What are the key components of an effective over-the-head check in men’s lacrosse. How can defenders improve their timing and execution of this defensive move. What safety considerations should be kept in mind when performing over-the-head checks.
Understanding the Over-the-Head Check in Men’s Lacrosse
The over-the-head check is a crucial defensive technique in men’s lacrosse, used to disrupt an opponent’s possession and potentially cause a turnover. This maneuver involves swinging the defender’s stick over their own head and down onto the opponent’s stick or arms. When executed properly, it can be a game-changing move that requires skill, timing, and precision.
To perform an over-the-head check effectively:
- Maintain proper defensive positioning
- Time the check when the opponent is vulnerable
- Use controlled force to avoid penalties
- Follow through with the motion to maximize impact
Perfecting Your Defensive Stance for Over-the-Head Checks
A solid defensive stance is the foundation for executing a successful over-the-head check. How should defenders position themselves? The ideal stance involves:
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Knees slightly bent
- Weight distributed evenly
- Stick held vertically in front of the body
This balanced position allows for quick reactions and powerful checks. Practice maintaining this stance while moving laterally and backward to improve overall defensive mobility.
Footwork Drills for Improved Defensive Positioning
Enhance your footwork with these drills:
- Ladder drills: Improve agility and quick feet
- Shuffle slides: Practice lateral movement
- Backpedal-to-sprint transitions: Mimic real game scenarios
Timing: The Key to Effective Over-the-Head Checks
Timing is crucial when executing an over-the-head check. When is the best moment to initiate this move? Optimal timing occurs when:
- The opponent is cradling the ball loosely
- The attacker is in the process of passing or shooting
- The ball carrier is distracted or off-balance
Defenders must develop a keen sense of anticipation to recognize these opportunities. Practice reading offensive players’ body language and ball-handling patterns to improve your timing.
Developing Anticipation Skills
To enhance your ability to anticipate the right moment for an over-the-head check:
- Study film of successful defensive plays
- Participate in reaction drills with teammates
- Practice one-on-one defensive scenarios regularly
Proper Technique for Executing the Over-the-Head Check
Mastering the technique of the over-the-head check is essential for its effectiveness. How should defenders perform this check? Follow these steps:
- Start from a balanced defensive stance
- Lift your stick over your head, keeping your elbows bent
- Swing the stick downward in a controlled motion
- Aim for the opponent’s stick or arms, not their body
- Follow through with the motion to maximize impact
Remember to keep your eyes on the opponent’s midsection to avoid telegraphing your intentions. Practice this motion repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve your execution speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be aware of these frequent errors when performing over-the-head checks:
- Swinging too wildly or with excessive force
- Losing sight of the ball or opponent
- Dropping your hands too low, exposing yourself to a dodge
- Failing to maintain proper body positioning
Incorporating Stick Skills into Your Defensive Arsenal
Effective over-the-head checks require excellent stick control. How can defenders improve their stick skills? Try these exercises:
- Wall ball drills focusing on quick catches and releases
- One-handed cradling exercises to strengthen wrist muscles
- Partner passing drills emphasizing accuracy and speed
- Stick tricks to enhance overall coordination and feel
Regularly practicing these exercises will improve your stick handling, making your over-the-head checks more precise and effective.
Advanced Stick Control Techniques
Once you’ve mastered basic stick skills, progress to these advanced techniques:
- Behind-the-back passes and catches
- Quick stick maneuvers
- Off-hand skill development
Safety Considerations and Legal Execution
While the over-the-head check can be a powerful defensive tool, it’s crucial to execute it safely and within the rules of the game. How can defenders ensure they’re performing legal checks? Consider these guidelines:
- Aim for the opponent’s stick or gloved hands, not their body
- Avoid making contact with the opponent’s head or neck
- Use controlled force to prevent injury
- Be aware of the situation to avoid checks on defenseless players
Familiarize yourself with your league’s specific rules regarding body checking and stick checks. Many leagues, such as the Atlanta Lacrosse League, follow US Lacrosse Men’s Post Collegiate (POCO) Club Rules, which prohibit excessive body checks and targeting the head or neck.
Understanding Penalties and Infractions
Be aware of potential penalties related to illegal checks:
- Slashing: Hitting an opponent with the stick anywhere other than the gloved hand holding the stick
- Cross-checking: Using the portion of the stick between your hands to check an opponent
- Unnecessary roughness: Excessively violent checks or hits
Integrating Over-the-Head Checks into Team Defense
While individual defensive skills are important, lacrosse is ultimately a team sport. How can defenders incorporate over-the-head checks into a cohesive team defense strategy? Consider these approaches:
- Communicate with teammates before and during checks
- Use checks to force opponents into less favorable positions
- Coordinate checks with defensive slides and double-teams
- Practice situational awareness to avoid leaving gaps in defense
Effective team defense requires all players to work in unison. Regular practice and clear communication are key to integrating individual defensive techniques into a strong team strategy.
Defensive Drills for Team Coordination
Enhance your team’s defensive cohesion with these drills:
- 3v2 or 4v3 defensive scenarios
- Full-field clearing practices
- Man-down defensive situations
- Transition defense drills
Mental Preparation and Game-Time Decision Making
The mental aspect of defensive play is often overlooked but crucially important. How can defenders prepare mentally for executing over-the-head checks in game situations? Consider these strategies:
- Visualize successful checks during pre-game warm-ups
- Develop a pre-game routine to focus your mind
- Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present during play
- Review game film to identify patterns and improve decision-making
Remember that every game situation is unique. Developing strong decision-making skills will help you determine when an over-the-head check is the best defensive option and when alternative techniques might be more effective.
Building Confidence in Your Defensive Skills
Confidence is key in executing any defensive move. To build your confidence:
- Set realistic goals for improvement
- Celebrate successful checks and defensive plays
- Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them
- Seek feedback from coaches and experienced teammates
Adapting Your Defensive Strategy to Different Opponents
Every offensive player has unique tendencies and strengths. How can defenders adapt their use of over-the-head checks to different types of opponents? Consider these scenarios:
- Against quick, agile attackers: Use checks to disrupt their rhythm and force them to change direction
- Facing powerful shooters: Time checks to interrupt their shooting motion
- Defending against skilled passers: Focus on checks that can intercept or deflect passes
Studying your opponents and adjusting your defensive approach accordingly can significantly enhance your effectiveness on the field.
Scouting and Preparation
To better adapt to different opponents:
- Watch game film of upcoming opponents
- Discuss offensive tendencies with your team and coaches
- Develop specific defensive strategies for key offensive players
Conditioning for Sustained Defensive Performance
Executing effective over-the-head checks throughout an entire game requires excellent physical conditioning. How can defenders improve their stamina and strength for consistent defensive play? Consider these training approaches:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) to mimic game-like exertion
- Strength training focusing on core and upper body
- Plyometric exercises to improve explosive power
- Flexibility work to prevent injuries and improve range of motion
A well-rounded fitness regimen will not only improve your ability to perform checks but also enhance your overall defensive capabilities.
Nutrition and Recovery for Peak Performance
Support your training with proper nutrition and recovery:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in lean proteins and complex carbohydrates
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after games and practices
- Get adequate sleep to support muscle recovery and mental sharpness
- Incorporate active recovery techniques like stretching and light cardio between intense sessions
By focusing on both physical training and proper recovery, defenders can maintain high-level performance throughout the season.
Leveraging Technology for Defensive Improvement
In the modern era of lacrosse, technology can play a significant role in improving defensive skills. How can defenders use technology to enhance their over-the-head check technique? Consider these innovative approaches:
- Use slow-motion video analysis to study and refine check mechanics
- Implement virtual reality training simulations for decision-making practice
- Utilize wearable sensors to track movement patterns and identify areas for improvement
- Engage with online coaching platforms for personalized feedback and drills
Embracing technology can provide valuable insights and accelerate skill development, giving defenders an edge in mastering techniques like the over-the-head check.
Recommended Tech Tools for Defensive Training
Explore these technological aids to enhance your defensive skills:
- Video analysis apps like Hudl Technique or Coach’s Eye
- Lacrosse-specific training apps with defensive drill libraries
- GPS tracking devices to monitor game and practice performance
- Online platforms for studying professional defensive techniques
Evolving Your Defensive Repertoire Beyond the Over-the-Head Check
While the over-the-head check is a valuable defensive tool, it’s essential to develop a diverse set of defensive skills. How can defenders expand their defensive repertoire? Consider mastering these additional techniques:
- Poke checks: Quick jabs to disrupt ball carriers
- Lift checks: Upward stick movements to dislodge the ball
- Trail checks: Defensive maneuvers when chasing an opponent
- Body positioning: Using your body to guide opponents away from the goal
A well-rounded defensive skill set allows you to adapt to various game situations and become a more formidable defender overall.
Combining Different Defensive Techniques
Learn to seamlessly transition between defensive moves:
- Practice combining poke checks with over-the-head checks
- Use body positioning to set up more effective stick checks
- Develop sequences of defensive moves to keep opponents off-balance
By mastering a range of defensive techniques and learning to combine them effectively, defenders can significantly enhance their impact on the game.
Policies – Atlanta Lacrosse League
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Cancellation and refund requests must be made in writing by emailing [email protected].
Refund Schedule:
- Cancellation seven days before the start of the season – 100% Refund. Refunds can only be issued to the original form of payment.
- Cancellation less than seven days before the start of the season – 100% Credit Issued. Players can use the League Credit for any future Atlanta Lacrosse League season.
- Cancellation after season starts – 0% Refund or Credit. Cancellation after the start of the season is not eligible for any refunds. If you are concerned about losing your registration fee, we encourage you to look at REGSAVER. TeamSnap, our League Management System, has partnered with REGSAVER insurance by AIG to offer you protection on your registration fee in case you can’t play.
If a team/league is canceled or combined due to insufficient registration, players will be notified before the team/league start date and receive a full refund.
COVID-19 POLICY: Any players unable to play due to COVID-19 will not be allowed refunds. While we understand the virus is something that is unpredictable, we cannot honor any refunds due to the virus impacting you or your family.
BODY CHECKING POLICY
Our body checking policy is based on US Lacrosse Men’s Post Collegiate (POCO) Club Rules. We use the Level B Guidelines for all league play and all age groups.
Defenseless Player: There shall be no body checking at any level on a player in a defenseless position (a “defenseless player”). This includes but is not limited to the following:
- body checking a player from his “blind side”;
- body checking a player who has his head down in an attempt to play a loose ball;
- body checking a player whose head is turned away to receive a pass, even if that player turns toward the contact immediately before the body check.
NOTE: Sports medicine research indicates that the severity of specific injuries may be reduced if a player can anticipate and prepare himself for an oncoming hit.
Game officials should be especially alert to blindside checks.
Restricted body checking:
No body checks on a defenseless player.
No Excessive Body Checks (“Takeout Checks”) are permitted. Excessive Body Checks/“Takeout Checks” include, but are not limited to, contact such as the following: Any body checks considered more aggressive or more physical than necessary to stop the advancement of the player carrying the ball or to keep or move a player away from a loose ball. This includes but is not limited to:
- any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and perceived intent to knock down the opposing player;
- any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and perceived intent to injure the opposing player; and
- any check made in a reckless or intimidating manner.
Targeting the Head/Neck: US Lacrosse draws particular attention to NCAA Rule 5 Section 3, which prohibits targeting the head or neck, quoted below: A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a cross-check or any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.
) or stick. Any follow-through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule. PENALTY — One, two, or three-minute non-releasable foul at the referee’s discretion. Excessive violation of this rule may result in an ejection from the game.
CONCUSSION POLICY
A participant suspected of sustaining a concussion or a head injury in the competition shall be removed from competition based on evaluation and determination by any Atlanta Lacrosse League Official. However, suppose an officially licensed athletic trainer or other qualified medical professional is on-site and available to render such an evaluation. In that case, that person shall always have final authority to remove or return to play the participant.
Any Atlanta Lacrosse League participant who has been removed from competition due to a head injury or suspected concussion may not return to Atlanta Lacrosse League activities until the participant has been evaluated by a currently licensed medical professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receives written clearance to return to play from that licensed practitioner.
Atlanta Lacrosse recommends that all decisions be made in the player’s best interest and that they sit out when any doubt exists regarding the participants’ health. For more information, please check out the CDC CONCUSSION WEBSITE and US LACROSSE CONCUSSION AWARENESS.
Youth Lacrosse Rules | Northborough-Southborough Youth Lacrosse
Men’s Lacrosse Positions
Attack: The attackman’s responsibility is to score goals. The attackman generally restricts his play to the offensive end of the field. A good attackman demonstrates excellent stick work with both hands and has quick feet to maneuver around the goal. Each team should have three attackmen on the field during play.
Midfield: The midfielder’s responsibility is to cover the entire field, playing both offense and defense. The midfielder is a key to the transition game, and is often called upon to clear the ball from defense to offense. A good midfielder demonstrates good stick work including throwing, catching and scooping.
Speed and stamina are essential. Each team should have three midfielders on the field.
Defense: The defenseman’s responsibility is to defend the goal. The defenseman generally restricts his play to the defensive end of the field. A good defenseman should be able to react quickly in game situations. Agility and aggressiveness are necessary, but great stick work is not essential to be effective. Each team should have three defensemen on the field.
Goal: The goalie’s responsibility is to protect the goal and stop the opposing team from scoring. A good goalie also leads the defense by reading the situation and directing the defensemen to react. A good goalie should have excellent hand/eye coordination and a strong voice. Quickness, agility, confidence and the ability to concentrate are also essential. Each team has one goalie in the goal during play.
Men’s Lacrosse Equipment
The Crosse: The crosse (lacrosse stick) is made of wood, laminated wood or synthetic material, with a shaped net pocket at the end.
The crosse must be an overall length of 40 – 42 inches for attackmen and midfielders, or 52 – 72 inches for defensemen. The head of the crosse must be 6.5 – 10 inches wide, except a goalie’s crosse which may be 10 – 12 inches wide. The pocket of a crosse shall be deemed illegal if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed in the head of the crosse, is below the bottom edge of the side wall.
The Ball: The ball must be made of solid rubber and can be white, yellow or orange. The ball is 7.75 – 8 inches in circumference and 5 – 5.25 ounces.
The Helmet: A protective helmet, equipped with face mask, chin pad and a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups, must be worn by all men’s players. All helmets and face masks must be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved.
The Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color and is mandatory.
The Glove:All players are required to wear protective gloves.
The cutting or altering of gloves is prohibited.
Protective Equipment: All players, with the exception of the goalkeeper, must wear shoulder pads. Arm pads and rib pads are also strongly recommended and often required, as are athletic supporters and protective cups for all players. The goalkeeper is required to wear a throat protector and chest protector, in addition to a helmet, mouthpiece and gloves.
Men’s Lacrosse Rules
Men’s lacrosse is a contact game played by ten players: a goalie, three defensemen, three midfielders and three attackmen. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.
Each team must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half. Three players (midfielders) may roam the entire field.
Collegiate games are 60 minutes long, with 15-minute quarters. Generally, high school games are 48 minutes long, with 12-minute quarters.
Likewise, youth games are 32 minutes long, with eight-minute quarters. Each team is given a two-minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Halftime is ten minutes long.
Teams change sides between periods. Each team is permitted two timeouts each half. The team winning the coin toss chooses the end of the field it wants to defend first.
The players take their positions on the field: four in the defensive clearing area, one at the center, two in the wing areas and three in their attack goal area.
Men’s lacrosse begins with a face-off. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play. Each face-off player tries to control the ball. The players in the wing areas can run after the ball when the whistle sounds. The other players must wait until one player has gained possession of the ball, or the ball has crossed a goal area line, before they can release.
Center face-offs are also used at the start of each quarter and after a goal is scored. Field players must use their crosses to pass, catch and run with the ball. Only the goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands. A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent’s crosse with a stick check. A stick check is the controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.
Body checking is permitted if the opponent has the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball. All body contact must occur from the front or side, above the waist and below the shoulders, and with both hands on the stick. An opponent’s crosse may also be stick checked if it is within five yards of a loose ball or ball in the air. Aggressive body checking is discouraged.
If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot, the player nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.
An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball.
A referee, umpire and field judge supervise field play. A chief bench official, timekeepers and scorers assist.
Men’s Lacrosse Personal & Technical Fouls
There are personal fouls and technical fouls in boy’s lacrosse. The penalty for a personal foul results in a one to three minute suspension from play and possession to the team that was fouled. Players with five personal fouls are ejected from the game. The penalty for a technical foul is a thirty-second suspension if a team is in possession of the ball when the foul is committed, or possession of the ball to the team that was fouled if there was no possession when the foul was committed.
Personal Fouls
Slashing: Occurs when a player’s stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick.
Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs.
Cross Checking: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands to make contact with an opponent.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsmanlike by an official, including taunting, arguing, or obscene language or gestures.
Unnecessary Roughness: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or violent force.
Illegal Crosse: Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.
Illegal Body Checking: Occurs when any of the following actions takes place:
a. body checking an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball.
b. avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball.
c. body checking an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist.
d. body checking an opponent above the shoulders. A body check must be below the shoulders and above the waist, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse.
Illegal Gloves: Occurs when a player uses gloves that do not conform to required specifications. A glove will be found illegal if the fingers and palms are cut out of the gloves, or if the glove has been altered in a way that compromises its protective features.
Technical Fouls
Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent’s crosse.
Interference: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the player, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball.
Offsides: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line.
Pushing: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.
Screening: Occurs when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending.
Stalling: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock.
Warding Off: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent’s stick check.
Men’s Lacrosse Skills
Catching: The act of receiving a passed ball with the crosse.
Checking: The act of attempting to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s stick.
Poke Check: A stick check in which the player pokes the head of his stick at an opponent’s stick through the top hand by pushing with the bottom hand.
Slap Check: A stick check in which a player slaps the head of his stick against his opponent’s stick.
Wrap Check: A one-handed check in which the defender swings his stick around his opponent’s body to dislodge the ball. (This check is only legal at the highest level of play.)
Cradling: The coordinated motion of the arms and wrists that keeps the ball secure in the pocket and ready to be passed or shot when running.
Cutting: A movement by an offensive player without the ball, toward the opponent’s goal, in anticipation of a feed and shot.
Feeding: Passing the ball to a teammate who is in position for a shot on goal.
Passing: The act of throwing the ball to a teammate with the crosse.
Scooping: The act of picking up a loose ball with the crosse.
Screening: An offensive tactic in which a player near the crease positions himself so as to block the goalkeeper’s view of the ball.
Shooting: The act of throwing the ball with the crosse toward the goal in an attempt to score.
Glossary of Men’s Lacrosse Terms
Attack Goal Area: The area defined by a line drawn sideline to sideline 20 yards from the face of the goal. Once the offensive team crosses the midfield line, it has ten seconds to move the ball into its attack goal area.
Body Check: Contact with an opponent from the front – between the shoulders and waist – when the opponent has the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball.
Box: An area used to hold players who have been served with penalties, and through which substitutions “”on the fly”” are permitted directly from the sideline onto the field.
Check-up: A call given by the goalie to tell each defender to find his man and call out his number.
Clamp: A face-off maneuver executed by quickly pushing the back of the stick on top of the ball.
Clearing: Running or passing the ball from the defensive half of the field to the attack goal area.
Crease: A circle around the goal with a radius of nine feet into which only defensive players may enter.
Crosse (Stick): The equipment used to throw, catch and carry the ball.
Defensive Clearing Area: The area defined by a line drawn sideline to sideline 20 yards from the face of the goal. Once the defensive team gains possession of the ball in this area, it has ten seconds to move the ball across the midfield line.
Extra man Offense (EMO): A man advantage that results from a time-serving penalty.
Face-Off: A technique used to put the ball in play at the start of each quarter, or after a goal is scored. The players squat down and the ball is placed between their crosses.
Fast-Break: A transition scoring opportunity in which the offense has at least a one-man advantage.
Ground Ball: A loose ball on the playing field.
Handle (Shaft): An aluminum, wooden or composite pole connected to the head of the crosse.
Head: The plastic or wood part of the stick connected to the handle.
Man Down Defense (MDD): The situation that results from a time-serving penalty which causes the defense to play with at least a one man disadvantage.
Midfield Line: The line which bisects the field of play.
On-The-Fly Substitution: A substitution made during play.
Pick: An offensive maneuver in which a stationary player attempts to block the path of a defender guarding another offensive player.
Pocket: The strung part of the head of the stick which holds the ball.
Rake: A face-off move in which a player sweeps the ball to the side.
Riding: The act of trying to prevent a team from clearing the ball.
Release: The term used by an official to notify a penalized player in the box that he may re-enter the game.
Unsettled Situation: Any situation in which the defense is not positioned correctly, usually due to a loose ball or broken clear.
“Why didn’t Gretzky score lacrosse? Because they didn’t know about this feint before.” Match TV talked to Matvey Michkov
Match TV interviewed 17-year-old forward of the SKA system and adidas ambassador Matvey Michkov, who is predicted to have a great future in world hockey.
Match TV interviewed 17-year-old forward of the SKA system and adidas ambassador Matvey Michkov, who is predicted to have a great future in world hockey.
Matvey Michkov surprised me again. This time, not even with his signature lacrosse feint or the number of points scored. We talked before the sixth game between Toronto and Tampa Bay, when the two Stanley Cup winners of the last two years were hanging by a thread, trailing 2-3 in the series.
Well, Michkov confidently said that Tampa would play in the final this year. I was so surprised: “Wow, how brave.” And here you are – Tampa was the first to reach the finals of the East, having already taken out Florida in the series with a score of 4-0.
This once again reinforced me in the idea that Michkov is well versed in modern hockey and constantly watches it. By the way, all eight episodes of the first round were accurately predicted by Wayne Gretzky. So, talented people are talented in everything.
“Playing youth hockey is not easy”
– Matvey, this season you played for both the adult and youth national teams of Russia. How much does your game change depending on the team?
– I would not say that it is strong. Great guys everywhere, support everywhere. Both there and there it is very cool to play. Wherever they call, there I will perform. The main thing is to give 100 percent on the site.
— For the first time a team from St. Petersburg won the Kharlamov Cup.
What does this mean for you personally?
– It’s great that SKA-1946 became the champion of the MHL. When this happens for the first time, it is doubly pleasant.
— What was the most critical moment in the playoffs?
– I think there were no such moments, we led in the series. But the last match of the final, when we defeated the Red Army (3:2), was especially tense. When the score was 2:1 in the 44th minute, it could swing in any direction. And it’s great that we were able to score the third goal. When they conceded again, a little nerve-wracking began at the end. But we survived.
– You scored 17 (13+4) points in 17 cup matches. Explain, is it easy or difficult to play in the MHL playoffs?
— Playing youth hockey is not easy. The guys are very young, gambling, no one wants to give in to each other. Especially in the playoffs, when the cup is at stake and everyone wants to win it. Each game is like a war, everyone came out to fight 100 percent. Surrendered completely.
Matvey Michkov / Photo: © KHL / Yury Kuzmin
— Perhaps your opponents protect you in the KHL, but try to hit you in the MHL? Well, Mitchkov himself is playing. This is true?
– I would say that in adult hockey people play more professionally. And in the MHL, the guys are all hot. It happens that emotions overflow and can play rudely and not according to the rules somewhere.
— What is the most principled rival for SKA?
– All teams are good, and there is a serious kill everywhere. If you don’t give your best, any MHL club will easily defeat you. I think the most fundamental ones are the teams from Moscow, where everything has always been good with hockey. Especially the final against the Red Army, where the guys played very well.
“I would like to go first in the NHL draft”
– Roman Rotenberg said that in order to play in the KHL, Matvey Michkov needs to improve his skating and improve his physique. Do you agree?
– I believe that one should work not on two, but on all aspects./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65505590/Jimmy_Perkins_2019-Utah-UVA-Gallery-12.0.0.jpg)
There is a lot of work ahead of me that needs to be done.
— Is summer time of work for you?
– I will still have a rest, because the season was not easy. You also need to restore your strength. And the second half of the vacation – yes, I will devote to working on myself. And of course, you need to spend a lot of time studying.
— Where is your place of power?
– Every summer I try to choose different places. Sochi, Türkiye and so on – you need variety. But it is reluctant to fly somewhere far. Five hours on the plane is the maximum. Getting to the Maldives or Bali – I still don’t dare to take such flights.
– In a year you go to the NHL draft. Will you worry?
– I think not. For what? Whichever team chooses, so be it. Of course, I would like to leave at the first number. But in this situation, not everything depends on me.
“I watch a lot of hockey, even go to children’s games”
— Describe the feeling when you scored your first goal in the KHL.
– I was in the top three with Anton Burdasov and Linden Way. I played with them against Admiral. It was the end of the third period, I was entrusted to play in the majority. We hooked on the puck, the pass went to a nickel to Kirill Marchenko, he made a pass to me. Andrey Kuzmenko saw that I was rolling, and spread my legs so that the pass reached me. I decided to quit, there was nowhere to give – and it turned out well that I got it.
The moment was very emotional, because in the first two matches I failed to score in the KHL. Although there were chances – both with Severstal and with Lokomotiv. And then I scored the long-awaited puck.
The players took it away, gave it to the staff – they handed me the puck after the match. They wrote that the first goal in the KHL, that the SKA-Admiral match. Now somewhere at home lies.
— Can you call yourself a hockey geek? That in your free time you watch hockey, read about hockey, talk about hockey.
– I watch a lot of hockey, no matter who plays.
I can go to guys who are two years younger. Or even six years. It’s always interesting, even when the kids are playing. I love.
— Do you watch the NHL playoffs?
— All pairs of the Stanley Cup are interesting to me, I follow them all. In the morning I wake up, have breakfast, and start watching a cut of interesting moments of each NHL match. I’m wondering what happened there. I watch different players. For example, defender Cale Makar from Colorado is very good. At one point, he even led the playoff scoring race.
– Do you watch women’s hockey? Is there anything to learn there?
– The last time I watched it was when Russia played against Switzerland in the quarterfinals (2:4) at the Olympics. We also missed an important goal there. The girls played very well. I don’t know if there is anything to learn. But I always support the Russian team.
“I have been working with a psychologist for two years already”
— Is it important for young players to have a sports psychologist working in the team?
– Personally, I have been working with a psychologist for two years now.
He always helps me when unusual situations occur. For example, when you can’t score. And it’s always important to stay balanced. We are talking about this with a psychologist. She says the right things, and it always works for me.
Matvey Michkov / Photo: © RvS.Media / Monika Majer / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
— How did you decide to become a hockey player? Maybe there was a chance to prove yourself in another sport?
– My dad just played hockey. From childhood he took me to his matches. I watched them, and then they decided to put me on skates. I was then three years old. I liked it and I started playing. I was not given to other sports.
— Do you watch your diet? What are your main principles?
– The main rule is to exclude fast food. Burgers are always fatty food, and it is not good for you. So I don’t have a specific diet. But before matches, I usually eat chicken with pasta to have energy.
“I think Tampa will win the Stanley Cup”
– Why did you choose number 39?
– As a child, I wanted to play at number 19.
Because we had a forward from the major league in Molot, which I liked – Ruslan Bashkirov.
But dad said: “Let’s take another number – for example, 39. There are not so many of them … “Well, I agreed.
— Do you know who plays number 39 in the NHL?
– It’s hard to remember.
– I looked – only 10 hockey players in the league play with this number. The most famous are Logan Couture from San Jose and Anthony Manta from Washington. And if for the whole history, then this is goalkeeper Dominik Hasek.
— Yes, that’s interesting.
— Is there a big difference between the music in the dressing rooms of the MHL and the KHL?
— Well, in the MHL, more youthful, motivating music plays before matches. And in the KHL everything is Russian, more ancient, something like a chanson. But I can tune in my headphones before the game, and I have my own playlist. And each time is different. There are no fixed groups.
— Do you pay much attention to strength training?
– I don’t go to the gym at all in the summer.
This is out of the question for me. Only on ice. I like to ride a bike during my holidays, play football with my friends.
Is hockey for you a life, a hobby or a job?
– When you go out on the ice to have fun, and not just win, then usually such matches do not always work out. And when you go out to work specifically for victory, then the game goes better – and then you get real pleasure.
Matvey Michkov / Photo: © KHL / Ilya Smirnov
— Do you have a feeling who will win the Stanley Cup this season?
– I think it will be Tampa Bay. She will definitely play in the final.
“I’m still in the tenth grade, then I’ll go to Lesgaft”
– Are you already used to the fact that the press is constantly running after you? Are you under pressure because of this?
– I take it easy. If journalists have any questions, they ask. And if the questions are adequate, then why not answer?
— Are you interested in watching the adult world championship when the Russian team is not playing there?
– I watch some matches.
I also watched the Junior World Championship, although we were not there. This is very interesting, because my year of birth, 2004, performed there.
In the final, the Swedes defeated the Americans. And the Russian team has a very strong year. At this age, we have not lost a single match all the time. And the same Swedes won the Glinka/Gretzky Cup.
— When did you get hooked on hockey?
– I never wanted to quit hockey. And a second wind didn’t come to me – so far we are moving on the first one. Everything is fine with me – as they put me on skates at the age of three, I fell in love with hockey. And you need to go out on the ice, play, go step by step towards new goals.
— Is it difficult for you to combine hockey and study?
– It’s not easy, but necessary. Therefore, somewhere you have to take additional assignments, complete them and send them to teachers in order to close the subject and get an assessment. But there is not much time for studying, because hockey is a big deal.
— Do you have final exams at school?
– No, one more year ahead – I’m only in the tenth grade.
— And then you need to get a higher education?
– Yes, it means a lot in our time. Without a higher education, few places will take you. And my specialty will be related to hockey. I plan to study in St. Petersburg, at the Lesgaft University.
“Lacrosse is the fastest way to score a goal”
– How often do you get recognized on the street? Are you embarrassed at such a moment?
– Yes, it happens that they find out. Recently, I was standing in line at a restaurant, and the waiter recognized me. He asked: “Can I take a picture?” It is always pleasant, there is no embarrassment at this moment.
– If you could go to dinner with a sports legend, who would it be?
– It’s better to go to dinner with friends. And if you dream up, it would be very interesting to meet Alexander Ovechkin. I would talk to him about hockey. And so we don’t know each other personally.
In general, many athletes are interesting to me. The same Wayne Gretzky – I often review his highlights. It’s not just that a man scored so many points in the NHL. Got it, proved it. It’s always interesting why he did it.
In football it is interesting to follow Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo. Their opposition is incendiary. People have been playing against each other for so many years, and no one forgets about them.
– A thought came to mind – why didn’t Wayne Gretzky score lacrosse?
– Probably, at that time they didn’t know that it was possible to score like that. Then there were other ways. And so I think that when you are behind the goal, then lacrosse is the fastest way to score a goal.
Open video
— Have you ever been told: “Well, why are you showing off with this lacrosse? Score regular goals.”
— Maybe the coaches said that at first. But when the goals started in the game, such conversations stopped.
— Lacrosse is an innovation.
Has hockey changed a lot since you took your first steps in it?
– Now hockey has become faster. And whoever is physically stronger will win. And before, the winner was the one who is smarter and skates better.
— Motivation — how important is it before a match?
– This is very important. No motivation, no game. Why do it? You should always set a goal for yourself, go towards it. You always have to push yourself.
Dream Troika: Kucherov – Crosby – Stamkos
– Name three top movies or TV series that you liked.
– In the first place – “Major” with Priluchny. On the second one, I used to watch “Molodezhka” or “Legend No. 17” very often. On the third place – the series about football “Out of the game”.
Are you into video games?
– I’m not that much of a gambler. But when I have free time and good friends, I will always keep a company. I am happy to win.
— Do you have any favorite books? Although young guys now read little.
– I tried so many times to force myself to read, and something didn’t quite draw me in. For me, it’s more comfortable just to watch a movie. Put on your headphones and turn on something educational or interesting.
– A banal question, but what is your goal?
– To begin with, to gain a foothold in the KHL, win the Gagarin Cup. And then in the NHL to win the Stanley Cup. And with the team too. Now it is not clear what about international tournaments. But if everything goes well, then I would like to win the World Championship and the Olympics with the Russian team. And the main goal is that I want to devote my whole life to hockey.
Photo: © FHR
– What did you learn from foreigners – from the same Linden Way?
– For me, it was generally a curiosity. I played with the Russians all the time, and then I got into the top three with the legionnaire. For me it was a great experience. So, I do not know English very well, and there was a language barrier.
At first, we didn’t quite understand each other. It’s good that Anton Burdasov knew English, and he could translate, suggest.
— If you, as a general manager, assembled a symbolic team of six hockey players, who would be included in it?
– I would put Sergey Ivanov, born in 2004, in the gate. Together with him we took gold at the Youth Olympics, won the Glinka tournament, became second at the Junior World Championship. No luck there. We should have made better use of our chances.
Defense – Cale Makar and Misha Sergachev (or Alexander Romanov). In attack – Nikita Kucherov, center – Sidney Crosby, on the other flank – Steven Stamkos. We will play attack with such a team!
Lacrosse Stick, Lacrosse Sticks, Women’s Lacrosse, Lacrosse Sticks, Maverik Lacrosse, Maverik Erupt Women’s Lacrosse Stick, Stx, sporting Goods, lacrosse, lacrosse Sticks Head, lacrosse Sticks png
Lacrosse Stick, Lacrosse Sticks, Lacrosse Female, Lacrosse Sticks, Maverik Lacrosse, Maverik Erupt Female Lacrosse Stick, Stx, sporting Goods, lacrosse, lacrosse Sticks Head, lacrosse Sticks png
tags
- lacrosse,
- lacrosse stick head,
- lacrosse sticks,
- Maverik Erupt Women’s Lacrosse,
- maverick lacrosse,
- sporting goods,
- composition,
- STX,
- women’s lacrosse,
- png,
- transparent,
- free download
PNG
Image size
- 1936x2400px
File size
- 2.
57MB MIME type
- Image/png
57MBDownload PNG ( 2.57MB )
resize PNG
width(px)
height(px)
License
Non-Commercial Use, DMCA Contact Us
Lacrosse Sticks Lacrosse Balls Women’s lacrosse, lacrosse, sport, team, sports Equipment png
2000x2000px
108.44KBSports Association Family Sporting Goods, deportations, tshirt, physical Fitness, child png
496x692px
331.12KBBox lacrosse Field lacrosse National Lacrosse League Maverik Lacrosse, lacrosse, png
772x904px
458.16KBBaseball Sporting Goods Sports association, sports activities, sport, orange, fashion png
1920x825px
2. 15MBRacket Lacrosse Sticks Sporting Goods, lacrosse, sport, sports Equipment, wood png
2200x2764px
2.5MBStick figure Girl Woman Female, stick, white, child, fashion png
758x1578px
56.21KBRunning Sports Sport, Colorful women sports runners, running female illustration, color Splash, fitness, color Pencil png
1320x1875px
250.34KBSporting Goods Volleyball, badminton coach, sport, sports Equipment, jersey png
1768x1075px
2.22MBSports character Female Woman, Fitness woman, business Woman, child, png Graphics png
789x1197px
45. 29KBNike Free Sneakers Shoe, Women’s sports shoes, white, sport, fashion png
958x546px
470.78KBShuttlecock Badminton Sporting Goods Goose, badminton, sport, sporting Goods, sports Equipment png
1000x1000px
725.74KBSporting Goods, cricket, miscellaneous, hand, sport png
1600x1565px
311.85KBSports Association Sporting Goods, ball, sport, orange, sporting Goods png
768x383px
333.78KBBoat Watercraft Yacht Sporting Goods, cigars, angle, sport, sporting Goods png
500x500px
84.38KBSki Poles Sporting Goods Rods Pistol barrel Tool, empty bags, sports, fishing Rods, sporting Goods png
1500x540px
399.74KBKart racing Kart racing Auto racing Sporting Goods Motorsport, Silhouette, angle, animals, sport png
800x600px
39.95KBSporting Goods Cricket clothing and equipment Ball, cricket, sport, bicycle, sporting Goods png
691x567px
254.6KBStress ball Color Blue Sporting Goods, ball, blue, sport, balloon png
700x700px
737.05KBman holding lacrosse stick, Lacrosse stick Silhouette Scalable Graphics, Lacrosse, sport, sports Equipment, shoe png
1697x2400px
39.06KBBoxing glove T-shirt Sporting Goods, boxing gloves, sport, football Boot, sports Equipment png
858x1000px
933.87KBLacrosse Sticks Women’s Lacrosse STX Lacrosse Balls, lacrosse, png
419x760px
323.67KBWomen’s association football Sports league, others, women’s Association Football, sports League, logo png
550x554px
169.59KBSneakers Skate shoe, Women’s sports shoes, white, sport, leather png
790x607px
282.62KBFenerbahce S.K. Fenerbahce Women’s Sports Volleyball Association Süper Lig, Logo Boston CELTICS, png
1254x1255px
897.34KBTrampoline Sporting Goods Green Garden, Trampoline, angle, sport, service png
1200x1200px
868.64KBVolleyball Wilson Sporting Goods Spalding, volleyball, sport, sporting Goods, volleyball png
800x800px
536.81KBSporting Goods Tennis racket Accessory Rakieta tenisowa, tennis racket, sport, sporting Goods, sports Equipment png
1365x910px
599.33KBFitness Center Exercise equipment Exercise bikes Sporting Goods, fitness equipment, physical Fitness, sport, indoor Cycling png
600x600px
288.16KBFootball Logo Sporting Goods, soccer ball flame, sport, computer Wallpaper, monochrome png
800x800px
6.09KBWilson Sporting Goods Logo Wordmark Hillerich & Bradsby Racket, sports equipment, miscellaneous, company, text png
2272x1704px
92. 78KBLi-Ning Logo Sporting Goods, Doraemon Brand, company, text, trademark png
1240x610px
106.46KBSledding Davos Sled Sporting Goods, others, miscellaneous, furniture, sport png
1000x571px
401.96KBSneakers Skate shoe Sports Nike, women’s sports, outdoor Shoe, running, sneakers png
1200x1800px
1.96MBHandbag Tote bag, Women bag Commodity material, luggage Bag, backpack, leather png
950x750px
473.91KBExercise equipment Sporting Goods, barbell, sport, sporting Goods, sports Equipment png
3508x2480px
1022.96KBSkateboarding Sporting Goods Computer Icons, skate, sport, sports Equipment, skateboard png
1600x1600px
45.36KBSkateboarding Skatepark Sporting Goods Drawing, others, sport, sports Equipment, cartoon png
1131x1600px
329.36KBSpalding Harder Sporting Goods Logo, basketball, text, sport, logo png
1500x1001px
59.31KBwomen’s blue and white striped sports bra, Weight loss Physical exercise Diet Adipose tissue, slim, physical Fitness, food, people png
1068x1600px
814.6KBLacrosse stick women’s, Lacrosse STX, lacrosse background, sport, sports Equipment, goalkeeper png
700x700px
363.45KBTowel Sanitary napkin Libresse Women’s Sanitary Supplies Always, women products, purple, violet, perfume png
615x615px
301.83KBLacrosse Sticks Hockey Sticks Women’s lacrosse, lacrosse, sport, branch, monochrome png
647x1024px
69.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63861785/Mac_Tigh.0.jpg)
15MB
29KB
org/ImageObject”>Logo Wilson Sporting Goods Typography Font, Sporting Goods, text, logo, sporting Goods png
2272x692px
81.35KB
org/ImageObject”>Lacrosse Sticks Sporting Goods Bag, lacrosse, retail, sporting Goods, lacrosse Sticks png
3880x1929px
5.99MB
org/ImageObject”>Sporting Goods Shuttlecock Badminton Ball Badminton racket, game, sport, sports Equipment png
500x500px
139.48KB
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
org/ImageObject”>Sporting Goods Ball, sports equipment, sport, sporting Goods, volleyball png
500x500px
90.86KB
78KB
org/ImageObject”>Trampolines Trampolines Sporting Goods Woven fabrics, Trampolines, Sports rectangular sports furniture Sports equipment goods outdoor Sports table, garden furniture Trampoline Trampoline Table Anadolu Oyunkak planetary oval outdoor Furniture production Jupiter diameter woven Fabric png
800x800px
284.68KB
org/ImageObject”>Lacrosse Sticks Women’s Lacrosse Sports Warrior Lacrosse, sticks, sports Equipment, jersey, sports png
2000x2000px
172.93KB
