Lacrosse is a very popular sport in Europe though not as popular in the United States. This sport is definitely an exciting and fun leisure activity, but can also be dangerous. Sports injuries are fairly common among lacrosse players and it is important to use the proper equipment while playing the game to minimize the risk of injury.

The helmet is perhaps the most crucial piece of safety equipment for a Lacrosse player. The lacrosse ball, which has a nearly eight inch circumference, propelled by the Lacrosse stick can cause serious head injuries. The helmet, which is held firmly in place by a simple chin strap, can be very useful protection for the head.

The other essential piece of Lacrosse equipment is the face mask, which helps reduce the risk of face injuries. There is a center bar in every Lacrosse mask which runs from the top all the way to the bottom. This specially designed face mask is all that prevents the huge Lacrosse ball from seriously damaging a player's face.

Lacrosse players must also wear thick padded gloves to protect their hands since the game involves a stick to strike the ball. If unprotected, your hands will be exposed to unnecessary abuse and injury. In fact, you might require gloves with thicker padding if your hands are sore after playing a game.

The clothing you wear to play Lacrosse will depend on your position in the game. If you are the goalie, you will need to wear padded pants and chest and thigh pads to protect against the ball and flying sticks. Otherwise, you can simply wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt during play. It is a good idea to wear elbow pads to prevent injuries from an opposing player’s stick during play.

The ball used in Lacrosse is as big as the softball and is usually white though you can often see yellow, lime green, or orange balls used during play. It is important to use the safety equipment and padding to prevent injuries caused by the unintentional contact with this large ball.

The ball is hit with a large stick known simply as a "crosse". However, most players prefer to call the crosse a stick. The size of the stick depends on the position being played and the personal preference of the player. A short stick will be 40-42 inches in length while the long stick measures 52-72 inches long. Elbow pads and gloves are vital to minimize the risk of injury caused by other players who are trying to hit the ball.

Injuries are common in Lacrosse as the game involves contact with fast moving balls and rather large sticks. So, it’s better to be safe than silly, and make sure that you don’t spend your time on the sidelines nursing injuries instead of playing the game you love. Don’t ever try to play the game without the recommended safety equipment.

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