What are the key aspects of girls youth lacrosse. How does it differ from boys lacrosse. What equipment is required for girls youth lacrosse. How can young players improve their skills. What are the benefits of playing youth lacrosse for girls.
Understanding the Basics of Girls Youth Lacrosse
Girls youth lacrosse is a dynamic and exciting sport that offers young athletes the opportunity to develop their skills, teamwork, and physical fitness. Unlike boys lacrosse, which involves more physical contact, girls lacrosse focuses on finesse, strategy, and stick skills. This makes it an excellent option for girls looking to participate in a fast-paced team sport while minimizing the risk of injury.
The game is played on a field with two teams, each consisting of 12 players. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal using a lacrosse stick. Players must use a combination of running, passing, catching, and shooting skills to outmaneuver their opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Key Differences Between Girls and Boys Lacrosse
- Less physical contact allowed in girls lacrosse
- Different stick designs and pocket depths
- Variations in protective equipment requirements
- Modified rules to emphasize skill and strategy over physical play
Understanding these differences is crucial for young players, parents, and coaches involved in girls youth lacrosse. It helps set appropriate expectations and ensures that players develop the right skills and techniques for their specific version of the sport.
Essential Equipment for Girls Youth Lacrosse
Proper equipment is vital for safety and performance in girls youth lacrosse. While the requirements may vary slightly depending on the league or age group, there are several core items that every player should have:
- Lacrosse stick: Designed specifically for girls lacrosse with shallower pockets
- Protective eyewear: Goggles that meet ASTM standards for lacrosse
- Mouthguard: To protect teeth and reduce the risk of concussion
- Cleats: For proper traction on the field
- Athletic clothing: Comfortable shorts or skirts and moisture-wicking tops
Goalkeepers require additional protective gear, including a helmet with face mask, throat protector, chest protector, and padded gloves. Is specific goalkeeper training necessary for youth players? While not mandatory, specialized training can significantly improve a goalkeeper’s performance and confidence on the field.
Developing Fundamental Skills in Girls Youth Lacrosse
Success in girls youth lacrosse relies on mastering a set of fundamental skills. Coaches and players should focus on developing these core abilities through regular practice and drills:
- Cradling: Keeping the ball secure in the stick while moving
- Passing and catching: Accurately throwing and receiving the ball
- Ground balls: Quickly scooping up loose balls from the ground
- Shooting: Developing accurate and powerful shots on goal
- Defensive positioning and footwork
- Draw controls: Gaining possession at the start of each half or after goals
How can young players improve these skills outside of team practices? Encouraging individual practice at home, participating in skills clinics, and watching professional or college-level games can all contribute to skill development. Many coaches, like Annie Nicholson mentioned in the original text, offer small group clinics and one-on-one instruction to help players refine their techniques.
Rules and Regulations in Girls Youth Lacrosse
Girls youth lacrosse follows a specific set of rules designed to promote safe play and skill development. While the exact regulations may vary slightly between leagues and age groups, some key rules include:
- No body checking or stick checking to the body
- Limited stick-to-stick contact
- Specific boundaries for defensive players around the goal circle
- Restrictions on where certain players can move on the field
- Time limits for maintaining possession in specific areas of the field
Understanding and adhering to these rules is crucial for player safety and fair play. Coaches should emphasize the importance of playing within the rules and demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times.
The Benefits of Playing Youth Lacrosse for Girls
Participating in youth lacrosse offers numerous benefits for young girls, both on and off the field. Some of the key advantages include:
- Physical fitness and coordination development
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Mental toughness and resilience
- Time management and discipline
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Opportunities for social interaction and friendship
- Potential for college recruitment and scholarships
Beyond these immediate benefits, playing youth lacrosse can instill a lifelong love for physical activity and sports. Many players continue to enjoy lacrosse well into adulthood, either as competitive players or in recreational leagues.
Organizing and Participating in Youth Lacrosse Events
Youth lacrosse events, such as jamborees, tournaments, and play days, are essential components of the sport’s ecosystem. These events provide opportunities for players to test their skills against different opponents, foster a sense of community within the sport, and create memorable experiences for all involved.
The original text mentions the MBYLL Jamboree, which offers a glimpse into the organization of such events. Key aspects of planning and participating in youth lacrosse events include:
- Team registration and slotting
- Schedule creation and distribution
- Venue selection and field preparation
- Vendor coordination for equipment, apparel, and food
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Safety protocols and medical support
How can parents and coaches ensure a positive experience for young players at these events? Emphasizing participation over winning, encouraging good sportsmanship, and ensuring proper rest and hydration are all crucial factors in making youth lacrosse events enjoyable and beneficial for all participants.
Year-Round Development Opportunities in Girls Youth Lacrosse
While the main lacrosse season typically runs in the spring, many programs offer year-round opportunities for skill development and competition. The original text mentions both an August Season and Fall Ball program, which are examples of extended playing opportunities. These off-season programs can provide several benefits:
- Continuous skill development throughout the year
- Opportunities to try new positions or strategies
- Maintaining fitness and agility during the off-season
- Building stronger team bonds and chemistry
- Increased exposure for players seeking college recruitment
Are year-round programs necessary for success in youth lacrosse? While not mandatory, participating in off-season training and competition can give players a significant advantage in terms of skill development and overall performance. However, it’s important to balance lacrosse participation with other activities and adequate rest to prevent burnout and overuse injuries.
The Role of Coaches and Parents in Girls Youth Lacrosse
Coaches and parents play crucial roles in shaping the youth lacrosse experience for young players. Their involvement and approach can significantly impact a player’s development, enjoyment of the sport, and long-term participation. Key responsibilities for coaches and parents include:
Coaches:
- Teaching fundamental skills and strategies
- Ensuring player safety and adherence to rules
- Fostering a positive and inclusive team environment
- Balancing competitiveness with skill development and fun
- Communicating effectively with players and parents
Parents:
- Supporting their child’s interest and participation in the sport
- Encouraging practice and skill development at home
- Demonstrating good sportsmanship from the sidelines
- Helping with team logistics and volunteering when needed
- Maintaining open communication with coaches
How can coaches and parents work together to create the best possible experience for young players? Regular communication, aligned expectations, and a shared focus on player development and enjoyment are key to a successful partnership between coaches and parents in youth lacrosse.
By understanding and embracing their roles, coaches and parents can significantly enhance the youth lacrosse experience, helping young players develop not only as athletes but also as individuals.
Advancing in Girls Youth Lacrosse: From Beginner to Elite Player
As young players progress in their lacrosse journey, they may seek opportunities to advance their skills and compete at higher levels. The pathway from beginner to elite player in girls youth lacrosse often involves several steps:
- Recreational leagues: Focusing on fun and basic skill development
- Travel teams: Offering more competitive play and advanced training
- Elite clubs: Providing high-level coaching and exposure to college recruiters
- High school varsity teams: Representing their school in interscholastic competition
- Regional and national development programs: Such as those offered by USA Lacrosse
What factors should players and parents consider when deciding to move to more advanced levels of play? It’s important to assess the player’s skill level, commitment to the sport, time availability, and long-term goals. Additionally, the financial and time investments required for higher-level play should be carefully considered.
For those aspiring to play at the collegiate level, participating in showcase tournaments, attending recruiting camps, and maintaining strong academic performance are all crucial steps in the process. However, it’s essential to remember that only a small percentage of youth players will go on to play at the collegiate level, and the primary focus should always be on personal growth and enjoyment of the sport.
The Future of Girls Youth Lacrosse: Trends and Innovations
Girls youth lacrosse continues to evolve, with new trends and innovations shaping the sport’s future. Some key areas of development include:
- Increased emphasis on player safety, including improved protective gear and rule modifications
- Integration of technology for training and performance analysis
- Growing popularity and expansion into new geographic areas
- Development of alternative formats, such as small-sided games or indoor lacrosse
- Increased focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives
How can the lacrosse community ensure the continued growth and improvement of the sport for young female athletes? Ongoing collaboration between governing bodies, coaches, parents, and players is essential to address challenges and seize opportunities for advancement. This may include efforts to increase accessibility, enhance coaching education, and promote the sport to a wider audience.
As girls youth lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, it remains an excellent opportunity for young athletes to develop their physical skills, mental resilience, and teamwork abilities. By embracing new trends and innovations while staying true to the core values of the sport, the lacrosse community can ensure a bright future for the next generation of female players.
Jamboree | Mass Youth Lax
Drop Teams/Refund Policy: Refunds minus a $30 cancelation fee will given if written notice is submitted by Friday, April 28 at 11:59pm. Starting Sat, April 29 there will be no refunds. Any teams dropped at this point also cause challenges for the schedule making and may leave 3 teams without an opponent for one of their games.
Slotting: On May 5, we will publish a list of teams and which slotting each team is in (morning or afternoon) so teams will have 5-6 weeks notice.
Schedule: The game schedule with times, opponents and field numbers will be published the Monday prior to each weekend.
DEVENS Rules & Regulations on parking, pets, grills and more — CLICK HERE
ROGERS FIELD; DEVENS, MA
The Schedule will be posted 1 week prior to each Weekend
How To Read The Schedule
Each team has three games.
Each game has a number. Next to your team name you will find the three game numbers. To find out when and where each of those games are, please see the chart at the top of the schedule.
To find your opponent, you will have to find the other team with the same game number. Please note: it’s possible that your opponent is on a different slotting pattern or possibly even in a different session (there is a small crossover in the middle of the day). So if you cannot find your opponent in the same column, please look in some of the other columns.
2023 FAN ZONE VENDORS
Fine Design Tournament Apparel
Stop by the Fine Design Tents to get your official MBYLL Jamboree Apparel! Tshirts, sweatshirts and more in all styles and sizes!
Amped Up Apparel
Amped Up Apparel carry’s everything and then some! $5 Tshirts & sunglasses, $20 hats, Flow Society lax shorts on sale 3 for $65, Dragonly 8 shafts just $100 (reg $140) and so much more like our exclusive Grass Slides.
Welcome to Lacrosse Fanatic! We’re a family-owned business providing athletes with the highest quality lacrosse equipment available online. Whether you’re just beginning with this fantastic sport or playing professionally, we have the gear and apparel you need to play your best. Our team is comprised of former high school, travel team, college, and professional lacrosse players and coaches. So, you can rest assured that we know what we’re talking about and will provide detailed and customized services for our customers.
Explore our online lacrosse store, or visit us in person at our location in Sacramento, California. We hope to be your go-to shop for all your lacrosse equipment needs and look forward to helping you find what you’re looking for.
https://lacrossefanatic.com/
TROLLEY DOGS is serving up a loaded array of 100% beef hot dogs for Jamboree attendees, giving everyone a chance to comforted in as many flavors as there are moods! No matter what brand of hunger you bring to the table, there’s a dog with your name on it! The Tex-Mex, the Duke, New Yorker and California are just a few with toppings like relish, onion, pickles, sauerkraut, salsa, nacho cheese, chili and more! If hot dogs are not your thing, they also have chicken fingers, french fries, and other items for all hungers.
Save room for their famous Italian Ice!
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It will be held at Platt MS on M&W, 6:00-7:30 pm. Practices are on Mondays and intrasquad games are on Wednesdays. For players entering 2nd-8th grade for the 2023-2024 school year who have lacrosse experience. Registration is open.
orgFootball Mouthpiece Mouthguard Basketball Lacrosse reviews…
3
Very bad
Rating
1.
0
⚽ Sports Team, 🥋 Sports & Fitness
Media
(4)
Description Football Mouthpiece Mouthguard Basketball Lacrosse
Excellent materials – The mouthguard is made of comfortable EVA material, which has strong plasticity after heating. It uses a three-layer construction, it is durable and provides excellent impact protection, the gel lining and shock-absorbing exoskeleton frame provide comprehensive oral protection. Perfect Fit – The football mouth guard can be well shaped to fit your teeth, making it comfortable to wear. A youth mouthguard can provide complete protection for your jaw. This includes protecting the teeth and tongue. This can help keep the teeth in place. Advanced…
Show more
690Z”> Updated September 10, 2022
Good mouthguard: Mouthguard
Ron P. Patel 9004 0
Level 1
1346 Review
46 Karma
They are excellent helped my 11 year old grandson in the city football league. He liked that they held on to the helmet so he wouldn’t lose them.
Pros
Modernized design. The sports mouthguard has three ventilation holes, they speed up air circulation, provide more oxygen during training and allow you to breathe more evenly. In addition, each mouthguard comes with a convertible cord that allows you to use the mouthguard with or without a strap. In addition, each mouthguard comes with a carrying bag, which is convenient to carry in your pocket.
Cons
Expandable
LOSS OF TIME AND MONEY
Chris L.
Ledet
Switzerland, Bern
1 Level
672 Feedback
69 Karma
Don’t waste your time and money on this. They are designed for a 5 year old child. My son is 10 and I bought these to play football. The size is a joke. Don’t waste your time.
Pros
PERFECT FIT – football mouthguards fit your teeth well and are comfortable to wear. Youth mouth guard can fully protect your jaw. This includes protecting the teeth and tongue. This can help keep the teeth in place.
Cons
Everything is going well
Belts break easily
Jerry B. Bergstad
Zimbabwe, Harare
Level 1
631 Review
46 Karma
It breaks VERY easily. My 8 year old son completed 6 of them in 7 weeks.
I just ordered more because they fit him very well. I wish the laces held better.
Pros
Instructions for use – First place the youth mask in boiling water for 30 seconds. Second, rinse quickly in cold water. Put it in your mouth, close your mouth and squeeze the braces between your teeth and wait about 30 seconds for the braces to form. Finally, place it in cold water to harden the braces.
Cons
Guard
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Youth Hockey League – “Why did you come to hockey? They gave a lot of homework.” Met the Atlanta twins
In December, two Belarusian twin brothers, defender Kirill and striker Mark Yaruty, joined the squad of Atlant near Moscow. Immediately, the coaches identified the guys in leadership combinations, they trust both of them with a decent time on the ice. And Mark, in addition, did a great job of advertising himself at the end of December, throwing a lacrosse-style puck into Loko’s goal.
We decided to get acquainted with the 18-year-old brothers, learned about their goals and how they ended up in Mytishchi, and also discussed the most interesting moments from their careers.
Mark and Kirill started playing hockey in the provincial Belarusian city of Pinsk. And the guys came to sports rather late, because the ice maker appeared in their homeland only in 2008.
– It seems that we started playing hockey in the third grade, – says Kirill.
– As I remember now, we were given a lot of homework – just a lot. Naturally, we didn’t want to do it, and the parents began to think about how to keep us busy. At that time, just in Pinsk, they were recruiting guys for the hockey section. Dad asks: “Do you want?” Of course we do! Join the group and start training. I don’t remember now, but my mother says that we caught an incredible passion from the start. But for us it was just a hobby at first. There were a lot of guys in the group – from 1999 years of birth to our age. We just walked and trained, not really thinking about the future. We did it more for fun, but after a couple of years, dad said: “That’s it, hockey – and nothing else.” And we have never regretted it.
– When you came to hockey, did homework become less?
– Hah, on the contrary, only more. But to do lessons began much less.
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Publication from Kirill (@kirill_yaruta_82)
Raising hockey from scratch in a modest regional center was not easy.
– We enjoyed playing. We did not think that in a couple of years, perhaps, there would simply be nowhere to move. Mothers and fathers experienced much greater difficulties, because the Pinsk school did not have any sponsors – all the expenses were taken on by the parents. It was trite to worry about where to find a bus to send us to the game, how to feed us on the road, where to find a hotel. And a big thank you to all the parents who gave the kids a chance. Only after a while the city began to help the team, and later we were attached to the regional team from Brest – there they already began to issue some form.
Children’s coach Pavel Valentinovich Shitko made a serious contribution to the development of the boys.
– Under him, we seriously added to the development. I remember our first match very well – they hit Kobrin at 2:15. Largely due to the fact that the guys have been studying there for two years, and we just got a school. But gradually the result began to come.
When we were 15 years old, Shitko left Pinsk. He was invited to work in Soligorsk, a city where there had long been an extra-league team that took medals. He said that the conditions there were good and invited me to move. So we ended up in Shakhtar’s system. And already through Soligorsk they got into the system of junior teams of Belarus.
Youth (U17) and junior (U18) teams were based in the Raubichi sports complex, which is located in a forest near Minsk. Almost all talented Belarusian hockey players pass through this place.
– Raubichi has its own atmosphere, – says Mark. – The hotel, the forest around, the ice rink – everything is for training and in order to become better. Do we miss Raubichi? Probably only for boys, for communication. We spent two years there with the guys. Enough adventure. And we also miss the path to the hotel from the ice and the number of Ilya Spat (forward of the youth team of Belarus – approx. ) – we loved to hang out there in the evenings.
View this post on Instagram
Publication from Kirill (@kirill_yaruta_82)
(Yaruta brothers with friends from the national team in Raubichi)
Last April, the Yaruta brothers were supposed to have the biggest tournament of their short career, the World Junior Elite Championship. But the team never went to the USA – the tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus. Although the Yaruts were supposed to become one of the leaders of the Belarusian team.
– The news about the cancellation of the JWCH was told to us right during the break of the match of the championship of Belarus, – Mark recalls. – It was a serious blow – all the guys were very upset. For many, this was the highlight of their careers.
– One guy from our team said in an interview that we could compete for prizes, – Mark joins the conversation.
– I don’t know about medals, but we were quite capable of performing well. Our team is quite strong. It was also very disappointing because at the World Championships there was an opportunity to show oneself in front of the scouts, to get into the draft. Although, on the other hand, now we play in the MHL – in a very strong league. And, quite possibly, it is good that everything turned out that way.
(Mark, photo by Hockey.by)
Season 2020/2021 for the Yaruta brothers was supposed to be the first full-fledged in the adult team. Kirill and Mark signed contracts with Shakhtar, the vice-champion of the Belarusian Extraliga. However, it was not really possible to play in the Soligorsk team. The Yaruts were more likely to show up for matches as limit players and often went to the farm club, while the Pitmen’s coaches relied on more proven fighters.
– Let’s face it, we didn’t have enough match practice at Shakhtar, – says Kirill.
– Somewhere in October, thoughts began to come to my head, they say, it cannot continue like this and something needs to be changed. We didn’t want to allow stagnation in our careers when we especially need to play. We spoke to an agent and explained the situation. They expressed a desire to go to the MHL. The agent said that there were no problems – he began to look for a club. At first, the search was not very successful. Options seemed to be tucked up, but they were all kind of vague. Then the coronavirus intervened – they went into quarantine for almost a month. And somewhere at the end of the quarantine, an agent got in touch and offered to go to Atlant. In Mytishchi they were interested in us – we agreed without hesitation. Shakhtar went to meet us halfway, but the rights in the championship of Belarus for us are assigned to Salihorsk.
– Why didn’t you succeed at Shakhtar?
– Probably due to the fact that there are many experienced hockey players in the team.
They are already men – they need to play to feed their families.
“Maybe the coaches relied more on older players,” Mark adds. – We have not yet played at such a high level. Probably, the coaches simply decided that it was better to rely on experienced guys.
(Mark, photo: HC Shakhtar)
In Mytishchi, the Yaruts live in a club base, which is located right on the local arena.
– From the stands, access to our base, below – the locker rooms. We live and train. New Year’s Eve was spent here – the first time in our career. Before, they always met with their parents. In addition to us, only one more Belarusian Daniil Veremeychik and Aidar Valeev remained at the base. On New Year’s Eve we watched Putin, went to Red Square and VDNKh. We wanted to see the fireworks, but we were a little late – we had to watch from afar.
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Publication from Kirill (@kirill_yaruta_82)
Goalkeeper Daniil Veremeychik played together with the Yaruts for the junior national team of Belarus.
He ended up in Mytishchi a couple of months earlier than the brothers.
– We try to communicate with all the guys, but, of course, we communicate with Daniel more, – Mark explains. – We’ve known each other for a long time. And when they arrived here, he was already here. He showed us where everything was, how to pass the medical examination faster. Therefore, we try to keep the three of us together, we go together, we catch jokes together.
The guys consider their arrival in the MHL a big challenge.
– I think this is definitely not a step back and not marking time, – Kirill argues. – At Shakhtar, at least, we were not allowed to play, but here we have a lot of practice. All conditions are also created for training and development in Mytishchi. Definitely: the transition to Atlant is a step forward for us.
– At the same time, young and very promising guys play in the MHL, who can get into the KHL today or tomorrow, – Mark adds.
– The MHL is a strong league. And we didn’t take a step back. The MHL is called the league of the strong – and this slogan speaks for itself. It’s definitely good for us to play here. Even playing in Belarus, we really wanted to plunge into Russian hockey, to see how the boys play here. And they are very good.
– And how do Russians differ from Belarusians?
– There are differences in the style of the game – in skating, power struggle. Well, even in the accent differences. Local boys say that we put stress a little differently than they do – more on the last syllable.
The Yaruts arrived at Atlant immediately after quarantine and were a little afraid for their physical shape.
– The coach immediately reassured us and said that there was nothing to worry about, – says Kirill. – The main thing is that we work, develop and show ourselves from the best side.
“Nothing supernatural is required of us,” Mark explains.
– We need to show ourselves and help the team get into the playoffs. I think we can do it, because even with the giants we play well – we win Loko, Dynamo, SKA. We can butt heads with strong teams, but there is also a lack of stability in games with middle teams. We must not lose points in our matches – and then a good result will come. The main thing is not to miss your own.
“But it’s a pity that we haven’t felt the love of local fans yet,” Kirill changes the subject. – Atlant plays in front of empty stands. But they say that in times without coronavirus, many fans came to home matches, the fan sector supported the team. Of course, I would like to play in such an atmosphere.
– What is the main difference between the MHL and the extra league?
– There are more running here. Still, all the boys here are young, there are a lot of forces. And they play very aggressively – pushing, climbing on the gate. Although I can’t say that they played in the extraleague without a power struggle, but here it is much more.
In the championship of Belarus, after all, men play more through the pass.
Shortly before the New Year, Mark blew up Runet and Bynet. In the match against Loko, the Belarusian striker repeated Svechnikov’s trick, scoring a lacrosse goal at the railroad goal. At the end of December, the MHL recognized this puck as the best in the league.
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Publication from MHL (@mhl_rus)
– From the very first match for Atlant, I tried to pick up the puck and put it into the goal. But everything didn’t work out in any way – either the enemy will knock down, or the hands will shake. Probably too worried before the throw. Everything worked out well with Loko. I stood on a penny, waited for a reset, left the gate and saw that the defender was actively attacking me.
I made a snail, raised my head and saw a free barbell. I think: “Well, here it is! Need to try!”. He lifted it on a hook – and laid it down.
There were a lot of emotions. Even at some point I caught myself thinking: “So, guy, calm down! Now you’ll substitute a team from an overabundance. ” As a result, he calmed down pretty quickly.
Atlant coaches praised Mark for his improvisation and unusual decision.
– The coach said that I was a youngster. And the boys were very surprised – I did not even expect that the reaction would be so violent.
– Probably, we in Belarus are already accustomed to lacrosse, Kirill believes. – Ilya Spat often laid them at school. This season, two goals in this style were scored by another of our comrades – [Dynamo-Molodechno defender] Dmitry Kuzmin. So, lacrosse has become a common topic for Belarusians. But the guys from Atlanta are like: “Wow, wow, how did you do it?”
– With Ilya Spat, we often discussed lacrosse goals when we played together in the national teams, – continues Mark.
– We agreed with each other: this is a very cool goal! At the same time, if you throw, then your teammates experience an emotional upsurge. And those who missed, on the contrary, are beaten by such situations.
I was very impressed when this trick was performed by Mikael Granlund. And then in the youth championship of Belarus we played against Zhlobin – and Spat threw us the same one. That’s when I knew for sure that I had to try and learn this. I slowly worked it out in training – during the warm-up, when we roll in a circle near the goal, I just tried to pick up the puck on the hook and lay it down. But in games I was afraid to use this throw, because if it doesn’t work out, it’s almost guaranteed to lose, cut off and counterattack on your goal. Threw lacrosse only in friendly matches. But I tried it in the MHL – and it worked.
Kirill still doesn’t play as brightly as his brother. If Mark already has 7 (2+5) points, then Kirill has only 2 (1+1).
But such differences are explained quite simply.
– And he is a defender – he has slightly different tasks on the ice, – Mark believes. – The main thing for Kirill is not to miss. Perhaps he has not yet fully found his game. Probably, he throws a little – this is what he lacks for effectiveness. Indeed, in general, he looks very good – just the glasses are not working yet.
By the way, the fact about the role is very curious. Usually twin brothers play in the same position, but here the situation is different.
– In the beginning, Mark and I played together in attack, – Kirill recalls. – And then we suddenly had a shortage of defenders in Pinsk – my mother did not let someone go to training for bad behavior, someone was given a lot of homework at school. And somehow the coach said: “Kiryukha, maybe you can try in defense? Would you like it?” I tried – it seems to work. For several years I played either in defense or in attack, although the guys from the team kept saying that I was good in defense.
I finally became a defender in the youth team, although they called me there as a forward. Head coach Pavel Perepekhin found out that I played defense and decided to use me in this position. In the very first meeting for U17, I scored the puck – and I realized that this was a sign. Since then, I have been on defense.
– I think Kirill would have succeeded in attack as well, – adds Mark. – I remember that, if necessary, the coaches put my brother on the attack even in the national team – and he scored points there almost in every match. Kirill is a versatile hockey player. But he still gravitates towards defense more – he is stronger than me, a little heavy 🙂 Defender, in a word.
– You know, once on the website of the Belarusian Hockey Federation they wrote a note about us. And there they painted about the fact that Mark had an assistant hat-trick in one of the MHL matches. And then a line about me that he also plays something for himself there – well, they say, the family has its black sheep.
There are no glasses, but he is there. But seriously, then, of course, I don’t have any envy for Mark – I always rejoice at his success. Sometimes I just make fun in the locker room: “Well, you’re there, give me at least a point on me.”
Cyril and Mark are very similar. You can learn to distinguish between them only after a long joint communication – and that is not a fact.
– We have never been substituted in hockey, – Mark assures. “But there were funny things at school. Poems in literature were told for each other – one taught and took the rap for two.
– In life, we are constantly confused, – Kirill explains. – Even now I’m sitting in the locker room, I hear: “Mark, hey, Mark.” They tell me, and I sit and untie my shoelaces: “I am Kirill.” The boys apologize. But in the national team there were guys who calmly distinguished us – by voice, demeanor. Still, we are a little different. But at Shakhtar this season, the guys have not learned to distinguish between us.
Blitz
Who plays hockey better?
Cyril : The same. We are the same. Although our roles on the ice are different. I’m better in defense, Mark is better in attack. Therefore the same.
Who is stronger?
Mark : Cyril.
Kirill : Yes, I guess. How much do I press from my chest? Oh, I don’t even know – I’ll do as much as they say. I need ten times – I’ll do ten.
Who has the stronger throw?
Kirill : Mark’s. That’s for sure. I sometimes look at my throw and think flies are dying on it. Barely flies this puck.
Mark : But it seems to me that either the same, or Kirill’s is a little stronger. After all, he still throws more often from the blue line – and scores. For example, I’m unlikely to get hit by the blue one, but Kiryukha can. But I work more often on a penny – there you have to rely more on accuracy than on strength.
Who do girls love more?
Mark : Cyril.
Kirill : Yes, probably me (smiles).
Mark : Well, he is more sociable, ladies’ man.
Kirill : Yes, Mark is right. I just hang out with girls more than he does.
Who’s in charge?
Mark : Dad!
Kirill : If dad stays in Belarus, then Mark is in charge. He is more responsible. I’m more of a hooligan.
Who is the best hockey player in the world right now?
Kirill : Sanya Ovechkin. Hockey is known all over the world thanks to him. Ovechkin is known even to those who are not particularly interested in hockey. His records are something! Ovechkin is to hockey what Ronaldo is to football.
Mark : I agree with Kirill. Although, of course, there are enough cool and technical hockey players in the world, Ovechkin is a special player.
