Lacrosse long poles. Mastering the Long Pole: Essential Guide to Lacrosse Defense Shafts

When is the right time to transition to a long pole in lacrosse. How can players effectively use a defensive shaft. What are the key techniques for successful long pole play. What role does an LSM play on the field. How can defenders improve their stickwork with a long pole.

The Importance of Defensive Stickwork in Lacrosse

While offensive players often steal the spotlight with flashy moves, defensive stickwork is equally crucial in lacrosse. Liam Byrnes, the 2019 PLL Defensive Player of the Year and U.S. national team member, emphasizes the significance of stick skills for defenders:

“Your coach has to have confidence in you if it ends up in your stick. Even if we play defense, you’re still expected to run by a guy, get ground balls and catch and throw on the run.”

This advice holds particular weight for long-stick midfielders (LSMs), who frequently face top dodging threats and initiate transitions. However, the journey to mastering a long pole requires patience and strategy.

When to Make the Transition to a Long Pole

Is there an ideal time to switch from a short stick to a long pole? Byrnes advises against rushing this transition:

• Start with a short stick to build foundational skills
• Develop comfort in handling the ball, covering opponents, and transitioning to offense
• Focus on footwork and positional defense before adding the complexity of a longer shaft

By establishing these fundamentals, players avoid relying solely on the long pole’s reach and develop a well-rounded defensive skill set.

Signs You’re Ready for a Long Pole

How can you tell if you’re prepared to make the switch? Consider these indicators:

• Confidence in covering opponents one-on-one
• Ability to consistently secure ground balls
• Comfort in running the ball upfield to initiate offense
• Solid understanding of defensive positioning and footwork

Choosing the Right Long Pole: Size and Selection

Selecting an appropriately sized long pole is crucial for optimal performance. What’s the general rule for pole length?

The combined length of the head and shaft should not exceed the player’s height. This guideline ensures maneuverability and control.

However, as young players grow, frequent pole replacements can become costly. Byrnes offers a practical solution:

“A good way to go about it is to ask someone who is older than you on your club or elementary or middle school team if they have something to pass down to you.”

This approach not only saves money but also fosters a sense of community within the team.

Mastering Long Pole Grip and Technique

Proper grip is fundamental to effective long pole use. How should players position their hands on the shaft?

Byrnes recommends maintaining space between the hands, rather than keeping them close together. This grip offers several advantages:

• Improved leverage for driving opponents away from the goal
• Better balance and control when defending
• Equal force distribution between top and bottom hands

By avoiding the common mistake of clutching the shaft with hands together, defenders maintain better positioning and reduce the risk of being beaten by attackers.

Common Grip Mistakes to Avoid

• Keeping hands too close together, reducing control
• Gripping the shaft too tightly, limiting flexibility
• Failing to adjust grip based on the situation (e.g., defending vs. scooping ground balls)

Understanding the Long-Stick Midfielder (LSM) Role

Long-stick midfielders play a unique and vital role in lacrosse. What are the key responsibilities of an LSM?

• Defending against top offensive threats
• Initiating transitions from defense to offense
• Contributing to ground ball battles
• Providing defensive support in settled situations

Byrnes emphasizes that the LSM position requires a nuanced approach, balancing aggressive play with team-oriented defense.

On-Ball Defense as an LSM

When defending on-ball, LSMs must resist the urge to constantly seek takeaways. Byrnes advises:

“You are not out there to take the ball away every single time. More often than not, if you don’t get the takeaway check, you are in a bad position.”

Instead, focus on:

• Maintaining proper positioning
• Forcing opponents into less favorable shooting angles
• Working within the team’s defensive strategy

Off-Ball Responsibilities for LSMs

Effective off-ball play is crucial for LSMs. What should players focus on when not directly defending the ball carrier?

• Anticipating offensive plays before they develop
• Understanding and executing slide packages
• Identifying potential threats and communicating with teammates

Byrnes notes: “The best defenders can recognize a play before it happens and make plays when the guy doesn’t have the ball. That comes from being comfortable back there and recognizing who is the hot guy, who should be the two slide and whether that is you or not.”

Developing Stickwork: Essential Drills for Long Pole Players

Consistent practice is key to mastering long pole stickwork. What drills can players use to improve their skills?

Byrnes recommends a comprehensive wall ball routine:

1. 25 right-handed throws and catches
2. 25 left-handed throws and catches
3. 25 catch right, throw left
4. 25 catch left, throw right
5. Finish with sidearm and underhand throws

This routine develops ambidextrous skills and prepares players for various in-game scenarios, such as scooping ground balls and making quick passes in transition.

Advanced Stickwork Drills for Long Poles

To further refine long pole skills, consider incorporating these advanced drills:

• One-handed cradling while running
• Quick-stick passes with a partner
• Ground ball scoops followed by immediate passes
• Defensive footwork drills with stick checks

Regular practice of these drills enhances overall stick control, defensive positioning, and transition play.

Transitioning from Defense to Offense with a Long Pole

Long pole players, especially LSMs, often find themselves initiating offensive transitions. How can defenders effectively contribute to the offense?

• Develop field awareness to identify open teammates
• Practice quick, accurate passes to initiate fast breaks
• Improve conditioning to maintain speed in transition
• Learn to recognize when to push the ball vs. when to slow the pace

Byrnes emphasizes the importance of confidence in these situations: “Your coach has to have confidence in you if it ends up in your stick.”

Decision-Making in Transition

What factors should long pole players consider when transitioning to offense?

• Team’s offensive strategy and personnel
• Positioning of teammates and opponents
• Time remaining in the game or shot clock
• Personal stick skills and ability to contribute offensively

By weighing these factors, defenders can make smart decisions that benefit the team’s overall strategy.

Mental Aspects of Long Pole Play

Success with a long pole isn’t just about physical skills. What mental attributes contribute to effective defensive play?

• Patience: Resisting the urge to always go for the big play
• Awareness: Constantly scanning the field and anticipating plays
• Communication: Coordinating with teammates for cohesive defense
• Adaptability: Adjusting to different offensive strategies and player types

Developing these mental skills alongside physical techniques creates well-rounded, impactful defenders.

Building Defensive IQ

How can players enhance their lacrosse IQ from a defensive perspective?

• Study film of high-level defenders and teams
• Learn offensive sets to better anticipate plays
• Practice reading offensive players’ body language and tendencies
• Seek feedback from coaches and experienced teammates

By continually expanding their understanding of the game, long pole players can elevate their performance and contribute more effectively to their team’s success.

Equipment Considerations for Long Pole Players

Selecting the right equipment is crucial for long pole success. What factors should players consider when choosing their gear?

Shaft Selection

• Material: Carbon fiber, titanium, or aluminum based on preference and budget
• Weight: Lighter shafts offer more control, while heavier ones provide power
• Durability: Consider the level of play and potential for physical contact

Head Choice

• Stiffness: Stiffer heads offer more checking power but less flex for ground balls
• Shape: Wider heads provide larger catching surfaces, while narrower ones offer precision
• Stringing: Pocket depth and placement affect ball control and release

Players should experiment with different combinations to find the setup that best complements their playing style and position.

Adapting Long Pole Skills for Different Levels of Play

As players progress through different levels of lacrosse, how should their approach to long pole play evolve?

Youth to High School Transition

• Focus on fundamentals: proper grip, footwork, and positioning
• Develop a strong understanding of team defense concepts
• Build consistency in ground ball play and clearing passes

High School to College Adjustment

• Increase speed of play and decision-making
• Refine off-ball defensive skills and communication
• Adapt to more complex offensive schemes and stronger opponents

College to Professional Considerations

• Master specialized techniques for matchup-specific defending
• Develop elite-level conditioning for increased playing time
• Contribute more significantly to offensive transitions and clearing plays

By continually adapting and refining their skills, long pole players can maintain effectiveness and impact throughout their lacrosse careers.

The Future of Long Pole Play in Lacrosse

As lacrosse continues to evolve, how might the role of long pole players change? Several trends and possibilities emerge:

• Increased offensive involvement: More LSMs contributing to settled offensive sets
• Specialized training: Development of position-specific training programs and analytics
• Rule adaptations: Potential changes to stick length regulations or defensive rules
• Technological advancements: New materials and designs for long poles and heads

Players and coaches should stay informed about these developments to remain at the forefront of long pole play.

Emerging Strategies for Long Pole Success

What innovative approaches are shaping the future of long pole play?

• Hybrid defensive schemes incorporating both long and short stick defenders
• Enhanced use of data analytics to optimize defensive positioning and matchups
• Integration of cross-sport training techniques to improve athleticism and versatility
• Emphasis on mental preparation and sports psychology for defensive players

By embracing these emerging trends, long pole players can continue to elevate their game and impact on the field.

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge of Long Pole Play

Mastering the long pole in lacrosse requires dedication, patience, and a multifaceted approach to skill development. From proper technique and equipment selection to understanding complex defensive strategies, long pole players face unique challenges and opportunities.

By following the advice of experienced players like Liam Byrnes and consistently working on both physical and mental aspects of the game, aspiring defenders can maximize their impact on the field. Whether you’re just starting with a long pole or looking to refine your skills at a higher level, remember that success comes from a combination of fundamentals, adaptability, and a team-first mentality.

As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, long pole players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future. By staying committed to improvement and embracing the defensive craft, these players can not only shut down opponents but also inspire the next generation of lacrosse defenders.

Game Ready: When (and How) to Pick Up a Long Pole

Game Ready: When (and How) to Pick Up a Long Pole | USA Lacrosse Magazine

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Game Ready: When (and How) to Pick Up a Long Pole

Fri Feb 24 2023 | Beth Ann Mayer | USA Insider
National Teams   World Lax 2023

PHOTO BY NICK IERADI

Liam Byrnes will represent the U.S. at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego.

An offensive player’s stickwork is on full display. Some of the biggest stars in lacrosse — from the Gaits and Thompsons to Kayla Treanor and Charlotte North — have made names for themselves with flashy moves that need to be seen multiple times to be believed.

Defenders often don’t get that kind of glory. But stickwork is an essential piece to the game.

“Something I say to all my defenders, whether it is a high school or middle school team, is that your coach has to have confidence in you if it ends up in your stick,” said Liam Byrnes, the 2019 PLL Defensive Player of the Year who will suit up for the U. S. men’s national team at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego this July. “Even if we play defense, you’re still expected to run by a guy, get ground balls and catch and throw on the run.”

This advice is especially true of a long-stick midfielder, who often draws an opposing team’s top dodging threat from up top and sparks the transition game. It’s a position defenders may eye and one Byrnes transitioned to in sixth grade.

But, Byrnes cautions, it’s a process.

START SMALL

It’s tempting for players to want to rush into picking up a long pole — don’t.

“What I recommend for super-young kids who are just starting out and are smaller is to play with a short stick until you are comfortable handling the ball with the short stick and then you can graduate and move onto using the long pole,” Byrnes said.

Comfortable means feeling confident that you can cover someone, get the ball and run it up to attack yourself.

Starting with a short stick also allows players to build a foundation of footwork, positional defense and getting their hands on an opposing attacker. Byrnes, who still wields a short stick on occasion for the U.S. and the NLL’s Panther City Lacrosse Club (no poles in box), says this groundwork allows players to avoid bad habits and rely on the long stick to do the work.

SIZE RIGHT

The general rule of thumb is that the stick (head plus shaft) should not be taller than you. Byrnes says this can get tricky — and pricey — as kids grow.

“The issue that always comes up is how expensive it is to get new shafts and cut down a shaft,” he said. “A good way to go about it is to ask someone who is older than you on your club or elementary or middle school team if they have something to pass down to you.”

GET A GRIP

When new players start, they often put their hands together on a shaft to push someone out. It’s a way to get tripped up — literally — allowing the attackman to go toward the goal as the defender regains balance and attempts to catch up.

Instead, Byrnes recommends putting space between your hands.

“It gives you the most leverage to drive the guy away from the goal or turn him back behind the net,” Byrnes said. “Now, you have an equal amount of force between your top and bottom hand while maintaining balance.”

KNOW YOUR ROLE

An LSM’s role varies on and off the ball. On the ball, even if you have the top matchup, don’t be a hero. “You are not out there to take the ball away every single time,” Byrnes said.

New long poles can struggle here, particularly if they got away with powering past offenses if they were bigger, stronger and faster at the middle school level. In high school and college, roster spots become more competitive, and the playing field levels.

“More often than not, if you don’t get the takeaway check, you are in a bad position,” Byrnes said. “The defense has to slide and rotate, and it puts a lot of stress on a defense.”

Think of lacrosse like basketball: Keep the ball carrier in front of you and force bad shots.

“You want to be playing team defense and focus on how to positionally get in front of and cover someone on the other team who is just as big, strong and fast as you are,” Byrnes said.

Off the ball, keep an eye out for slide packages and stay two steps ahead of the offense.

“Most defenders are so focused on being able to cover their guy,” Byrnes said. “The best defenders can recognize a play before it happens and make plays when the guy doesn’t have the ball. That comes from being comfortable back there and recognizing who is the hot guy, who should be the two slide and whether that is you or not.”

WALL BALL ROUTINE

• 25 right-handed

• 25 left-handed

• 25 catch right, throw left

• 25 catch left, throw right

Finish with some sidearm and under-handed throws. “When you pick up a ground ball, your stick is already down low,” Byrnes said. “It may be easier to make a sidearm or underhanded pass.”

INTENSITY MATTERS TOO. THROW HARD.

“If you’re just lobbing it off the wall, you’re not really getting anything out of it,” Byrnes said. “Take a good, hard step into the pass and really fire it off the wall. ”

Working with a teammate is another option. Go to a field and place five balls two to three yards apart on the ground.

“The guy that I am working with stands over the ground ball with his stick,” Byrnes said. “I come through and try to get the ground ball. As I try to scoop it, he applies pressure — a light check on the stick or to the gloves. I scoop it and do a 180 and come back the other way.”

Repeat five times and switch.

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Why Do Some Lacrosse Players Use Long Sticks?

As you begin your journey in lacrosse whether as a beginner or as a fan, you realize this is a sport with many unique characteristics. Not only is it fast-paced but also keeps fans on the edge of their seats when turnover happens. 

One fascinating aspect of the sport that leads to interesting dynamics between offense and defense is that different players utilize different sized lacrosse sticks. Unlike most sports where defensive and offensive players use the same gear, in lacrosse you use a specific stick based on your position. This is one of the basic attributes beginner players must understand.

So to answer the question, why do some lacrosse players use long sticks?

Defenders and LSM (long stick midfielders) use long sticks in lacrosse because they act as equalizers on the field to allow defenders to cover larger areas and deliver effective checks from afar. This design feature aims to reduce the offensive advantage that comes innately with ball possession.

In a gist, it’s a balancing act. That said, there are many additional benefits you should be aware of in order to maximize the power of your long stick, so in this post, we will go in-depth to help you become a commanding long stick defender.

How many players are allowed to use long sticks?

Every team can have 10 players at a time on the field, 3 attack, 3 middies, 3 defenders and 1 goalie. In total, there can be 4 long poles on the field for each team. So the common setup is to have 3 long pole defenders and 1 long-stick midfielder. 

This means if you are a defender you will be using a long pole. If you are an LSM, you will also be using a long pole. In the next two sections, let’s learn the benefits of using long poles as a defender and an LSM.

Read also: Best Defense Shafts

As a defender, why do you use a long stick?

As a defender, you will be no stranger to a long stick, so it’s important to fully understand how you should take advantage of it over a short stick.

Larger Defensive Coverage

As mentioned earlier, the most obvious and primary reason for defensive players to use long poles is to increase the likelihood of a successful interception. Because in lacrosse, whoever wins the possession wins the game, which puts the defensive team at a great disadvantage. 

Moreover, offensive players are free to use different dodging techniques or pure speed to zip past their opponents. Elite players would also utilize one hand cradling to separate the opponent using their body. If defenders don’t have a longer stick to be able to reach over and create disruption in the cradling, it’s virtually impossible for defenders to place enough pressure on the attackers. 

Thus, allowing long poles equalizes the balance. From there, defensemen are now able to put enough pressure on offensive players that could lead to mistakes for interceptions.

Forceful Checks

The most effective defensive technique defensive players utilize is throwing checks. Hitting right and center at the opponent’s stick, a good check is able to knock the ball loose. 

Compared to a short stick, a long pole generates more power when keeping all factors the same. In physics, this can be simply explained by the idea of torque. The longer the length of the stick, the greater the torque. This torque directly translates to the amount of power your opponent will feel when you throw the check. 

Thus, a long pole has greatly improved the efficiency and success rate of checks. In addition, this creates a psychological effect on your opponent. Instead of charging straight at you, an offensive player will think twice before making a move due to the fear of painful checks. By exploiting this fear, many elite defensemen constantly throw forceful checks to scare away attackers and eventually generate turnover opportunities. 

Watch this clip below that demonstrates how effective checking is properly utilized:

Bigger Margin Of Error

One of the most difficult things about being a defender is that mistakes have high stakes. The margin of error is dancing on thin ice. Hence, this is another great reason to have longer sticks, the ability to recover.

Once a defender is beaten in a 1-v-1 situation, the “hot man” must quickly slide in to block the open pathway to the goal from the attacker. Having a long stick allows the hot man to get there a split second earlier. This split-second advantage is enough in lacrosse to make a difference between a goal and an interception. 

Moreover, the defensive player who lost his position can quickly turn around and lay a possible trail check with a long stick. This will simply be impossible to do with a short stick. Thus, the extra length again levels the playing field as slipping past a defenseman doesn’t entirely clear the danger due to the possibility of trail checks. As a result, scoring goals isn’t as easy as dodging past a defender and then shoot. 

If we combine the two benefits together, defensive players are given a bit more freedom when out of position. It’s part of human nature that people make mistakes. Allowing a degree of margin of error makes the game more exciting and unpredictable.

Intimidation

Playing mind game is a big element of lacrosse. Remember that your action is directly controlled by your brain. There are many ways to demonstrate intimidation. As a d pole, you have the perfect weapon to assert your power and position over your opponent. 

There’s one tip I learned while playing at college, which is to make your first check hard and powerful to set the tone. Especially if you are against an unfamiliar team, you want to make the first impression as good as it can be by being aggressive. Doing so will not only make the opponent hesitant next time when you are near but also allows the official to understand your playing style.  

So next time on the field, be sure to display intimidation with powerful checks and forceful defensive moves with your long pole.

Read also: Best Defense Head

As an LSM, why do you use a long stick?

At every game, there is normally one LSM from each team. It speaks to the uniqueness and importance of this position. So in this section, let’s find out why and how the LSM benefits from using a long stick. 

Early Interception In the Midfield

Although it’s great defensive players are able to gain some ground using long poles, it’s also necessary to do some damage and disruption early in the development of an offensive play.

Applying all the benefits we mentioned for d poles, LSM is able to utilize the long stick to interfere with the opponent’s transition. By locking down one of the three opposing midfielders, the defensive team has a better shot at disrupting and blocking passes. 

There’s another scenario that proves LSM to be absolutely crucial is when the offensive team is steamrolling. It will be too late to stop the momentum when attackers are already inside the defensive zone. So the LSM must provide the first line of defense to slow down the opponent’s speed as much as he can. 

Gaining Possession

Long stick midfielders are key to winning the battles for ball possession, especially during faceoffs. After the whistle is blown, face-off players set the ball loose. It’s time for LSMs to sprint to the ground ball and fight for the possession. 

You might ask why a long stick has a better chance of winning. First, the additional length allows LSM to reach the ball faster than short sticks. Second, once the LSM scoops up the ball, the extra length further separates the ball from other players for ball retention. Lastly, right before the opponent is going to scoop up the ground ball, you can easily slash his stick to interrupt his movement with a long stick. 

Thus, having these benefits justifies the importance of a long stick midfielder and why the LSM is a key player on every side of the field.

Read also: What’s LSM in lacrosse?

The measurement of a long stick

After learning all the benefits of a long stick, you are probably ready to get yourself a long pole for this season. 

In order to select the correct one, you might wonder how long a long stick is exactly. So the standard range of a long stick goes from 132 cm (52 inches) to 183 cm (72 inches). Typically you want to pick a stick that is the same height as you. 

Can you play offense with a long stick?

Although long poles are designed for defensive purposes, players are able to play offensive with a long stick, specifically LSMs. As a key player traversing both sides of the field, LSM can appear at every position. 

That said, long poles more often than not remain on the defensive side. Compared to short sticks, long poles are heavier and are easy targets for checking. This is why long poles don’t have the advantage over short sticks in the offense.

Conclusion

I hope this post gave you a clear understanding of why using long sticks is a necessary feature in lacrosse. The design of long poles helps to maintain the balance between the offense and the defense. 

So if you will be playing defense this season, it’s vital to get familiar with a long pole and learn to use it effectively. 

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“Original contact sport”: lacrosse has Native American roots | Literature

Summary:

1. The game is as old as the world
2. From the heavenly world
3. Becoming a team sport
4. The heart of the game
5. Talk

back and forth across the field, wielding net sticks. Pushing and chasing each other, they do their best to catch the ball and score.

For many players, lacrosse is a battle royal between schools. But for many local lacrosse players, the game means so much more – it’s their connection to their culture, their history, and each other.

Game as old as the world

Game between Canada and the Iroquois at the Super Sixes Tournament October 24, 2021 in Sparks, Maryland

“Lacrosse is a very, very old game,” Chris said Topher Lindsey Turner , Cultural Studies Specialist at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. “Perhaps this is one of the oldest games played on Earth today. And it is by far the oldest organized game that has become a sport that is played all the time.”

According to Turner, some of the earliest documents on lacrosse were written in the 17th century by French explorers. They watched the “stick game” played by the indigenous people called haudenosaunee (ho-den-e-sho-ni).

Called by the French “Haudenosaunee” – which means “people living in long houses” – the Iroquois lived predominantly in upstate New York at that time. They included a confederation of five (later six) Indian peoples: Mohawk, Oneida, Onandaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later Tuscarora.

For these peoples, lacrosse plays an important role in their culture. According to Turner, the Haudenosaunee say that lacrosse is older than Earth itself, as it is part of their origin story.

From the heavenly world

Clouds in the sky

The origin story of Haudenosaunee begins in the heavenly world where the chief and his wife lived. One day, the chief cuts down a tree in the center of the heavenly world at the request of his wife.

“She had many reasons for this. One of them is her interest in medicine,” Turner said. “She was told that she could get the cure by taking that tree down and looking at what was under it.”

But as she looks, she falls through this new hole in the sky world into the blue world below.

Animals of the blue world, seeing the fall of the chief’s wife, catch her and swim with her in the sea. Turtle offers to come out of the sea, put her on his back and save

Turtle swims in the sea

Turner said that this is the beginning of the world as we know it, when a woman begins to create the Earth on the back of a turtle.

This is where the origin of lacrosse begins.

When the woman fell from the sky, she was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. This daughter grew up and later had twin boys who go on to create many things in the known world.

Some of their creations were born out of almost constant competition and boy fights. One way to resolve their conflicts, they decided to play lacrosse, a game they learned from their mother.

Illustration of a woman who fell from the sky, creating “Turtle Island”

“She brought knowledge from the sky world with her and taught them that lacrosse is a way to resolve disputes,” Turner said. “So they played the first game of lacrosse on Earth – and it was a knockdown.”

Whatever the physical game, there was a strong spiritual element to the twins. According to Turner, lacrosse was a gift from the Creator through the twins’ mother, so they play the game to please and thank the Creator.

“They thank the Creator for everything that was given to them through everything around them, for the blessings of the earth, for the original instructions – for how they know how to live in the world,” he said.

Becoming a team sport

Athletes play lacrosse. In indigenous languages, lacrosse is known by various names such as “baggataway” and “tevaaraton”

Haudenosaunee continued this tradition of lacrosse or “stick game” for the Creator. Turner noted that they also played it to improve health by using the Creator’s powers to heal a person.

In addition, the game was used to “treat” disagreements between warring trading countries.

“It’s so smart that they have the ability to say, ‘You know what? We cannot resolve this particular issue. Let’s set up the field and play some stick game,” Turner said.

Hiawatha wampum belt replica. The belt symbolizes the unity of the first five nations of the Haudenosaunee, each of which is represented by white squares and a tree

Despite the peaceful and spiritual intent of the game, the game itself was quite physical.

According to Turner, lacrosse is called gajihgwa’ee (gah-jee-GWA-eh) in Haudenosaunee. Although the name translates slightly differently into the six Haudenosaunee languages, it roughly translates to “they beat their hips”.

“It’s the original contact sport,” Turner said. “That’s how they described [it] because they were constantly pushing their hips around trying to kick the ball out of the holder.”

Although the earliest known game of lacrosse was found among the Haudenosaunee, Turner notes that similar stick games exist in other indigenous cultures.

Stick with other Native American players

According to Turner, traditional lacrosse had very few rules, which made the game a little more intense. Basically, the players could do whatever they needed to do to get the ball out of the home team’s goal.

He noted that the Iroquois lacrosse game was observed and then maintained by Europeans who took an interest in the sport and applied the rules and regulations to it.

In addition to creating standard rules and regulations, the Europeans also influenced how the game came to be called popularly.

Lacrosse originated from French explorers who watched the Iroquois play in the 17th century. The researchers named the “stick game” after the French name for “sticks”: la crosse, which became “lacrosse”.

Iroquois lacrosse stick, approx. 1890

The stick was made of wood. Today, sticks of choice are made from ash wood and are made from a single piece when needed.

“The piece of wood has to be steamed and bent in separate steps, so it can be the right curve to build the net across,” Turner said, adding that nets have also traditionally been made from natural materials such as deer. Tendon.

The ball was probably made from materials such as the intestines or skin of an animal, but varied depending on where the game was played.

Heart of the game

Mohawk lacrosse players, ca. 1869

Over the years, the game has evolved into a sport that is now played all over the world.

Despite evolution, for many Haudenosaunee the game is still about giving thanks to the Creator and calling attention to the players’ self-awareness, healing and personal well-being.

“You don’t have to be a Haudenosaunee to have a good, clear mind, good humor, and a good conscience,” Turner said. He noted that a clouded, evil conscience will not help anyone improve the gameplay.

A ceremonial eagle rests on the bench of the Haudenosaunee men’s lacrosse team at the Super Sixes International Lacrosse Tournament on October 24, 2021 in Sparks, Maryland

German I think most people would agree,” he added.