How to Buy Lacrosse Equipment

Possibly North America's first game, lacrosse's origins date back to Native Americans. Today, people compete in the sport around the world. It's a fast-paced game, requiring skillful ball control, footwork, offensive and defensive moves. If you want to begin playing or desire to upgrade your equipment, follow these steps.

Instructions

Sticks, Pockets and Strings

1. Select your lacrosse stick carefully, as this is the most important piece of equipment. Choose between an aluminum or wood stick handle. Aluminum handles are lighter and swing faster, while wood handles work best on defense, since they're heavier.

2. Look for a round handle for moves requiring more skillful manipulation. Square handled sticks provide a fast, easy throw, typically used in defense.

3. Decide which stick length best suits your needs. In some cases, your height determines your handle length, but length also depends on the position you play. Generally, goalies use 42-inch sticks and defenders use up to 60-inch sticks. Midfielders use sticks from 35- to 40-inches long and attackers use the shortest sticks, at least 30-inches long.

4. Pick from a traditional, mesh or hybrid pocket. A traditional pocket's adjustable nylon lacings allow for a variety of pockets depths and its leather strips provide more accurate throwing potential. Mesh pockets looser weave provides better ball control and a deeper pocket, which goalies desire. High quality hybrid pockets combine the accuracy of traditional pockets with the ball control of mesh pockets.

5. Change the control and balance of your pocket by purchasing lacrosse shooting strings, which lace vertically in the pocket. Your coach or a sporting goods salesperson can teach you how to use them effectively.

Protective Gear

1. Buy a lacrosse helmet, which you must wear during practice and games. Look for a helmet made of impact-resistant, hard plastic, with a metal cage to protect your face. Goalies need an additional throat protector on their helmets.

2. Make sure you have a mouth guard, which attaches easily to your face guard. Some helmets come with a mouth guard.

3. Purchase lacrosse gloves, which have padding on the back to cushion hits and leather palms to grip your stick.

4. Find elbow, shoulder and rib lacrosse pads. Sizes are generally generic, but most have adjustable straps to fit your specific size.

Lacrosse Accessories

1. Buy lacrosse balls, which come in packs of 12 or individually.

2. Consider getting hockey tape to wrap around your lacrosse stick for a better grip.

3. Make sure you have the required clothing needed for your team or league. If you're playing recreationally, regular athletic clothing works well.

4. Acquire a lacrosse stick bag to protect your equipment. Many bags hold sticks, balls and other accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to practice at home, purchase a lacrosse goal. NCAA regulation goals are 6-feet high by 6-feet wide by 7-feet deep.