Are you looking for the best lacrosse balls on the internet? If the answer’s yes, this is the article for you. We’ve researched the best game balls, training balls, and multipacks to suit every lacrosse player. Lacrosse balls are also used for self-massaging, so we’ve considered that as well. Here’s our list of the best lacrosse balls.
The Best Lacrosse Ball
The Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Ball is one of the most popular on the market. Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that this is a ball designed to be used in official lacrosse games. It meets NOCSAE standards and is approved by the NCAA and NFH. That means you can use it in any lacrosse game around the country. You would think that this accreditation would make it pricey, but it’s still great value.
Of course, to meet these standards, it has to be regulation weight and size. Plus, it has to be made from molded rubber. It’s been specially designed to improve stick handling, passing, shot accuracy and scoring. You could use it as a practice ball, but it’s more suited to gameplay.
Game ball
Meets NOCSAE standards
NCAA and NFHS approved
SEI certified
Molded rubber
1,2,3,6, & 12 packs available
Available in 10 colors
- BrandChampion Sports
- ModelLBM2SET
- Weight5.3 Ounces
The SWAX LAX Lacrosse Training Ball is one of the most popular training balls available. The company behind this ball – SWAX LAX – is an official training partner of US Lacrosse. That means they are commissioned to make the highest-quality training products for both amateur and professional lacrosse players. If you are serious about improving your lacrosse game, this ball is an essential item.
Lacrosse training balls are softer than proper game balls. That means they hurt less when you get hit, they don’t cause as much damage if you use them inside and make lacrosse more approachable for new players. The other great advantage is the fact that they provide less bounce and rebound than a normal ball. That might seem like a disadvantage, but it makes you train hard and work on your technique. Then, when you play with a game ball, you will find it much easier. It’s like running with weights around your ankles – take them off and you will find it much easier.
Soft training ball
Official Training Partner of US Lacrosse
Normal size and weight
Less bounce and no rebound
Available in 15 colors
- BrandSWAX LAX
- Model#0617
- Weight4.8 Ounces
Velocity Lacrosse Balls are an affordable alternative to premium lacrosse game balls. Velocity has based its whole marketing campaign on the idea that you shouldn’t have to pay a lot of money for something that is strictly controlled by regulatory bodies. This ball might be cheap, but it’s approved by the NCAA and NFHS and meets the standards set out by the NOCSAE. So basically, there can’t be much difference between this and a more expensive lacrosse ball.
Like all lacrosse training balls, it’s made from 100% natural vulcanized rubber. They have spent time polishing the seams, which provides better handling and ball control. They also don’t use recycled materials, like some lacrosse ball manufacturers. This might make them slightly less ethical, but it means that the ball will retain its grip for longer. It’s not going to turn into a ‘greaser’ quickly.
Game ball
Meets NOCSAE standards
NCAA and NFHS approved
SEI certified
Vulcanized rubber
1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, 60, & 120 packs available
Available in 10 colors
- BrandVelocity
This next set of lacrosse balls are designed for tournament play. CrankShooter is a well-known brand in the lacrosse industry, so it’s no surprise that these balls are so popular. Of course, they meet all of the necessary standards for professional-level play (NCAA, NFH, NOCSAE, SEI). CrankShooter Lacrosse Balls are the regulation size and weight and made from vulcanized rubber.
The biggest indication that they are designed for tournament play is the range of colors. You can either get these balls in white or yellow -white for men’s lacrosse and yellow for women’s lacrosse. There’s no difference in the size or weight of men’s and women’s lacrosse balls. The only difference is the color and therefore the visibility of the ball.
12 pack of game balls
Meets NOCSAE standards
NCAA and NFHS approved
SEI certified
Vulcanized rubber
Available in 2 colors
- BrandCrankShooter
- Weight2.4 Pounds
Lax Sak makes another hugely popular lacrosse training ball (not to be confused with SWAX LAX). At a glance, it’s really hard to tell the two products apart. That’s because this product is an imitation of the SWAX LAX Training Ball. Or, at least we think it is. It’s hard to find any information about the company online, so we’re making an educated guess.
So, why would you buy the Lax Sak Training Ball if you could buy the real deal? Well, the easiest answer to that is that it’s around half the price. It seems to have a remarkably similar design and the same set of features. So, if you’re prepared to buy from this brand (which isn’t an official training partner of US Lacrosse) you could save yourself some money.
Soft training ball
Normal size and weight
Less bounce and no rebound
Available in 12 colors
- BrandLax Sak
- Weight10.2 Ounces
You might feel like you recognize this next ball. It looks almost identical to the Champion Sports ball we featured as our Best Choice product in this list. But, it has one key difference. Champion Sports PLW Soft Lacrosse Ball is a practice ball. It’s the same size as a regulation lacrosse ball, but it’s softer and lighter so it’s perfect for practice drills and skills.
Some practice balls have a completely different look and feel to a regulation lacrosse ball. Instead, Champion Sports have attempted to make this as ‘life-like’ as possible. This is perfect for young players getting into the sport because they don’t have to feel like they’re not being trusted. This ball has been approved by the NCAA for its ability to improve handling and shooting accuracy during practice. If you like playing tennis, be sure to check out our selection of the best tennis balls.
Soft training ball
NCAA and NFHS approved
SEI certified
Molded rubber
Available in 3 colors
- BrandChampion Sports
- ModelLBLX
- Weight1 Pound
Lacrosse Ball Buying Guide
Features To Look For In Lacrosse Balls
Material - Game balls are made from rubber. Practice balls are made from a softer material but are just as durable.
Dimensions - An adult lacrosse ball should measure between 7¾- and 8-inches.
Weight - The weight of the ball can vary depending on its use. An adult game ball should weigh between 5- and 5¼ -ounces. You can buy heavier balls for training, which allows players to improve their skills.
Types Of Lacrosse Balls
Game Balls - A few different balls are used for lacrosse balls. The size and color can change, dependent on the age and gender of the players. However, game balls should all be made of rubber and be hard to the touch. They are roughly the size of a tennis ball and should have ‘Meets NOCSAE Standards’ written somewhere on the ball.
Training Balls - Training balls are softer and made from a different material. They are the same size as game balls but you can buy weighted balls that are heavier. This allows players to work on strength, shot speed, and ball handling.