Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the U.S., with over 840,000 players registered nationwide, according to USA Lacrosse. As more athletes step onto the field, the importance of proper gear has never been higher.
Equipment does more than just meet league rules. It keeps players safe during fast-paced, high-contact action. A well-fitted helmet can prevent concussions. Certified shoulder pads protect against cardiac impacts. Even a basic mouthguard helps avoid costly dental injuries. Comfort and mobility matter too. The right gear helps players move freely, stay confident, and perform at their best.
But gear isn’t one-size-fits-all. What a 10-year-old beginner needs differs from a varsity goalie or a high school midfielder on a club team. Boys and girls have different regulations. Goalies follow a completely separate checklist. Even the type of stick depends on whether someone plays defense, midfield, or attack.
That’s why this guide breaks it all down clearly, by position, age group, and gender, so families know exactly what to get and where to start. No guesswork. No wasted money. Just the right lacrosse equipment to hit the field with confidence.
Getting started in lacrosse means knowing exactly what’s required—and what’s optional. Most field players need the same core equipment, but gear still varies by gender and position. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Helmet
Every male player needs a NOCSAE-certified helmet with proper padding and a snug fit. League officials check this, so don’t cut corners. Sizing matters, too loose and it won’t protect, too tight and it’s a distraction.
Mouthguard
Mandatory. Must be colored, not clear, to make it visible to refs. Some leagues reject transparent options entirely. Go for one that molds easily and doesn’t affect breathing or communication.
Gloves
Lacrosse gloves protect fingers and knuckles from checks while allowing grip and dexterity. Some players prefer ventilated models for summer leagues; others go heavier in cold conditions.
Shoulder Pads
As of 2022, all boys’ shoulder pads must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard for heart protection. Choose pads with chest plates that don’t restrict movement, especially for midfielders who need full range.
Arm/Elbow Pads
Attackmen wear full arm guards for extra coverage. Defensemen usually choose slimmer elbow-only protection. Fit should balance flexibility and security, nothing too bulky or loose.
Stick (Head + Shaft)
Attack and midfield use shorter sticks (around 40–42 inches). Defense and LSM (long-stick middie) use long poles (52–72 inches). Most beginners start with a factory-strung complete stick, then upgrade to custom heads and lighter shafts later.
Cleats or Turf Shoes
Cleats designed for lacrosse offer better ankle support and traction patterns for quick cuts. Football cleats work in a pinch, but lacrosse-specific soles make a difference, especially on turf.
Athletic Cup and Compression Shorts
Not required by every league, but strongly recommended. Youth players often overlook this until they take a stick check in the wrong spot. Compression shorts with built-in pockets keep everything in place.
Goggles or Protective Eyewear
Mandatory for all female players. Goggles must meet ASTM standards for visibility and impact protection. Fit should hug the cheekbones without slipping.
Mouthguard
Also required. Same rule as boys, must be visible and not clear. Some models come flavored or vented for comfort.
Stick
Girls’ lacrosse sticks have shallow pockets and unique head designs to match the game’s focus on finesse and accuracy. Most beginners use factory-strung heads before learning how stringing changes control and feel.
Cleats or Turf Shoes
No difference here. Girls benefit from cleats with solid lateral support and lightweight build. Brands often market cleats by sport, but it’s all about comfort and traction.
Gloves
Optional. Some players use them in colder climates or for hand protection during ground ball scrums. Not required for most leagues.
Headgear
Still optional, but gaining popularity, especially in middle school programs. Soft headbands or full helmets help reduce incidental contact injuries while staying within league rules.
Goalies play a different game, and their equipment reflects that. They face harder shots, tighter reaction windows, and more contact. That’s why their gear goes beyond standard field protection. Whether it’s a youth beginner or a high school starter, goalie equipment should always focus on fit, visibility, and range of motion.
Goalie Helmet with Throat Guard – Required
All lacrosse goalies must wear a NOCSAE-certified helmet, just like field players. The difference? Goalie helmets always include a separate throat guard. It protects against direct shots to the neck, something standard helmets don't cover. Some models come with the guard pre-attached; others require a clip-on addition.
Chest Protector (NOCSAE Approved)
Every goalie needs a goalie-specific chest pad that meets the ND200 heart protection standard. These pads cover a larger area than field models, but they should still flex with movement. If it’s too stiff or bulky, clearing the ball becomes a struggle.
Throat Guard – Often Sold Separately
Even if the helmet looks complete, many setups don’t come with the required dangling throat guard. Always double-check before hitting the field. Coaches will send players off if it’s missing.
Goalie Gloves – Extra Thumb Protection
Unlike standard gloves, goalie gloves have reinforced thumbs to absorb shots. That detail matters. A hard ball to the thumb can easily sideline a player. Choose gloves that allow movement without sacrificing padding.
Shin Guards – Optional but Recommended
Most leagues don’t require shin guards, but many goalies, especially at the youth level, wear them. They protect against low-angle shots and accidental checks. Soccer shin guards can work in a pinch, but dedicated lacrosse goalie shin guards offer better coverage.
Goalie Stick – Larger Head, Stiffer Shaft
The goalie stick looks different for a reason. Its wider head helps block shots and scoop rebounds. Shafts are usually shorter and stronger, built for quick reactions and better control on clears. Factory goalie sticks are a good starting point for new players. More advanced goalies often upgrade heads for improved rebound control or stiffness.
Cleats or Turf Shoes – Same as Field Players
Footwork matters just as much in the crease. Goalies rely on quick lateral movement and clean exits from the arc. The same lacrosse cleats or turf shoes used by field players work just as well here, comfort and grip are what count.
Not every piece of gear is mandatory, but a few smart extras can make games and practices easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. Here’s a look at the most useful accessories for lacrosse players, parents, and coaches.
Lacrosse Bag
A quality gear bag simplifies everything. Stick-specific pockets, wet/dry compartments, and ventilated sections help keep helmets, pads, and cleats clean and easy to grab. Look for bags built to handle rough turf and locker room wear.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during long practices is critical. Leak-proof, high-capacity bottles are ideal for players who don’t want to keep refilling. Many teams also use name-labeled bottles to avoid mix-ups on the sideline.
Stick Tape or End Caps
Tape adds grip, improves feel, and helps personalize stick setups. End caps keep shafts legal and hands protected, especially important for younger players just getting used to passing and shooting.
Training Balls (Textured or Soft)
Soft rubber practice balls are ideal for indoor work or backyard drills. They’re easier on windows, floors, and fingers, without compromising skill development. Textured balls offer better control and mimic real-game conditions.
Rebounder or Practice Goal
Solo practice becomes much more effective with a portable rebounder or goal net. Rebounders help players improve passing and catching, while pop-up nets make shooting drills easy anywhere.
Custom Apparel
Team-branded shooter shirts, pinnies, and warmups create identity and keep everyone organized during scrimmages or tournaments. For club teams, ordering custom gear early in the season helps players feel connected from day one.
Ball Bucket
Running drills or warming up goalies? Having 20+ balls in one spot saves time and hassle. Ball buckets keep practices moving without constant chasing or reloading.
First Aid Kit
Every coach and team parent should have one. Minor cuts, twisted ankles, and bruises are common, being prepared makes a huge difference. Look for kits that include cold packs, athletic tape, and wound care supplies.
Scorebooks and Clipboards
Game-day organization starts here. Coaches use clipboards for substitutions and field diagrams. Scorebooks track stats, player rotations, and fouls, especially important in tournament play.
Extra Mouth Guards and Pads
Something always gets lost or broken. A backup mouthguard or elbow pad often keeps a player on the field when they’d otherwise have to sit out. Smart coaches and team managers stash extras just in case.
As players get older, faster, and more competitive, their gear has to evolve with them. What works for a seven-year-old beginner won’t cut it at the high school varsity level. Here's how the equipment needed for lacrosse changes from youth to club play—and what to look for at each stage.
Younger athletes need gear that’s light, well-fitted, and simple to use. At this age, comfort and safety come first.
Fit over brand. An oversized helmet or slipping gloves won’t just frustrate kids, they’ll increase injury risk.
Starter kits help. Most youth players benefit from all-in-one gear bundles. They’re easier to size and usually more affordable than buying piece by piece.
Check sizing charts. Youth helmets and gloves come in specific ranges, don’t rely on guessing or hand-me-downs.
Focus on fundamentals. Durability and style can wait. For now, stick feel, protection, and mobility matter most.
By the time players reach middle school, leagues often adopt full contact rules, and gear requirements increase.
NOCSAE compliance is mandatory. Chest and shoulder pads must meet ND200 standards. Referees check this before every game.
Players start to specialize. Defensive players might use longer sticks. Midfielders often want different shaft weights or flex levels.
More wear = better gear. With frequent practices and weekend tournaments, mid-tier or pro-level gear is worth the investment.
Performance matters. As speed and intensity pick up, gear has to keep up. A stiffer head or lighter gloves can make a noticeable difference.
At this stage, gear goes from being just functional, to fully optimized.
Customization becomes the norm. Heads are strung to match individual playing styles. Some players swap shafts mid-season depending on field conditions.
Durability wins out. Travel and high-volume play demand gear that lasts through rough turf, contact, and weather.
Brand loyalty grows. Experienced players often know which cleats grip best on wet grass, or which pads flex without shifting.
Fit must be exact. Even small sizing errors create problems at this level. Fine-tuned adjustments can affect passing speed or shot mechanics.
Lacrosse gear isn't cheap. Between sticks, pads, and footwear, a full setup can easily cross $300 to $500 depending on age and level. But smart choices, not just budget ones, make all the difference when you're starting out.
If you're shopping for a new player, starter kits are the best place to begin. They simplify the buying process and typically include everything required to get on the field, helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and sometimes even a stick.
Buying gear separately often costs more and risks size mismatches. Starter bundles from LacrosseBallStore.com are curated by age and position, which means you’re more likely to get the right fit and avoid repeat purchases later.
Don’t buy everything at once. Start with the required gear based on age and position, helmet, pads, stick, cleats, and mouthguard, and build from there.
Optional items like custom gloves, rebounders, or shin guards can always come later. Reference your league’s checklist or revisit earlier sections of this guide to confirm what’s essential for your level.
Big-name brands aren’t always better, especially if the fit’s off. A shoulder pad that rides up or gloves that bunch can affect performance and even cause injuries. The gear should move with the player, not against them.
LacrosseBallStore.com offers fitting guides, age-specific sizing advice, and customer support to help families choose gear that actually fits. Whether you're buying for a U10 beginner or a varsity starter, the right fit matters more than the logo on the side.
Not all lacrosse stores are built the same. When you're trying to find everything in one place, from youth lacrosse equipment sets to team gear and goalie-specific items—it helps to buy from a store that actually understands the game.
LacrosseBallStore.com offers a full range of gear for players of every age, position, and skill level. Whether you’re shopping for a complete beginner or upgrading for varsity season, they stock:
Boys’ and girls’ equipment
Youth and adult sizes
Lacrosse sticks by position and level
NOCSAE-certified protective gear
Cleats, turf shoes, and accessories
They also handle custom apparel orders, team shooter shirts, pinnies, travel uniforms, and offer bulk deals for coaches and clubs.
Fast shipping, competitive pricing, and responsive customer service set them apart. Need sizing help or not sure if a stick meets league rules? Their support team knows the game and gets it right the first time.
The equipment needed for lacrosse depends on age, gender, and position, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the essentials, make sure the fit is right, and add extras over time.
Whether you're checking off your youth lacrosse equipment list or gearing up for club tryouts, having the right setup makes the game safer and a lot more fun.
LacrosseBallStore.com makes it easy to shop smart. From curated starter kits to size guides and team discounts, they’re built to help players get started, and stay on the field.
