Playing the goalie position in lacrosse is an action-packed position that requires a great deal of skill, focus, and determination. As such, having the right gear is essential for every goalie to stay safe and perform their best at all times.
Whether you're just starting or are an experienced lacrosse goalie looking to step up their game in the goalkeeping position, understanding what goalie equipment is necessary can help ensure your safety and make sure you have everything you need during practices and games.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at the various pieces of lacrosse goalie gear so that you know exactly what it takes to be ready when it's time to face off against the opposition!
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The List of Essential Goalie Gear
Playing LAX as a goalie position is an important responsibility and requires the right kind of gear.
Here is a list of essential goalie gear for lacrosse to help keep you safe and prepared when playing the game.
1. Goalie stick
What is it?
LAX lacrosse goalie shaft is a specialized piece of goalie equipment used by goalies to stop shots and make saves. It is designed with several features that make it ideal for playing in goal, including large heads, long handles, and strong grips.
While not required for all players, having the right goalie stick can give goalies an edge when facing opposing teams.
How to select it?
When selecting a LAX goalie stick, there are several factors you should consider to find the best one for your needs.
Starting from the lacrosse goalie head, look for the shaft with large enough heads to effectively block shots and thick grips that provide better control when catching/throwing balls. Shaft length is also significant - look for sticks that reach at least thigh level to get shots taken from various distances during play.
Overall, having the right kind of lacrosse goalie shaft and stick can help give you an advantage over other players on the field. By considering these few factors when selecting your next shaft, you can be sure that you have the perfect tool for making saves!
2. Helmet
What is it?
A lacrosse goalie helmet is explicitly designed for goalies and provides superior protection to regular lacrosse helmets. It features a large, wide cage face mask that protects your head from direct impact and extra padding around vulnerable areas such as the head, forehead, temples, and back of the neck.
The cage head helmet also has adjustable chinstraps for secure fitment and ventilation holes for breathability.
How to select it?
When selecting a lacrosse goalie head helmet, there are several factors you should consider to find the best one for your needs.
First, look for head cage helmets with a lightweight construction that won't weigh too much when playing in long games.
Additionally, make sure the head helmet fits properly by trying different sizes/models at stores or online before making a purchase.
3. Throat guards
What is it?
Lacrosse goalie throat guards are a specialized piece of goalie equipment designed to protect the neck and upper chest area when playing in goal.
Throat guards typically consist of a plastic collar that fits around the neck and shoulders with cushioned padding on both sides for extra comfort.
Throat guards are an essential part of any goaltending kit - they help reduce the risk of injury from errant shots or sticks while also providing extra visibility in more crowded games.
How to select it?
When selecting lacrosse goalie throat guards, there are several factors you should consider to find the best one for your needs.
First, look for throat guards that provide plenty of coverage without sacrificing mobility - players don't want anything too bulky that might impede their movement during saves or clearances.
Additionally, make sure the fitment of the throat guards is secure, yet feel comfortable trying different models before buying one.
4. Cleats
What is it?
Lacrosse goalie cleats are specialized shoes explicitly designed with goaltenders in mind. They feature extra cushioning around vulnerable areas such as the heel and toes, as well as a tacky sole that provides a good grip on slippery turf or grass fields.
Additionally, lacrosse goalie cleats often come with an adjustable ankle strap or laces for better fitment and protection against impacts during dives or falls.
How to select it?
When selecting lacrosse goalie cleats, there are several factors you should consider to find the best pair for your needs.
Look for shoes that provide plenty of cushioning while also being lightweight so they won't slow you down during long games.
Additionally, make sure they fit properly by trying different sizes/models at stores or online before making a purchase.
5. Mouthguard
What is it?
A lacrosse goalie mouth guard is a specialized piece of goalie equipment designed to protect the teeth and jaw area when playing in goal. It typically consists of a flexible plastic mold that fits inside the mouth with cushioned padding on both sides for extra comfort and optimal position.
Mouthguards are an essential part of any goaltending kit - they help reduce the risk of injury from errant shots or sticks while also providing extra visibility in more crowded games.
How to select it?
When selecting a lacrosse goalie mouth guard, there are several factors you should consider to find the best one for your needs.
First, look for guards that provide plenty of coverage without sacrificing comfort - players don't want anything too bulky that might impede their breathing during saves or clearances.
6. Athletic cup
What is it?
A lacrosse goalie athletic cup is a specialized piece of equipment designed to protect the groin area while playing in goal.
The goalie cup typically consists of a plastic cup and elastic straps that fit securely around the waist and legs, providing ample protection against impacts during dives or falls.
Goalie athletic cups are an essential part of any goaltending kit - they help reduce the risk of serious injury while also allowing players more freedom to move around on the field and in their position.
How to select it?
When selecting a lacrosse goalie athletic cup, there are several factors you should consider to find the best one for your needs.
When selecting a goalie athletic cup, it's essential to find one that fits properly, provides maximum coverage, and has good sizing.
In addition, look for goalie cups with a secure sizing fitment, adjustable straps, and standard snug leg openings.
7. Goalie gloves
What is it?
Lacrosse goalie gloves are specialized pieces of goalie equipment designed specifically for goaltenders.
Goalie gloves protect from impacts and enable better grip when handling the ball or stopping shots.
In addition, goalie gloves can help collect dust and dirt while making saves, reducing the amount of contact with the ground - this prevents it from going onto your hands or into your eyes when playing.
How to select it?
When selecting lacrosse goalie gloves, ensure they offer adequate protection without being too bulky or stiff – larger gloves may restrict your movements on the field, while stiffer materials may not be flexible enough when catching balls.
Light gloves will also not offer the maximum protection, so you must find the goalie glove that is perfect and satisfies the standard.
Make sure you clean goalie gloves after every game and let them air dry instead of using a tumble dryer or direct heat source - this will help preserve the material over time.
8. Chest protector
What is it?
A standard lacrosse goalie's chest protector is a specialized piece of goalie equipment designed specifically for goaltenders. It is made up of protective padding, usually around the torso and shoulders, which provides added coverage against shots that may come toward the goal area.
The chest protector also helps distribute any shock impact away from the body while allowing optimal movement on the field, ensuring that the goalie remains comfortable and free when making saves.
How to select it?
When selecting a lacrosse goalie chest protector, make sure it's lightweight but still provides adequate protection and comfort - heavier models may limit mobility or feel uncomfortable after long periods.
Additionally, look for materials that can wick away sweat - this will help keep your skin dry even in hot weather conditions.
Finally, proper care is vital for keeping lacrosse goalie chest protectors in good condition. Make sure you clean them after every game before storing them away, as dirt buildup can damage the material over time.
Optional Goalie Gear
1. Arm pads
Goalie arm pads are pieces of protective goalie equipment worn by lacrosse goalies. They provide added coverage against shots that may come their way and reduce any shock impacts away from the body while still allowing mobility on the field - this ensures that the goalie remains comfortable when making saves.
When selecting arm pads, look for a lightweight material that can provide adequate protection without affecting movement or range of motion while playing.
2. Knee pads
Goalie knee pads are also important pieces of protective goalie equipment used by lacrosse goalies. Like arm pads, they provide cushioning and protection while still allowing optimal movement on the field - but make sure they fit comfortably, as too big or bulky knee pads can hinder performance.
Additionally, watch out for breathable material since most knee pads are worn over regular clothing - this will help keep you cool even during long games in hot weather conditions.
3. Goalie pants
Goalie pants have been designed specifically for lacrosse goaltenders, often providing additional padding in key areas of the thighs or hips.
Look for lightweight and flexible material with pockets to store items like mouthguards so as not to disrupt play when needed - this will ensure maximum comfortability when performing on the field.
4. Shin guards
Goalie shin guards are essential pieces of protective equipment worn by lacrosse goalies - not just because of impact protection but also because they can help protect against abrasions from turf or other objects on the ground while sliding around, making a save.
Make sure the goalie guards fit well on your goalie pants and offer adequate protection without being too bulky or stiff – larger shin guards may reduce mobility. In contrast, stiffer materials may be uncomfortable when stopping shots with your feet or legs.
FAQs
What does a lacrosse goalie need?
A lacrosse goalie needs a few crucial pieces of goalie equipment to protect themselves and help them excel on the field properly. These pieces of equipment include a lacrosse helmet/head-peace, chest protector, elbow pads, throat guards, goalie gloves, and cleats.
Lacrosse goalies should also have extra supplies such as a mouthguard and extra padding for added protection.
What gear do lacrosse goalies wear?
Lacrosse goalie equipment is designed to protect them from errant shots and other elements on the field. This includes a lacrosse helmet, goalie pants, head-peace, chest protector, elbow pads, goalie gloves, throat guards, and cleats.
Why do lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants?
Lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants for extra protection from sticks and other elements on the field.
Sweatpants are lightweight yet still provide a layer of protection that can help keep the goalie safe in their position.
Why do college lacrosse goalies not wear pads?
College lacrosse goalies generally do not wear pads because the NCAA rulebook does not explicitly require them. Instead, the focus for college players is on speed and agility, which can be hindered by heavy protective gear.
Can lacrosse goalies wear leg pads?
Yes, lacrosse goalies can wear leg pads to provide added protection from sticks and collisions.
Leg pads are lightweight and designed to allow a maximum range of motion for the goalie in its position while still providing an adequate level of protection.
Do lacrosse goalies wear elbow pads?
Yes, lacrosse goalies do wear elbow pads. Elbow pads are designed to offer protection from errant shots and hits from sticks.
Conclusion
Wearing lacrosse goalie gear helps provide extra safety on the field.
The goalies on their position should have lightweight, comfortable pads that offer a maximum range of motion while still providing adequate protection.
Goalies should always consider their comfort level when selecting and utilizing the protective gear.
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