Lacrosse Equipment List: What Gear Do You Need to Play?
Short answer: a boys' lacrosse player needs a stick, a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, a mouthguard and cleats. Goalies add a throat guard and a chest protector. A girls' lacrosse player needs a stick, protective eyewear, a mouthguard and cleats.
Below is the full lacrosse equipment list for boys and girls, what each piece does, and what the team usually provides.
Boys' Lacrosse Equipment List
| Gear | Who wears it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Lacrosse stick | Everyone | A head, pocket and shaft. See our men's lacrosse stick guide. |
| Helmet | Everyone | Protects the head and face. Look for a NOCSAE-certified helmet. |
| Mouthguard | Everyone | Protects the teeth and jaw. |
| Gloves | Everyone | Protect the hands and wrists from checks. Ours: Flyer 1. |
| Shoulder pads | Field players | Protect the shoulders, chest and collarbone. |
| Arm pads | Field players | Protect the elbows and forearms. Ours: Armor 1. |
| Throat guard | Goalies | Attaches to the helmet to protect the throat. |
| Chest protector | Goalies | Protects the chest from shots. |
| Protective cup | Everyone | Strongly recommended. |
| Cleats | Everyone | Grip on grass and turf. |
Rules set which pieces are required and which safety standards they must meet. Check your league's rules before you buy.
Girls' Lacrosse Equipment List
| Gear | Who wears it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Lacrosse stick | Everyone | A women's head, pocket and shaft. See our women's lacrosse stick guide. |
| Protective eyewear | Field players | Protects the eyes. Girls' rules require certified eyewear. |
| Mouthguard | Everyone | Protects the teeth and jaw. |
| Soft headgear | Optional | Allowed in many leagues. Check your league's rules. |
| Gloves | Optional | Some players wear light gloves for grip and warmth. |
| Helmet, throat guard and chest protector | Goalies | Goalies wear a helmet and padding to stop shots. |
| Cleats | Everyone | Grip on grass and turf. |
Girls' field players don't wear helmets, shoulder pads or arm pads, because the girls' game limits contact.
The Lacrosse Stick
The stick is the most important piece of lacrosse equipment. It has four parts:
• Head: the plastic frame at the top. See how to choose a men’s lacrosse head or a women’s lacrosse head.
• Pocket: the mesh or traditional stringing that catches and throws the ball. See our lacrosse mesh guide.
• Shaft: the handle, in metal or carbon fiber. See how to choose a lacrosse shaft.
• End cap: covers the bottom of the shaft. Rules require one.
New players should start with a complete stick: head, pocket and shaft put together and strung, ready to play.
Gear by Position
Most gear is the same at every position. The stick is what changes. In boys' lacrosse, defensemen and LSMs carry a long pole, 52 to 72 inches, and goalies use a wider goalie head. See lacrosse positions explained for the stick each position needs.
What the Team Usually Provides
Most teams provide game jerseys and practice pinnies. Some also provide shorts, shooting shirts or a team helmet. Ask your coach before you buy.
Nice to Have
• A bag that fits your stick and gear
• Extra lacrosse balls for wall ball at home
• A water bottle
• Lacrosse tape for the shaft grip
• Extra strings to adjust your pocket
Lacrosse Equipment Questions
What lacrosse gear does a beginner need?
A complete stick, a mouthguard and cleats, plus a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads and arm pads for boys, or protective eyewear for girls. Start with a complete stick so the pocket is ready to play.
Do girls wear helmets in lacrosse?
Girls' goalies wear a helmet. Field players wear protective eyewear, and some leagues allow soft headgear.
What extra gear do lacrosse goalies need?
A throat guard, a chest protector and a goalie stick with a wider goalie head. Boys' goalies wear a helmet and gloves like every other player.
What lacrosse stick should a new player get?
A complete stick in the right size for their age. See our men's lacrosse stick guide or women's lacrosse stick guide.
Does StringKing make protective gear?
Yes. We make Flyer 1 lacrosse gloves and Armor 1 arm pads.
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Men's lacrosse sticks · Women's lacrosse sticks · Lacrosse gloves · Arm pads
Updated October 2026