Boys vs. Girls Lacrosse: The Gear Is Very Different
One of the most important things to know before buying lacrosse gear: boys' and girls' lacrosse are played with different rules and, critically, require very different protective equipment. Boys' lacrosse is a full-contact sport requiring a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, and gloves. Girls' lacrosse is minimal-contact with lighter protective requirements.
This guide covers both clearly, so you buy exactly what your child needs without overspending on unnecessary gear.
The Essentials
These 8 items are non-negotiable. Your child needs all of them before their first practice.
A lacrosse stick consists of a head (plastic frame) and shaft (aluminum or composite). The head has mesh stringing that creates the pocket for catching and carrying the ball. Heads and shafts are often sold together as a "complete" stick for beginners.
Full lacrosse helmet with a face mask is mandatory for all boys' players. It protects the head and face from stick checks, ball impact, and collisions. Girls' players are not required to wear a full helmet.
Padded lacrosse gloves protect the hands and wrists from stick checks and ground balls. Boys' gloves have heavier padding; girls' gloves are lighter.
Padded sleeves or elbow pads protecting the forearm and elbow from stick checks. Required in boys' lacrosse.
Lightweight shoulder and chest pads provide protection from ball impact and body checks (ages 13+). Required in boys' lacrosse.
ASTM-certified protective goggles are required for all girls' lacrosse players. They protect eyes from stick and ball contact without the full face mask required in boys' play.
Soccer or football cleats work well for lacrosse. Some brands make lacrosse-specific cleats with mid-ankle support.
Required in boys' lacrosse and strongly recommended for girls'. A boil-and-bite mouthguard provides dental and jaw protection.
🥍 Complete Lacrosse Checklist
✅ Must-Have (8 items)
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Age & Size Guide for Lacrosse Gear
| Age / Level | Boys Required Gear | Girls Required Gear | Ball Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 6–9 (Mini/Youth) | Helmet, gloves, stick | Goggles, gloves, stick | Soft foam ball |
| Ages 10–12 (Youth) | Helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, stick | Goggles, gloves, stick | Rubber game ball |
| Ages 13–14 (Middle School) | Full boys' kit + mouthguard | Goggles, gloves, mouthguard | Standard game ball |
| Ages 15–18 (High School) | Full protective kit — school may provide some | Standard girls' kit | Standard game ball |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lacrosse a dangerous sport?
Boys' lacrosse is a contact sport and has a higher injury rate than girls', but the mandatory helmet, pads, and gloves significantly mitigate risk. Girls' lacrosse is minimal contact and has a much lower injury profile. Youth programs for both focus on safe play and technique. Like any active sport, minor injuries (muscle strains, bruises) are common, but serious injuries are rare in properly supervised youth programs.
My child is a girl — does she need to wear a helmet?
No — girls' lacrosse requires protective goggles (ASTM-certified) but not a full helmet. This is one of the most common misconceptions from parents new to the sport. If your daughter transitions from boys' youth lacrosse (where all players wear helmets) to the girls' game, this is the main equipment change to be aware of.
What is the best lacrosse starter stick for a beginner?
For beginners, a "complete" stick (head and shaft sold together) from brands like STX, Warrior, or Maverik in the $40–$80 range is the right choice. Avoid the cheapest "toy" sticks sold at big-box stores — the stringing and pocket quality is poor and makes skill development harder. Don't invest in premium custom sticks until your child is clearly committed to the sport.
How is lacrosse different from field hockey?
Both use a stick and ball on a grass field, but the sports are quite different. Lacrosse uses a stick with a mesh head to carry and throw the ball through the air. Field hockey uses a flat-bladed stick to control the ball along the ground. The rules, positions, and player movements are distinct. Both are popular girls' sports at the high school and collegiate levels.
Is lacrosse a dangerous sport for kids?
Youth lacrosse is well-regulated for safety. US Lacrosse enforces mandatory helmets, gloves, and arm pads for boys' field lacrosse. Girls' lacrosse is minimal contact — only goggles and a mouthguard are required. Proper gear and coaching significantly reduce injury risk.
What age do kids start youth lacrosse?
Entry-level programs start at ages 6–8. Competitive youth leagues begin at U9 (age 8–9). Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing youth sports with programs now in most states.
Is there a difference between boys' and girls' lacrosse gear?
Yes — significantly. Boys' field lacrosse requires a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and a cup. Girls' lacrosse requires only goggles and a mouthguard (minimal contact rules). Sticks also differ: boys' have deeper mesh pockets; girls' sticks have shallower pockets by rule.
Your Complete Lacrosse Gear List
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