Play Lacrosse Using the Right Equipment
By Sarah Delvera
he 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.
Another piece of essential Lacrosse equipment is the face mask that protects the face from injuries. Make sure that the Lacrosse mask has a center bar that runs from the top of the mask down to the bottom. It is the only thing that can protect your face from being hit by the huge ball used to play the game.
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.
The clothing you wear to play Lacrosse will depend on your position in the game. If you are the goalie, you will need to wear padded pants and chest and thigh pads to protect against the ball and flying sticks. Otherwise, you can simply wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt during play. It is a good idea to wear elbow pads to prevent injuries from an opposing player’s stick during play.
In Lacrosse, a ball is used that is roughly the size of a softball. This ball is usually white but it is not uncommon to see yellow, lime green, or orange balls used during play. The safety equipment and padding used during play is generally used to prevent injuries that occur from inadvertent contact with this large ball.
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.
Injuries are common in Lacrosse as the game involves contact with fast moving balls and rather large sticks. So, it’s better to be safe than silly, and make sure that you don’t spend your time on the sidelines nursing injuries instead of playing the game you love. Don’t ever try to play the game without the recommended safety equipment.
About the author:
Sarah Delvera is the chief writer at Fast Lacrosse, it's one of the webs most up to date Lacrosse sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. For more quality articles on Lacrosse why not visit: www.fastlacrosse.com/articles.