When the Port Washington Lady Vikings girls' lacrosse team took the field against the Baldwin Lady Bruins on March 31 at Port Washington High School in Long Island, NY, gameday temperatures were close to 40 degrees with unfavorable conditions that included a mix of light rain and heavy winds.
With gameday conditions in New York still winter-like despite the calendar turning to April, here's a look at five tips for high school lacrosse players to stay warm during games:
1) Rubber Gloves
Goalkeepers have the hardest time staying warm because they are standing still far more often than anyone else on the field.
For cold, wet days, rubber gloves are the best options for warmth without losing much mobility. You can wear these underneath your standard lacross gloves.
Harrow FlexAir All-Weather gloves are great rubber lacrosse gloves for the ladies, as the price is right at just $19.95 in most stores. For the boys, I would recommend Magic Gloves because they are inexpensive, and thin enough to not limit finger movement.
2) Bring a Change of Socks
There's nothing worse than wet feet on a cold day. For frigid, rainy days, I would recommend bringing an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet early in a game. There's usually a five to ten minute break at the half, so there's plenty of time to change socks at that point.
3) Under Armour Everything
Since 1996, Under Armour has been the leading brand in innovative sports clothing and accessories. The company offers plenty of great "coldgear" items that will keep you warm without weighing you down. For example, this coldgear shirt for men features brushed fabrication that combines enhanced thermal protection and the brand's signature Moisture Transport System.
4) Snuggle With A Teammate
If you're riding the bench, stay close with your teammates to take advantage of their body warmth. Being sidelined means you can also keep your coat or jacket on, so make sure to keep it close by prior to the game in case you need it on short notice.
5) Tape Up Your Helmet Vents
Whether you're on the sideline or in the game, it's important to keep moving.
For goalkeepers in the game, jog a couple yards down the field or jump up and down when the ball is on the other side of the field.
If you're on the bench, you can pass the ball around with a teammate or sprint down the sidelines. Another fun way to stay warm is to tape up your helmet vents, as you lose most of your body heat from your head. Taping up the vents will keep the heat from escaping.
Eric Holden, a lifelong New York resident, was a former high school lacrosse player for the Glen Cove Big Red. Follow him on Twitter @ericholden.
