Lacrosse balls are solid rubber balls that rest in the pocket of a lacrosse stick and are used to play the game of lacrosse. Lacrosse balls are 7 3/4 inches-8 inches in circumference and weigh 5-5.25 ounces. They are about the size of a tennis ball and weigh similar to a baseball.
- Basic Characteristics
- Material: rubber
- Circumference: ~8 in.
- Weight: ~5 oz.
Table of Contents
Purchasing Lacrosse Balls
Who makes lacrosse balls?
What is the price of a lacrosse ball?
Balls typically range in price from $5 -$10. However, most teams will buy buckets to save on cost ($2.78/ball) and to have a durable, easy way to store balls when they are not in use. A 2.5-gallon bucket of balls usually contains 36 white men’s or 36 yellow women’s balls and costs around $100.
Attackers love having a bucket of balls because it is a fast and easy way to work on their shooting. Having easy access to the balls helps them get in quick shots on the cage without having to chase after and retrieve a ball between shots.
Why are lacrosse balls so expensive?
Lacrosse as a sport is generally more expensive than other sports like basketball and soccer because of the equipment (stick, helmet, gloves, pads, etc.) needed in the sport.
Lacrosse balls are made of vulcanized rubber, which is natural rubber mixed with other ingredients. This type of rubber can be more expensive than regular types of rubber. Furthermore, losing balls while shooting on a cage is a very common occurrence and can contribute to the need of having several, if not a full bucket, on hand.
Different Types of Lacrosse Balls
Are game balls different than practice balls?
A game ball or regulation ball is different than a practice ball. Game balls have to be NOCSAE approved as well as other organizations that require approval for their equipment at the youth, high school, college and pro level.
Practice balls do not go through the same stringent process. They are usually cheaper and may not last as long.
Is there a difference between men’s and women’s lacrosse balls
There is no difference in the balls except for the color. A regulation lacrosse ball for men is white and yellow for women. Orange or green lacrosse balls can be used if both head coaches agree to their use. Practice balls can generally be any color one chooses.
Do youth players use different balls than adults?
Yes. Younger players 8-U and 6-U use a soft lacrosse ball or a tennis ball. Players 10-U and up use a regulation ball or rubber ball. The softer balls are safer and easier to handle for players who don’t yet have the strength and skills to comfortably use a regulation lacrosse ball.
What balls are used in NCAA (college lacrosse)?
The NCAA uses lacrosse balls that have the official NOCSAE (National operating committee on standards for athletics equipment) logo imprinted on them.
The organization was created in 1970 after 36 head and neck fatalities in 1968 in the sport of football. Helmets that reduce head and neck injuries were the organization’s first priority for safety.
Their mission is to improve safety through scientific research and create set standards that sports equipment must pass. Lacrosse is one of many sports that have NOCSAE approved equipment.
Additional Information
What is a swax lacrosse ball used for?
What is a greasy lacrosse ball?
A lacrosse ball is deemed “greasy” when it has become harder and slicker as a result of normal wear and age. If too greasy, a ball will be less accurate when thrown, which can be frustrating for players and also potentially dangerous.
One thing to keep in mind is to replace the balls when they become “greasy” over time. There are also several companies that will degrease them to save teams money on new balls.
Is a lacrosse ball hard or soft?
Does a lacrosse ball hurt?
Lacrosse balls can hurt if someone is hit with one. As stated earlier, they weigh about the same as baseballs but are significantly denser. Furthermore, the top velocity of a lacrosse shot can be similar to that of a fastball in baseball. If hit with one on exposed skin, it can sting quite a lot and cause some bruising.
But lacrosse pads do cover most of the body pretty well and will greatly soften the impact of a ball, making it hurt much less. In fact, pads are constantly being updated to be more protective in order to keep players safe. Goalies are often the most likely to be hit as they are guarding the goal and stepping into shots, but they also wear the most substantial padding for that reason.
Why does a lacrosse ball smell?
Lacrosse balls smell because they go through chemical treatments to mold them into their exact shape. This is also what contributes to their greasiness over time.
After you play lacrosse or finish practicing, it is recommended to store them in a secure place like a ball bag or bucket so that you do not inhale the smell. It also keeps them fresher for longer so they won’t turn greasy and lose their grip.
FAQs
A lacrosse ball is similar in size to a tennis ball, with a circumference of about 8 inches.
An individual lacrosse ball usually costs between $5 and $10, but bulk sets (for instance, buckets of 100 balls) can bring the price per ball down to $2-3.