Fortis Sports Person Holding Lacrosse Stick Close Up

We can all agree that lacrosse is an intense sport, whether played on an open field or within the confines of a fast-paced indoor arena. While both versions share the fundamentals, they do differ in speed, physicality, and strategy. Adapting your gear is key to excelling in each setting. Here’s what you need to know when transitioning between indoor (box) and outdoor (field) lacrosse.

Gear Adjustments: What You Need to Play Your Best

Sticks

When it comes to sticks, there are definitely variations to weight when considering outdoor lacrosse versus indoor lacrosse. When it comes to outdoor lacrosse, players typically use longer sticks, especially for defensive players, allowing for more reach and control in a larger playing area. Attackers and midfielders often use a standard 40-inch shaft for quick passes and shooting.

Indoor lacrosse sticks tend to be shorter, more compact sticks – usually between 40-46 inches. These sticks are preferred to enhance ball control in tight spaces and withstand more physical play.

Protective Equipment

Outdoor lacrosse is always going to require a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and mouthguard. And of course, goalies wear additional chest protection and throat guards.

The needs change a bit when you move indoors. Due to the increased physicality, players wear additional padding, including rib pads and reinforced bicep guards. Indoor lacrosse goalies also wear larger, hockey-style protective gear for added protection against close-range shots.

Ensuring you’re protected in each environment is key to the ultimate success of your game!

Footwear

When playing on an outdoor field, cleats are essential for grip no matter if you’re playing on natural or artificial turf. 

But indoor lacrosse requires players to wear indoor court shoes with a flat sole. This provides better traction on hard surfaces, allowing for quick releases and accuracy in tight spaces, especially when using fakes and deceptive shooting to beat goalies.

Looking to step up your game? Visit Fortis Sports for all your lacrosse gear needs!