What Is A Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Liner?

Lacrosse shoulder pad liners are worn by lacrosse players who want upper-body protection without the encumbrance of full shoulder pads. Shoulder pads often have hard plastic shells that sit high on the shoulder; the size of these shoulder pads prevents some players from passing or shooting easily. Shoulder pad liners eliminate that problem.

Putting on Shoulder Pad Liners

Slip the shoulder pad liner on over your head. Notice that that the liner is lighter and a bit smaller than traditional shoulder pads. The shoulder pad liner will slip easily into position and it does not have hard plastic on top of the shoulders. It locks into place with snaps and allows a player to run easily.

Positives

The size of the liner allows you to compete without thinking much, or at all, about your equipment --- you forget you are wearing pads. Catching the lacrosse ball --- even one thrown far out in front of you --- is much easier for a playing wearing a liner. The liner also provides protection to the upper rib cage. The shoulder pad liner has pads that also protect the upper arm, though these pads can be removed if you wish.

Negatives

Lacrosse is an aggressive and at-times violent games. Players will battle for the ball and contact between your opponent's stick and your body is inevitable. When an opponent goes after the ball and makes contact with your shoulders or upper body and you are wearing a shoulder pad liner instead of full shoulder pads, you are at risk to suffering a more serious injury. This is particularly true of high school, college and professional players, who are bigger and faster than youth players.

Rib Pads

Rib pads can be attached to shoulder pads and shoulder pad liners. They can be taken off or attached whenever the player wants to make a change. Players who have been injured in the past or are recovering may use them, but other players often feel rib pads are too bulky and won't wear them. Attack and midfield players tend to wear rib pads more than other players, as they are often the target of opponents' poke-checks and other attempts to dislodge or fight for balls.