Why use the RipIt! Folding Lacrosse Goal: Part II
In case you missed it: Part I
Practicing lacrosse using a strapped in “rejecter” target is an excellent way to improve accuracy and is proven effective by many coaches and players. The target forces the player to aim for the “pipe”. The RipIt! functions in a very similar way. It creates a target that requires much more skill to hit and thus when game time rolls around the player is given an added 2 feet of space to make the shot.
A lacrosse goals bulkiness and weight transporting them or having one for backyard use makes it relatively impractical. This is the reason so many are seen sitting out on high school and college fields year round. The year round weather abuse is another reason for the extreme thickness of the netting. The suns UV rays will degrade any netting over time and in order to make a net that can stand up to the intense impacts over the course of years the netting has to be extremely oversized. Also it keeps practice to designated areas as few people have the space to store such a large piece of sporting equipment at home.
Recently new innovations in portable lacrosse nets have been made. These innovations rely on fiberglass poles facing at angles towards the front of the net or straight up. These goals are lighter than others but having a pole facing directly at eye level may not be the best design. Nor is hitting the plastic piece that holds the top of the netting, which is prone to shatter as the forward facing fiberglass has much less give. Fiberglass has much better sheer properties then compression as the lacrosse balls force will impact directly on the top of the pole. The RipIt! also uses foam padding around the goals front stations to reduce the impact of the ball, reducing the chances of shattering or sheering at the connection points.
The Rukket Sports RipIt! Lacrosse goal can be used indoors and out and is easily transported between the two. It folds down flat with a simple push and can be carried through doors, placed into a car or carried in its case between locations. The goal also has a one of a kind pocket system for use indoors when staking the goal is not practical. The base of the goal has no metal that contacts the ground making it ideal for use on hardwood or gymnasiums. Teams can practice with tennis ball 3v3 indoors without the risk of damaging any surfaces.
Researching and choosing the right equipment is a great first step to improving your lacrosse game. No one wants to have to constantly change out or upgrade his or her equipment, especially when the focus is on growing and improving the game of lacrosse. While a folding net may not be for every player, players that do want a quick and effective tool for improving their game should weigh the pros and cons of all nets before making their choice.
Author: Ryan Dickerson, Rukket Founder
