipment that players wear to protect their hands and wrists from injury. The outside of lacrosse gloves are covered with a combination of hard and soft plastic, as well as thick foam padding to prevent stick checks to the hand and wrist from causing injury. The inside of the gloves are made with a thin layer of ventilated mesh material in order for players to maintain a feel for the shaft of the stick while not getting overheated. Some gloves come with an additional wrist guard that can be strapped on and off, to further protect from injury. Lacrosse gloves can range from $40 to $200.

Goalie Helmets

The goalie helmet in lacrosse is the piece of headgear that goalies are required to wear to protect their head and neck from injury. The goalie helmet is the same as the traditional field helmet but has an extra plastic neck guard attached to it, to prevent balls from hitting the goalie's neck. This piece of plastic is called the goalie’s throat protector.  

Goalie Sticks

A lacrosse goalie stick has a much wider pocket than other sticks, to give the goalie a better chance of catching or blocking opposing team’s shots. This larger pocket makes it harder for the goalie to run with the ball and to make accurate passes. A goalie stick is only required if you are a goalie, and the typical range for a lacrosse goalie stick is anywhere from $80 to $200.

Goalie Throat Guards

A lacrosse goalie throat guard is worn by the goalie to increase protection. A typical lacrosse helmet does not protect a player’s throat, so this piece of equipment was designed to help prevent lacrosse balls from hitting a goalie’s throat. It is a rule that all goalies must follow this regulation. When purchasing a goalie throat guard ensure that it covers your entire neck. Also, some teams may have restrictions limiting throat guards to team colors only.

Goggles

Lacrosse goggles are used in women’s lacrosse to protect players from something hitting them in the eye. These are only worn in women’s lacrosse as men wear full helmets. When looking to purchase lacrosse goggles, comfort is a primary factor as goggles can be very distracting when uncomfortable.

Handles

Lacrosse handles are the shaft part of the lacrosse stick. The lengths of these handles differ depending on the position of the lacrosse player. There is also a variety of materials that lacrosse handles can be composed of, and price is determined by the length and material it consists of. Lacrosse handles can be costly, but allow players to customize their stick more; handles can range from $50 to $200.

Heads

The lacrosse head is the top portion of the lacrosse stick where the pocket is strung. The head is the portion that is directly responsible for catching a throwing lacrosse ball. There are many different types of lacrosse heads offered today, and players often mix and match different heads with different shafts to come up with the best overall stick for themselves. Lacrosse heads can come already strung or unstrung depending on player preference. Stringing a head can be complicated and is not recommended for beginners, but can be beneficial for players who are picky about their stick’s pocket.

Helmets

The helmet in lacrosse is the piece of headgear that players wear to protect their head from injury. Helmets are made of a hard plastic shell and filled with foam padding on the inside. The front of the helmet contains a metal cage that allows for visibility as well as protection. Lacrosse helmets can be another piece of expensive equipment as most brand new helmets cost over $100.

Jerseys

Lacrosse jerseys are worn by all players on the team to distinguish which team they are on. Jerseys have an unlimited amount of different colors and designs that can be applied. Each player has their own jersey number as well ranging from 00 to 99. The jersey goes over the player's chest protector or shoulder pads. When purchasing a jersey make sure to get the correct size and team colors. Jerseys will cost around $50 per player.

Junior Sticks

Lacrosse junior sticks are the same as normal lacrosse sticks just much smaller because they are designed for youth lacrosse players. Many top notch lacrosse companies have expanded their product lines to target this youth audience. Junior sticks are much less costly as compared to normal models, with the price of most junior sticks being less than $100 for a complete stick.

Knee Pads

Lacrosse knee pads, while mostly commonly worn by goalies, can be used by practically any player on the lacrosse field if needed. Knee pads can help protect players from fast lacrosse shots coming at their knees, or reduce the likelihood of ripping up your knee if you fall on the turf or grass. Since lacrosse is a contact sport, players can be knocked down at any time and having knee pads can make the fall less painful. The average pair will cost about $20.

Long Poles

Lacrosse long poles are the shaft component of a denfenseman’s long stick; this long pole is what allows the defender to have a much longer reach. Long poles can be purchased separately and attached on basically any other lacrosse head however they are only really needed for players who play defense or defensive midfield. They come in a wide range of colors and materials and can cost into the hundreds of dollars.

Long Sticks

A lacrosse long stick is what every defenseman in lacrosse will use as their primary stick. This allows the defensive player to cover a larger range of field and defend offensive players much better. The long stick comprises a long pole attached to any lacrosse head. These types of sticks, while great for defense, make it harder for the defensive player to pass or advance the ball once they have it in their possession.

Mini Sticks

Mini sticks are smaller lacrosse sticks that are usually made of plastic and designed for backyard play. These types of sticks would not hold up well in actual lacrosse games, but do make fun toys. These sticks are great for those you just want to toss the lacrosse ball around in the backyard. Mini sticks are also much cheaper than traditional lacrosse sticks with most selling for under $50.

Mouthguard

The mouthguard in lacrosse is a rubber insert that goes into the player’s mouth and protects them from damaging their teeth and tongue during gameplay. Mouth guards must always be worn at all times during the sport of lacrosse. When looking to purchase a mouthguard the typical price range is from $10 to $20, and there are many different sizes, so pick the one most comfortable for yourself.

Nets

A lacrosse net is used as the goal in the sport of lacrosse; opposing teams aim to shoot and score in their opponent’s net. Each team is allowed a goalie who stands in front of the net and tries to prevent the opposing team from scoring. The net is one of the more essential pieces of equipment and is used both in practice and games. When purchasing a lacrosse net there are multiple sizes available and you should select the one best suited for your intended use (youth lacrosse use youth sized net, higher levels use standard sized net, 6’ x 6’). Also, a lacrosse net with a high durability will sustain the impact of the ball better and last longer. Most lacrosse nets will cost between $100 and $300.

Pockets

The pocket is the netted portion of the lacrosse head in which the ball lies and is carried in. There are many regulations in place for both men’s and women’s lacrosse limiting the depth of lacrosse stick pockets. Beginners should look for sticks with wider pockets which will allow them to catch the ball easier, and more experienced players should look for smaller pockets to increase pass and shot accuracy after learning key catching skills.

Posts

The lacrosse post is the orange outer frame that holds the netting of the lacrosse goal in place. It is very common in lacrosse for a shot to ring off the post and deflect elsewhere. The lacrosse post is usually orange in color, and the posts will come included when purchasing an entire lacrosse goalie net.

Practice Ball Buckets

A lacrosse practice ball bucket is primarily utilized to allow those teams to use many lacrosse balls during a practice session. The bucket provides an efficient way to carry the many lacrosse balls that are needed for team practices and by individuals who are very serious about lacrosse. When deciding which type of bucket to purchase for lacrosse balls, having one with a lid and handle is important to ensure easier carrying and that the lacrosse balls will not spill out all at once. These buckets are usually cheap around $10.

Pylons

Lacrosse pylons are used to mark essential locations on the lacrosse field. Eight pylons are positioned on the field, four on each of the corners of the field, two marking mid-field on both sides, and the final two marking the substitution area for teams. Depending on the league type some fields are supplied with these already so check before purchasing. It is important to purchase 8 pylons and they should be bright in color, preferably orange.

Rebounders

A rebounder in lacrosse is the piece of equipment that players use to simulate having a catch with someone else when there is only one person. The rebounder is basically a trampoline that is flipped up vertically that allows players to be able to toss a ball onto, and it will absorb the contact and shoot it back to them. The rebounder is a piece of stretched out woven fabric that is held together by springs and pulled extremely tight. This allows for the rebound effect that gives players a chance to catch their own throws. A rebounder will cost close to $150.

Rib Pads

Lacrosse rib pads, while not required to play lacrosse, are highly recommended for players looking for additional safety measures. This piece of equipment is designed to protect the rib area, where the shoulder pads do not. When looking to acquire lacrosse rib pads, ensure that it fits comfortably underneath your shoulder pads and that it covers all your ribs.

Shafts

The length of lacrosse shafts will vary depending on the type of player. Defensemen will use a long pole which is around 60 inches in length, attackmen use a short stick only about 30 inches long, and goalies will use a length somewhere in between. The cost of each length will vary depending on the material used to make the shaft. High quality shafts can run as high as a couple hundred dollars.

Shin Guards

Lacrosse shin guards are worn by goalies in lacrosse; getting hit with a lacrosse ball in the shin can be extremely painful. Shin guards offer extra protection and padding, shielding away some of the pain and impact of the lacrosse ball. In lacrosse shin guards are not allowed to increase the size of the limb, and are much smaller than hockey shin guards. The typical lacrosse shin guard will cost around $30.

Shoes

Lacrosse shoes differ from traditional cleats, as shoes do not have large spikes like cleats do. These shoes are designed for artificial turf surfaces and help lacrosse players with training exercises and drills on turf. This type of shoes would not be effective on other playing surfaces such as grass. Lacrosse shoes will vary in price, but most will run around $100.

Shooting Strings

Lacrosse shooting strings are placed horizontally above the pocket and below the scoop of the head. These strings are utilized to control the balls direction and guide it as it leaves the pocket. Typically lacrosse players use three to four shooting strings to allow a smooth release of the lacrosse ball. Shooting strings tend to be on the cheaper side of lacrosse equipment, usually costing less than $5.

Shorts

Lacrosse shorts are athletic shorts that are worn during lacrosse games and practices. These can offer unique designs or team based colors and should be comfortable for athletes. When looking to buy lacrosse shorts make sure they are the correct size and meet the team or league’s uniform requirements. Lacrosse shorts tend to be around $30.

Shoulder Pads

The sport of lacrosse involves a lot of contact and shoulder pads aim to protect the player's shoulders and chest area. These pads are made up of protective cushioning and help to lessen the impact of lacrosse balls and checks. Defensemen often wear smaller shoulder pads than attackmen, but when purchasing shoulder pads it is important to make sure they fit snugly and cover your entire chest and shoulder area.

Sidewalls

Lacrosse sidewalls are side portions of lacrosse heads where the pocket is attached. Depth is also critical to sidewalls as this will affect how deep the pocket is. The sidewall is typically made of plastic and stiffer ones tend to be heavier and better suited for defense, as lighter ones are better for offensive players. Sidewall strings connect the pocket to the sidewalls on the head of the stick.

Socks

Socks are worn in the sport by lacrosse players on their feet, to give an added layer of comfort between a player and their cleat. Socks can help prevent blistering and chafing and come in many different styles. Socks can vary in length from ankle socks all the way to knee socks and everything in between. The typical pair of socks will cost $10 to $20 and pick whichever model is most comfortable for yourself.

Stick Components

There are three central components of a lacrosse stick: the head, the shaft or stick, and the throat. The lacrosse stick is what allows lacrosse players to catch, throw, check and shoot the lacrosse ball is is crucial for all players on the field. Complete lacrosse sticks will come with all three components which is recommended for beginners. More experienced players can purchase individual components to tailor the lacrosse sticks to their individual preferences.

Sticks

The lacrosse stick is one of the most essential pieces of equipment; it allows players to catch, pass, shoot, defend, and scoop ground balls. Without a lacrosse stick, it is basically impossible to participate in any lacrosse drills or games. There are many different lacrosse sticks depending on your skill level and position. Position will indicate the length of your lacrosse stick and your skill level will determine which type of stick is needed. For amateurs it is recommended to purchase a complete stick with a wider head as it will be easier to catch with.

Throats

A lacrosse throat is the part that attaches a lacrosse head to the shaft or stick. While the angle of these throats can change and affect performance, it only needs to be taken into account when not purchasing a full stick. A full stick will not require any adjustments to the throat and many lacrosse heads and shafts can be interchanged among different manufacturers without need to adjust or buy a new throat.

Wood Sticks

Lacrosse wood sticks are traditional lacrosse sticks made from wood and rawhide to create the pocket. Native Americans were the creators of the sport of lacrosse and in the past they would play lacrosse with these wood sticks. While it is very unpopular to compete in a lacrosse game with a wooden stick, these serve as historical relics to the game’s past. Today these types of sticks can be very expensive, with some costing over $200.

Water Bottles

Water bottles are used in the sport of lacrosse to keep lacrosse players hydrated while actively playing in games. Water bottles keep water cool and allow players to refresh while they are on the sidelines. Having a full water bottle is essential both for lacrosse games and practices to ensure athletes are constantly hydrated. When looking to buy a water bottle, take into account there many different types at many different price points and pick the one best suited for your needs. Water bottles cost between $10 and $20.