Properly fitting lacrosse gloves are important for maximizing a player’s ability to handle the stick and maintain control during high-speed play. Gloves that are too large compromise the grip, while gloves that are too small restrict movement and blood flow, leading to fatigue. Correct sizing also ensures that the protective foam padding covers the hand adequately against impacts.
Sizing protective equipment relies on a precise measurement of the player’s hand length, rather than general clothing or age-based sizes. This method ensures optimal coverage and allows the internal padding to align correctly with the hand’s structure. Understanding this specific measurement process is the first step toward finding the perfect fit.
Step-by-Step Hand Measurement
You will need a flexible cloth or plastic tape measure. The hand should be held flat with the fingers together, or slightly cupped as if loosely gripping a stick, to simulate the position it will maintain while playing. Measuring the dominant hand is recommended, as it is often slightly larger than the non-dominant hand.
The specific measurement used is the length of the hand, taken along the palmar surface. Locate the major wrist crease, the natural fold where the palm meets the forearm. This point serves as the starting reference for the measurement.
From the wrist crease, extend the tape measure up the center of the palm, following the line that leads directly to the tip of the middle finger. Ensure the tape measure remains straight and does not curve over the finger joint, providing a direct linear measurement. This straight-line distance is the sole figure used to determine the appropriate glove size.
This measurement must be recorded in inches, as glove sizing conventions are universally based on the imperial system. For instance, a hand measuring eleven and three-quarter inches would be recorded as 11.75 inches.
If your measurement falls exactly between two whole or half-inch increments, round the measurement up to the next nearest half-inch. For example, 12.3 inches should be rounded up to 12.5 inches. This slight rounding accounts for the thickness of the protective foam and the need for comfortable interior space.
Translating Measurements to Glove Size
The precise hand length measurement in inches is directly translated into the corresponding glove size. The size listed on the glove (e.g., 10 inches or 13 inches) refers to the maximum hand length the glove is designed to accommodate. A hand measuring 12 inches long correlates directly with a size 12 glove.
Lacrosse gloves are categorized into three size segments. Youth sizes typically range from 8 inches to 10 inches. Intermediate sizes usually encompass 11 and 12 inches, frequently used by older adolescents and smaller adults. The largest category includes adult sizes, which commonly start at 12 inches and extend up to 13 inches in length.
It is important to recognize that while the hand measurement provides the baseline, glove sizing can exhibit minor variations in internal fit between different manufacturers. One brand’s size 13 might feel slightly wider or narrower than another due to differences in padding geometry and materials. Using the raw measurement as a firm reference point is the most reliable way to begin the selection process.
Confirming Proper Glove Fit
Translating the measurement to a size is only the first step; the final confirmation of a good fit must be done with the glove on the hand. The fit of the finger stalls is the first area to check, ensuring that the fingertips lightly graze the end of the protective padding inside the glove. The fingers should not feel jammed or forcefully pressed against the end cap, as this can cause discomfort and restrict blood circulation during play.
A properly sized glove provides enough interior space for the hand to flex and move, but not so much that the hand slides around inside the equipment. The palm area must lay flat against the hand without any significant bunching or wrinkling of the material. Bunching material can create friction points and compromise the direct feel of the stick, interfering with delicate handling maneuvers.
Another significant factor is the fit around the wrist and the mobility provided by the cuff design. The cuff, which extends past the wrist joint, must allow for a full range of motion without causing restriction or digging into the forearm. The protective padding on the cuff is designed to shield the wrist joint from slashes, so it must cover this area while still permitting the player to twist and manipulate the stick freely.
This combination of appropriate finger length, smooth palm contact, and unrestricted wrist articulation ensures that the glove provides maximum protection while maintaining the necessary dexterity for high-level stick handling. A well-fitting glove minimizes fatigue and maximizes the player’s ability to execute precise movements.