Lacrosse Ball Weight, Size, Speed, & Carrying Equipment
Lacrosse is a popular and exciting sport that is played by millions of people around the world. At the heart of the game is the lacrosse ball, a small, hard, vulcanized rubber sphere that players use to score goals. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lacrosse balls, including their size, material, speed, and performance characteristics. We’ll also discuss how to travel with and take care of your lacrosse balls to ensure that they are in the best condition possible for game play. Whether you’re a seasoned lacrosse player or new to the sport, this post will provide you with all of the information you need to make the most of your lacrosse balls.
How Big Is A Lacrosse Ball?
Lacrosse balls manufactured in the United States must meet NOCSAE standards and specifications. These specifications relate to the size, weight, and hardness of a lacrosse ball:
Weight Of A Lacrosse Ball
The weight of a lacrosse ball is between 5 ounces and 5.25 ounces.
Size Of A Lacrosse Ball
The circumference of a lacrosse ball is between 7.75 inches and and 8 inches.
Circumference is the distance around the outer edge of a circular object or the perimeter of a circular shape. It is equal to the product of the diameter of the circle (the distance across the center of the circle) and the mathematical constant pi (approximately 3.14).
Diameter Of A Lacrosse Ball
The diameter of a lacrosse ball ranges between 2.46 inches and 2.54 inches.
Diameter is a term used to describe the distance across the center of a circular object or the width of a circular shape.
How Hard Is A Lacrosse Ball?
Lacrosse balls are relatively hard, especially when compared to tennis balls and baseballs. The ball is designed to be durable and able to withstand the rigors of the sport, which involves throwing, catching, and passing the ball with a lacrosse stick. Because lacrosse balls are harder than most other balls, they are often used as a tool to massage difficult areas like the bottom of feet.
Lacrosse Ball Vs Tennis Ball Size
A tennis ball is slightly larger than a lacrosse. The diameter of a tennis ball ranges from 2.58 inches and 2.7 inches, whereas the diameter of a lacrosse ball is ~2.5 inches on average.
Tennis balls are also much softer than lacrosse balls. Tennis balls are usually made of a rubber compound that is designed to be softer and more flexible, whereas lacrosse balls are made of solid, vulcanized rubber.
What Is A Lacrosse Ball Made Of?
Modern day lacrosse balls are made of solid, vulcanized rubber. The days of cement being inside lacrosse balls are long behind us. According to NOCSAE rules (the governing board of US youth lacrosse), lacrosse balls must be of a smooth or slightly textured, solid, elastomeric material. Elastomeric materials can be from polyurethane, silicone, and rubber; however, most modern lacrosse manufacturers choose solid, vulcanized rubber.
What Is A Ground Ball In Lacrosse?
A ground ball in lacrosse is when a player scoops the ball off of the ground. Ground balls often occur when players are battling for possession of the ball, or when the ball is dropped during a shot or pass.
In lacrosse, ground balls are an important part of the game, as players must be able to quickly and efficiently scoop up and control the ball off the ground. In one smooth motion, players use their lacrosse sticks to scoop up the ball and cradle it in the pocket of the stick, allowing them to maintain control and possession of the ball.
The ability to effectively pick up ground balls is an important skill for lacrosse players, as it largely determines which team receives more possession time during a game. Players who are good at picking up ground balls often have a significant advantage at creating scoring opportunities and giving their defense time to rest.
How To Throw A Lacrosse Ball?
Here are the steps for how to throw a lacrosse ball:
- Hold the lacrosse stick with your dominant hand on the top of the stick and your other hand on the bottom of the stick, about shoulder-width apart.
- Place the ball in the pocket of the stick.
- Take a few steps back from your target to give yourself some space to throw.
- Angle your body to the target and hold the stick out in front of you with your arms extended.
- Bend your elbows and bring the stick back behind your head, pulling the ball back into the pocket with your dominant hand.
- Snap your wrists and push the ball out of the pocket with your dominant hand, using a throwing motion similar to a catapult.
- As you release the ball, snap your wrists and follow through by pointing the stick towards your target.
- As you follow through, make sure to keep your eyes on the target.
Throwing a lacrosse ball takes practice. After taking a few throws, be sure to make adjustments as needed. Remember to keep your body relaxed and use a smooth, fluid motion when throwing the lacrosse ball. With practice, you should be able to throw the ball accurately and with power.
How To Catch A Lacrosse Ball?
Here are the steps for how to catch a lacrosse ball with a lacrosse stick:
- Hold the stick in your dominant hand with your other hand on the bottom of the stick, about shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your eyes on the ball as it approaches you and position your body so that you are facing the ball and your stick is in front of you.
- As the ball gets closer, bring the stick up to meet the ball and use your dominant hand to guide the ball into the pocket of the stick.
- The trick is to gently caress the ball into the pocket of your stick. Pretend the ball is fragile egg. You do not want to be stiff when catching or the ball will pop out.
- As you catch the ball, make sure to keep arms, wrists, and body relaxed.
- Once the ball is in the pocket of the stick, you can begin cradling it to maintain control.
Remember to keep your focus on the ball and to use smooth, fluid motions when catching the ball. With practice, you should be able to catch the ball consistently and without thinking twice.
Speed Of A Lacrosse Ball
The average speed of a lacrosse ball can vary depending on the skill level of the player throwing it and the conditions of the game. In general, a lacrosse ball can be thrown at speeds of up to 80 mph or more by experienced players. The fastest lacrosse shot in the world is 127 mph, recorded by Nick Diegel at LaxCon 2020. However, during a game, the average speed of a lacrosse ball thrown by a high school or college player is typically around 70-80 mph.
The speed of a lacrosse ball can be affected by factors such as the type of stick being used, in-game conditions, and the weather conditions. For example, a lacrosse ball will often travel faster when thrown by a long pole – due to added power it can generate. Secondly, lacrosse balls will obviously be shot faster during “fastest shot competitions” or backyard shootarounds because there is no defenders guarding the shooter. Lastly, a lacrosse ball will travel faster in good weather conditions.
Can You Kick The Ball In Lacrosse?
Yes! According to the USA Lacrosse Rulebook, players in men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse players are allowed to kick the lacrosse ball with their foot. Kicking the ball is a great way to move the ball forward into an open area and scoop a ground ball. Players are not allowed to kick an opponent’s lacrosse stick.
Can You Kick The Ball And Score A Goal In Lacrosse?
Yes, it is legal to kick the ball into the goal in men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse. However, it is not legal to kick the ball into the goal in 12U girl’s lacrosse.
Lacrosse Ball Bucket
Champion Sports Lacrosse Balls & Bucket
A lacrosse ball bucket is a container used to store and transport lacrosse balls. It is typically used by coaches, players, and teams to carry a large number of lacrosse balls to practice or games.
Lacrosse ball buckets come in a variety of sizes and styles, and can hold anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred lacrosse balls. Most lacrosse ball buckets are designed to be carried by hand.
In addition to carrying lacrosse balls, lacrosse ball buckets can also be used to store and organize other equipment and accessories, such as pinnies, cones, water bottles, and other small items. Overall, a lacrosse ball bucket is a useful and practical tool for anyone who plays or coaches lacrosse, and can help make it easier to transport and organize all of the equipment and accessories needed for the game.
Lacrosse Ball Bag
STX Lacrosse Ball Bag
Another great way to transport lacrosse balls is with a lacrosse ball bag. Ball bags are typically smaller and cheaper that lacrosse buckets. An excellent benefit of lacrosse ball bags is the fact that you can easily zip it up and throw it in your car without dealing with the bulkiness of a bucket.
Another great way to transport lacrosse balls is with a lacrosse ball bag. Ball bags are typically smaller and cheaper that lacrosse buckets. An excellent benefit of lacrosse ball bags is the fact that you can easily zip it up and throw it in your car without dealing with the bulkiness of a bucket.
Lacrosse Ball Degreaser
Greaser Gripper Lacrosse Ball Resurfacing Tool
Lacrosse balls can become greasy or slippery for a variety of reasons. One possible reason is that the balls are made from a synthetic rubber material that can pick up dirt, dust, and other debris over time, which can make them feel greasy to the touch.
Another possible reason is that lacrosse balls are often stored in a bag or container with other equipment, such as gloves or pads, which can transfer oils and sweat from the equipment to the balls. This can also cause the balls to become greasy or slippery.
Finally, lacrosse balls can become greasy or slippery if they are exposed to wet or humid conditions, such as rain or high humidity. This can cause the surface of the balls to become softer and more prone to picking up dirt and debris, which can make them feel greasy to the touch.
Overall, all lacrosse balls eventually become greasy due to wear and tear. One great way to preserve the condition and longevity of your lacrosse balls is with a lacrosse ball degreaser. Degreasers are able to resurface lacrosse balls by removing its outer layer of debris.
