The Morning Call
July 27, 2021
Lacrosse balls for training or games
Lacrosse has been around since the 17th century. There are even some indicators that it started much earlier as a more primitive game, and tribes used it for recreation, settling tribal issues and more. Since then, cultures all over the world have embraced this fast-paced game, and more people are getting into the sport every day.
This classic game centralizes around the lacrosse ball, which typically comes in two styles: regulation game balls and practice training balls. Lacrosse balls come in all kinds of colors and consist of a firm, sturdy rubber. But which lacrosse ball should you buy for your next game?
Key features of game lacrosse balls
A regulation lacrosse ball used for games weighs between 5-5.25 ounces and measures a circumference of 7.75-8 inches.
Most league-approved game balls must be either yellow or white. Some leagues allow other colors for games if both teams agree to a different color.
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) sets lacrosse ball regulations, including size, weight and materials.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversee most high school and collegiate sports teams. They also have their own standards for lacrosse balls. Some leagues must follow the standards for all three associations, which includes game equipment.
Key features of training lacrosse balls
A training ball may have a soft-sided exterior, which is helpful for training and indoor practice. A soft lacrosse ball will not bounce around as much as the standard game ball. And if someone accidentally hits a player with the ball, the softer ball doesn’t hurt as much as the standard firm rubber ball.
Even a soft-sided lacrosse ball has a standard weight and size, making it useful for realistic practice sessions. Other lacrosse training balls may be smaller than regulation size or have special markings for goalie practice.
Best lacrosse balls
Signature Lacrosse Balls, 6-pack: available at Amazon
These regulation-size lacrosse balls come in red, blue and white. They are long-lasting and made of particularly durable rubber.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Lacrosse Balls, 6-pack: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
These official size and weight lacrosse balls meet NOCSAE standards. Select either orange, white or yellow for your entire six-pack.
Velocity Lacrosse Balls, 6-pack: available at Amazon
Players can pick from nearly a dozen different colors when selecting these Velocity lacrosse balls. These firm rubber balls meet NOCSAE and NFHS standards for gameplay.
Victorem Lacrosse Balls, 12-pack: available at Amazon
These standard-size lacrosse balls provide long-lasting performance. They are made from high-quality firm rubber, making them ideal for practices and games.
Champion Sports Lacrosse Balls, 12-pack: available at Amazon
You’ll receive multiple colors in this 12-pack of lacrosse balls. The molded rubber balls meet all standards for the NCAA, NFHS and NOCSAE.
East Coast Dyes Mint Lacrosse Balls, 36-pack: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
These Mint brand balls use a non-rubber polymer, which allows them to retain their grip even after multiple uses. Select either white or yellow balls in a 36-pack bucket.
Champion Sports Lacrosse Balls, 36-pack: available at Amazon
If you need a bucket of practice balls, this 36-pack is affordable and effective. Select a bucket of either yellow or white balls, all of which meet NOCSAE standards.
Best lacrosse training balls
Franklin Sports Youth-Sized Lacrosse Balls, 6-pack: available at Amazon
These youth-sized lacrosse balls offer three different colors of white, green and orange in the set. Each ball is only 7-inches in circumference, which helps newer players learn to control the ball.
Swax Lax Soft Lacrosse Training Ball, One ball: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
This soft-sided lacrosse ball is ideal for practice time. It has the dimensions and weight of a standard lacrosse ball, so there are no concerns about playing with an oddly weighted ball.
Swax Lax Soft Numbered Lacrosse Goalie Training Balls, 3-pack: available at Amazon
These soft-sided practice balls help goalies develop hand-eye coordination. Each ball has different markings on it, which goalies work to identify as the ball comes toward them. This helps them learn to focus on the ball.
Champro Sports Foam Lacrosse Training Balls, 12-pack: available at Amazon
These extremely soft lacrosse balls work well for beginners and kids who fear the firm rubber regulation balls. Each ball weighs only 0.175 ounces, so they’re much lighter than a regulation 5-ounce ball.