Are you a lacrosse player looking for an effective way to break in your gloves? It's essential to create a tight, comfortable fit that will allow you to move comfortably during gameplay.
That's why we've put together this resource - to help provide you with the best procedure on how to break in lacrosse gloves.
Read on to learn more about getting just the right amount of stiffness and comfort from your protective gear.
More...
Take Away Key Points:
If you're unsure how to break in your lacrosse equipment, especially the new lacrosse gloves, you can refer to the guide below and find the most appropriate and easiest way to break in a glove.
Are gloves an important part of lacrosse equipment?
Lacrosse gloves are an essential part of lacrosse players' protective equipment due to their ability to shield a player's lower arms and hands from the elements.
Primarily composed of padded leather and mesh fabric, lacrosse gloves are often equipped with additional protection on fingers, thumbs, and wrists to defend against high amounts of contact during play.
In addition to extra cushioning from typical contact, many types of lacrosse gloves now feature impact-resistant inserts that minimize the potential for injuries caused by the aggressive use of sticks or falls during gameplay.
All this being said, it is clear why lacrosse gloves have become such an essential part of the sport and are becoming more commonplace in youth and recreational leagues.
Why should lacrosse players break in new lacrosse gloves?
As frustrating as it may be, breaking in a new pair of lacrosse gloves is essential to game success and safety.
Breaking in a new pair of lacrosse gloves allows them to better conform to the specific shape and size of your hands, which is vital for stick control while carrying the ball.
Additionally, breaking in your gloves through practice helps to soften up the mesh material, which can help tremendously during ground balls and other situations where you need your grip on the stick to stand out. You cannot use the older dry gloves for the wall ball routine, as the materials might be worn out, and you might not wear them comfortably anymore.
In addition, the thick padding on your thumb and other fingers absorbs most of the hits to keep you from pain and discomfort while playing and holding the stick. It should also provide enough ventilation.
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much time the player puts into it. But taking the time to break in new lacrosse gloves will truly pay off in improved comfort and performance during practice and play!
Simply put - if you don't break in your new lacrosse gloves properly, you won't be happy with how they perform on game day. So for any serious lacrosse player looking to protect their hands and elevate their game, regular glove break-in sessions should become part of their practice routine!
Best tips to break in the best lacrosse gloves
Lacrosse gloves are an essential part of the game. They protect your hands, improve grip, and provide comfort while you perform. But how do you break in the best lacrosse gloves?
Since all lacrosse gloves must comply with safety standards, they may be a little stiff when first taken out of the box. Breaking in a pair of lacrosse gloves can take some time and dedication, but it is doable!
Start by softening the leather that makes up the palm portion of the glove. Then, work for your hands in and out of the gloves to help loosen them up, and make sure you don't snag anything.
For a more thorough break-in, try it again after putting on some lotion or petroleum jelly to give it some extra lubrication.
Alternatively, use a hairdryer on medium heat for about five minutes to warm up the material, followed by another round of kneading. These tips can help you break in your lacrosse gloves without compromising their protection quality or weakening their grip on the field.
In addition, place a lacrosse ball inside each glove, then run it through a washing machine in cold water for about ten minutes. The friction from the spinning motions will be enough to break it in for better performance.
If you still want to add more mobility, put some leather softener or conditioner onto the surface of the leather when it's still damp from washing to help soften it even further.
1. Can you break in lacrosse gloves with synthetic leather?
Breaking in lacrosse gloves with synthetic leather is an art form that requires a great deal of patience. Therefore, it's recommended to begin the breaking-in process by performing several lacrosse-specific movements, like cradling and catching a ball, while wearing the gloves.
This can help soften the synthetic leather as you move and create more comfortable pockets in your glove that offer superior grip and control when playing. You can also wear the gloves for short periods at home or during practice sessions to gently break them in over time.
Do not let the temptation to speed up the process overwhelm you. Place a focus instead on engaging in regular practice routines with your gloves once they are properly broken in.
2. Can you break in lacrosse gloves with a soft leather palm?
Lacrosse players can break in lacrosse gloves with soft leather palms. This process involves applying lubricant and heat to the leather palms. The progress will make them softer and more flexible and provide greater grip control when playing.
In addition, glove spray will help break in lacrosse gloves by softening the material and helping it retain its shape for longer. These methods can make your gloves more comfortable and may even help improve your performance on the field.
Ultimately, breaking in lacrosse gloves with a soft leather palm is an essential part of equipment care for any player looking to get the maximum benefit from their gear.
Getting the leather glove palms softened up properly can take some time and effort, but it is well worth the extra step to have the perfect grip and cushion on your hands.
Extra tips for breaking in your lacrosse equipment
New gear can be uncomfortable, yet it must protect players' hands. Here are extra tips to stretch the mesh material and similar padding to make the users comfortable with the new gear. These include:
- applying an appropriate amount of good lather motion to soften the palm and add more moisture
- follow the routine before and after the sessions to keep the moisture optimal
- throw the gloves in the air dryer or sit on them to beat them
- run over the gloves with your car
- sprinkle the gloves with water before throwing them around
- fold the finger before you sit on them
- make a fist while carrying the gloves to fold the complete structure. You will adjust the mobility of the padding, palm fingers, thumb, and even wrists
- practice wall ball routines, especially when the gloves are wet, and squeeze the palms and other parts to make them more comfortable for your hands
- fold the wet gloves before you toss and stuff them in your bag; you will loosen them up in all possible ways. In addition, while your hands sweat while practicing, the gloves will be easier to fold, squeeze, stretch, etc.
Remember that the procedure doesn't include a particular order, and you can adjust the steps to get expected results according to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lacrosse gloves supposed to be tight?
Most gloves are created for a tight fit to encapsulate the player's hands for a natural fit completely. They will loosen with time and continual use.
How tight should lacrosse gloves fit?
The fit should be fit enough to make your fingertips touch the end of the glove. However, they should still be underneath the padding.
Why do lacrosse players wear gloves?
They wear gloves to protect their wrists, hands, and fingers from injuries and pain while playing aggressively. However, the gloves still allow players to grab the stick and move freely.
How to shrink lacrosse gloves?
To shrink gloves, you can get them wet in the water and later place them in the dryer.
How to keep your hands warm in lacrosse gloves?
To keep your hands warm in gloves, you can slip a pair of latex gloves underneath your lacrosse gloves to capture heat and keep the hands warmer.
Do lighter or heavier gloves hurt more?
Lighter gloves will hurt more. This is because they do not have enough padding foam to protect you. On the other hand, heavier gloves will not hurt more. Instead, they will protect you and your opponent more.
Do you have to break in lacrosse gloves?
Breaking in lacrosse gloves is not required, but it can significantly help your experience on the field.
The breaking-in process helps to loosen up and shape the glove's material, allowing you to maneuver your hands better and play with greater skill.
It also helps to set the mold of the shape of your hand and fingers, meaning a more secure fit when you are throwing and catching.
Additionally, breaking in your gloves will give them an added layer of protection by adding a softer lining inside of them that makes those catches or checks more bearable.
Conclusion
Lacrosse players can improve their game by breaking in their gloves. By doing so, they increase the dexterity of their fingers and help the gloves mold to the shape of their hand.
This provides a better grip on the lacrosse stick and allows for more pinpoint accuracy when shooting. While it may seem tedious, learning how to break in lacrosse gloves is worth it for any serious lacrosse player who wants to up their game.
Freddy is the heart and soul of Lacrosse Runner. As a former athlete, Freddy is very passionate about Lacrosse. He keeps up with the sport’s changes and innovations and often tests the new equipment released by the leading manufacturers. Read more here