Softball pits one batter against a pitcher in order to get a hit. When enough batters get hits and reach base in succession, runs can be scored. In lacrosse, teammates pass a hard rubber ball with long sticks in order to set each other up for goals. While softball and lacrosse are two unrelated sports, both sports require specialized equipment. In some cases, both sports use the same kind of protective equipment while in other cases the equipment used is specific to each sport.
Helmets and Eye Guards
Softball players wear helmets while players in women's lacrosse wear eye guards. Softball players must wear helmets for any offensive play, including when they are in the on deck circle, in the batter's box or on base. Softball helmets can include cage masks, but they are optional and not required. A lacrosse helmet covers the head and also has a required cage that goes over the mask. In men's lacrosse, players wear protective helmets
Specialized Protective Equipment
In softball, catchers use special mitts and they are required to wear a catcher's mask, chest protector and shin guards. Lacrosse, goalies wear a mask, a chest protector and shin guards. In lacrosse, a goalie holds her stick in two gloves that protect the hands from contact with other player's sticks or the ball.
Cleats
Both softball players and lacrosse players wear sport-specific cleated shoes with rubber or plastic cleats. In softball, the cleats are usually pointed to get a good grip on the ground. This helps players cut hard when they are rounding the bases or chasing a fly ball. In lacrosse, the cleats are either pointed or rounded. Cleats help lacrosse players dig into the turf without slipping. Pointed cleats help lacrosse players on a dry, grassy field, while rounded cleats may help on a wet field because they prevent slippage without digging into the turf as deeply as the pointed cleats.
Gloves
Both softball players and lacrosse players wear gloves. In softball, the glove is used to play defense in order to catch ground balls, line drives and fly balls. In lacrosse, the gloves are used to help players get a good grip on the lacrosse stick and also to protect the hands from getting hit with the stick or the lacrosse ball.
Bats, Sticks and Balls
Bats and balls are key pieces of softball equipment. Softball bats usually measure between 27 and 33 inches and weight between 25 and 31 oz. The softball is 12 inches in circumference and weighs between 6 1/4 and 7 oz. In lacrosse, the sticks used to catch and propel the ball measure between 40 and 52 inches, although the goalie can use a lacrosse stick as long as 72 inches. A lacrosse ball is between 7 3/4 and 8 inches in circumference and weighs between 5 and 5 1/4 oz.
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