Backyard training gear and regulation protective equipment. What you need, what you don't, and what to skip.
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Don't buy everything at once. Here's what you actually need at each stage, from day one backyard training to competitive play.
The Skill Stick + tennis balls (wall ball) + wiffle balls (shooting). That's it. You can practice catching, throwing, cradling, shooting, and dodging with this setup. No helmet, no pads, no backstop needed. The most affordable and accessible way to start playing lacrosse.
Everything from backyard setup PLUS: helmet (entry-level), shoulder pads (entry-level), arm pads (entry-level), gloves (entry-level), mouthguard, and cleats. Many youth programs provide or rent equipment — ask before buying. Start with a complete beginner stick for team practice.
Upgrade to mid-range protective equipment for better protection and comfort. A position-specific stick (attack, midfield, or defense head + shaft). Better gloves for improved feel. You're playing enough that quality gear makes a difference in both protection and performance.
Premium helmet, advanced shoulder pads, position-specific arm pads, premium gloves, and a custom-strung stick on a carbon or scandium shaft. At this level, equipment is a competitive advantage — lighter, more protective, and more responsive.
Backyard lacrosse training is about accessibility — practicing at home without a field, backstop, or full protective gear. The right equipment makes it possible to train effectively and safely in your yard, garage, or even indoors. Here's everything you need.
A regulation stick is a great training tool for regulation balls, but tennis and wiffle balls don't sit or release properly in its pocket. The Skill Stick is purpose-built for lighter backyard balls: its size, pocket depth, and weight are tuned so tennis, wiffle, and foam balls feel and release authentically. Same mechanics, designed for the balls you actually have at home.
Shop — $29.99Premium carbon fiber shaft with the same purpose-built head as the Skill Stick. Lighter, stiffer, and more durable — for players who want the best feel in their hands during backyard training.
Shop — $64.99Fold-flat goals you can set up in seconds in any yard. Perfect for shooting practice with wiffle or tennis balls. Most pop-up goals are 4x4 or 3x3 feet — smaller than regulation (6x6) but ideal for backyard accuracy training. Look for goals with anchor stakes and a carrying bag.
The safest ball for backyard shooting practice. Plastic practice balls are lightweight, won't break windows, and won't dent siding. They're also cheap enough that losing one isn't a problem. Use them for shooting practice and target drills. The Skill Stick's pocket is tuned so plastic practice balls release with authentic lacrosse mechanics.
The best ball for wall ball practice. Tennis balls rebound consistently off walls and have enough weight to feel realistic in the pocket. They're forgiving on misses and won't damage property. Keep 3-6 on hand so you can stay in rhythm. The Skill Stick's pocket depth is designed so tennis balls sit and release like a real lacrosse ball in a real stick.
Essential for dodge drills, footwork exercises, and setting up training stations. Use cones to mark dodging lanes, shuffle distances, and shooting positions. Flat disc cones work for most drills; tall cone-style markers are better for visibility at distance. Start with 12-20 cones — you'll use them every session.
A rebounder simulates wall ball when you don't have a suitable wall. The net bounces the ball back to you at game-like speeds and angles. Great for solo passing practice in the yard. Look for adjustable-angle rebounders with durable netting. Some rebounders also double as passing targets.
Target sheets or nets that attach to your goal to practice shot placement. They block the center of the goal, forcing you to shoot corners — where the goals happen in real games. Great for developing accuracy with the Skill Stick and wiffle balls.
For team practice and games, protective equipment is mandatory. Regulation lacrosse is a contact sport — helmets, pads, and gloves are non-negotiable. Here's what each piece of equipment does and how to choose the right level for your player.
What gear is required for youth lacrosse?
Helmet, shoulder pads, elbow/arm pads, gloves, mouthguard, and a protective cup. Some youth programs also require rib pads. Cleats are strongly recommended but turf shoes are acceptable. Check with your program for specific requirements — they vary by age and league.
Can I use hockey or football pads for lacrosse?
Hockey shoulder pads are too bulky and restrict the range of motion needed for lacrosse. Football pads are designed for different impact angles. Lacrosse-specific pads are lighter, more mobile, and designed for the specific types of contact in the game. Always use lacrosse-specific protective gear.
How often should I replace protective equipment?
Helmets: every 3-5 years or after any significant impact (check NOCSAE certification). Shoulder pads and gloves: when padding compresses or tears — typically 2-3 seasons. Arm pads: when velcro or padding degrades. Mouthguards: every season. Always inspect gear before each season.
The most important piece of protective equipment. All lacrosse helmets must meet NOCSAE standards — look for the NOCSAE seal on any helmet you buy. Helmet fit is critical: it should sit level on the head with the chin strap snug. A loose helmet shifts on impact and provides less protection.
Basic protection that meets NOCSAE standards. Good for youth and beginners who are still learning the game. Look for adjustable sizing, adequate ventilation, and a steel face mask. These helmets are heavier than premium options but get the job done safely.
Better fit systems, lighter weight, and improved ventilation. The sweet spot for most high school players. Mid-range helmets typically feature tool-free adjustment systems, moisture-wicking liners, and better impact distribution. Worth the upgrade if you're playing multiple seasons.
Top-tier protection with the latest impact technology. Elite-level helmets feature multi-layer impact systems, custom fit, and the lightest weights available. For varsity and college players who are on the field every day. ⚠️ Never buy a used lacrosse helmet. Helmets are designed to protect against a single major impact — after that, the foam and shell may be compromised even if they look fine. A used helmet could have hidden damage from previous impacts. Always buy new, and replace after any significant impact or every 3-5 years per manufacturer guidelines.
For more helmet options across all price points, visit Cascade & Maverik Helmets — they offer the widest selection from youth to pro level. Visit site
Can I buy a used lacrosse helmet to save money?
No — this is one piece of equipment you should always buy new. Helmets are engineered to absorb impact energy, and once the foam has been compressed from a hit, it may not protect you properly in the next one. A used helmet could have hidden damage that isn't visible from the outside. The risk of head injury far outweighs any savings. Buy new, and replace after any major impact or every 3-5 years per manufacturer guidelines.
Arm pads protect against stick checks (slashes) to the forearm and elbow — one of the most common contacts in lacrosse. Attackmen and midfielders wear arm pads on both arms; defensemen sometimes wear smaller elbow pads. The right pad depends on your position and how much contact you're playing against.
Midfielders need a balance of protection and mobility — you're running the full field and playing both offense and defense. Arm pads (shorter than guards) offer good slash coverage without restricting your range of motion.
Defensemen and LSMs prefer minimal, low-profile elbow pads — you need mobility for stick checks and ground balls, not bulky padding. Lightweight elbow pads protect against accidental slashes without slowing you down.
Shoulder pads protect the chest, shoulders, and spine from body checks and stick contact. They're required for all field players except the goalie. Modern lacrosse shoulder pads are much lighter than older versions — they focus on mobility over bulk. Rib pads are an optional add-on for extra protection around the sides and lower back.
For intermediate to advanced players who need premium protection with mobility. Higher-end pads offer NOCSAE ND200 cardiac guard certification, advanced foam systems, and modular designs that let you customize coverage for your position.
Cleats provide traction for cutting, sprinting, and changing direction on grass and turf. Lacrosse-specific cleats have a stud pattern optimized for the quick changes of direction that define the game. Football and soccer cleats work too — the fit and stud pattern matter more than the label.
Low-top cleats offer maximum speed and agility for attackmen and midfielders who rely on quick cuts and acceleration. The lower cut allows more ankle freedom but less support. Many players prefer low-tops for the lightweight feel and closer ground connection.
Mid-top cleats are the most popular choice for lacrosse — they balance ankle support with mobility. Most players at every position can use a mid-top effectively. The extra support helps with lateral cuts and direction changes without restricting movement.
High-top cleats provide maximum ankle support and stability, ideal for defensemen and players who prioritize protection over speed. The extended cut helps prevent ankle rolls during physical play and provides a locked-in feel.
Gloves protect your hands and wrists from stick checks while giving you the grip and feel needed to control your stick. Lacrosse gloves have padded fingers, a reinforced thumb, and a flexible wrist cuff. The right pair balances protection with feel — you need to feel the stick in your hands to catch, throw, and shoot well.
Basic foam padding with a nylon or mesh palm. Good protection for youth and beginners. The palms are thinner for better feel, and the padding covers the back of the hand and fingers. These are durable and cost-effective — perfect for a first season.
Better materials, more padding, and improved flexibility. Mid-range gloves feature dual-density foam, articulated fingers, and moisture-wicking liners. The palms use synthetic leather for durability and grip. The standard for competitive high school players.
Top-tier protection with the best feel and mobility. Premium gloves use advanced foam systems, vented backs, and Nash or AX palm materials for unmatched grip. Lighter and more flexible than mid-range options while providing better protection. Preferred by varsity, college, and pro players.
The stick is the most personal piece of equipment in lacrosse — it's an extension of your hands. Complete sticks come with the head strung and shaft assembled, ready to play. As you advance, you'll likely start building custom sticks by choosing heads and shafts separately. For beginners, complete sticks are the simplest way to get started.
Entry-level complete sticks with pre-strung pockets and aluminum shafts. Good for learning the fundamentals — catching, throwing, cradling. The pockets are typically mid-pocket with a basic mesh setup that's forgiving for new players. Don't overspend on your first stick — you'll develop preferences as you learn.
Better heads with more defined pocket channels and alloy or composite shafts. These sticks offer improved ball control, faster release, and more consistent performance. The standard for high school players who know their position and want a stick that matches their style.
Advanced players often build custom sticks by choosing a head and shaft separately. The head determines your pocket shape, release point, and ball control. Here are top options by position.
Lacrosse equipment isn't one-size-fits-all. What you need depends on where you're training and what level you're playing at. Backyard training requires different gear than regulation play — and using the wrong equipment can make practice frustrating or even unsafe. This guide breaks it all down: what's essential, what's optional, and what to avoid at each level.
Do I need full protective gear to practice at home?
No. Backyard training with tennis, wiffle, or foam balls doesn't require helmets, pads, or gloves. These lighter balls are designed to be safe without protective equipment — that's what makes home practice accessible and convenient.
Can I use the same stick for backyard and team practice?
A regulation stick is a great training tool with regulation lacrosse balls, but tennis and wiffle balls don't sit or release properly in its pocket — it's designed for 5.25 oz balls. The Skill Stick is purpose-built for lighter balls: its pocket depth and weight are tuned so tennis, wiffle, and foam balls feel and release like a real lacrosse ball in a real stick. For team practice, you'll need a regulation stick.
How much does lacrosse equipment cost?
Backyard training setup: $30-60 (Skill Stick + tennis/wiffle balls). Youth regulation gear: $150-300. High school regulation gear: $300-500. You don't have to buy everything at once — start with what you need for how you're training today.
Common questions about lacrosse equipment, from sizing to maintenance.
How do I know what size helmet to buy?
Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows. Most helmets use S/M/L sizing: Small (20-21.5"), Medium (21.5-23"), Large (23-24.5"). When in doubt, size up — helmets adjust down with internal fit systems. The helmet should sit level, not tilted back, and the chin strap should be snug enough that the helmet doesn't shift.
Do I need different equipment for box lacrosse?
Yes. Box lacrosse requires kidney pads (mandatory), and many players wear additional rib protection. Box gloves have more padding than field gloves. Helmets are the same. The main difference is the playing surface — you'll need indoor shoes or cleats appropriate for turf over concrete.
How do I maintain my lacrosse equipment?
Air out all pads and gloves after every use — never leave gear in a closed bag. Wipe down your helmet shell and visor. Check helmet screws and chin strap before each season. Restring your stick pocket when it loses shape. Replace mouthguards every season. Store equipment in a cool, dry place.
Can I buy used lacrosse equipment?
Used sticks and shafts are fine — they don't degrade in ways that affect safety. Used gloves and arm pads can be okay if padding is still firm. NEVER buy a used helmet — you can't verify its impact history, and the foam degrades over time. Used shoulder pads are acceptable if padding hasn't compressed.
What's the difference between attack and defense sticks?
Attack sticks (short sticks) are 40-42 inches — designed for quick sticks, tight cradling, and fast release. Defense sticks (long poles) are 52-72 inches — the extra length lets defenders reach and disrupt from a distance. Midfielders typically use short sticks, but long-stick middies (LSMs) use defensive-length sticks.
The Skill Stick is purpose-built for backyard lacrosse — tennis, wiffle, and foam balls feel and release authentically. No field. No backstop. No excuse.
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