A lacrosse goalie needs a goalie stick with a 10 to 12 inch head, a NOCSAE-certified helmet with a throat guard, a chest protector meeting NOCSAE ND200, goalie gloves, a mouthguard and a cup. Many goalies add padded pants and shin guards. Start with the required items, then add optional padding as shots get harder.
Goalies face the hardest shots in the game, so their gear list is longer. Here is what to buy, in order.
Required gear
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Goalie stick | Head 10 to 12 in wide; overall length 40 to 72 in (NFHS boys) |
| Helmet | NOCSAE lacrosse certification |
| Throat guard | Attaches to the helmet |
| Chest protector | Meets NOCSAE ND200 |
| Goalie gloves | Reinforced thumb |
| Mouthguard and cup | Required or strongly advised at every level |
Optional padding
Padded goalie pants, shin guards and arm pads add protection, especially as shot speed rises. Women’s and girls’ goalies also wear padded legs under their rules.
Fit tips
The chest protector should cover the sternum and heart area without blocking your stick. Gloves need extra thumb protection, since the thumb takes many shots.
Related
Common questions
How wide is a lacrosse goalie head?
Under NFHS boys' rules the goalie head is 10 to 12 inches wide. Check your league's rulebook for other levels.
Do lacrosse goalies need a throat guard?
Yes. Goalies wear a throat protector attached to the helmet in men's and women's lacrosse.
Is a goalie chest protector different from shoulder pads?
Yes. A goalie chest protector covers more of the chest and must meet NOCSAE ND200 where the rules require it.