When you think of a lacrosse goalie, the first thing that probably comes to mind is someone wearing a full body set of protections including gloves, throat protectors, helmet, etc. Those are part of standard lacrosse attires, but what about the baggy sweatpants? Specifically, why do lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants? And are they actually necessary for goalies? Those are all great questions!
So in this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why lacrosse goalies choose to wear sweatpants, the great benefits of wearing sweatpants in games, and why you should too!
7 Benefits of Wearing Sweatpants As A Lacrosse Goalie
There are actually a few reasons why lacrosse goalies choose to wear sweatpants on the field. Let’s take a look at a few of them below:
Protection from Lacrosse Balls
Lacrosse goalie has a tough job. They are in a vulnerable position of getting hit by the ball left and right. Not to mention, they’re constantly diving for the ball and blocking shots with their bodies. The padding in their gloves and chest protectors helps to a certain extent, but it’s not enough to completely safeguard them from injuries. That’s where the sweatpants come in.
Wearing sweatpants offers an extra layer of protection against wayward lacrosse balls, helping to keep you safe and prevent any serious injuries. And because they’re loose-fitting, there’s less risk of them coming undone if a ball does manage to hit them. That means you can focus on the task at hand without having to worry about your clothes falling off in the middle of the game.
Comfort is Key
When you’re in the heat of the game, the last thing you want to consider is whether or not your clothes are comfortable. That’s why so many goalies choose to wear sweatpants. They’re made from soft materials that wick away moisture, so you’ll stay cool and dry no matter how intense the action gets. That’s why sweatpants are the go-to for athletes as comfort outfit.
Plus, they have an elastic waistband that won’t pinch or bind, giving you the freedom to move however you need to in order to make those game-saving stops.
Read also: Read This To Train For Lacrosse Tryouts (9 Tryout Activities To Learn)
Maximize Saving Area
When a goalie wears tight-fitting pants, moving around and making saves can be difficult. Baggy pants, like sweatpants, give goalies the freedom to move their legs in any direction quickly, which can help them make more saves during the game.
Wearing sweatpants also allows goalies to maximize their saving area. They can tuck the pants into their lacrosse gloves, giving them a little bit more reach when trying to make a save.
For More Mobility
Don’t be fooled by the look of the baggy look, sweatpants are great for agility.
Mobility is important for all lacrosse players, but it’s especially critical for goalies. They need to be able to move quickly and effortlessly in order to make saves. The baggy nature of sweatpants allows goalies to move freely without feeling restricted by their clothing. In addition, the fabric helps to protect their skin from being burned by the hot turf.
Goalies Look Good in Them
With the raise of athleisure trend, it’s easy to argue that sweatpants can actually be a fashion statement. They have a relaxed, comfortable fit that flatters all different body types, and they come in a variety of colors and styles that let you show off your unique personality. Whether you prefer a classic black pair or something with a more fun pattern or print, there’s definitely a pair of sweatpants out there that’s perfect for you with comfort!
Read also: What To Wear To Lacrosse Practice (Checklist Included)
Warmth
Depending on the time of year and the climate where the game is being played, the temperature can determine what a goalie chooses to wear. In cooler weather, wearing pants made of thicker fabric can help to keep goalies warm while they’re standing in front of the net.
Personal Outfit Choice
Finally, it’s worth noting that some goalies simply prefer to wear sweatpants because that’s their personal outfit choice. For some goalies, part of their personal style on the field is choosing to wear baggy sweatpants. This can help them feel more comfortable and confident as they play, leading to better performance overall.
Read also: Lacrosse Goalie Throat Protectors in 2022
What Else Do Lacrosse Goalies Wear?
In addition to sweatpants, there are a few other things that goalies need to wear either to add extra padding underneath or to protect other vulnerable parts of the body to stay protected during gameplay. You can review the full lacrosse goalie checklist here.
Goalie Pants
Goalie pants are typically made out of thick padding that helps to protect the shins, knees, and thighs from impact. Many goalie pants also have sliding panels on the knees to help goalies move more easily around the net.
The Helmet
Mainly every lacrosse player wears a helmet during the lacrosse game, but the helmet is most important for goalies! As it will protect them from lacrosse ball when shot at them. In lacrosse gameplay, goalies have more chance of getting hit by the ball, so they should wear helmets for protection.
Throat Guard
As we know, the throat is a very sensitive area of the human body, and it could cause serious injuries if the ball hits the throat. That is why wearing a lacrosse throat guard is essential during gameplay.
Mouth Gaurd
Same as a throat guard, a lacrosse mouth guard protects the goalie’s face and especially lips and teeth from getting hurt during the gameplay.
Chest Protector
A chest guard is also very important for overall protection during lacrosse gameplay. Although chest guards are very protective now, they have to be even SEL certified to be used by goalies. With the help of SEL-certified chest protectors, your heart and overall chest area are more protected while the ball is shot at the goalies.
Goalie Gloves
Lacrosse goalie gloves protect goalies’ fingers, wrists, and knuckles against the lacrosse ball. Therefore they are also essential to be worn during the hard lacrosse game.
Goalie Cups
Most male lacrosse players choose to wear some sort of protective cup when they’re playing. This helps to protect both internal and external reproductive organs from taking a hard hit during gameplay. Pelvic protection products come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so it’s important for each athlete to find something that fits well and provides them with adequate protection.
Read also: Best Lacrosse Bags and Backpacks For Men and Women
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few reasons why lacrosse goalies might choose to wear sweatpants on game day. Sweatpants provide protection, maximize saving area, and keep goalies warm in cooler weather conditions. Most importantly, though, wearing sweatpants is often simply a personal choice for many athletes.
So next time you see a goalie wearing baggy pants during a game, now you’ll know why! Be sure to check out our other goalie related posts to further improve your skills and upgrade your gear.
