Kids grow over the summer, and the gear that fit in March rarely fits by August. Fall ball rosters are forming and school seasons are close behind, and a player in equipment that is too small is less protected and slower on the field. Youth lacrosse gear sizing is not complicated once you know what to check, and most of it takes five minutes in the driveway. Here is how to tell what still fits and what needs the next size up, all of it in stock at SportStop.com.
Youth Lacrosse Gear Sizing Starts With the Gloves
Have your player put the gloves on and make a fist around the shaft. The cuff should still cover the wrist when the arms extend on a cradle. If you see skin between the cuff and the arm pad, or the fingertips are jammed against the end of the glove, they are out of that size.
The STX Stallion 75 Lacrosse Gloves are a staff pick for first and second-year players. The STX Stallion 200 Lacrosse Gloves are a staff pick that steps up the padding for a player moving into full-contact games.
Check the Shoulder Pads and the Shaft
Shoulder pads should sit on the shoulder cap, not above it, and the chest panel should cover the sternum. If the pad rides up when the arms go overhead, it is too small. For the stick, stand the shaft on the ground next to your player. A short stick should reach somewhere between the hip and the bottom of the ribs.
The STX Stallion 75 Lacrosse Shoulder Pads are a staff pick built for a growing youth frame. The Warrior Burn Jr Complete Youth Lacrosse Stick is a staff pick sized and strung for younger players.
Youth Lacrosse Gear Sizing for Helmets: The Shake Test
This is the one to take seriously. Put the helmet on, buckle the chinstrap, and have your player shake their head side to side and nod up and down. The helmet should move with the head. If the shell slides or the facemask drops toward the eyes, the fit is gone.
The STX Rival Jr Youth White Lacrosse Helmet is a solid first helmet at a great value. The Cascade XRS Youth White Lacrosse Helmet is a staff pick with a fit system that adjusts as a head grows.
Do Not Skip the Cleats
Cleats are the fastest thing to outgrow. Press your thumb down at the end of the shoe while your player stands in them. You want about a thumb's width between the longest toe and the front of the cleat. Any less and they are curling their toes on every cut and ground ball.
The New Balance Rush V5 Jr White Lacrosse Cleats are a new release built light for younger players.
Size Up at SportStop.com
Run these checks before the first fall practice and you will know exactly what to order. Browse the full youth complete sticks collection at SportStop.com. Free shipping on orders over $99 and same-day shipping when you order by 2:00 PM EST Monday through Friday.
