Lacrosse can often be played in the rain, as long as there is no threat of lightning. The only usual limitation in playing or practicing lacrosse in the rain depends on the playing field’s type and condition. It is also important to know how to take proper care of your equipment in poor weather conditions.
Artificial turf pitches are not affected by the rain, but natural grass pitches may not be suitable for playing in the rain. Before a match, the pitch is usually examined to determine whether the conditions will allow for a safe match that won’t destroy the field or grass for further use.
If the rain has completely soaked the playing field and the conditions are not playable, the field will likely be closed and the match called off. If the lacrosse field is closed, players may still be able to practice their conditioning and skills development indoors.
Playing lacrosse in the rain
Playing lacrosse in the rain or other bad weather conditions can be difficult for a few reasons. In cold winter months, the lacrosse shaft will become cold meaning that your hands will also become colder, faster.
Wet weather can also cause your pocket to become wet even if you have waterproof mesh, so it is important to know how to properly care for your stick in bad conditions. Wet mud can also slow you down and the cold rain can cause you to fall or slip more often.
Depending on your location, the rain during the winter months can get in the way of lacrosse and the normal way that you play it. Perfect conditions for playing lacrosse are the sun and a subtle breeze. But there are ways to optimize your game during bad weather.
How to deal with rain and bad weather conditions in lacrosse
There are a few ways to deal with rain when playing lacrosse. You can still play lacrosse if it is raining outside, however, the game will likely be made harder than normal. It is helpful to know a few tips for playing in the rain.
1. Opt for box lacrosse
If you want to continue playing lacrosse if the weather is bad outside you could consider playing box lacrosse instead if there is a facility in your location. You may enjoy playing box lacrosse and it will offer you the perfect way to continue playing lacrosse during the winter months or rainy season.
Box lacrosse can also help you to quickly improve your skills and game so that you impress on the field.
2. Play lacrosse in the gym
Whether you like playing lacrosse in the gym or not, it is a perfect way to play when it is raining outside. Despite that space may be tighter than a normal field, it can help you to prepare for the season.
It can ensure that you become used to tight spaces where you cannot rely on speed alone. Playing in tight spaces teaches you how to instead use skill and intelligence. Practicing in the gym should be used as an opportunity to develop such skills.
Can lacrosse sticks get wet?
The lacrosse stick is the most important piece of equipment in the game, which is why you should take special care to ensure it remains in good condition. Lacrosse sticks can get wet as long as it does not happen too frequently.
If lacrosse sticks are overexposed to rain and water the pocket strings can become weakened and the grip’s tape will begin to wear away. Where possible, you should try to avoid wet field conditions as the mud will stick to your stick’s pocket and inhibit it.
However, lacrosse sticks are built to be durable and can withstand some exposure to rain and water. They are made of strong materials such as titanium, aluminium, or carbon fibre which ensure the shaft itself will not absorb water. The head is also waterproof due to its plastic surface.
The stick’s pocket strings are the part that is most susceptible to water damage. All lacrosse pockets are made of strings that absorb moisture. This is nothing to worry about if it is in moderation, however, long periods of exposure could wear away the strings.
How Do You Dry Lacrosse Stick Mesh?
After your lacrosse stick gets wet, it is important to properly dry it as the mesh of the pocket can stiffen up and become deformed as it dries. If your stick becomes saturated with water you need something to help absorb this moisture. Use balls of newspaper or an old towel and place it in the pocket to soak up the excess water.
Avoid trying to speed up the process by putting your stick next to a heater or using a blow dryer as you will likely shrink the mesh.
How Do You Clean Your Lacrosse Stick Mesh?
It is important to properly care for your lacrosse stick and the pocket strings’ mesh to ensure it does not become damaged by dirt and moisture. If you play a match in wet conditions, your stick can become caked in dirt, affecting the mesh of the pocket.
Make sure to rinse the stick with warm, lightly soapy water after each game to keep it in good condition.
Embrace the weather
If you cannot play lacrosse in the gym then your only option is to play outside in the bad weather. If you do decide to play outside with your team or practice with your friends, make sure to have a fast-paced game that remains fun.
If you are playing outside of the season, you can relax a little and make your games a bit more fun. This will also help you to forget the rain and ensure that you still enjoy playing no matter what the weather is like outside.
Try to focus on team bonding during these types of seasons and teach your players to enjoy playing lacrosse in every weather. Perhaps focus on more scrimmage play which is often more enjoyable.
To sum up…
Lacrosse can be played in the rain as long as the field conditions allow and there is no threat of lightning. It is not likely that you will always have access to indoor lacrosse facilities even when it is raining outside.
So, if you want to continue to play even when the weather conditions are not great, you will have to brave the elements; just make sure to take proper care of your equipment afterward.
However, if you do have access to an indoor lacrosse facility or a gym, use this time to hone your skills. Playing in a limited or tight space such as a gym can teach you not to just rely on speed and rather help you to develop your intelligence on the field.
Practicing these skills during the off-season or rainy months can help you to impress when better weather returns. Make use of this time and don’t waste it by calling off your practice just because you can’t play outside.
