What Equipment Is Needed for Men's High School Lacrosse?

Lacrosse was originally developed by North American natives as a way to train for war. Once called "baggataway," the sport had few rules and was often violent. It was adopted by French settlers and is now the national game of Canada. The game has evolved from its North American native roots. A player looking to join a high school lacrosse team will need several pieces of equipment.

  1. Stick

    • The stick is the main piece of equipment needed by a lacrosse player. A lacrosse stick is comprised of the head, typically hard plastic with webbing to catch the ball. The head is attached to a shaft, which varies in length depending on the position of the player, usually made of metal, though wooden shafts are still sometimes used.

    Helmet

    • A helmet is one of several important pieces of protective gear required to be worn by high school lacrosse players. Lacrosse helmets resemble hockey helmets. The shafts of lacrosse sticks, often swung around at head level, as well as the ball being flung at high speeds, pose serious safety concerns for the head. A mouth guard is also mandatory for lacrosse players.

    Protective Gloves

    • Protective gloves are mandatory for a high school lacrosse player to wear. They protect more fragile parts of the body that could be injured by the ball or stick shaft. Gloves are similar in design to hockey gloves; the two sports have similar safety concerns, including concussions.

    Pads

    • There are several kinds of body pads that lacrosse players are required to wear. The first is shoulder pads, which protect not only your shoulders but your chest and back as well. Elbow pads are required, to protect the arms from impacts when other players are trying to knock the ball from your stick. Athletic supporters and protective cups are also required, and rib pads are recommended and often required.

    Cleats

    • As with any other sport played on a field, it's important to wear cleats to provide additional traction when running and maneuvering at high speeds. Lacrosse players use quick, sudden shifts in direction and momentum to confuse and maneuver around opponents; players rely on cleats to help made these moves.