Play Lacrosse Using the Right Equipment
By Nikki Josephs
The sport of Lacrosse is not very popular in the United States but it is a very different story in Europe. While it can definitely be a fun and exciting way to spend your leisure time, it can also be a very dangerous sport and injuries are quite common. The only way to minimize risk of injury and have the best time possible while playing the game is to wear the proper equipment.
Perhaps the most critical piece of safety equipment that a Lacrosse player can use is the helmet. Head injuries are quite common to the sport as the ball, having a circumference of nearly 8", can do some serious damage when hit by the stick that is common to the sport. The helmet has a simple chin strap that helps hold the helmet firmly to the head.
The other essential piece of Lacrosse equipment is the face mask, which helps reduce the risk of face injuries. There is a center bar in every Lacrosse mask which runs from the top all the way to the bottom. This specially designed face mask is all that prevents the huge Lacrosse ball from seriously damaging a player's face.
Lacrosse players need to wear thick padded gloves to handle the stick which is used to strike the ball. The gloves protect the players' hands from unnecessary injury and abuse. Gloves with thicker padding may be required if you find that your hands are still bruised and sore after playing.
Lacrosse clothing is generally a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. It is also a good idea to wear elbow pads since a player can get struck by the stick of an opposing player during a game. The position played by the Lacrosse players somewhat varies the clothing they must wear. For example, padded pants are typically worn by the goalie along with thigh and chest for added protection against flying ball and sticks.
The Lacrosse ball is roughly the size of a softball. Commonly white balls are used but one can also spot lime green, orange, or yellow balls during play. Most of the padding and safety equipment used during play is to protect the players from the injuries that contact with this large ball can cause.
The ball is hit with a large stick known simply as a "crosse". However, most players prefer to call the crosse a stick. The size of the stick depends on the position being played and the personal preference of the player. A short stick will be 40-42 inches in length while the long stick measures 52-72 inches long. Elbow pads and gloves are vital to minimize the risk of injury caused by other players who are trying to hit the ball.
Like any sport involving contact and fast moving balls struck by rather large sticks, injuries are common. To make sure that you don’t spend your time on the sidelines nursing injuries instead of playing the game you love, be certain to buy and use the recommended safety equipment.
About the author
Sarah Delvera writes exclusively for Fast Lacrosse, visit there today for the latest Lacrosse advice, and their free newsletter is well worth signing up for too. If you want to read more Lacrosse articles go to: www.fastlacrosse.com/articles