Lacrosse is a battle for the possession of the ball. What marks the beginning of a lacrosse game? Well, as you have guessed correctly, it begins with a faceoff scenario. The idea is to grab the ball first no matter what. Two players from the opponent teams are pitted against one another at the very beginning of the game and this is what is known as faceoff.
To emerge as a winner in such face-offs, the first thing you will need is hands that move super-fast. Naturally, you will need gloves to keep your hands protected, and also you will have to make sure that the gloves offer you a good grip. A pair of lightweight and premium quality lacrosse gloves is what you need to beat the opponent team in the faceoff. Since finding the right faceoff gloves is easier said than done, here we have listed the best lacrosse gloves for faceoffs so that you don’t have to score the web anymore –
Best Lacrosse Gloves For Faceoffs
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1. STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Gloves
STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Gloves is designed for faceoffs as this pair of lacrosse gloves is extremely lightweight and offers superior protection from impacts. Designed for beginners, STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Gloves is equally popular among veteran lacrosse players; however, you will have to make sure that it fits your hands otherwise it will be considered as another investment wasted.
STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Gloves is made from Fibers and that means, your hands will not get sweaty. To make it more breathable, STX Lacrosse Stallion 50 Youth Gloves come standard with ventilated palms. It has got a polyester shell that adds to its impressive strength and durability.
2. STX Lacrosse Surgeon RZR Gloves
STX Lacrosse Surgeon RZR Gloves offers superior protection from slashes. Key contact areas of these faceoff gloves are secured with an increased number of blocks. Versatile and flexible, STX Lacrosse Surgeon RZR Gloves has got a lightweight design. To allow faster response on the field, STX Lacrosse Surgeon RZR Gloves have got fewer stitch lines on the palm area. Mesh vents help to keep the hand cool and dry during the game. Experience a better stick feel with its Game ready Taper Fit. To offer superior protection from impacts during the faceoffs and to allow a wide range of hand motions, this pair of STX Lacrosse Surgeon RZR Gloves have got a layered cuff design.
3. STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 Lacrosse Glove
Utilizing a ventilated palm and supportive dual-density foams to keep your player protected and mobile, the STX® Youth Stallion 200 Gloves help manage in-game distractions like moisture accumulation to ensure consistent grip and handling in key moments. To offer better protection from impacts, this glove has got dual-density foam underneath. To offer superior protection to your thumb, this pair of STX Lacrosse Stallion 200 Lacrosse Glove has got hard-plastic insert in it. To allow the sweat to evaporate fast, STX® Youth Stallion 200 Gloves have got a well-ventilated palm. This will also help to keep your hand cool and dry.
4. Brine King Superlight 2 Lacrosse Glove
Brine King Superlight 2 Lacrosse Glove comes fitted with a new and revolutionary technology code-named – TruVents that helps to keep the back of the hand cool and dry by increasing airflow. Get a better feel of the stick thanks to its textured Nash palm. With this pair of gloves on, you will be able to have better control over the ball and you will feel more confident for sure. During the faceoffs, this Brine King Superlight 2 Lacrosse Glove will keep your wrist protected from impacts and blows. Scooping up groundball will never be this easy thanks to the extreme flexibility offered by Brine King Superlight 2 Lacrosse Glove.
5. Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove
Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove is extremely lightweight and highly flexible. Made from carbon fiber, Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove is highly resistant to abrasion and impacts. Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove will help your hands stay cool and dry. Experience superior thermal comfort with this pair of Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove. It is designed to absorb impacts with elance and ease. Foam is stacked in layers to offer superior protection from impacts. The top layer has got a denser polyethylene foam and the bottom layer has got softer foam to keep everything soft and comfy. To keep your wrist protected from blows, this pair of Epoch Lacrosse Integra Glove comes fitted with an extended cuff.
How To Excel In The Faceoff Sequences
To emerge a winner in lacrosse faceoff, you will need strength, strategy, and agility. You will also have to guess the upcoming move of the opponent. Every player has a plan in his/her head and utilizing that at the right moment is what matters.
At the beginning of the game, the players for each team put the shaft of the sticks horizontal to the midfield. They also get down on their knees. The head is kept just next to the ball. As a player, you have to grip the shaft much like a bike handle. As you hear the whistle blown, you try to clamp the ball and every player strives to do the same.
So, why is the faceoff so important! Well, it sets the game in a way. You can keep the ball in your possession for some time. The player who manages to grab the ball in faceoff lends some advantages to his/her team. Some Lacrosse teams are there that make use of a faceoff specialist. This is called Faceoff, get off. These players are there only for a successful faceoff. Do not think it is easy. You will need a long practice to excel in a face-off.
To ensure you get the edge in lacrosse faceoff, you will need to master some handy tricks. The beginning is with the move known as the clamp. Imagine the scenario once. The referee blows the whistle and within a second or so the players twist their right hands to clamp the stick head onto the lacrosse ball. It is necessary to use both hands at this juncture actually. The left-hand holds that stick while the right-hand moves forward. If you grab the ball, all you need to do is pull it out and run downfield.
As an alternative, you may also flip the stick to pass the ball to a teammate. This is called plan B in the game. If the clamp technique does not work, use the 2nd. You may think of it like a defensive move to thwart the clamp of a rival player.
The FOGO may also try the third technique. It is called a rake. In it, he will flatten his stick head and at the same time, will swipe it so that the rivals can’t get a clamp. This trick may need a fraction of a second. However, be aware that it may not work well with veteran lacrosse players.
As a matter of fact, the faceoff in the game is more of a mind game. It all boils down to predicting the moves of rival players. You have to observe the rival team players carefully. Of course, you will need a few games to figure out the nuances of the game and face-off. In fact, you will also need to have your ears open. Not all lacrosse referrers blow the whites in the same way and timing can vary. Some may play the whistle a little longer as well.
The Faceoff Glove Types
Shopping for the face-off gloves may not be easy. The market is full of options. The sizes, material, build quality varies a lot. The grip has to be good and so do not buy gloves that are too large. Without a good grip, you can’t excel in a faceoff.
Check the palm side of the gloves when you shop. Dotted or ribbed textures are liked by the ace players. Cheap suede made gloves are not ideal. You do not want a glove set that feels slippery.
You also have to think of the ventilation aspect too. The palms inside the gloves should not get wet. What if you are playing in the summer months? A glove set with ventilation holes is the key to solving the sweating issue. The vents however should not be too big or else you will find it harder to play on winter days.
The gloves that you buy for faceoff should be flexible. The feeling should not be too tight on the hands. Your hands should be able to move freely. Look for gloves with soft padding. This ensures you do not get hurt easily while playing.
You may definitely check out the online reviews of faceoff gloves. However, it is better that you buy gloves from regular shops. This way you can evade hassles and test the gloves well.
