What makes box lacrosse unique. How does it differ from field lacrosse. Why are more players embracing this fast-paced indoor version. Discover the benefits of box lacrosse for skill development and overall lacrosse IQ.
The Rise of Box Lacrosse in Baltimore
Box lacrosse, an indoor version of the popular field sport, has been gaining momentum in Baltimore and across the United States. This fast-paced, high-scoring variant offers players a unique opportunity to hone their skills and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the game. As the Maryland Lacrosse League and other organizations expand their box lacrosse offerings, more players are discovering the benefits of this exciting format.
ULAX Baltimore Men’s Box Winter League: A Closer Look
The ULAX Lacrosse League in Baltimore offers a competitive men’s box lacrosse league during the winter months. This league provides an excellent opportunity for players aged 18 and older to experience the thrill of indoor lacrosse. Here are some key details about the league:
- Games are played once a week at Goals Baltimore
- Modified FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse) rules are used
- Team sizes range from 12 to 20 players
- The field size is 170′ x 70′
- Players must provide their own equipment, with rib pads recommended
- Goalie equipment may be available upon request
The league offers a comprehensive package for players, including:
- 6-8 scheduled games (weather permitting)
- Championship tournament for top teams
- ULAX jersey
- Photos and stats
- Champion shirts for the winners
- All games officiated by certified referees
Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse: Understanding the Differences
Box lacrosse and field lacrosse, while sharing common roots, have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Playing Environment
Box lacrosse is played indoors on a smaller, enclosed field, typically in an ice hockey rink with the ice removed or covered. Field lacrosse, on the other hand, is played outdoors on a larger, open field.
Field Size
The box lacrosse field is significantly smaller, measuring about 180-200 feet in length and 80-90 feet in width. Field lacrosse is played on a much larger area, typically 110 yards long and 60 yards wide.
Number of Players
Box lacrosse teams have six players on the field at a time (five runners and a goalie), while field lacrosse teams have ten players (three attackmen, three midfielders, three defenders, and a goalie).
Playing Time
Box lacrosse games are typically shorter, with four 15-minute quarters. Field lacrosse games usually consist of four 15-minute quarters for men and two 30-minute halves for women.
Equipment
Box lacrosse players wear more protective gear, including padded shorts and rib protectors, due to the increased physical contact in the indoor game. Field lacrosse players wear less padding, with the exception of goalies.
The Benefits of Box Lacrosse for Player Development
Many lacrosse coaches and players advocate for the inclusion of box lacrosse in a player’s training regimen. The indoor version of the sport offers several unique benefits that can enhance overall lacrosse skills and game understanding:
Improved Stick Skills
The confined space of box lacrosse requires players to make quicker decisions and execute passes and shots in tight quarters. This leads to faster development of stick handling skills and accuracy.
Enhanced Lacrosse IQ
Box lacrosse forces players to be more versatile, as everyone plays with a short stick and must contribute to both offense and defense. This comprehensive approach helps players develop a better understanding of the game as a whole.
Increased Physical Toughness
The physical nature of box lacrosse, with its enclosed playing area and more frequent contact, helps players develop mental and physical toughness that translates well to the field game.
Better Shooting Technique
The smaller goals in box lacrosse require players to develop more accurate and deceptive shooting techniques, which can significantly improve their scoring ability in field lacrosse.
Improved Transition Play
The fast-paced nature of box lacrosse, with its quick transitions between offense and defense, helps players develop better field awareness and decision-making skills in transition situations.
Expert Opinions on the Value of Box Lacrosse
Several prominent figures in the lacrosse community have voiced their support for box lacrosse as a developmental tool for players of all ages:
Casey Powell, Professional Lacrosse Player
“I absolutely loved playing box lacrosse. I’ve admired so much of what it stands for in its concepts, etiquette and tradition. It’s not easy by any means, but it gave me an opportunity to challenge myself in another way. My advice to anyone considering playing box is to look around, be tough and have a ton of fun.”
Bill Tierney, 6-time NCAA Championship Coach, University of Denver
“If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of 12 play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse far surpasses what happens on a field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.”
Peter Lawrence, University of Hartford Head Coach
“One of the biggest benefits of playing box for a young lacrosse player is in the development of lacrosse IQ. Because everyone plays with a short stick [in box lacrosse], you have to focus on being a complete lacrosse player versus specializing as an attackman or d-man. That is how your IQ grows and skills improve.”
John Desko, Head Coach Syracuse University
John Desko has been quoted as saying, “Every kid should play box lacrosse,” emphasizing the importance of the indoor game for player development.
Paul Rabil, MLL/NLL All-Star
“Being a part of the finesse and physicality of box lacrosse has been a great experience for me. I feel that I have learned and improved as an overall lacrosse player. Learning to adapt in tight space while reading defenders and offensive players has been the biggest improvement in my game.”
Getting Involved in Box Lacrosse in Baltimore
For those interested in experiencing box lacrosse firsthand, there are several options available in the Baltimore area:
ULAX Baltimore Men’s Box Winter League
This league offers a competitive box lacrosse experience for adult players. Registration details and league information can be found on the ULAX website or by emailing [email protected].
PSL Future Stars Box Lacrosse League
This league focuses on youth development, offering a high school division for younger players looking to improve their skills through box lacrosse. For more information, contact Larry Fila at [email protected] or 410-370-0930.
Local Clinics and Camps
Many lacrosse organizations in the Baltimore area offer box lacrosse clinics and camps throughout the year. These events provide an excellent opportunity for players to try the indoor game and learn from experienced coaches.
The Future of Box Lacrosse in Baltimore
As the popularity of box lacrosse continues to grow in Baltimore and across the United States, it’s likely that we’ll see an expansion of leagues, tournaments, and development programs focused on the indoor game. The benefits of box lacrosse for player development are becoming increasingly recognized, and many coaches are incorporating elements of the indoor game into their training regimens.
The integration of box lacrosse into the broader lacrosse community has the potential to elevate the overall skill level of players and contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the sport. As more players experience the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of box lacrosse, we may see elements of the indoor game influencing strategies and techniques in field lacrosse as well.
Embracing Box Lacrosse: A Path to Lacrosse Excellence
The growing popularity of box lacrosse in Baltimore and beyond represents an exciting development in the world of lacrosse. By embracing this indoor variant, players can develop a more comprehensive skill set, improve their lacrosse IQ, and become more versatile athletes on the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned lacrosse player looking to enhance your skills or a newcomer interested in trying a fast-paced, exciting sport, box lacrosse offers a unique and valuable experience. As more players and coaches recognize the benefits of the indoor game, we can expect to see continued growth and innovation in the sport of lacrosse as a whole.
By participating in box lacrosse leagues, clinics, and training programs, players in Baltimore and across the country can take their game to the next level and contribute to the ongoing evolution of this dynamic sport. As the lacrosse community continues to embrace the indoor game, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new era in lacrosse development and player performance.
ULAX Lacrosse League – Baltimore Men Box Winter
All players 18 and older are welcome to join the league. Sign up as a full team, partial team, or as a free agent and we’ll put you on a team. Games will be played once a week at Goals Baltimore. We invite lacrosse players of all abilities to join. The league is played with modified FIL rules.. Team sizes 12-20 players. Field Size 170′ x 70’ All players must provide their own equipment. Rib pads are recommended We may be able to provide equipment for goalies. If you are a goalie and need equipment please reach out to us at [email protected]. Field Location: Goals Baltimore – Turf Field 1 – Click Here For Directions The Cost: The Cost Per Player Includes:
Winter Box League Schedule
Make up games may be scheduled for different week nights or on weekends E-mail us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Building your own team? Email us your team name and we’ll get it up on the site for your players to begin registering. Playing with friends? Sign up as a free agent, enter the names of the players in your group in the “friends who also play in this league” field when registering (all players in the group must register prior to the deadline to guarantee placement on the same team). Signing up solo? Register as a free agent and we’ll place you on a team (space is limited) NOTE: All players must pay via PayPal to complete registration, however, you do not need a PayPal account to do so, just have a Debit / Credit card ready when registering. E-mail us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Weather Policy:
Refund Policy:
“Like” our Facebook page and follow our Instagram and Twitter pages for updated photos and league information!!
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PSL Future Stars Box Lacrosse League
“I absolutely loved playing box lacrosse. I’ve admired so much of what it stands for in its concepts, etiquette and tradition. It’s not easy by any means, but it gave me an opportunity to challenge myself in another way. My advice to anyone considering playing box is to look around, be tough and have a ton of fun.” – Casey Powell
6X NCAA Championship Coach Bill Tierney, University of Denver:
“If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of 12 play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse far surpasses what happens on a field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.”
One of the biggest benefits of playing box for a young lacrosse player is in the development of lacrosse IQ. Because everyone plays with a short stick [in box lacrosse], you have to focus on being a complete lacrosse player versus specializing as an attackman or d-man. That is how your IQ grows and skills improve.
— University of Hartford Head Coach Peter Lawrence
John Desko, Head Coach Syracuse University – “Every Kid Should Play Box Lacrosse”
MLL/NLL All-Star Paul Rabil:“Being a part of the finesse and physicality of box lacrosse has been a great experience for me. I feel that I have learned and improved as an overall lacrosse player. Learning to adapt in tight space while reading defenders and offensive players has been the biggest improvement in my game.”
enter a team in the league:
Contact: Larry Fila @ [email protected]
410.370.0930 (c)
PSL Future Stars Box Lacrosse League Season III
High School Division
Dates: December, January 2018/19.
Times: TBA
Arena: William J. Myers Pavilion 4300 West Bay Ave. Baltimore, Md 21225
PSL House Team: Individual Player $175. 00 / Register on Stone Alley:
https://www.stonealley.com/program/PremierSeries/group/2018Future
7th-8th Grade Division
Dates: December, January 2018/19.
Times: TBA
Arena: William J. Myers Pavilion 4300 West Bay Ave. Baltimore, Md 21225
PSL House Team: Individual Player $175.00 / Register on Stone Alley:
https://www.stonealley.com/program/PremierSeries/group/2018Future
5th-6th Grade Division
Dates: January, February, 2019.
Times: TBA
Arena:TBA
Registration Cost:
PSL House Team: Individual Player $TBA / Register on Stone Alley:
Registration coming soon.
Additional Information
Arenas:
William J. Myers Pavilion
4300 West Bay Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21225
RULES:
- FIL Rules w/ US Lacrosse Age Appropriate Rules.
- 4’x4′9″ goals.
- All players must play with a short-stick.
- Goalies will play with Box Goalie Equipment.
- 30 second shot clocks.
- Three 15-minute periods (Running Time).
- NO FIGHTING OR FOUL LANGUAGE (Violators will be ejected from the league with NO REFUND).
ALL PLAYERS WHO PARTICIPATE ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT:
HELMET, GLOVES, ELBOW PADS, SHOULDER PADS, ARM GUARDS, AND RIB PADS, MOUTH GUARD, BICEPT PADS.
BOX GOALIES: BOX GOALIE GLOVES, BOX UPPERS ,BOX GOALIE PANTS, BOX SHIN PADS, BOX GOALIE CUP & REGULAR FIELD CUP, GOAILE STICK (no woodend or Worrier wall goalie sticks), AND HELEMET.
INSURANCE:
All players are REQUIRED to be US Lacrosse Member.
*PLAYERS WHO ARE NOT REGISTERED WITH US Lacrosse WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PRACTICE OR COMPETE.
Briefly about NLL, what is this League? – NLL Review (all about Lacrosse) – Blogs
This post was written by Sports.ru user, every fan can start writing (you can do it here).
Dear friends, Hello everyone! Here is a new blog about the National Lacrosse League. What is this League? I’ll tell you about it briefly.
The National Lacrosse League is the men’s professional box lacrosse league in North America. The league is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The NLL has the third-highest average attendance for professional indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and the NBA. Each team in the NLL plays eighteen games during the regular season, nine home and nine away. The teams are divided into two conferences: the eight-team Eastern Conference and the seven-team Western Conference (after the expansion franchise). NLL games are usually played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. At the end of the regular season, the playoffs are held, where the four best teams from the conferences go out, in which the champion of the National Lacrosse League is already revealed.
In the NLL, the game lasts 60 minutes, four 15-minute quarters with a 2-minute break between quarters and a 16-minute break between halves. If the game in regular time ends in a draw, then the teams play to the first goal (sudden death) in overtime. Each team consists of 19 players: 2 goalkeepers and 17 “runners” (outfield players).
The major Box Lacrosse League began its history in 1987 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League (EPBLL). Four teams (“Philadelphia Wings”, “New Jersey Saints”, “Baltimore Thunder” and “Washington Wave”) played a six-game regular season followed by a post-season tournament in which all four teams played elimination matches. The season concluded with the “Baltimore Thunder” (now “Colorado Mammoth”) becoming the first EPBLL Champion at 1987 year. Under Bob Grib, Baltimore defeated Washington Wave 11-10.
In 1988, the League changes its name to Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL / Major Indoor Lacrosse League). All the same four teams from the first season entered the fight, but this time they played 8 matches in the regular season. The New Jersey Saints eventually became the champion, beating the same Washington Waves in the final with a score of 17:16 in front of 8,125 fans at the Capital Center.
In total, under the guise of Major Indoor Lacrosse League, the League will spend 10 seasons. At the end of season 1997, a decision will be made to add two more expansion teams, the Syracuse Smash and the Ontario Raiders, and rename the league the National Lacrosse League (NLL). This name of the League is to this day.
In total, since its inception, the League has played 35 seasons, of which the 2020 season was not completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021 it was not held at all for the same reason. Over the entire history of the tournament, 38 team names have appeared, some eventually completely disappeared, some changed their place of residence, some changed their name and hosts. As a result, 15 franchises will take part in the 2022-2023 season at the moment. You can read about all of them in our VK group, in the subheadings “Introducing Teams”.
And as a note, the list of teams that have become champions:
“Toronto Rock” – 6 times (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2011)
“Philadelphia Wings / Albany FireWolves” – 6 times (1 989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001 – all as PW)
“Rochester Knighthawks / Halifax Thunderbirds” – 5 times (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014 – all as RK)
“Buffalo Bandits” – 4 times (1992, 1993, 1996, 2008)
“Edmonton Rush/ Saskatchewan Rush” – 3 times (2015 – as ER, 2016, 2018)
“Calgary Roughnecks” – 3 times (2004, 2009, 2019)
“Baltimore Thunder / Colorado Mammoth” – 3 times (1987 – as BT, 2006, 2022)
“Detroit Turbos” – 1 time (1991 )
“Georgia Swarm” – 1 time (2017)
“New Jersey Saints” – 1 time (1988)
“Washington Stealth / Vancouver Warriors” – 1 time (2010 – as WS)
“Colorado Mammoth” – NLL 2022 winner
Subscribe to our group in VK,
https://vk. com/nllreview
all the latest news and many other materials (match reviews, videos, polls) are all there.
109 years ago the Giants signed an Olympic hero
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Jim Thorpe, “the world’s greatest athlete”, tried his hand at baseball. Material translated from mlb.com.
When we think of the greatest athlete we’ve ever seen, many of us settle on one name: Bo Jackson. But long before Bo was Jim Thorpe.
King Gustav V of Sweden called him “the greatest athlete in the world” after watching him sprint at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, to which Thorpe is said to have replied “Thank you king.”
Gustav V, King of Sweden
Future US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was injured trying to grab Joe Thorpe during a college football game that year, said: “He never trained in his life, but he could have done better than any other footballer I have ever seen. ”
Coach Glenn “Pop” Warner, after whom an entire level of youth football is named, called him “the world’s greatest all-rounder” when he was named to the All-American high school team as a halfback and kicker .
His story was so incredible that Burt Lancaster played him in the 1951 biopic .
Jim Thorpe
In addition to track and field and American football, he seems to have excelled in almost all sports: basketball, hockey, golf, gymnastics, swimming, boxing, lacrosse, bowling and handball, and at 19In 12, he even won a national ballroom dancing competition.
Thorpe’s exploits are mythical in their significance, because they were accomplished even before the advent of television and even radio. While we can watch footage of the incredible Jackson overcoming defensemen as an NFL running back and running up the outfield walls in Major League Baseball as the “Prince of Persia” in the 1980s and 90s. Many who saw both Thorpe and Bo Jackson claimed that the former was just as great, if not better.
Thorpe is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio – the city where he was not only a player for the Bulldogs of the American Professional Football Association, but also its president in 1920-21, the year before it became National Football League (NFL).
You may have already noticed that one sport has not yet been included in this discussion. How about baseball?
Baseball is no exception. In 1909-10, Thorpe played in the minor leagues for the Rocky Mount Railroaders in the Eastern Carolina League. Little did he know then that this two-year stint in professional baseball would result in him being stripped of his Olympic gold medals.
Jim Thorpe at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.
After winning gold at the 1912 Olympics, Thorpe’s medals were annulled after it became known that he had inadvertently violated Olympic rules while receiving a reward playing baseball. It was a heartbreaking experience for Thorpe, but it led to a new opportunity: the Major League.
Less than a month after losing his amateur status, on February 1, 1913, Thorpe signed a three-year, $18,000 contract with the New York Giants, who were coached by the legendary John McGraw. To date, the amount of the concluded contract, taking into account inflation, would be about half a million dollars.
I’ve always loved baseball more than any other sport,” Thorpe told The New York Times after signing, “… I’ve dreamed of being a Major League player ever since I left school and now I have there is a chance to fulfill the dream of my life.”
Thorpe had blinding speed on the bases and an excellent throwing hand for an outfielder. But no matter how happy he was to become a professional player, despite all the sporting successes, playing in the Major League turned out to be a very difficult task.
In 1913, in 19 games for the Giants, his batting percentage was .143 AVG with one home run. He spent most of his time in the dugout as a substitute, and more in celebrity status and attention than playing. The next two seasons were the same. 90,003 90,002 In 1917, Thorpe was loaned by the Reds, with whom he played somewhat better: in 77 games, his lineup was .247/.267/.367 with two doubles, eight trips and four home runs.
That fall, after returning to New York, Thorpe technically appeared in Game 5 of the World Series against the White Sox, but despite being in the starting lineup against Chicago starter Eddie Sicott, he was replaced by a pinch. -hitter before Thorpe got a chance to go into batter boxing.
Astoundingly, Thorpe got better and better over time – from 1918 to his last season in Major League Baseball (1919), he hit .294/.329/.408 in 120 games for the Giants and Boston Braves.
Although Thorpe’s MLB career has not been spectacular, it has certainly been memorable. In 1914, Thorp participated in the Giants’ world tour with the White Sox team, during which he traveled to 13 countries and was considered the most famous name in the team, which also included legends Christy Mathewson and Tris Speaker.