How does age and experience level affect lacrosse stick choice. What are the key differences in stick preferences for various positions. Which materials are best for lacrosse shafts and why. How can players customize their lacrosse sticks for optimal performance.
The Importance of Age and Experience in Selecting a Lacrosse Stick
When it comes to choosing the right lacrosse stick, age and experience play crucial roles. Beginners and younger players often benefit from complete sticks that come fully assembled with a shaft, head, and pre-strung pocket. These ready-to-use options allow novices to focus on mastering fundamental skills without the added complexity of customization.
As players progress in their lacrosse journey, their equipment needs evolve. More experienced athletes tend to prefer customizing their sticks, opting for separate heads and shafts. Some even take it a step further by purchasing unstrung heads and stringing kits, allowing them to tailor every aspect of their stick to their unique playing style and preferences.
Beginner vs. Advanced Player Stick Preferences
- Beginners: Complete, pre-strung sticks
- Intermediate: Separate heads and shafts
- Advanced: Unstrung heads with customized stringing
Tailoring Your Lacrosse Stick to Your Position on the Field
The position you play in lacrosse significantly influences the type of stick you should choose. Each role on the field has distinct responsibilities that require specific stick configurations to maximize performance.
Attackers and Midfielders: Agility and Control
Attackers and midfielders, being primary ball handlers and scorers, typically favor shorter 30-inch shafts. This compact design offers several advantages:
- Enhanced control during cradling
- More precise passing
- Improved agility for dodging defenders
- Quicker shot release
The shorter length allows these players to maneuver through tight spaces, execute quick direction changes, and maintain better ball control in high-pressure situations.
Defensemen and Long-Stick Midfielders: Reach and Disruption
Defensemen and long-stick midfielders have a different set of priorities on the field. Their role involves disrupting the opposing team’s offense, blocking shots, and intercepting passes. To accomplish these tasks effectively, they generally opt for 60-inch shafts. The extended length provides several benefits:
- Increased reach for poke and lift checks
- Better ability to dislodge the ball from opponents
- Improved shot blocking capabilities
- Enhanced interception range for passes
The longer stick acts as an extension of the player’s body, allowing them to cover more ground and create a more formidable defensive presence.
Goalies: Flexibility and Personal Preference
Goalies have more flexibility in their stick choices, with shaft lengths ranging from 30 to 60 inches. The selection often comes down to personal preference and individual playing style. Factors to consider include:
- Shorter shafts: Quicker hand movements for close-range saves
- Longer shafts: Extended reach for long-range shots and clearing passes
- Balance between reach and agility based on the goalie’s style of play
The Impact of Shaft Materials on Lacrosse Stick Performance
The material of your lacrosse shaft can significantly influence your performance and overall playing experience. Different materials offer unique characteristics that cater to various playing styles and preferences.
Metal Alloy Shafts: Affordability and Versatility
Metal alloy shafts have long been a popular choice among lacrosse players for several reasons:
- Cost-effective option, ideal for beginners or budget-conscious players
- Durable construction that withstands hard checks and impacts
- Moderate weight, offering a balance between maneuverability and power
- Versatile performance suitable for various positions and playing styles
The affordability and durability of metal alloy shafts make them an excellent choice for players who are still developing their skills or those who prefer a more traditional feel to their stick.
Carbon Fiber Shafts: Lightweight Performance and Customization
Carbon fiber shafts have gained popularity among experienced players and those seeking specialized equipment. Key advantages include:
- Exceptionally light weight for quicker hand movements and faster shot speeds
- Reduced player fatigue during extended gameplay
- Customizable flex points for personalized performance
- Enhanced vibration dampening for improved feel and control
The unique properties of carbon fiber allow manufacturers to fine-tune the shaft’s characteristics, creating sticks that cater to specific playing styles and preferences.
Customizing Your Lacrosse Stick for Optimal Performance
As players advance in their lacrosse careers, many opt to customize their sticks to match their individual needs and playing styles. This level of personalization can significantly enhance performance on the field.
Selecting the Right Head
Choosing the appropriate lacrosse head is crucial for optimizing your stick’s performance. Consider the following factors:
- Head shape: Pinched or flared designs for different ball control and shooting characteristics
- Face shape: Affects ball retention and release
- Stiffness: Impacts shot power and accuracy
- Weight: Influences overall stick balance and maneuverability
Customizing the Pocket
The pocket of your lacrosse stick plays a vital role in ball control, shooting accuracy, and overall feel. Customization options include:
- Mesh type: Traditional string or modern synthetic materials
- Pocket depth: Affects ball retention and release speed
- Stringing pattern: Influences ball movement within the pocket
- Shooting strings: Fine-tune release point and spin
Experimenting with different pocket configurations can help you find the perfect balance between control and power for your playing style.
Maintaining Your Lacrosse Stick for Longevity and Consistent Performance
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick is essential for ensuring its longevity and maintaining consistent performance on the field. Regular care can prevent premature wear and tear, saving you money in the long run and keeping your equipment in top condition.
Cleaning and Storing Your Stick
To keep your lacrosse stick in optimal condition, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean your stick after each use to remove dirt, grass, and sweat
- Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the head and pocket
- Allow the stick to air dry completely before storing
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid leaving your stick in extreme temperatures, such as a hot car
Pocket Maintenance
The pocket of your lacrosse stick requires special attention to maintain its shape and performance:
- Regularly check for loose or frayed strings and replace as needed
- Re-adjust shooting strings to maintain consistent release points
- Use a ball to maintain pocket shape during storage
- Consider re-stringing your pocket seasonally or as needed based on use
Understanding Lacrosse Stick Regulations and Legal Specifications
When selecting and customizing your lacrosse stick, it’s crucial to be aware of the regulations and legal specifications set by governing bodies. These rules ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the sport.
Stick Length Regulations
Stick length requirements vary based on the player’s position and level of play:
- Short sticks (attack and midfield): 40-42 inches
- Long poles (defense and long-stick midfield): 52-72 inches
- Goalie sticks: 40-72 inches
It’s important to note that these regulations may vary slightly between different leagues or levels of play, so always check the specific rules for your competition.
Head Dimensions and Pocket Depth
Lacrosse stick heads must meet specific dimensional requirements:
- Minimum width at the widest point: 6 inches
- Minimum width at the narrowest point: 3 inches
- Pocket depth: Ball must be visible above the sidewall when placed in the pocket
Ensuring your stick meets these specifications is crucial to avoid penalties or disqualification during games.
The Role of Technology in Modern Lacrosse Stick Design
Advancements in technology have significantly impacted the design and performance of lacrosse sticks in recent years. These innovations have led to equipment that enhances player performance and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on the field.
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
Modern lacrosse stick production incorporates cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes:
- Composite materials for lighter, stronger shafts
- 3D-printed prototypes for rapid design iteration
- Computer-aided design (CAD) for precise head shapes
- Thermoforming techniques for consistent pocket shapes
Smart Lacrosse Sticks and Training Aids
The integration of technology extends beyond materials, with smart features being incorporated into training equipment:
- Sensors to measure shot speed and accuracy
- Companion apps for tracking performance metrics
- Virtual reality training simulations
- Adjustable weight systems for strength training
These technological advancements are revolutionizing how players train and improve their skills, offering data-driven insights for performance enhancement.
How to Choose the Right Lacrosse Stick
Lacrosse, a fast-paced and highly competitive sport, requires not just talent and conditioning, but also the right equipment. When it comes to equipment, the lacrosse stick, often referred to as a ‘crosse,’ stands out as one of the most vital pieces. The right stick can enhance your performance, complement your style of play, and even feel like a natural extension of your body on the field. So, how do you choose the best lacrosse stick? Here are some critical factors to consider.
Age and Experience Level
Your age and how long you’ve been playing lacrosse can significantly influence your choice of lacrosse stick. For beginners, especially younger players, a complete stick could be the ideal choice. Complete sticks come fully assembled with a shaft, head, and a pre-strung pocket, ready to use right out of the box. They offer a good starting point, allowing new players to focus more on mastering the basics of the game.
However, as players progress and gain more experience, their needs evolve. Seasoned players often prefer to customize their sticks, opting for separate lacrosse heads and shafts. Some even go as far as acquiring an unstrung head and a stringing kit. This level of customization allows players to string their lacrosse head to match their personal preference and playing style.
Position
The position you play in lacrosse is one of the most defining factors in the type of stick you should select. Each position has unique responsibilities and demands on the field, and these are reflected in the stick configurations that are typically chosen.
Attackers and midfielders, who are often the primary ball handlers and scorers on the team, usually favor a 30-inch shaft. This shorter length allows for better control when cradling, more precise passing, and quicker maneuvers for dodging defenders. The speed and agility afforded by a shorter stick can significantly enhance their attacking prowess, enabling them to weave through defenders and fire off quick, accurate shots on goal.
Defensemen and long-stick midfielders, on the other hand, are tasked with disrupting the opposing team’s attackers, blocking shots, and intercepting passes. To facilitate these duties, they generally prefer a 60-inch shaft. The extra length provides an extended reach, which is crucial for poke and lift checks to dislodge the ball from opponents. Moreover, the longer stick aids in blocking shooting lanes and intercepting passes, ultimately enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Goalies, the last line of defense tasked with preventing the opposing team from scoring, have a different set of needs. They have more flexibility in their choice of shaft length and can opt for anything between 30 and 60 inches. A shorter shaft might provide quicker hand movements, which is beneficial for saving close-range shots. Conversely, a longer shaft can extend the goalie’s reach, particularly useful for saving long-range shots and clear passes out of the defensive zone. Ultimately, the length of the shaft for a goalie can significantly impact their reach and agility, so it comes down to personal preference and the style of play they are most comfortable with.
Material
The choice of material for your lacrosse shaft is an important consideration as it can significantly influence your performance and playing experience. The shaft is the part of the stick that your hands directly touch and control, so the material’s characteristics can directly impact your comfort and handling of the stick.
01. Metal Alloy Shafts
Metal Alloy shafts have been a traditional and popular choice among players for a variety of reasons. One of the main appeals of Metal Alloy shafts is their affordability. They are generally less expensive than other materials, making them a good option for beginners or players who are not looking to make a significant investment.
In terms of performance, Metal Alloy shafts offer solid durability. They can withstand the rigors of the game, including hard checks and ground impacts, ensuring that they last for multiple seasons. The ease of handling is another major advantage. These shafts typically have a moderate weight, offering a balance between lightness for quick maneuvers and enough heft for powerful shots or passes. This balance between weight and strength makes Metal Alloy shafts a versatile choice, suitable for players of various positions and styles of play.
02. Carbon Fiber shafts
On the other end of the spectrum, Carbon Fiber shafts have become increasingly popular, particularly among more experienced or specialized players. Carbon Fiber shafts are known for their lightness, which can contribute to quicker hand movements and faster shot speeds. The reduced weight can also help reduce player fatigue over the course of a game.
Another unique characteristic of Carbon Fiber shafts is the flex they offer. Unlike Metal Alloy shafts that are typically rigid, Carbon Fiber shafts can bend slightly during shooting and passing motions. This flex can add a whip-like effect to shots, potentially increasing the speed and power of your shots. Some players also find that the flex offers a unique feel and feedback when handling the ball.
However, these advantages come at a cost. Carbon Fiber shafts are usually more expensive than their Metal Alloy counterparts. Therefore, they might be considered an investment, typically chosen by players who are committed to the sport or have specific preferences that align with the benefits of Carbon Fiber.
Head Type
The lacrosse head is a crucial component of the lacrosse stick. It is the part of the stick that directly interacts with the ball, making it instrumental in influencing your ability to control the ball, pass accurately, and shoot effectively. The design and characteristics of the lacrosse head can vary widely, and different types of players often have different preferences based on their roles on the field.
Defensive players, whose primary responsibilities include dislodging the ball from opponents, blocking shots, and intercepting passes, often prefer a stiffer head. Stiffer heads are typically made from more robust materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of defensive play, which often includes aggressive stick checks and ground ball battles. The extra rigidity provided by a stiffer head is not just beneficial for durability, but it also gives players more stability when scooping the ball off the ground. Moreover, a stiffer head can provide more consistent and accurate passing, which is crucial for clearing the ball out of the defensive zone.
On the other hand, attackers and midfielders, who are often responsible for scoring goals and creating offensive opportunities, might lean towards a more flexible head. Flexible heads are typically lighter than their stiffer counterparts. This reduced weight can lead to quicker hand movements when cradling, dodging, and shooting. A lighter head can also reduce fatigue during the game, allowing attackers and midfielders to maintain their agility and speed throughout the game.
Another advantage of a flexible head is that it can add whip to shots. The whip refers to the degree to which the stick bends or ‘whips’ forward during a shot, which can influence the trajectory of the ball. A higher whip can potentially increase the speed of the shot and make it more unpredictable for goalies. However, it’s worth noting that more whip can also make it more challenging to control the direction of the shot, and it may take some time to get used to.
The choice of head type – stiff or flexible – largely depends on your position, style of play, and personal preferences. It’s important to experiment with different types of heads to find the one that suits your game the best. Whether it’s the reliable consistency of a stiff head or the quick, whip-enhancing nature of a flexible head, the right choice can significantly enhance your performance on the field.
Other Considerations
Beyond these fundamental factors, there are also other considerations when choosing a lacrosse stick. These include:
- Pocket Type: The pocket is the netted part of the lacrosse head where the ball sits. Pockets can be shallow or deep. Shallow pockets offer quicker ball release but less ball control, while deep pockets provide better ball control but slower release.
- Weight: The weight of a lacrosse stick can affect your speed and stamina on the field. Lighter sticks are easier to maneuver and can be beneficial for attackers and midfielders who need quick stick handling. Heavier sticks can offer more strength and stability, which can be useful for defensive players.
- Grip: The grip of the shaft can impact how comfortably and securely you can hold the stick, especially in different weather conditions. Some shafts come with a textured or rubberized grip to improve handling.
- Durability: While lighter materials might offer better performance, they may not always be the most durable. Consider the trade-off between performance and longevity, especially considering the cost of the stick.
- Price: Lacrosse sticks can vary widely in price, with high-end models costing several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in a stick. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always mean a better stick for you. It’s about finding the right balance of features that suit your style of play and level of experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lacrosse stick can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, finding a stick that complements your style of play and feels like an extension of your body can enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. Remember, it’s not just about choosing the most expensive or advanced stick on the market, but about finding the one that fits you best. Take the time to consider your options and make an informed decision. The right stick is out there waiting for you!
An Indigenous lacrosse team is reclaiming its native identity : NPR
Lacrosse originated with Native Americans, who are still some of the finest players. The famed Iroquois Nationals have a new name this season. They consider “Iroquois” a slur.
MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:
A top lacrosse team is reclaiming its Indigenous identity after generations of being known as the Iroquois Nationals. Current team members say that name was derogatory. Noelle Evans of member station WXXI caught up with the team just before the world championship.
NOELLE EVANS, BYLINE: We’re in the parking lot of a hotel near the Buffalo International Airport. Lacrosse player Tehoka Nanticoke stands by a pickup truck, where there’s a handful of equipment duffel bags.
(SOUNDBITE OF ZIPPER OPENING)
TEHOKA NANTICOKE: These are what – so that’s a helmet.
EVANS: That’s pretty.
NANTICOKE: Yeah.
EVANS: He holds up a helmet with a pattern of repeating squares and a leaf – a symbol of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy wampum. Nanticoke played with this team when they were known as the Iroquois Nationals. The origin of the word Iroquois is the subject of debate, but present-day Haudenosaunee connect it to a French variant of snake and murderer. Leo Nolan is the executive director of the Haudenosaunee Nationals program.
LEO NOLAN: The Iroquois is a bit of a disparaging label more than anything else. We really felt it was incumbent upon us to really look at who we really are and how we refer to ourselves.
EVANS: Haudenosaunee means people of the longhouse. The name officially changed last year. Under their former name, the team won bronze at the last World Lacrosse Championship. Nanticoke agrees with the name change, but he says he doesn’t feel any difference on the field.
NANTICOKE: It’s awesome now that we have the Haudenosaunee, but it’s always been our people who we’re playing for.
EVANS: His family is the reason he became a lacrosse player. His older brother gave him his first lacrosse stick as a baby. His grandfather, Papa Jote, encouraged him to pursue it.
NANTICOKE: I write Jote on my wrist every time ’cause I tape my wrist up ’cause – (crying) no one really knows this, but, like, my Papa Jote on, like, his deathbed, like, basically told me to go play lacrosse.
EVANS: Lacrosse comes from the Haudenosaunee tradition. For centuries, it has been embraced as a sacred gift from the creator, ceremonially played as a medicine game.
LARS TIFFANY: I grew up with the Onondaga people. This is the people who gave us the game of lacrosse.
EVANS: Lars Tiffany is a white man who is now the team’s head coach. He shows me some footage of the team playing.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Inaudible, shouting).
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Let’s go, let’s go. Let’s go, let’s go…
TIFFANY: It’s amazing the talent that you can find with the Haudenosaunee men.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #4: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
(SOUNDBITE OF WHISTLE BLOWING)
TIFFANY: I don’t believe there’s another game that is connected to a spirituality like this game is.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #5: What?
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #6: If you want to grab it, I’ll leave it. ..
EVANS: He says this is the spirit and intensity they’ll bring with them to the World Lacrosse Championship. But right now, they’re waiting on a few more players to arrive ahead of an early morning flight to San Diego, where they will compete among 30 different nations. General manager Darcy Powless says the energy this time around feels different.
DARCY POWLESS: They’re hungry. They want the gold medal.
EVANS: Powless says this is about more than striving to be champions. This is an opportunity to uplift an indigenous tradition that survived colonialism and the cultural genocide of Indian boarding schools.
POWLESS: They always say, play for those who can’t. And there’s thousands of kids that never got the chance. You add those up to – in the families – like, that’s probably hundreds of thousands of people that never got an opportunity to do anything.
EVANS: So for him, this is about way more than a sporting event.
POWLESS: Having 30 teams and this many players come to San Diego to play the game that our people, our families have created and helped grow to this point – it’s huge.
EVANS: Lacrosse is currently shortlisted for the 2028 Olympics. Powless says the tournament is also a chance to show the International Olympic Committee the significance of lacrosse and the Haudenosaunee’s participation.
For NPR News, I’m Noelle Evans.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
PLASTIC Hockey Goals Ice Hockey Equipment Hockey Sticks and Balls Plastic Goals and Sticks
We use chemically stable and environmentally friendly raw materials to produce sticks and balls for PLASTIC ice hockey training equipment. Thus, it is characterized by stable operation and is absolutely safe for users. In addition, it is excellent performance, which makes it very practical in many areas and valuable.
SEND INQUIRY NOW
- Color:
- shipping:
Express Sea Freight Land Freight Air Freight
- Customization:
Custom Logo (Min. Order: 1000 sets)
, Individual packing (Minimum order: 1000 sets)
SEND INQUIRY NOW
Products details
Everyone needs PLASTIC Hockey Goals, Ice Hockey Training Equipment, Sticks and Balls and we can offer you the highest quality product in the world. Technology is usually applied to the design and manufacture of a product. In terms of maintenance and practicality, PLASTIC hockey goals, ice hockey training equipment, hockey sticks and balls can often be seen in the field of training equipment. In order to meet the different needs of customers, Zhejiang Green Sport Manufactory Co., Ltd. Supports customized PLASTIC hockey goal, ice hockey training equipment, sticks and balls.
Place of Origin: | Zhejiang, China | Brand Name: | GREENSPORT |
Model Number: | Material: | Plastic | |
Product name: | HOCKEY SET | Color: | same as picture |
Size: | 80x60x30cm | Logo: | Greensport or customize |
Usage: | Hockey Sports | Packing: | color box |
MOQ: | 200 sets | Feature: 9 0036 | Eco friendly |
Certifications: | EN71 part 1-3 |
ADVANTAGES:
1. WE ARE THE FACTORY! FACTORY!! FACTORY!!!
2. OEM&ODM
3.More than 25 years’ experience in manufacturing and exporting
4. Experienced R&D team
5.Craftsmanship
6.Perfect Labeling&Printing Services for your branding
Product Description
HOCKEY SET | 90 125 | ||||||
Item no. | GSHG2S | ||||||
36 | |||||||
Size | 80X60X30CM, contact us for more sizes | ||||||
Outer packaging | Contact us for more information packaging information0003 | ||||||
Standard | EN71 BSCI SEDEX SGS BV IT | ||||||
Payment Terms | 30% T/T in advance, balance against copy of B/L | ||||||
Delivery Time | 30 days depends on quantity | ||||||
Sample time | 3 days depends on quantity | 90 125 |
Related Product
Recommend Products
Company Profile
Certificates
Our team
Our partner
Frequently asked questions
Basic information
Football for entomologists – Soviet sport
When the American Pie comedy was released in 1999, Russian viewers made at least one discovery for themselves. This, of course, is not about the problems of high school students from the series “how to seduce a girl so as not to go to college a virgin” – they are the same on both sides of the Atlantic. But what is this wondrous sport called “lacrosse” that some of the main characters of the film played? After 15 years, he still remains a mystery to most of us.
When the American Pie comedy was released in 1999, Russian audiences made at least one discovery for themselves. This, of course, is not about the problems of high school students from the series “how to seduce a girl so as not to go to college a virgin” – they are the same on both sides of the Atlantic. But what is this marvelous sport called “lacrosse” played by some of the main characters of the film? 15 years later, he still remains a mystery to most of us.
FIRST IMPRESSION
“Should I become a professional lacrosse player”? asked handsome Chris “Os” Stryker from the first episode of “Pie” rhetorically. “What kind of lacrosse is this anyway?” – the guys in the Russian cinema halls wrinkled their eyebrows thoughtfully. People rush around the field in a crowd with nets at the ready – only they don’t catch butterflies, but hand out cuffs to each other. A funny version of American football for jock entomologists…
Meanwhile, in North America, every schoolchild knows about lacrosse – this is one of the basic games that they have fun with in physical education classes. Well, you know, across the ocean they are generally serious about children’s sports. Becoming the star of a school team in the States is cooler than playing for Spartak basketball in our country. There will definitely be more fans.
At first glance, it seems that those who get into lacrosse are those who are not boring enough for European football (which in the States are condescendingly called soccer), not tough, strong and fast enough for American, not tall enough for basketball, and not Canadian enough for hockey. In fact, the guys who throw each other a small rubber ball with sticks (as these same nets are called) are by no means weaklings. At least I would not wish anyone to face such people in the gateway. Lacrosse is a tough sport where breaking a rib against an opponent’s shoulder is no more difficult than splitting a match in your fingers. So, the players are used to endure pain. Football performances “Ay-yay, they grabbed me by the little finger by the T-shirt, I will now lie down on the lawn for five minutes, and then I will die from terrible injuries” do not work here. So to attract the attention of school beauties pumped up muscles, agility, dexterity and ingenious feints here is as easy as, say, in basketball. True, “Os” Stryker, as we remember, this did not help …
WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?
Lacrosse was invented by the Indians – at least if you believe the records of the first colonizers of America. Those were the times – the teams consisted of a couple of hundred people, the match lasted several days and the score was not so much for goals as for the wounded and killed. And the field could stretch for kilometers … Imagine what a scope! Meanwhile, the rules were not very different from modern ones – to throw the ball into the likeness of the opponent’s goal, using special nets (the term “stick” appeared much later). To pick it up means to get it on the forehead with a stick. They were also judged harshly.
According to archaeologists, Indians in Canada played a kind of modern lacrosse at the beginning of the 15th century. The Europeans, who gradually squeezed their lands from the unfortunate Apaches and Comanches, liked the fun. Especially French-speaking residents of Canada. It was there that the first official lacrosse match took place – in 1867.
HOW DO YOU PLAY?
In fact, there are several varieties of net sport. For example, box lacrosse. Gloves are not handed out to players, and there is no need to look for the jaws of opponents with your fist (although this is sometimes welcomed). Boxing in this case – from the word “box” (“box” – English. ). They came up with it, you won’t believe it, again in Canada. There, as you know, there are two lousy months – the rest of the time Canadians can play hockey. But when the ice does melt, hockey boxes, so as not to stand idle, are adapted for the game of lacrosse.
However, the basic rules involve a showdown on a spacious grass field measuring 110 by 60 yards (in Russian – 100 by 55 meters). At the same time, the gates, in a hockey manner, are at some distance from the back line (see diagram). The match consists of four halves of 15 minutes, each team consists of 10 people, while nine substitutions are allowed per meeting. Then everything is simple – whoever scored more, well done. At the same time, you can kick the ball with your feet, but you can’t touch it with your hands. Although it is most convenient to make passes and make throws with a stick. By the way, for defenders it is longer – 1.8 m, for attackers it is shorter – 1.1 m (we are still talking about sticks). Pushing hands, body-to-body joints and other attributes of a tough game are welcome. And for the fact that the hot guys do not cross the line of reason, three referees are closely watching (and where are there not three?).
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Judging by the appearance of the athletes and the tough fight, lacrosse looks like American football in the extreme. Narrow gates and sticks evoke thoughts of hockey. But in terms of tactics, this sport is most similar to basketball. Pick-and-rolls, pick-and-pops, zone and personal defense – if these terms do not seem like Chinese alphabet and you can imagine the intricacies of movement in a three-second zone, then you will be able to correctly organize attacks in lacrosse. That is why from the basic exercises in training here, along with banging the ball against the wall, playing basketball is welcome.
HOW MUCH DO YOU EARN?
It is curious, but even in America, where the development of professional leagues has long reached a sky-high level compared to the Old World, a serious lacrosse championship appeared quite recently – in 2001. And at the moment, only eight teams participate in MLL (“Major Lacrosse League”). The average attendance is about 7,000 spectators per match (three times as many people will gather for the finals of school American football competitions in some Nebraska). To match the income of lacrosse players. The average earnings of an MLL player is about $20,000 per year. It’s no surprise that buff guys are more likely to join the cops, where junior officers get paid about the same. Major league star Paul Rebeal received $80,000 for the 2013 season, just as he reached the level of high school principal. In general, looking at the fees of Alexei Shved, who spends 5 minutes per match in the NBA, the best lacrosse players in the world wash themselves with bitter tears. But MLL is developing – let’s see what will happen in 10-15 years.
LACROSSE IN THE WORLD…
A little-known fact, but lacrosse twice – in 1904 and 1908 – got into the program of the Olympic Games. True, the then tournaments, when compared with modern ones, looked more like a caricature. In St. Louis, two Canadian teams and one US team competed (remained with silver). In London, there are two at all – the same Canadians in a face-to-face dispute made the British. The IOC took a look at this matter and decided that it was time to tie up with nets at the Olympics. Haven’t untied yet.
However, in recent years, the popularity of lacrosse has grown not only overseas. The 2014 World Championship, which will be held in the summer in Denver, will bring together 34 teams. Including bands from Uganda, Costa Rica and Bermuda. Moreover, even the national team of the Iroquois will play (they remember in the international federation who came up with the idea of throwing balls with nets!). True, there are only one favorites – guys from the USA, who can compete with rivals from Canada. The British, Germans and Dutch are playing well.
And yes, the Russian team will also be present in Denver.
… AND IN RUSSIA
This, however, does not mean that the development of lacrosse in our country is also on the rise.