USA Today
May 30, 2023
Which lacrosse balls are best?
Lacrosse is growing rapidly in popularity. It is now the fastest growing sport among college and high school athletes in the United States and is played from coast to coast. There are even two professionalleagues now established for rising star.
In addition to a stick, helmet and other protective gear, a lacrosse ball is a critical part of the game.
Game balls must meet high standards for size, weight and color. Training balls have a wide variety
based on whether you want to get stronger or be protected from ricochets. For overall durability in
both game and practice situations, the Crown Sporting Goods Regulation Size Lacrosse Balls are the
top-recommended lacrosse balls.
What to know before you buy a lacrosse ball
Are you using lacrosse balls for an organized game? There are a lot of different lacrosse balls on the market. While most of them are the same size and weight, you will need one that is certified as being within the standards set for gameplay. Lacrosse balls should be 7.75 to 8 inches in circumference and weigh between 5 to 5.25 ounces.
Are you using certified lacrosse balls?
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment is the gold standard
certification. Look for balls with their certification to ensure that you have regulation-size and weight
balls in play. Some lacrosse balls also have stamps of approval from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations for collegiate and high school play. However, NOCSAE remains the most important certification for gameplay.
Are you using lacrosse balls for practice only?
In addition to regulation game balls, there also is a wide array of lacrosse practice balls. These practice
balls come in two styles. There are weighted balls to help improve overall strength and coordination.
There are also soft practice balls that allow you to practice without concern for injury if you are hit by
one.
What to look for in a quality lacrosse ball
Material
Most lacrosse balls are made from solid rubber for extra durability. However, this material can release
an oily residue over time that causes the ball to be slippery. Some balls are made with a polyurethane
component to prevent this.
Color
There is an almost endless array of colors and designs to choose from with lacrosse balls. Some
coaches and trainers use different color balls for different drills and emphases. For other players, it is
simply a matter of personal preference. Make sure you know your regulating body’s rules for the color
of the game ball permitted.
Easy to clean
To prolong the life of a lacrosse ball, you should clean it after every two or three uses. Most lacrosse
balls can be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher, or you can soak them in soapy water for 20 to 40
minutes and then rinse them with cool water. Always let lacrosse balls air dry.
How much you can expect to spend on a lacrosse ball
Lacrosse balls cost $3-$6, but larger multi-packs can cost as little as $1.25-$3 per ball. Training
lacrosse balls that are padded or weighted will be priced higher at around $5-$15.
Lacrosse ball FAQ
Does NOCSAE certification matter for lacrosse balls?
A. Since lacrosse can be more dangerous than many people realize, having the right size and weight of
a lacrosse ball is critical. Lacrosse balls that do not meet these high standards can cause injury or
damage to game equipment.
Is the same size ball used for both women’s and men’s lacrosse?
A. Yes, the lacrosse ball is the same size for games in women’s and men’s leagues. The main difference
between women’s and men’s play is that body checks are allowed in men’s lacrosse, so men tend to
wear more protective gear because of this extra physical contact.
What’s the best lacrosse ball to buy?
Top lacrosse ball
[ Crown Sporting Goods Lacrosse Balls ]
Our take: These standard-size lacrosse balls are perfect for gameplay and practice.