Just For Mom's and Dad's

Just for Mom’s and Dad’s - Boy's

Here is Laxpro’s List of NEED TO HAVE’s for your SON to play Lacrosse:

STICKS Overview

·         Sticks are a very player specific piece of equipment. We recommend your player try a stick before purchasing it.  Even try a friends before you buy one if you can.

·         There are hundreds of choices out there and many look the same.  The higher end sticks have upgrades to help the developed player get the most out of their skills.  More experienced players like the feel of a certain brand, style, stringing that they will play with for most of their career. 

·         There are many types of stinging options.  One of the most popular types of mesh is the hard mesh. Most players pick this type because it is easy to break in.  Some come with factory stringing, which is a good all around pocket. Some players will purchase an unstrung head.  The players will then get to choose different colors of strings and pocket types to string themselves.  This is not an easy task so you may come to our store and we can create a nice one for you.

Beginner/Youth Level

·         The LaxPros recommend a starter stick.  Starter sticks generally come with a larger head surface area to assist with catching, softer mesh for ease of catching and general feel for the ball, and factory stringing design to assist with throwing.  Most beginning youth players can use a Starter stick for 1 to 3 seasons.

·         Check out our STX AV8 (ADD LINK)

Middle School/ Early High School

·         Your player may be ready for an upgrade.  The higher level of sticks have some advanced features such asspecial shooting pocket, different size sidewalls, and a stronger shaft.  Please read the descriptions of the stick to give you an idea of what they can do. If your player already knows that he is either a defensive player or an attack player some sticks are recommended for those positions specifically.  Defensive players are required to have a longer shaft.   To confirm sticks that are specifically for High School play please click on the this link NFHS/NCAA Guidelines (ADD LINK)

·          Check out our full line of sticks (ADD LINK to COMPLETE STICKS)

High School

·         Players in this category are looking for a more advanced stick.  Some of the factors that determine stick preference are: different shapes of the head, firmness of the head, pocket style, and quality of the shaft(which attaches the head).  Most heads and shafts geared for this age group have hard mesh, heavy offset, and lighter/stronger shafts.  Factory stringing is common for this group, which is a great universal pocket.  If your player already knows that he is either a defensive player or an attack player some sticks are recommended for those positions specifically.  Defensive players are encouraged to use a longer shaft.   Please have them check with their coach if there is a specific stick they would like your player to use.

·          Check out our full line of sticks (ADD LINK to COMPLETE STICKS)

College Level

·         Players at this level generally know exactly what they want and what the need to help improve their game.  Most will mix and match the head and shaft that they prefer.  Most use the highest quality shafts to maximize their talents.  We have a full line of stick heads and shafts. So if your player is looking for a specific stick and you do not see it on our site just email The Pros and we can find it for you.  Email us at laxpros@atlanticsportswear.com

**REMEMBER sticks can be adjusted with added shooting strings, a new pocket or a shaft change.  You do not have to purchase a brand new stick to make the adjustments you may need to improve your game.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

HELMETS

Beginner/Youth /Middle School Level

·         Your son should be fitted properly for his helmet. We recommend you purchase a lacrosse specific helmet.   With many programs it is required for insurance reasons.   The impact at this level is at a minimum, but they should be properly protected.  The proper fit has a lot to do with the quality of protection and performance.  The helmet should start moderately tight around the pressure points of the forehead.  There should be very little movement side to side.  All helmets will have a way to add padding or adjust sizing to ensure the proper fit.   

High School Level

·         Your son will probably need an upgrade by high school.  These upgraded helmets are all custom made and are generally lighter, have better sight lines, and are more aerodynamic than starter helmets. 

·         The Pros recommend that your son get an “Impact Test” for a baseline reading during his High School career. At this level the impact is more aggressive and you need to make sure your son is properly fitted.  Glasses are NOT allowed to be worn under their helmets.

College Level

·         Most colleges require impact testing. They also have a standard helmet that may be purchased.  Most boys by now have a favorite helmet. 

PROTECTIVE PADS

Boys have to wear pads to protect their bodies.   Lacrosse can be a very physical game.  It is imperative at all age levels that the padding is adequate, fits properly, and is worn at all times on the field.   All pads may take some time to get used to.  They will get more and more comfortable.

For all levels of boys lacrosse, the following protective equipment is mandatory:

o    Helmet

o    Shoulder/Chest Protector

o    Arm Pads

o    Gloves

o    Mouth Guard

For all levels of boys lacrosse, the following protective equipment is optional:

o    Rib Pads

o    Protective Cup

Beginner/Youth Level

There are packages which generally offer the highest protection available for the lowest prices.  Our recommendation is that your child wear their pads around in non-lacrosse settings to get used to the added weight and physical restrictions that wearing pads for the first time can cause.  Getting comfortable will enhance their enjoyment when they do take the field.

Middle School Level

For middle school and high school, different materials, weights, and shapes of padding come into play.  The pads get more technically advanced with many added features to take in to account function (as well as style).

High School/ College Level

For the High School and College athlete, fit and feel become more of a factor than overall protection.

FOOTWEAR  (All Levels)

o    We recommend that they fit comfortably to avoid any injuries

o    Cleats are recommended for grass fields

o    Turf shoes are recommended when playing on artificial surfaces, except in slippery conditions you may choose to wear cleats on a turf field.

GOALIES

Playing the goalie position can be a dangerous position, with a hard rubber lacrosse ball being thrown at you at high speeds.  The protection recommended and required for all goalies should be worn at all times during competition:

For all levels of boys lacrosse, the following protective equipment is mandatory:

o    Helmet

o    Throat Guard

o    Chest Protector

o    Arm Pads

o    Gloves (preferably with Hard Plastic Goalie thumb)

o    Mouth Guard

o    Protective Cup

For all levels of boys lacrosse, the following protective equipment is optional:

o    Goalie Pants (especially youth players)

o    Shin Guards (especially youth players)

Practice Clothing Tips

o    If playing in cold weather dress in layers and wicking layers to remove sweat from your skin so you don’t get cold

o    If playing in the heat dress in cool nylon shorts and light weight t-shirts

See our full line of performance apparel at (attach Links)

Here is Laxpro’s List of NICE TO HAVE’s for your SON to play Lacrosse:

In addition to the list above The Pro’s recommend the following:

o    Lax Pros Backpack (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Lax Pros Diddy Bag (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Performance Shorts (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Under Armor (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Spandex Shorts (LINK TO laxpros page)

Just for Mom’s and Dad’s - Girl's

Here is Laxpro’s List of NEED TO HAVE’s for your DAUGHTER to play Lacrosse:

STICKS Overview

Sticks are a player specific piece of equipment. We recommend that your player try a stick before you purchase it. Have her try a friends out.

Beginner/Youth Level

o    The Pros recommend a stick that is not specifically made for the beginner. The sticks beginner sticks we sell are made to make it easier to catch and cradle with. The sticks can grow as your player grows in skill.

o    Check out our RACY and LILLY (attach Links)

Middle School/ High School

o    Your player may be ready for an upgrade.  These sticks usually have a special coating to make it slightly easier to hold or a different head shape.  Also these sticks have advanced features like a special shooting pocket or different sizes of sidewalls.  Please read the descriptions of  these sticks to give you an idea of what they can do. If your player already knows that she is either a defensive player or an attack player some sticks are recommended for those positions specifically.

o     Check out our full line of sticks (attach Links)

College Level

o    We have an extensive line of stick heads and shafts. If your daughter’s school recommends she use a separate head from the shaft we can get it for you. Also, if she likes a stick we do not have please email The Pros and we can find it for you.  Email us at laxpros@atlanticsportswear.com

Goggles

            This piece of equipment is mandatory at all levels. 

Beginner/Youth

o    Your daughter can wear any type of goggles as long as the eyes are protected.  All goggles can be worn over glasses.

Middle School Level

o    Depending on the level of your Middle School we recommend that your daughter wear US Lacrosse approved goggles. (See below for approved list).  At some Middle Schools it is mandatory to wear goggles off of the approved list. Please check your schools policies and codes.

High School/ College Level

o    Your daughter must wear US Lacrosse approved goggles (see below for approved list)

GOALIES

Playing the goalie position can be a dangerous position.   The listed protection is required for all goalies and MUST be worn at all times during competition.  Remember no goalie should be going onto the field unprepared.

For all levels of girl’s lacrosse, the following equipment is mandatory:

o    Helmet

o    Throat Guard

o    Chest Protector

o    Arm Pads

o    Lacrosse Gloves (preferably with Hard Plastic Goalie thumb)

o    Mouth Guard

o    Goalie Pants w/protective cup

o    Shin Guards

GLOVES

 The Pro’s recommend all players (especially defensive players) wear gloves to protect their hands.

o    Gloves help with the grip players can get on their sticks.

o    Gloves also prevent the sticks from slipping out of their hands.

Footwear

o    Your footwear should fit comfortably to avoid any injuries

o    Cleats are recommended for grass fields

o    Turf shoes are recommended when playing on artificial surfaces

Practice Clothing Tips

o    If playing in cold weather dress in layers and wicking layers to remove sweat from your skin so you don’t get cold

o    If playing in the heat dress in cool nylon shorts and light weight t-shirts

See our full line of performance apparel at (attach Links)

Here is Laxpro’s List of NICE TO HAVE’s for your DAUGHTER to play Lacrosse:

In addition to the list above The Pro’s recommend the following:

o    Lax Pros Backpack (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Lax Pros Diddy Bag (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Performance Shorts (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Under Armor (LINK TO laxpros page)

o    Spandex Shorts (LINK TO laxpros page)

US LACROSSE Parents Guide
http://www.uslacrosse.org/education/parentsguide.phtml