As a lacrosse coach, you know that the difference between a solid performance and a costly mistake often comes down to preparation. That doesn’t just mean drills, conditioning, or strategy—it also means making sure your players are stepping on the field with lacrosse equipment they can depend on. Lacrosse gear takes a beating, especially through long seasons and off-season play. Over time, equipment breaks down in ways that aren’t always obvious to players but can affect performance and safety.
At SportStop, we work with athletes at every level and see firsthand how often overlooked gear issues can impact their game. That’s why it’s important for coaches to know what to look for when evaluating players’ sticks, gloves, helmets, and pads. A quick check at the start of practice or during preseason can save your team injuries, prevent mid-game malfunctions, and give your players the confidence that their equipment won’t let them down when it matters most.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common signs that lacrosse gear is worn out and needs to be replaced—and how you can guide your players through the process.
1. Lacrosse Sticks: Mesh, Strings, and Heads
Your players’ sticks are the most important tools they carry, but they’re also the most abused. From ground balls on turf to face-offs on dirt, sticks go through it all.
What to Look For as a Coach:
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Frayed mesh or stretched pockets: If the pocket isn’t holding its shape, passes and shots lose consistency. Encourage players to restring or replace mesh that’s overly soft or uneven.
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Loose or missing sidewall strings: If strings are unraveling, the head won’t perform consistently. Watch for players constantly adjusting or tightening their pocket mid-practice.
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Cracked heads: Stress cracks near the throat or sidewalls are a red flag. Even if the head isn’t fully broken, performance suffers, and a big collision can snap it mid-game.
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Bent or dented shafts: Aluminum and alloy shafts, in particular, can dent easily. If a player’s stick feels off balance or wobbly, it may be time for a new one.
Pro Tip for Coaches: Encourage players to check their sticks weekly and carry backup mesh kits or even a spare head. Players at advanced levels should never wait until game day to discover their pocket isn’t legal or their head is cracked.
2. Helmets: Safety First
Helmets are non-negotiable when it comes to safety. But many players don’t realize helmets wear down gradually—padding compresses, straps weaken, and even small cracks compromise protection.
What to Look For as a Coach:
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Expired certifications: Check the sticker inside the helmet. If it’s past its certification date, it’s no longer considered safe for play.
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Cracked or warped shells: Even small fractures can expand quickly. Players may not notice, but a coach’s eye can catch this before it becomes dangerous.
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Worn chin straps: If the chin strap doesn’t stay snug or is torn, the helmet won’t sit correctly. That’s a big safety risk.
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Loose padding: If interior padding is shifting or compressed, the helmet won’t absorb impacts as it should.
Pro Tip for Coaches: Remind players that helmets should fit snugly without wobbling. A helmet that shifts on contact isn’t protecting them the way it should. Make helmet checks part of your preseason routine.
3. Gloves: Grip and Protection
Gloves are often overlooked, but they take constant punishment. Over time, padding wears thin, palms rip, and flexibility disappears.
What to Look For as a Coach:
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Ripped palms: If gloves are torn, players lose grip and stick control—especially in wet conditions.
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Worn padding: If padding feels flat or doesn’t bounce back, it’s not offering the same protection.
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Restricted movement: Gloves should allow full wrist mobility. If players complain their gloves feel stiff or heavy, it may be time for a replacement.
Pro Tip for Coaches: Remind players that gloves are more than comfort—they’re part of their protection. A player nursing sore hands or avoiding ground balls because their gloves don’t protect properly is a player not performing at their best.
4. Shoulder Pads and Arm Guards: Hidden Wear and Tear
Protective gear like shoulder pads and arm guards often gets tossed into the bottom of a bag, forgotten until the next practice. Unfortunately, that kind of treatment leads to faster wear and tear.
What to Look For as a Coach:
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Frayed straps: If straps don’t hold tight, pads slip during play, leaving players vulnerable.
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Compressed foam: Over time, padding flattens and loses its shock absorption.
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Broken plastic inserts: Hard plastic components inside pads can crack, creating sharp edges or weak points.
Pro Tip for Coaches: Encourage your players to air out their gear after practice. Pads that stay damp break down faster and become breeding grounds for bacteria.
5. Cleats: Traction and Stability
It’s easy to forget about footwear when thinking about lacrosse gear, but cleats are vital. Poor traction means missed cuts, slower acceleration, and a higher risk of rolled ankles.
What to Look For as a Coach:
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Worn studs: If cleats are smoothed down, players lose grip on turf or grass.
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Loose soles: Separation between the sole and upper part of the shoe is a clear sign of wear.
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Poor ankle support: If cleats have stretched out, they won’t stabilize the ankle as intended.
Pro Tip for Coaches: Watch your players during conditioning drills. If you see slipping or awkward foot placement, their cleats might be the culprit.
Setting a Standard for Your Team
As a coach, you set the tone for how seriously your team takes equipment maintenance. When you emphasize gear checks, players learn that preparation is part of the game. Consider implementing preseason and midseason “gear check” days where players bring all equipment for review. You can even build it into practice: 10 minutes of stick maintenance or helmet checks can make a big difference.
Encourage your athletes to see replacing worn-out gear not as an inconvenience but as an investment in their performance and safety. Players who take care of their gear not only play better but also show up with a professional mindset that elevates the entire team.
Final Whistle: Gear That Wins Seasons
At the end of the day, worn-out gear costs your players confidence, performance, and safety. As a coach, spotting the warning signs early is one of the most impactful things you can do off the field.
If you notice a player struggling with failing gear, guide them toward solutions—and remind them that replacing equipment isn’t about luxury, it’s about being game-ready.
At SportStop, we’re here to support coaches and players alike with the best gear for every level of the game. Whether your team needs new sticks, helmets, gloves, or protective equipment, we’ve got the tools to keep your athletes performing at their peak.
