How does lacrosse work. What are the basic rules of lacrosse. What equipment is required to play lacrosse. What are the main positions in lacrosse. How long is a lacrosse game. What are the dimensions of a lacrosse field.
The Rich History and Origins of Lacrosse
Lacrosse, North America’s oldest sport, boasts a fascinating history dating back to the 1400s. Originally played by Native American tribes, this indigenous stickball game often involved thousands of players and lasted for days, with goals miles apart. Known as “The Creator’s Game” or “Baggattaway” (meaning “little brother of war”), lacrosse served as a surrogate for warfare and held deep cultural significance.
French settlers in America gave the sport its current name, derived from the French word “crosse” meaning curved stick. In the 1800s, the French adopted and modified the game, shortening the field and limiting the number of players. This evolution laid the foundation for the modern sport we know today.
Essential Lacrosse Equipment: Gearing Up for the Game
Lacrosse requires specific equipment to ensure player safety and facilitate gameplay. While more extensive than soccer, lacrosse gear is generally less expensive and associated with fewer injuries compared to football.
- Lacrosse stick (crosse)
- Helmet with face mask
- Shoulder pads
- Arm pads
- Gloves
- Mouthguard
- Cleats
- Athletic cup (for male players)
What makes lacrosse equipment unique? The lacrosse stick, or crosse, is the most distinctive piece of equipment. It consists of a long shaft with a netted pocket at one end, used to catch, carry, and throw the ball. The length and design of the stick vary depending on the player’s position.
Lacrosse Field Positions: Defining Roles on the Field
Lacrosse positions are often likened to spirit animals, each embodying unique characteristics and roles within the game. Understanding these positions is crucial to grasping the dynamics of lacrosse.
Defensemen (Long Poles)
Defensemen, often referred to as “long poles” due to their extended sticks (up to 72 inches), are the enforcers of the lacrosse field. These players excel in physical play, agility, and communication. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Disrupting the opponent’s attack
- Dictating the movements of opposing attackmen
- Utilizing checks to dislodge or intercept the ball
- Clearing the ball from the defensive zone
- Occasionally participating in offensive plays
Attackmen
Attackmen are the swift and agile offensive specialists of the lacrosse team. These players spend most of their time in the opponent’s end of the field, focusing on scoring goals and creating opportunities for their teammates. Key attributes of successful attackmen include:
- Exceptional stick skills
- High field awareness
- Ability to see and exploit defensive weaknesses
- Proficiency in both scoring and assisting goals
Midfielders
Midfielders, often called “middies,” are the versatile workhorses of the lacrosse team. These players cover the entire field, transitioning between offense and defense. Midfielders require:
- Exceptional endurance and conditioning
- Well-rounded skills in both attack and defense
- Ability to create turnovers in transition
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
The Basics of Lacrosse: Understanding the Game
Lacrosse combines elements of hockey, soccer, and football, creating a unique and exciting sport. The objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team by getting the lacrosse ball into their net. Players advance the ball using lacrosse sticks, as throwing with hands is not allowed.
How long does a lacrosse game last? A typical lacrosse game is divided into four quarters, with durations ranging from 8 to 15 minutes depending on the age level and league.
Lacrosse Field Dimensions and Layout
The dimensions of a lacrosse field vary depending on the level of play and gender. For college-level men’s lacrosse, the standard field measurements are:
- Length: 110 yards
- Width: 60 yards
- Goal dimensions: 6 feet high by 6 feet wide
- Goal positioning: 15 feet from the endline, allowing for 360-degree play around the goal
What are the key areas of a lacrosse field? A typical lacrosse field includes:
- Midfield line
- Attack area (also known as the “box”)
- Defensive area
- Wing areas
- Crease (a circular area around the goal)
- Sidelines and endlines
Essential Lacrosse Rules and Regulations
Lacrosse rules are governed by various organizations depending on the level of play. For high school boys’ lacrosse in the United States, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sets the standards. US Lacrosse has developed separate rulebooks for youth players, including age-appropriate guidelines for U18 and younger categories.
What are some fundamental rules of lacrosse?
- Players must use their sticks to pass, catch, and shoot the ball
- Body contact is allowed but regulated to ensure player safety
- Offsides rules require a certain number of players to remain on each side of the midfield line
- Time restrictions apply for advancing the ball into the attack area
- Penalties result in players serving time in the penalty box, creating man-up/man-down situations
Lacrosse Techniques and Strategies
Success in lacrosse requires mastering various techniques and implementing effective strategies. Players must develop skills in stick handling, shooting, passing, and defensive maneuvers.
Offensive Strategies
Effective offensive play in lacrosse involves:
- Creating and exploiting space
- Utilizing picks and screens to free up shooters
- Executing fast breaks and settled offensive sets
- Employing dodging techniques to beat defenders
Defensive Strategies
Strong defensive play focuses on:
- Proper positioning and footwork
- Communication and coordination among defenders
- Executing slides and defensive rotations
- Utilizing stick checks to disrupt offensive players
The Growing Popularity of Lacrosse
Lacrosse has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased exposure through television and online streaming
- Expansion of youth and school programs
- The sport’s fast-paced and exciting nature
- Growing recognition of lacrosse’s historical and cultural significance
How has the growth of lacrosse impacted its development? The sport’s increased popularity has led to:
- Formation of professional leagues
- Improved equipment and technology
- Greater opportunities for college scholarships
- Expansion of international competitions
Lacrosse Training and Skill Development
Becoming proficient in lacrosse requires dedication and consistent practice. Players should focus on developing various skills and attributes to excel in the sport.
Essential Skills for Lacrosse Players
- Stick handling: cradling, scooping, and ball control
- Passing and catching: accuracy and consistency
- Shooting: power, accuracy, and variety of shots
- Dodging: creating space and beating defenders
- Defensive footwork and body positioning
- Conditioning and endurance
Training Drills and Exercises
Effective lacrosse training incorporates a variety of drills and exercises, including:
- Wall ball: improving stick skills and hand-eye coordination
- Shooting drills: enhancing accuracy and power
- Defensive footwork drills: improving agility and positioning
- Small-sided games: developing game awareness and decision-making
- Conditioning exercises: building endurance and speed
The Mental Game of Lacrosse
Success in lacrosse extends beyond physical skills and athleticism. The mental aspect of the game plays a crucial role in player performance and team success.
Key Mental Skills for Lacrosse Players
- Focus and concentration
- Confidence and self-belief
- Emotional control and resilience
- Decision-making under pressure
- Teamwork and communication
Developing Mental Toughness
How can lacrosse players improve their mental game? Strategies for developing mental toughness include:
- Visualization and mental rehearsal
- Goal-setting and self-reflection
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Positive self-talk and affirmations
- Learning from failures and setbacks
Lacrosse Safety and Injury Prevention
While lacrosse is generally considered safer than some contact sports, player safety remains a top priority. Understanding and implementing proper safety measures is essential for all participants.
Common Lacrosse Injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Fractures
- Overuse injuries
Injury Prevention Strategies
How can players reduce their risk of injury in lacrosse? Key prevention strategies include:
- Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- Correct use of protective equipment
- Adherence to rules and regulations
- Developing proper technique and form
- Maintaining overall fitness and flexibility
The Future of Lacrosse: Innovations and Developments
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the sport is experiencing various innovations and developments that are shaping its future.
Technological Advancements
- Improved stick and head designs
- Advanced protective gear materials
- Video analysis and performance tracking tools
- Virtual reality training systems
Emerging Trends in Lacrosse
What trends are shaping the future of lacrosse? Some notable developments include:
- Expansion of professional leagues and international competitions
- Increased focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Integration of data analytics in coaching and player development
- Growing popularity of box lacrosse and other variations of the sport
- Emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly equipment production
As lacrosse continues to evolve, it remains true to its rich heritage while embracing innovation and growth. The sport’s unique blend of history, athleticism, and strategy ensures its enduring appeal to players and fans alike.
Lax 101 | North County Lacrosse
As the oldest sport in North American, the origins of lacrosse date back to the 1400s and was one of many varieties of indigenous stickball games being played by American Indians at the time of European contact. As Native Americans played a game that often involved up to thousands of players and lasted two or three days with goals miles apart. This pure form of lacrosse was referred to them as “The Creators Game” or “Baggattaway” (or “little brother of war”) Native terminology, especially in the southeast, underscores the game’s aspects of war surrogacy. Lacrosse was given its name by early French settlers in America, using the generic term for any game played with a curved stick (crosse) and a ball. The French then adopted the game in the 1800s, changed its name from baggattaway to lacrosse, and made modifications, such as shortening the field and limiting the number of players.
THE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Armor Up.
The equipment requirements for Lacrosse are more then soccer but far less expensive then football. Furthermore the related injuries are far less then both Football and Soccer.
The Field Positions – PLAY IT YOUR WAY
Define Your Spirit Animal
Just as with native american tribes, the field positions in lacrosse embody the essence of those creatures the players identify with.
Defenseman
(Long Poles) are the enforcers. They are the players who are capable of dictating to the opponents attack where they can go, and where they will be punished for going. They need to be very physical, but still extremely agile. They utilize much longer sticks up to nearly 72″ long which allow them to disrupt the opponents attack. Great defensemen need to have exceptional footwork and communications. Position on the field is the key to being a great defender, cutting off the opponents angles to the goal is critical. The longpole will generally abuse the enemy with a barrage of checks from the longer pole and work themselves between the attacker and the goal, all the while working to dislodge or intercept the ball.
The defenders job is often also to “Clear” the ball down the field after a turnover out of the defensive zone. One of the most exciting plays is when a longpole runs the field with a middy back to allow the longpole on offense and shoot or pass to a fellow attacking player.
Attackmen
Fast and Quick swift like a bird of prey, Attackmen typically spend their entire lives in the opponents end of the field. They cannot cross the midfield line during play unless they are replaced by a middie, to balance the field there are always at least 3 players in the offensive end. Attackmen need to be extremely agile with excellent stick skills. They keep a higher field awareness to see plays develop and swoop in to attack or feed by seeing the holes in the defense. The real test of a great attackmen is not just how adept they are at scoring goals, but how well do they pass (feed) the open man to set up the goal. Great attackmen typically have large numbers of assists as well as goals, making them a triple threat player.
Midfielder
Long Range Pack Hunters like a wold, Endurance and teamwork, they roam the entire field. They should typically be your best all around athletes and they need to be in very good condition because they cover an enormous area. Middy’s need to be jacks of all trades as good defenders as well as strong on the attack, but their real value is in their ability to transition the ball from the defensive to the offensive ends of the field, cause turnovers in transition and create chaos. Middy’s are the real work horses of the lacrosse team.
The Basics
Lacrosse “Lax” Basic
Lacrosse basics. For those not familiar with lacrosse, the game can best be described as a cross between hockey, soccer and football. The object of the game is to get the lacrosse ball in the opposing team’s net. The ball cannot be thrown using hands. The most effective way for advancing and shooting a lacrosse ball is catching it and then moving or throwing it with a lacrosse stick.
A lacrosse game is divided into four quarters, ranging from eight to 15 minutes depending on age level. The modern lacrosse field at the college level is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. A lacrosse goal is 6 feet high and 6 feet wide and is positioned 15 feet from the endline allowing 360 play around the goal.
Field Dimensions differ between Men’s and Female and Youth lacrosse but a typical field diagram is shown for reference to boys high school lacrosse.
Lacrosse Rules
Lacrosse Rules. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) authors rules for high school boys’ lacrosse. For 2017, US Lacrosse has produced a stand-alone youth rule book for Boys and Girls U18 as well as age appropriate for ages 14U and below. NSYL (North Sound Youth Lacrosse) league does make some acceptations to these rules that can be found at http://nsyouthlax.com/Page.asp?n=141240&org=NSYOUTHLAX.COM
Basic Rules Interpretation Videos are shown below for the past season and it is highly encouraged for each player, parent, and coach to watch and understand the fun, fair, sage way to play lacrosse.
Youth Rules SHeet
Boy’s Rules Book
THE LINGO:
Assist – The pass to the shooter before the goal is made
Box – The penalty box, can also mean coaches’ box. Box lacrosse also refers to the indoor game. Also the designated substitution area
Cage – The goal
Check – Any contact. There are several types of checks. The body check is using the body to defend against an opposing player (must be within 15′ of loose ball and above the waist from the front or side). A stick check is hitting your stick against another players stick to dislodge the ball from an opposing players pocket. Poke check is when defenders pokes his stick at the hands of another player to dislodge the ball front pocket.
Cradling – Twisting the shaft to keep the ball in the pocket
Crease – The area surrounding the goal, the 9′ (men’s) or 8.5′ (women’s) semi circle.
Offensive players can’t enter the crease.
Cutting – Moving rapidly in different directions on the field
Ground Balls – Loose balls that are prime for being scooped up
Pocket – Head of the stick
Clear – When a goalie or defenseman attempt to move the ball from their side of the field to their opponents
The X or X – The spot on the field right behind the goal/crease
Goal Line Extended or GLE – Invisible line that stretches across the field in line with both goal posts
Details
For Parents and Players
The best way to learn is to explore. Join one of our Pre-Season clinics and then join us for our regular season. Tryouts for Varsity are the first two weeks of the season. No tryouts required for Youth, JV, and Off Season play.
Our Recreational lacrosse program provide a relatively inexpensive way for your children to participate in the sport, both at beginning and intermediate levels.
Season is generally concentrated in the spring with some summer/fall clinic oppertunities.
Our Club Lacrosse programs provides opportunities for advanced level play with a focus on tournaments and player development. Many players play for the club teams in addition to their school team. Our club teams compete through out the year and concenetrate on play in the summer and fall.
Dedicated Spring play. Currently NC Lax is actively engaging with AD’s and school administrators to bring lacrosse into your school program. Until then the only opportunity to play is on one of our club teams. Join us in this amazing opportunity and help us grow this sport in your schools.
Athletics
For Athletes – Of All Sports
The most often and highly recruited players at both NCAA Collegiate and Professional level are well rounded multi-sport athletes. Lacrosse as a dynamic sport forces higher level of athletic development at all levels and is praised in all other sports because of the elements that are directly applicable.
“If you ask me what my favorite sport is, it depends on what day it is, but lacrosse will be my favorite or second favorite sport depending on the time of year.”
Bill belichick , NFL NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- 2008
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Our program is built by the support and back bone of our players and families. Register and sign up to get up to date information and be part of the team and community
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Saskatoon Field Lacrosse : Website by RAMP InterActive
With a history that spans centuries, lacrosse is the oldest continuously played sport in North America. The sport is rooted in Native American religion and was often played to resolve disputes, heal the sick, and develop strong, virile men./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
To some Native Americans, lacrosse is still referred to as “The Creator’s Game.”
Games were played by as few as 100 and as many as 1000 men and lasted two or three days, with play beginning at sun up and ending at sundown each day. Goals, consisting of rocks or trees, were generally 500 yards to a half-mile apart, but could also be several miles apart. There were no sidelines, and players raced far and wide over the countryside. Balls were made of wood, deerskin, baked clay, or stone.
The evolution of the Native American game into modern lacrosse began in 1636 when Jean de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary, drew attention to a Huron contest in what is now southeast Ontario, Canada. The missionaries wrote home about a game played by the Huron Indians with sticks reminiscent of the crosier (la Crosse) carried by the bishops as a symbol of their office.
French pioneers began playing the game avidly in the early 1800’s. Canadian dentist W. George Beers of Montreal standardized the game in 1867 with the adoption of set field dimensions, limits to the number of players per team, and other basic rules.
When the Dominion of Canada was created a decade later, lacrosse was designated – and still remains – the national summer sport. Canadians introduced the sport to the United States, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Today, lacrosse is played in over 45 countries around the world and is moving toward becoming an Olympic sport.
Lacrosse remains a unique combination of speed, skill, agility, grace, endurance, finesse, and historical significance. Lacrosse may just be, according to basketball inventor James Naismith, “the best of all possible field games.” For those who have not seen the game of lacrosse, it is a combination of football, hockey, and basketball. It has been called the fastest game on two feet and is a grueling test of stamina.
Welcome to the sport of lacrosse.
- Helmet – Lacrosse/Hockey types are acceptable
- Mouth Protector/Guard (the mouthpiece must be a highly visible color and is mandatory)
- Lacrosse/Hockey Shoulder Pads
- Lacrosse/Hockey Gloves
- Lacrosse/Hockey Elbow/arm pads
- Rib pads (Box players may want to use these, but are not mandatory or required in field lacrosse)
- Athletic Supporter & Cup
- Rubber Cleats (football/soccer cleats are acceptable)
- Water Bottle
- Lacrosse Stick (crosse) – A large variety of sticks, for beginner to advanced players, are available from Al Anderson’s Source for Sports.
We do have for purchase {while quantity Last} some learning sticks for 4U and 8U. Talk to your coach or contact [email protected] to get yours today.
We do have for purchase {while quantity Last} some learning sticks for 4U and 8U. Talk to your coach or contact
Lacrosse Goalkeeper Works On The Field. Stock Photos
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