7 Best Youth Lacrosse Gloves For Small Hands That Coaches Recommend

You’re standing in the lacrosse section of a sporting goods store, and the wall of equipment feels overwhelming. Your child is excited, but you’re trying to figure out the difference between a dozen pairs of gloves that all look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Making the right choice feels important, but it’s hard to know where to start, especially when you know they’ll outgrow them in a season or two.

Why Proper Glove Fit Matters for Young Players

It’s tempting to buy a size up, thinking "they’ll grow into it." We do it with jackets and winter boots, so why not lacrosse gloves? The reason is simple: a young player’s hands are their primary connection to the stick. If the glove is too big, it’s like trying to write your name while wearing oven mitts. The child can’t properly feel the stick, which is essential for learning to cradle, pass, and shoot.

Poorly fitting gloves don’t just feel awkward; they actively build bad habits. A child will grip the stick too tightly to compensate for the glove shifting around, leading to stiff, robotic movements. This can slow down their skill development significantly. The goal is for the glove to feel like an extension of the hand, not a box around it. A snug, proper fit gives a young player the confidence and dexterity to focus on the fundamentals of the game.

STX Stallion 100: Top Protection for U10 Players

You’ve watched your child move from no-contact clinics to their first real U10 season where stick checks become part of the game. Your primary concern instantly shifts from pure skill development to safety. This is where a glove like the STX Stallion 100 shines. It’s known for offering a fantastic level of protection in a package designed specifically for smaller hands.

Coaches often recommend this model because it builds confidence. When a young player isn’t worried about a stray stick check hurting their fingers or knuckles, they’re free to go for a ground ball or hold their stick in the correct position. The Stallion 100 provides robust padding on the back of the hand and fingers without being excessively bulky, striking the perfect balance for a developing player who needs to feel both safe and capable.

Maverik Charger: Flexible for New Player Stick Feel

Think back to your child’s first day in a "Learn to Play" program. The main goal is just to get them comfortable holding a stick and feeling the ball in the pocket. For these absolute beginners, flexibility is more important than fortress-like protection. The Maverik Charger is built precisely for this stage.

These gloves are designed with a softer, more broken-in feel right off the shelf. This allows a new player to get immediate tactile feedback from the stick shaft, which is crucial for mastering the basics of cradling. A stiff, over-padded glove can be a major barrier for a 6 or 7-year-old. The Charger prioritizes that essential hand-to-stick connection, making the first steps of their lacrosse journey less frustrating and more fun.

Warrior Rabil NXT: Lightweight for Quick Hand Speed

Your player is starting to move beyond the basics. They’re experimenting with dodges, learning to switch hands quickly, and trying to get their shots off faster. At this stage, a heavy, cumbersome glove can feel like it’s holding them back. The Warrior Rabil NXT is a popular choice for this player because of its lightweight construction.

This glove is designed to maximize hand speed. By reducing weight and focusing on a streamlined profile, it allows a young athlete’s hands to move more naturally and quickly. For a developing offensive player, this can be a game-changer, helping them feel more agile and in control. It’s a great step up once a player has their fundamentals down and is ready to add speed and finesse to their game.

Brine Uprising II: A Durable, Budget-Friendly Fit

Let’s be practical. You’re not sure if lacrosse is "the" sport yet, or perhaps you’re managing the costs of equipment for multiple children. You want something safe and effective without making a huge financial commitment. The Brine Uprising II is the answer so many families and coaches trust for this exact scenario.

This glove is a workhorse. It offers solid, reliable protection and a comfortable fit at a price point that makes sense for a player just starting out or for a family on a budget. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice safety for affordability. Its durability also means it holds up well for a season or two, often making it a perfect candidate for a hand-me-down to a younger sibling, which is a huge win for any sports parent.

Epoch Integra X: Engineered for Maximum Mobility

As players advance, the game becomes one of inches and split seconds. The ability to roll a wrist for a perfect pass or get a quick flick on a shot becomes critical. The Epoch Integra X is designed for the player who is starting to need that next level of mobility. It’s engineered with a focus on letting the hand and wrist move as freely as possible.

Epoch uses unique materials and a segmented design that allows the glove to bend and flex with the player’s hand, rather than against it. For a player who is really honing their stick skills, this can unlock a new level of control and creativity. It’s a glove for the dedicated player whose hands need to keep up with their growing understanding of the game’s nuances.

StringKing Mark 2: For Comfort and Dexterity

Some kids are just more sensitive to the feel of their equipment. A seam that rubs the wrong way or a palm that bunches up can be a major distraction that takes their head out of the game. The StringKing Mark 2 glove is widely recommended for its exceptional comfort and focus on dexterity, making it feel almost like you’re not wearing a glove at all.

StringKing’s approach is to create a seamless, anatomical fit that mirrors the shape of the hand. This results in a glove that players often say is comfortable from the very first wear, with no lengthy break-in period required. For the player who values feel and comfort above all else, this glove allows them to forget about their gear and concentrate completely on their performance.

True Temper Cadet: A Secure Fit for Small Wrists

You may have a child who, no matter what size you try, always has a gap at the cuff. The gloves are constantly slipping, and you’re worried about their wrist being exposed. This is a common issue for younger or leaner players, and the True Temper Cadet addresses it head-on with a design focused on a secure, tapered fit.

This model features a snugger wrist cuff and an adjustable strap system that truly locks the glove in place. For a small player, this secure feeling is everything. It eliminates the distraction of constantly adjusting their gear and ensures the protective elements of the glove stay where they are supposed to be. It’s a problem-solver for a very specific but very real fit issue.

Ultimately, the best lacrosse glove isn’t the most expensive one or the one with the flashiest design. It’s the one that fits your child’s hand right now and supports them at their current stage of development. Trust your judgment, prioritize a snug fit over "growing room," and choose the gear that will help them fall in love with the game.