Girls high school lacrosse experienced a spike in popularity during the 2000s. The number of high schools that sponsored the sport increased from 1,176 in 2004 to 1,885 in 2010, according to stats compiled by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Participation among girls increased 112.2 percent from 2001 to 2010, the second-highest jump among the 15 most popular high school sports in terms of participation. Lacrosse is a team sports with Native American origins that requires a good amount of protective gear.
Stick
The lacrosse stick was considered sacred in early times -- the game is believed to be the oldest in North America, played as early as the 1400s by Native Americans. Technically called a "crosse," the stick used by females measures between 36 and 44 inches. Longer sticks are used by defenders, while attackers, midfielders and goalies user shorter versions. The head of the stick consists of a pocket of woven, nylon mesh that is used to catch the small, rubber ball used in the game. The head of a women's crosse is shallower and narrower than the one found on a men's stick. The shafts of lacrosse sticks traditionally were made of wood, but more popular choices now include aluminum, graphite and titanium.
Protective Gear
Lacrosse players, including girls playing in high school, generally wear a helmet, mouth guard and shoulder, rib and elbow pads, while goalies also wear a chest protector. Protective gear is required because lacrosse is a physical sport that includes checking. The helmet is made of plastic and includes a face mask, which the mouth guard attaches to. A goalie helmet also has a throat protector. The shoulder pads also protect the upper chest, and some rib pads protect the lower back and kidney area. Elbow pads generally are adjustable.
Gloves
Gloves are necessary to avoid the pain that results from being hit in the hand by an opponent's stick. They protect the hands, wrists and forearms. Gloves are heavily padded on the top of the fingers and in the wrist area. The palm and lower part of the fingers are padded lighter because those areas are less exposed. Gloves come in a wide range of sizes and styles and are lightweight to ensure you have a comfortable grip on your stick. There should not be much wiggle room at the end of the fingers when trying on gloves.
Shoes
Lacrosse shoes are a variety of cleats, meaning they have rectangular-shaped pieces protruding from the soles to give players traction; girls high school lacrosse is played on grass.
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