If your child already plays field lacrosse, good news: most of the gear in their bag works for box lacrosse too. Box is played in a smaller, enclosed space with more contact, so a few extra pieces of protection are needed before stepping onto the floor.
Quick Answer:
For box lacrosse, your child needs a short lacrosse stick, a certified lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, a mouthguard, and box rib (kidney) pads. Bicep pads are strongly recommended. Most of this is standard field gear; the rib pads are the main addition.
Below is a complete checklist, what each piece does, and how to make sure it fits before the season starts.
Box Lacrosse Equipment Checklist
Use this list when packing your child's bag. Items marked "Required" are what NJLT asks every player to bring to the NJLT Box Lacrosse program.
| Gear | Status | Same as field gear? |
|---|---|---|
| Lacrosse stick (short stick) | Required | Yes |
| Helmet | Required | Yes |
| Shoulder pads | Required | Yes |
| Elbow pads | Required | Yes |
| Gloves | Required | Yes |
| Mouthguard | Required | Yes |
| Box rib (kidney) pads | Required | No, box-specific |
| Cleats or sneakers | Required (cleats preferred) | Yes |
| Numbered pinny or light/dark jerseys | Required | Varies |
| Water bottle | Required | Yes |
| Bicep pads | Recommended | No, box-specific |
| Box helmet | Optional | No, box-specific |
| Athletic cup (boys) | Recommended | Yes |
Box Lacrosse Gear Explained, Piece by Piece
Lacrosse Stick
Every runner in box uses a short stick. There are no long poles, so even defenders play with a short stick. Your child's regular field short stick works fine. A pocket with a quick, consistent release helps, since box players get the ball and move it fast.
Helmet
A properly fitted lacrosse helmet is required. A standard NOCSAE-certified field lacrosse helmet is legal for box, according to Lacrosse Canada. Some players switch to a box-style helmet (a hockey helmet with a lacrosse facemask), but NJLT lists it as optional, so there is no need to buy a second helmet to get started.
Box Rib Pads (Kidney Pads)
This is the one piece most field families do not already own. Rib or kidney pads wrap around the lower back and sides. Lacrosse Canada notes they are designed to "safeguard the lower back and sides from hits and slashes." Box is played in tight space with lots of stick contact, so this area takes more hits than in field. NJLT requires box rib pads for every player.
Shoulder Pads
Standard lacrosse shoulder pads protect the chest, shoulders, and collarbone. Your child's field shoulder pads will work. Make sure they cover the sternum and do not slide when your child raises their arms.
Bicep Pads
Bicep pads cover the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow. Box players rarely switch hands, so the arm facing the defender takes repeated checks while carrying the ball. As Lax.com explains, "you only need to wear one bicep pad," though wearing both gives the most protection. NJLT lists them as recommended.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads protect the elbow and forearm from checks and falls. Field elbow pads are fine. If your child plays a lot of box, a pad with a longer forearm guard adds coverage.
Gloves
Lacrosse gloves protect the hands and fingers while keeping enough feel to handle the stick. Field gloves work for box. Check that the cuff overlaps the elbow pad so the wrist is not exposed.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is required. Choose one that fits snugly and stays in place during play.
Cleats or Sneakers
NJLT's box sessions run at The Rink at Jackson, and cleats are preferred over sneakers. Ask about the playing surface at any other facility before choosing footwear.
Pinny or Jerseys
Players need a pinny with a number, or box jerseys in white and dark, so teams can be split quickly for gameplay.
How Box Lacrosse Gear Differs From Field Gear
The biggest difference is coverage, not cost. Box adds protection to the areas that take more contact in tight quarters:
- Rib/kidney pads are added for the lower back and sides
- Bicep pads cover the gap between shoulder and elbow pads
- No long poles are used, so every runner plays with a short stick
- Box helmets are an option, but a certified field helmet is legal
For most families, moving from field to box means buying one or two new pieces, not a whole new bag.
What About Goalies?
Box goalie gear is very different from field goalie gear. Box goalies wear oversized chest and arm protection and large leg pads to cover a 4 ft x 4 ft net. That gear is expensive, which is why NJLT supplies box goalie equipment for players who want to try the position. Goalies also play free in NJLT Box Lacrosse, with spots limited to two per age group, so contact NJLT directly before registering.
Fit and Buying Tips for Parents
- Start with what you own. Lay out your child's field gear and check it against the checklist above before buying anything.
- Check the gaps. With all pads on, there should be no exposed skin between gloves and elbow pads, or between elbow pads and shoulder pads.
- Size for now, not next year. Loose pads slide out of place on contact. Buy gear that fits snugly today.
- Buy youth-specific rib pads. Many brands make youth sizes that are lighter and easier to move in.
- Test the helmet fit. The helmet should not shift when your child shakes their head, and the chin strap should be snug.
- Label everything. Box sessions move fast, and gear bags look alike at the rink.
Not sure if something fits or is allowed? Bring it to the first session and ask an NJLT coach.
Gear Up for NJLT Box Lacrosse
Once your child's bag is packed, they are ready for the floor. The NJLT Box Lacrosse program runs 90-minute sessions at The Rink at Jackson in Jackson, NJ, for players in grades 5 through 12 at all skill levels. Each session blends box training with live gameplay so players build speed, sharper decision-making, and better stick skills in tight spaces.
New to box? NJLT offers a free play day so first-timers can try it before committing. Full season, half season, and drop-in options are available.
See dates, pricing, and registration for NJLT Box Lacrosse, or call 732-810-0181 with gear questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed for box lacrosse?
Box lacrosse players need a short lacrosse stick, a certified helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, a mouthguard, and box rib (kidney) pads. Bicep pads are recommended for extra arm protection.
Can my child use field lacrosse gear for box lacrosse?
Yes, most field gear works for box, including the stick, helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves. The main addition is a set of box rib pads, plus bicep pads if you want more protection.
Does my child need a box lacrosse helmet?
No. A certified field lacrosse helmet is legal for box. Box-style helmets are optional, and NJLT does not require one.
Why are rib pads required in box lacrosse?
Box is played in a smaller, enclosed space with more contact and stick checks to the body. Rib pads protect the lower back and sides, which take more hits in box than in field.
Do box lacrosse goalies need their own equipment?
Box goalie gear is different from field goalie gear and is much larger. NJLT supplies box goalie equipment for players interested in the position, and goalies play free with limited spots per age group.
Can my child wear sneakers for box lacrosse?
NJLT allows cleats or sneakers, with cleats preferred for its sessions at The Rink at Jackson.
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