Equipment Used in Playing Lacrosse

With a love for sports, Gavin Scotti III enjoys physical activity and participating in charitable sporting events, including fundraising for Swim Across America. A student at Salisbury School, Gavin “Trey” Scotti plays on the school’s Crimson Knights football and lacrosse teams.

Lacrosse players need equipment to play effectively, starting with the lacrosse stick, known as the crosse. The crosse is made with synthetic material, wood, or laminated wood. Each lacrosse stick consists of three parts: the pocket, scoop, and sidewall.

An essential element is the lacrosse ball, which is firm like a rubber baseball but doesn’t squish under pressure. The ball typically weighs 140–149 grams.

Given the different rules guiding the lacrosse game for males and females, females must only wear mouth guards, goggles, and gloves. Male lacrosse players wear helmets alongside face masks. Experts advise players to choose helmets approved for lacrosse by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, which has passed safety regulations. Mouth guards protect the lips, tongue, teeth, and cheeks, making them compulsory for all lacrosse players.

Gloves are also necessary for male players, as they protect the hand, wrist, and fingers while allowing them to move freely to grip the stick. Gloves with rigid plastic inserts help safeguard the thumb. Shoulder and elbow pads cover the upper body and the arms. Some players wear rib pads and full arm guards for additional protection.