Lacrosse is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular both in the United States and internationally. There are various professional leagues, and sponsors--some big names--have begun to endorse the sport, thereby increasing both the profile and the salaries of the players. In order to play well, you need good, comfortable equipment. Gloves protect your hands, but they need to be malleable so you have total range of movement.
Instructions
1. The most popular technique is to take new gloves and wear them. Similar to a baseball glove, new leather needs to be worn, used and manipulated to achieve softness and malleability. Wear the gloves while doing mundane activities like watching television, driving, reading and even sleeping. You'll sweat in the gloves in your sleep, and the leather will begin forming to your hand.
2. Another method is to use mink oil. Take the new leather gloves and apply a liberal amount of mink oil to all leather parts. Using your hands, massage the oil into the leather using a circular, kneading motion. Continue to apply oil until the leather appears supple and feels soft to the touch. Put the gloves on and wear for 30- to 40-minute intervals for a few days.
3. Washing the gloves can also make them ready for competition. Place the gloves on their own into the washing machine on the gentle cycle, using warm water. After the cycle completes, remove the gloves and place on hands. Wear for 30- to 40-minute intervals, manipulating the finger and thumbs in a clenching and unclenching motion. Repeat until gloves are dry and malleable.
4. You can also knead the gloves without manipulating the fingers and thumb portion. Clasp the gloves in your hands and arms and vigorously rub, crush and clench the leather parts together and against one another. Continue this process until it's easy to slip the gloves on and off and you can perform lacrosse-stick work with them.
Tags: your hands, 40-minute intervals, gloves wear, gloves your, leather parts