Lacrosse was invented by Native Americans during the 1400s and was played with a deerskin ball and wooden stick. It has evolved throughout North America and Canada into a sport played by both men and women. Lacrosse is still played using a netted stick and a ball along with other protective equipment.
Lacrosse Stick
The lacrosse stick is made up of two parts, the head and the shaft. The head is the netted portion of the stick and comes in a variety of styles, widths and levels of flexibility. Styles include offset, cant, curved and onset as well as narrow or wide. The different styles each provide a different level of control, accuracy and ball retention during the game. The shaft of the lacrosse stick is short or long and comes in a variety of materials. Materials include titanium, aluminum, alloy, composite and scandium.
Helmet
In men's lacrosse, all players wear a helmet with a face mask. Helmets should be fit to the players head to limit injury and a chin strap should be used. In women's lacrosse, players wear goggles and mouthguards and the goalie wears a helmet with face mask.
Protective Equipment
In addition to the helmet, men's lacrosse players are required to wear lacrosse gloves and some may choose to use arm, shoulder and rib pads. Lacrosse gloves should fit well, offer adequate protection, be well ventilated, flexible and as light weight as possible. Arm and shoulder pads should fit snugly and allow for maximum mobility while protecting the arms. Rib pads are not required but some players, typically midfielders and attack men, may use them. They should fit snugly, be well ventilated and allow the player to play with maximum speed and mobility.
Goalie Equipment
The goalie stick in men's lacrosse is different, it has a long shaft and a wide head. The helmet is also slightly different as it includes a throat guard. Goalies also use a chest protector that covers their torso from the neck and shoulders to the waist. In women's lacrosse the goalie wears a helmet with face mask and throat guard, chest protector, gloves, arm and leg pads. Goalie equipment, men and women's, should be snug fitting, well ventilated and provide adequate protection to the player.
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