Lacrosse Canada
Goalie Equipment
Goalie Equipment
Goalie Helmet
A lacrosse goalie helmet is essential protective gear for goalies, but there are key differences between a box lacrosse goalie helmet and a field lacrosse goalie helmet, as each is designed for the specific demands of their respective game.
Box Lacrosse Goalie Helmet: Box lacrosse helmets are built to withstand the physical nature of indoor play. They tend to have a more compact design, offering more coverage around the face and jaw to protect against the close-contact environment of the box lacrosse arena. Box lacrosse goalie helmets also have additional padding for added safety, especially around the neck and chin, due to the intense, fast-paced nature of the sport played in smaller arenas.
Field Lacrosse Goalie Helmet: Field lacrosse goalie helmets are designed for outdoor play and are generally larger, providing more ventilation and a lighter design for comfort over long periods. While they still offer full-face protection with a cage or mask, the helmet design allows for better airflow to keep the goalie cool during the game. These helmets are typically less padded than box lacrosse goalie helmets. Field lacrosse goalie helmets are built with more focus on visibility and comfort during outdoor games, where the conditions differ from the tight spaces of the box.
Ultimately, the key difference is that box lacrosse goalie helmets prioritize extra protection and durability for indoor play, while field lacrosse goalie helmets focus more on comfort, ventilation, and visibility for outdoor play.
STICK
A box lacrosse goalie stick is a specialized piece of equipment designed to help goalies block high-speed shots and clear the ball with precision. These sticks typically come in two main options: plastic and wooden.
Plastic Goalie Stick: The plastic version is the most common choice for box lacrosse goalies. It features a lightweight, durable plastic shaft and head, which provides the goalie with more control and quicker reaction times. The plastic material is highly resistant to impact and wear, making it ideal for the physical nature of box lacrosse.
Wooden Goalie Stick: The wooden version offers a traditional feel and is typically heavier than its plastic counterpart. Wooden sticks are known for their unique “bounce” when handling the ball and some goalies prefer them for their natural grip and feel.
CHEST PROTECTOR
A lacrosse chest protector is an essential piece of gear for goalies, designed to safeguard the chest, torso, and shoulders from high-speed shots and collisions. However, the chest protectors used in box lacrosse and field lacrosse differ significantly in design to accommodate the unique demands of each game.
Box Lacrosse Chest Protector: Box lacrosse chest protectors are designed for the physical, fast-paced, and confined environment of indoor play. These protectors offer maximum coverage, especially around the chest, arms, shoulders, neck, and spine. They tend to be bulkier and more heavily padded, providing robust protection in a smaller playing space.
Field Lacrosse Chest Protector: Field lacrosse chest protectors are generally lighter and more flexible, designed to provide adequate protection while allowing for greater mobility and airflow in an outdoor setting. The padding is typically thinner but still offers crucial protection for the chest, shoulders, and stomach areas. Field protectors are designed to allow for a wider range of movement, making it easier for goalies to move, track the ball, and make quick saves.
The key difference is that box lacrosse chest protectors are heavier, bulkier, and offer more extensive padding for the close-contact nature of indoor play, while field lacrosse chest protectors are lighter, more breathable, and designed for the outdoor game’s emphasis on mobility and less physical contact.
GOALIE PADS
Box lacrosse leg pads are designed for maximum protection in the fast-paced, physical indoor environment. They are bulkier and more heavily padded than field lacrosse pads, offering extensive coverage for the thighs, knees, and shins to protect against high-speed shots and collisions with the boards. These pads are built for durability and impact resistance, allowing for mobility while ensuring the goalie stays safe in tight, high-contact situations.
Gloves
Box lacrosse goalie gloves are designed for maximum protection and flexibility in the fast-paced, physical indoor game. These gloves are heavier and more padded than player gloves, offering extra protection for the hands, fingers, and wrists from high-speed shots and contact with players or the boards. They feature a snug fit for better stick control while still providing enough flexibility for quick movements.
Jock/Jill
A jock is an essential piece of protective gear for any male lacrosse goalie. It is designed to provide support and protection for the groin area during high-impact play. Most jocks feature a durable waistband and straps that hold a protective cup in place, ensuring that the most sensitive areas are shielded from injury.
A jill is an essential piece of protective gear for female lacrosse goalies, designed to offer support and protection for the groin area. Similar to a men’s jock, the jill features a waistband and straps that hold a protective cup in place, ensuring safety during high-impact plays.
