Winter weather separates the dedicated athletes from the rest, and while lacrosse is a spring sport, practice and early-season games typically take place in the cold.
When the temperature drops, your game doesn't have to suffer if you have the right strategy. Learning how to prepare for cold weather lacrosse ensures you maintain peak performance while opponents struggle to stay warm.
Layer Up Strategically
Your clothing choices directly impact your agility and comfort on the field. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that pulls sweat away from your skin. Wet skin loses heat rapidly, so avoid cotton materials that absorb moisture.
Add an insulating middle layer to trap body heat without restricting movement. Your outer layer should block wind and resist water, providing a barrier against the elements. This system allows you to peel off layers as you warm up during intense drills.
Protect Your Extremities
Cold hands and feet ruin your stick skills and slow down your footwork. Invest in high-quality thin running gloves designed explicitly for cold weather play.
You need warmth, but you cannot sacrifice the tactile feel required for precise passing and shooting, so only do this when cold weather is severe.
Your feet also require special attention. The best socks for cold weather provide insulation while managing moisture inside your cleats.
Thick wool or synthetic blends work best to prevent numbness, without making your cleats feel too tight.
Modify Your Warm-Up Routine
Muscles contract and tighten in cold temperatures, increasing the risk of injury. You must extend your warm-up time significantly before practice or games begin.
Start your dynamic stretching indoors if possible to raise your core body temperature before stepping outside.
Once on the field, keep moving constantly. Standing still allows your body temperature to plummet quickly. Incorporate active drills that keep blood flowing to your extremities throughout the entire session.
Stay Hydrated
Athletes often forget to drink water when they don't feel hot or sweaty. Cold air actually increases your risk of dehydration because your body works harder to humidify the dry air you breathe.
Dehydration leads to faster fatigue and muscle cramps, regardless of the temperature.
Drink fluids before, during, and after your time on the field. Warm beverages like tea or room-temperature water often feel more palatable than ice-cold drinks during winter sessions.
Equipment Maintenance
Cold weather affects your gear as much as your body. Lacrosse heads can become brittle and prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. Keep your stick indoors until you need to use it.
Check your pocket tension regularly. Mesh often tightens in the cold, which alters how the ball throws. Preparing for cold weather lacrosse involves understanding these subtle equipment changes and adjusting your gear accordingly.
Focus on Mental Toughness
The cold challenges your mental fortitude as much as your physical comfort. Embrace the conditions rather than complain about them. A positive mindset gives you a competitive edge over opponents who let the weather distract them.
Visualize your success and focus on your tactical execution. When you focus on the game rather than the temperature, you play faster and harder.
Post-Game Recovery
Your preparation doesn't end when the whistle blows. Change out of wet clothes immediately to prevent rapid body cooling. Perform static stretching to help muscles recover and maintain flexibility.
Refuel your body with a nutritious meal to replenish energy stores. Proper recovery ensures you stay ready for the next cold weather challenge.
