What do i need to play lacrosse. Essential Lacrosse Gear: A Comprehensive Guide to Equipment for Players

What gear is required to play lacrosse. How does protective equipment enhance player safety. Which optional accessories can improve performance on the field. What training tools help develop lacrosse skills.

Required Lacrosse Equipment for Official Play

To participate in official lacrosse games, players must have certain mandatory gear. This equipment ensures player safety and adherence to game regulations. The essential items include:

• Lacrosse stick
• Helmet with face mask
• Mouthguard
• Shoulder pads
• Gloves
• Athletic supporter (for male players)
• Cleats

Each piece of equipment serves a crucial purpose in protecting players and enabling them to perform at their best. For instance, the helmet safeguards against head injuries, while the stick is the primary tool for ball handling and scoring.

Optional Lacrosse Gear for Enhanced Protection and Performance

While not mandatory, certain additional gear can provide extra protection and potentially improve a player’s performance on the field. Some popular optional equipment includes:

• Arm pads
• Rib pads
• Protective cup
• Eye black
• Stick tape
• Performance undershirt

These items can offer added comfort, protection against impacts, and improved grip on the stick. Players often choose to incorporate some or all of these optional accessories based on personal preference and playing style.

Understanding Lacrosse Balls: Types and Regulations

Lacrosse balls are a fundamental component of the game. They come in various colors and types, each serving specific purposes:

• White balls for men’s lacrosse
• Yellow balls for women’s lacrosse
• Neon green and orange balls (with coach agreement)
• Training balls in various colors
• Weighted balls for skill development

Official game balls must meet standards set by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Leading manufacturers of lacrosse balls include Champion Sports, Brine, Pearl Lacrosse, and STX.

Are all lacrosse balls created equal? While they may appear similar, there are significant differences between official game balls and training balls. Training balls are often softer and more shock-absorbent, making them ideal for practice sessions. Weighted balls, ranging up to three times heavier than standard balls, can help players develop strength and shot speed, but should be used cautiously to prevent injuries.

Lacrosse Sticks: Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Position

Lacrosse sticks are highly specialized pieces of equipment, tailored to different playing positions. The main categories include:

1. Attack and Midfield sticks
2. Defense sticks
3. Goalie sticks
4. Box lacrosse sticks

Each type of stick is designed to meet the specific demands of its position. For example, attack players typically use shorter sticks (40-42 inches) for increased maneuverability and shot power. Defensive players, on the other hand, benefit from longer sticks (52-72 inches) to extend their reach and improve their ability to intercept passes or deflect shots.

How does stick length affect a player’s performance? The length of a lacrosse stick can significantly impact a player’s effectiveness on the field. Shorter sticks offer better control and quicker release for shooting, while longer sticks provide advantages in defensive play and ground ball pickup. Goalies have the most flexibility, with stick lengths ranging from 40 to 72 inches based on personal preference.

Understanding Lacrosse Stick Components

Lacrosse sticks consist of two main parts: the head and the shaft. The head is the netted pocket at the end of the stick used to catch and carry the ball, while the shaft is the handle. Players can purchase complete sticks or customize their equipment by selecting separate heads and shafts.

What factors should players consider when choosing a lacrosse head? The ideal lacrosse head depends on a player’s position and style of play. Key considerations include:

• Pocket depth and shape
• Head stiffness
• Face shape (pinched or flared)
• Weight
• Stringing options

Attack players often prefer heads with a more pinched face for better ball control, while defensive players may opt for stiffer, wider heads to improve checking and ground ball pickup.

Protective Gear: Ensuring Player Safety on the Lacrosse Field

Lacrosse is a high-contact sport, and proper protective gear is essential to prevent injuries. The following equipment is crucial for player safety:

Helmets and Face Masks

Lacrosse helmets are designed to protect players from head injuries and facial impacts. They typically feature a hard outer shell with internal padding and a face mask. Some popular helmet manufacturers include Cascade, STX, and Warrior.

How often should lacrosse helmets be replaced? Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years or sooner if they show signs of wear or damage. Regular inspection of helmets is crucial to ensure they continue to provide adequate protection.

Shoulder Pads and Chest Protectors

Shoulder pads and chest protectors safeguard players from impacts to the upper body. These pads come in various styles and sizes to accommodate different body types and playing positions.

Gloves

Lacrosse gloves protect players’ hands and wrists from stick checks and ball impacts. They are typically padded on the back of the hand and fingers, with a more flexible palm area for improved stick control.

Arm Guards and Elbow Pads

While optional in some leagues, arm guards and elbow pads provide additional protection against checks and falls. They are particularly popular among offensive players who are more likely to face defensive pressure.

Training Equipment for Skill Development

To improve their skills and performance, lacrosse players often utilize various training tools and equipment. Some popular training gear includes:

• Rebounder nets
• Agility ladders
• Weighted balls
• Shooting targets
• Resistance bands
• Wall ball targets

How can training equipment enhance a player’s skills? Each piece of training equipment targets specific aspects of lacrosse play. For example, rebounder nets help improve passing and catching accuracy, while agility ladders enhance footwork and coordination. Consistent use of these tools can lead to significant improvements in a player’s overall performance.

Maintenance and Care of Lacrosse Equipment

Proper maintenance of lacrosse gear is essential for longevity and optimal performance. Players should regularly clean and inspect their equipment, paying special attention to the following:

Stick Maintenance

Regular cleaning and re-stringing of lacrosse sticks help maintain their performance. Players should check for loose or frayed strings and replace them as needed. Applying a light coat of wax to wooden shafts can help protect them from moisture damage.

Helmet Care

Helmets should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. Players should inspect the shell for cracks or damage and ensure that all screws and fittings are tight.

Pad and Glove Maintenance

Pads and gloves should be air-dried after use to prevent odor and bacteria growth. Periodic cleaning with gentle detergent can help extend their lifespan.

How often should lacrosse equipment be replaced? The frequency of equipment replacement depends on usage and wear. As a general guideline:

• Sticks: Replace heads every 1-2 seasons, shafts as needed
• Helmets: Every 3-5 years
• Gloves and pads: Every 1-2 seasons, or when showing signs of wear
• Cleats: Every 1-2 seasons, depending on usage

Regular inspection of all equipment is crucial to ensure it continues to provide adequate protection and performance.

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Equipment for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate lacrosse gear can be overwhelming, especially for new players. Consider the following factors when choosing equipment:

Playing Position

Different positions require specific types of equipment. For example, goalies need specialized sticks and larger chest protectors, while attackmen may prefer lighter, more maneuverable gear.

Skill Level

Beginners may want to start with more affordable, all-purpose equipment before investing in specialized gear. Advanced players often benefit from high-end, position-specific equipment.

League Regulations

Ensure that all equipment meets the requirements of your specific league or organization. Regulations may vary between youth, high school, college, and professional levels.

Personal Preference

While adhering to regulations, players should choose equipment that feels comfortable and suits their playing style. Trying on gear and getting recommendations from experienced players or coaches can be helpful.

What are some tips for buying lacrosse equipment on a budget? To save money while still getting quality gear, consider these strategies:

• Look for end-of-season sales or clearance events
• Buy used equipment from reputable sources
• Invest in high-quality essentials (like helmets and sticks) and opt for more budget-friendly options for other gear
• Consider package deals that include multiple pieces of equipment
• Join a lacrosse club or team that provides some equipment

By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can assemble a set of lacrosse equipment that will help you perform your best on the field while ensuring your safety and comfort.

What Gear Do You Need For Lacrosse? +(The Required Gear & More!)

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Lacrosse needs all kinds of gear for a player to be both eligible for official play and remain competitive with his or her peers. This gear ranges from standardized required gear like helmets, sticks, and balls to optional auxiliary equipment that can lend a competitive edge. 

What gear do you need for Lacrosse? The gear needed for lacrosse that is required to be eligible for play:

Optional lacrosse gear that can be added to enhance protection or effectiveness on the field:

Get some help finding the best pair of Lacrosse gloves for you in this complete guide

Along with gear that is used and worn by the player, additional gear is needed for training and maintenance of equipment.  

This gear includes the following:

This may seem like a literal truckload of equipment, which can be daunting to players that are new to the sport, but lacrosse is high contact, and the large amounts of protective gear required are to ensure that the players remain safe. 

Lacrosse gear can be broken into several different categories: basic gear, protective gear, training gear, and field gear. Read more about the gear you need to play (and the gear you’ll want to be a true lax rat) below. 

Read also: Lacrosse Goalie Gear

Basic Lacrosse Gear

You can’t play lacrosse without a stick or a ball. Even if you’re just playing street lacrosse with no official rules, you’re not going to get far in the game without these. 

Lacrosse Balls

Lacrosse balls are solid rubber balls that are typically white in men’s lacrosse and yellow in women’s lacrosse. Neon green and orange balls can also be used if both coaches in an official game agree to their use.  

For use in casual play and practice, they come in a variety of colors. 

To play in an official game of lacrosse, the balls used must also conform to a standard set forth by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). 

The main manufacturers of lacrosse balls are the following:

• Champion Sports 
• Signature Lacrosse
• Brine
• Pearl Lacrosse
• STX

Lacrosse balls seem simple in design, but they are vital to the play of the sport. Other than official game lacrosse balls, there are also a variety of training lacrosse balls available. 

These balls (which can come in a variety of colors like pink, purple, marble, and other novelty colors) are typically softer and more shock absorbent than an official game ball, despite being the same weight and dimensions. 

Lacrosse balls also come in weighted varieties, with weights up to three times heavier than an official game ball. These special balls are used for training to enhance shot speed, strength, and handling skills, but should be used carefully, as a heavier ball can lead to injury like a concussion.  

My Pick 

Champion Sports Official Lacrosse Balls

One of the most popular models for lacrosse balls. Can be used for different sports.

Check it on Amazon

Champion Sports and Signature Lacrosse (Amazon links) are the 2 brands I have used the most, but all the brands above mentioned are solid options if you need good quality balls.  

Lacrosse Sticks, Shafts, and Heads

When you hear lacrosse players start talking about “power shafts” or “defense heads” it all seems a little confusing, but the basic premise is this: lacrosse sticks are specialized and geared towards the following types of players:

• Attack and Midfield
• Defense
• Goalie
• Box

Due to the demands of the game, different kinds of players require different kinds of sticks in order to perform their role on the team effectively. 

Attack players typically need shorter sticks for increased snap and increased shot power necessary to make consistent goals. Defensive players, on the other hand, need longer sticks to increase their reach and their chance of intercepting a pass or deflecting a shot. 

Lacrosse is a dynamic sport where every player’s role is crucial to victory, with high requirements for both precision and speed. The variety of sticks available is a testament to how precise the skills of the players are.  

Lacrosse sticks are sold both as a whole stick and separated into parts–the head (which is the netted pocket on the end of a lacrosse stick that catches the ball) and the shaft (the lacrosse stick itself). The length of the lacrosse stick chosen is dependent on a player’s position:

• Attack players need shorter sticks, between 40-42 inches 
• Defensive players need longer sticks, between 52-72 inches
• Goalies can have a stick length of their own preference between 40-72 inches

What kind of a lacrosse head the player uses is also dependent on their position, as well as their level of skill.  

Defensive lacrosse players will want to look for stiff heads with flatter scoops, while attackers and midfielders will want a head that offers control with a rounded scoop and a pinched throat. 

There are more advanced heads for expert players that are designed with lightweight materials to make them responsive and quick, but because of their lesser weight, they are more difficult to handle and require more skill to use properly. 

Lacrosse sticks also require some accessories, such as pre wrap (a non-chafing material used beneath lacrosse tape), lacrosse tape (to improve grip), and end caps, which over the sharp metal end of a lacrosse stick to prevent injury to players.

How to Choose A Lacrosse Stick

Lacrosse sticks for novices are often sold as an all-in-one package, with the head and the shaft already combined. However, as lacrosse players get into more advanced levels of gameplay, they may upgrade to lacrosse sticks that come with the shafts and heads separated.  

Buying shafts and heads separately allows a player to buy a lacrosse head to their exact specifications based on the position they play. As players become more advanced, they also have the option of stringing their own lacrosse heads, allowing even further customization. 

Here are some high-powered options for your next lacrosse stick, no matter what position you plan to play:

Great Stick for Beginners

STX Men’s Lacrosse Stallion 200 U Complete Attack/Midfield Stick with Shaft & Head

Its easy to catch and ball control make this stick perfect for beginners.

    Check it on Amazon

Main features

• Ball control
• Stylish
• Solid construction
• Meets NCAA and NFHS Rules

 A good choice for heavy hitters, this is an accessible stick (Amazon link) for all entry-level players

Solid Option for Adults

Tron Pro Attack by TronX

Its lightweight delivers a great handling experience.

Check it on Amazon

Main features

• Well balanced
• Lightweight
• Altium Alloy Shaft

The interior sidewall mirrors the outer for reduced weight without sacrificing stiffness, giving a great handling experience.

Great Pick for Mid-level Goalies

STX Goalie Stick

Solid 12-diamond semi-hard mesh stick for mid-level rec goalies. Good value for the money.

Check it on Amazon

STX makes a goalie stick with a white-on-white platinum design and a semi-hard mesh pocket.  Its relatively cost makes it a perfect choice for mid-level players.

Best Value for Money

Maverik Charger Complete Attack Lacrosse Stick

Well-rounded stick. Perfect for learning ground ball and cradling skills. Great option for beginners.

Check it on Amazon

The Maverik Charger is a solid choice for learning ground ball and cradling skills. This lightweight stick is durable and solidly constructed, which makes it a great option for beginners.

It is also not too expensive, making it a decent investment (Amazon link) for new players. 

Women’s favorite 

STX Crux 400 Women’s Complete Lacrosse Stick

This model face’s shape offers a tight pinch that transitions into a wide catching area. It’s built for competitive-level attackers.

Check it on Amazon

 A highly sought-after stick for women’s lacrosse, the Crux 400 (Amazon link) boasts a smooth pocket release and a pointed scoop for grounders, with minimum sidewall rail drops for agile passes. 

How to Wrap a Lacrosse Stick

Once you have your lacrosse stick, you’ll want to prepare it for play. 

One way most players enhance the grip of their sticks is to wrap them with lacrosse tape. These tapes come in a variety of materials and colors, allowing players to decorate their sticks and reinforce them. 

Because of their construction, lacrosse shafts can be extremely slick, especially in wet weather or when wearing protective gloves.  

Taping the stick allows the player to maintain a firm grip and helps protect the stick from the dings and scratches of daily use.

Use the following basic method to tape and prepare your lacrosse stick after purchase:

1. Wipe down the stick with warm water to remove any debris or dust. This will allow the lacrosse tape to adhere smoothly. 
2. Unroll the end of the lacrosse tape and begin taping from the butt end of the stick, working up from the bottom to the top of the shaft. 
3. Rotate the lacrosse tape around the shaft in a tight spiraling pattern, being careful not to leave any gaps between sections of tape.  
4. To secure the end cap, wrap the end cap with tape and continue wrapping until you connect the end cap tape to the tape on the shaft itself. 

Using these steps, you can protect your stick and make it last longer. Read on to learn about protective gear and figure out how to protect yourself. 

Protective Lacrosse Gear

Lacrosse is a high contact sport, and as such, it requires a high level of protective gear.

The lowest level of gear required for lacrosse players is helmets or eye gear, shoulder pads, and mouthpieces. 

Women’s lacrosse only allows for stick-to-stick contact, but since it is such an explosive sport, collisions and ball strikes still happen. Men’s lacrosse, on the other hand, is a full contact sport and allows both body and checks. This means, in either case, protective gear is essential. 

NOTE: Because they are the target of high-powered shots and can be subject to severe injury if unprotected, goalies are required to wear extra protective gear such as throat and chest protectors (and in the case of male goalies, protective cups). 

Athletic supporters and protective cups are not required for other male lacrosse players, but they’re a good idea. So is wearing high quality gloves to prevent broken fingers and bloodied knuckles. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of protective gear that you need to keep yourself safe playing lacrosse (Amazon links):

• Eyegear: Eyegear is required in women’s lacrosse rather than helmets, and this gear usually comes in the form of wire goggles. These lightweight goggles form a cage over the player’s eyes that prevents damage while minimizing visual interference. 
• Helmets: Rather than eyegear, men’s lacrosse requires full helmets. This is because women’s lacrosse only allows stick-to-stick contact, and men’s lacrosse allows full body contact like American football. Helmets protect the player from concussive damage. 
• Mouthguards: Mouthguards that fit inside a player’s mouth over their teeth and gums are a requirement of officiated lacrosse and are designed to keep a player from biting their tongue or having their teeth knocked out by rough play. 
• Rib pads: Lacrosse rib pads are low profile pads that add shielding from ball strikes and checks to prevent bruised or broken ribs. They usually include adjustable straps and strategically placed pieces of hard plastic for extra protection. 
• Elbow pads: Lacrosse elbow pads are usually lightweight and flexible to allow for as much mobility as possible. They usually incorporate breathable materials to keep the player cool and prevent chafing from perspiration. 
• Shoulder pads: Shoulder pads are the only kind of lacrosse pad that are required for officiated play other than the specialized protectors required by goalies. These pads are made of flexible but strong materials that provide protection while still maintaining agility. 
• Athletic supporters and protective cups: Together with protective cups, athletic supporters are vital for protecting the groin during rough lacrosse play. Lacrosse players often choose to wear athletic supporters in the form of compression shorts. 
• Throat protectors: Similar to a gorget in medieval armor, the throat protectors required by lacrosse goalies prevent the ball from hitting the player in the throat, which can cause serious injury to the trachea and spine if this area is left vulnerable. 
• Chest protectors: Chest protectors are required for lacrosse goalies and provide added protection to the chest cavity in the form of padding that can absorb ball strikes. Chest protectors typically feature “stretch zones” that allow the goalie to move easily.  

Lacrosse Gear Bags/Ball Bags

Lacrosse comes with tons of gear, and in order to keep it all together, players use portable storage. This is where equipment bags come in. 

Gear bags are cylindrical carrying bags designed out of strong, durable material to allow them to support large amounts of heavy padding. Gear bags are typically constructed out of industrial grade nylon for strength. 

• Gear bags, like many lacrosse accessories, come in a variety of colors so lacrosse players can keep their equipment color-coordinated with their team’s colors. 
• Ball bags are specialized gear bags with a top-heavy structure that are designed to carry large amounts of lacrosse balls. 

Lacrosse Training Gear

Along with the gear they use to actually play, lacrosse players can use a variety of training gear in order to improve their skills between games. These range from tools to increase strength and accuracy to tools that measure progress, like speed radars.

Using speed measurement tools and training drills together, lacrosse teams can objectively measure their individual progress as they improve their agility and strength.  

While performance during an actual game is always paramount, a team of lacrosse players is only as good as the amount of time they practice. A team with a strict training regimen and discipline footwork is going to cream a team that is unpracticed every time. 

• Speed radars: Speed radars are speed-measuring tools used to analyze a lacrosse player’s speed shot. By using this tool, players can work on increasing their own speed records, and coaches can keep track of which players on their team can sling the ball fastest.  
• Hurdles/agility ladders: Doing hurdle and agility ladder drills allows lacrosse players to improve agility–that is, their ability to rapidly switch directions and accelerate while doing so. These drills also increase jumping height and help players develop fast feet.
• Resistance trainers: By practicing with resistance trainers, lacrosse players can become stronger and faster at specific movement drills, increasing their ability to call on intense dynamic bursts of power and conditions their overall agility. 
• Online courses: more and more people every day are investing on personal training to improve their game and become a better athlete.A relevant example is the one featuring Rob Pannell, where he shares pro tips on different aspects of the sport: conditioning, mental preparation and fundamentals of the game. I personally like the holistic approach to the sport and the flexibility that gives you having it online.

If you want to take a look yourself, click the following link: Players Academy by Rob Pannell

Lacrosse Goals and Targets

Besides the fact that it’s difficult to track scoring in lacrosse without a goal, collecting practice goals, backstops, and rebounders can prevent dozens of lost lacrosse balls. Because they are rubber, that means that lacrosse balls are bouncy. They’re easy to lose without a goal to aim for.

• Goals: Lacrosse goals are lightweight and not expensive, meaning that as long as you have an open field or street and a couple of goals, you can set up a makeshift lacrosse league just about anywhere. 
• Backstops: A lacrosse backstop is a reinforcement to the actual goal and can help catch any offsides ball that the lacrosse goal doesn’t manage to catch. Not only do backstops prevent lost balls, they are also an important safety precaution. 
• Rebounders: Rebounders are basically portable trampoline goals that allow a player to play wall ball with themselves to improve their catching and passing abilities. It’s not always easy to find a brick wall to practice against, so rebounders are a good solution. 
• Goal targets: Goal targets are goal accessories that allow lacrosse players to aim at specific windows within the goal. These are areas of the goal that are typically less well-guarded, and help the shooter learn to aim for the sweet spots that lead to goals.
• Field cones: Lacrosse field cones are used to set up training drills to increase general agility and direction-changing speed. They are usually made of brightly colored plastic for high visibility and are used as obstacles on the field to increase a player’s footwork. 

Optional Gear for Lacrosse

Lacrosse players require a lot of gear to play, but there is even more equipment to acquire through the sport that may not be a requirement, but definitely increase a lacrosse player’s quality of life and general enjoyment of the sport. This is some of the optional gear for lacrosse:

• Apparel: Lacrosse apparel allows dedicated players to celebrate their love for the sport both on and off the field. Lacrosse apparel comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit every team and is available for both men and women.  
• Cleats: Lacrosse cleats are different than soccer cleats, though they serve a similar purpose. Lacrosse cleats have cleats on the toe as well as the outside of the sole, allowing for stability in side-to-side movement. 
• Chin shields: Providing extra facial protection and sometimes included along with lacrosse helmets, chin shields are good for both comfort and safety; straps come in a variety of colors to match any team uniform. 
• Helmet decals: Decals are used in lacrosse to decorate helmets and other protective equipment and can also be used to help quickly differentiate lacrosse players from each other. Decals come in chrome, metallic flake, matte, and many other styles. 
• Water bottles: In lacrosse as in any field sport, staying hydrated is extremely important, especially when playing and practicing during the summer months. Choose a water bottle with a squeezable design and a bending straw to drink without removing a helmet. 
• Sports deodorizers: This is an accessory that players may not think of until their bag or shoes or protective equipment is already rank. Prevent stinky lacrosse bags and shoes by investing in some deodorizers early on. 
• Headbands: Headbands are used to keep sweat out of a player’s eyes while they play. Nothing is worse than having stinging sweat blind you in the middle of a critical play. Headbands are typically made of a wicking material with elastic sewn in for flexibility.
• Wristbands: Made of the same materials as headbands are made of, wristbands prevent sweat from sliding down the player’s arms onto the hands and fingers, which decreases grip on the lacrosse stick. 
• Eye black: A tradition that started with athletic greats like Babe Ruth, eye black smeared under the eyes of a lacrosse player prevents glare reflected off the player’s cheeks, allowing them to more easily track the ball in midair in bright field conditions. 

Gear Up For Lacrosse!

No matter whether you play men’s lacrosse or women’s lacrosse, youth lacrosse or adult lacrosse, every member of every league needs appropriate gear to perform at their best. If budget is a concern, new players can always get basic equipment and work their way up. 

To get a casual game of lacrosse started up, there isn’t much more needed than a few goals, a few sticks, and a few lacrosse balls. 

However, if your intentions are to be a serious competitor, it’s worth the money to buy helpful accessories that can help upgrade good equipment into great equipment. This investment can be done gradually across a few months or years as you get more invested in the game. 

Essential Equipment Needed to Play Lacrosse – Portable Sports Coach

What Equipment Do You Need to Play Lacrosse?

Lacrosse – the sport that has been steadily gaining popularity over the years. With its physical nature, fast-paced style and a passion for the game only the very hardened could have, it’s easy to see why so many people love the sport.

But, this poses a simple question…

What equipment do you need to play lacrosse?

Well, on a basic level you’re going to need a few essential items; Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads, Cup, Mouth Guard, Cleats and a Lacrosse stick. – These pieces of equipment not only allow you to play the game but keep yourself safe at the same time.

Taking it up a level or two – other pieces of equipment lacrosse players might have or use; equipment bag, additional apparel and a wide range of lacrosse training equipment that we’ll go into more detail on below.

Essential Lacrosse Equipment

Helmets

There’s a huge array of helmets on the market made specifically for lacrosse and with all that choice it can be hard to choose the helmet you want. You could approach this a few ways but the way we recommend is to go into a local store, try a few helmets on and get an idea of the size and shape you need. Then ‘armed’ with this information, head online and pick a helmet.

Doing it this way allows you to be confident in the type of helmet you need for your head while having a better selection of helmets that a regular store might not be able to give.

And, if you shop somewhere like Amazon, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to save yourself a few bucks in the process.

Shoulder Pads

Again, staying with safety, shoulder pads are primarily needed to protect any contact points of your body – ie; your collar bone, sternum, shoulders and arms.

When choosing a shoulder pads make sure you grab one that’s not only comfortable to wear but, easy to manoeuvre in when you’re playing.

Again, I’d recommend you take the same approach with shoulder pads as you would with your helmet.

STX Stallion 50 Should Pad

STX are one of the leaders in Lacrosse equipment. Here’s some shoulder pads that come in black with a; x-small, small, medium and large fitting

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads, like helmets tend to come in a variety of different shapes and sizes that suit different players and playing styles.

In short, the position you play will determine the type of elbow pads you’ll need.

Cup

Lacrosse is a physical sport and if you value your ‘crown jewels’ we’d recommend you pick one of these up! These are pretty inexpensive pieces of equipment that could save you’re a lot of pain and hurt down the line…

Shock Doctor BioFlex

Available in both youth and adult sizes the Shock Doctor Bioflex protects without limiting movement

Mouth Guard

While you’re helmet will do most of the protection some players do opt for a mouth guard for additional protection.

Gloves

Finally to wrap it up for the safety side of things you’re going to need to get yourself a pair of gloves to protect your hands. You’ll want a pair of gloves that protect your fingers and have some sort of solid support for your wrist too.

Ensure the gloves you get allow adequate movement in the fingers.

STX Lacrosse Cell 3 Gloves

Again another piece of equipment from STX. With 5 colors to choose from, a healthy amount of reviews and an improved thumb flexibility and finger rotation you can’t go too far wrong. Check out the video of these in more detail here…

Cleats

Cleats are next on the list.

You’ve got a few options here. You can wear soccer or football cleats for lacrosse if you’ve got a pair and want to save yourself some money.

If you haven’t got any cleats and you just intend to play lacrosse you go ahead and grab yourself a pair of lacrosse specific cleats.

Side Note: it’s well worth noting that while you can play lacrosse with soccer cleats for example you can’t play soccer with lacrosse cleats.

Lacrosse Stick

Finally, to actually play the game you’re going to need a lacrosse stick. Sticks usually come in two pieces – the shaft and the head. The type of shaft and head you’ll need will again, depend on the position you play.

Lacrosse Practice Equipment

If you really want to ramp up your lacrosse skills and improve you’re all-round game – you’re going to need put some hours in on the training field….

In order to do this, some lacrosse players and coaches use a variety of different types of training equipment.

In this section I’m going to list and details some of the equipment used…..

Lacrosse Goals

Obviously, lacrosse goals can be used either for training or games. Lacrosse goals usually come in one of two designs:

• Standard Lacrosse Goals: First you’ve got the standard lacrosse goal that once you’ve set it up there’s no need to do anything more with it. A good example of this type of goal would be the Gladiator Official Lacrosse Net. These types of nets are great for competitive matches and tend to be extremely durable.
• Portable Lacrosse Nets: The other type of net you’ll see on the market is the portable pop-up style nets. These nets can great if you want to assemble and dismantle your lacrosse goals quickly and expect to use them across different sites and facilities. A good example of one of these nets would be the Bownet LAX Lacrosse goal.

You can check out an extensive review of lacrosse goals here if you’re interested…

Lacrosse Rebounders

If you’re looking for a piece of training equipment to improve overall stick skills then investing in a lacrosse rebounder is a must.

Lacrosse rebounders tend to be come in on the large side so it’s imperative that you first check whether or not you’ve got the space to store, manoeuvre and actually use it.

First you’re going to want a rebounder that can fold up and be stored easily enough without too much trouble. Second you’ll want a rebounder that’s big enough to work on various different lacrosse skills but still portable so you can easily move it if you need too.

A great example of lacrosse rebounder worth checking out is the EZGoal Folding Lacrosse Rebounder that comes with an adjustable frame so you can practice; high pops, grounds and line drives without the need for a full on training session.

Again, I’ve gone into more detail here if you’re interested in grabbing a lacrosse rebounder…

Fitness & Conditioning Equipment

Finally, to be able to keep up with the physical (and mental) demands of the game you’re going to need to work on a few key conditioning areas of your game.

Of course you don’t need any equipment to achieve a good level of strength and fitness but sometimes you do need a change of stimulus.

Whatever your conditioning program looks like here’s a quick list of equipment that can help you ‘get stronger and game longer…’

• Agility Ladders
• Conditioning Mask
• Parachutes
• Skipping Ropes
• Suspension Trainers
• Resistance Bands

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Why Lacrosse Is The Sport Of Choice Of Today’s Youth

A quick review of the history of organized sports shows lacrosse to be by far the oldest organized sport in North America. Wikipedia reports that nearly four centuries ago, early European settlers modified a North American Indian stickball game dating back to the 1200s into pretty much what the game is today. They also gave it its present name, “La Crosse” (The Stick), which merged into singular-word name. The game became more formalized with written rules in 1867 after which it became a competitive sport in elite prep schools and colleges, primarily in the northeastern U.S.

Lacrosse is now number one

The interest and popularity of lacrosse has mushroomed over the decades, both in numbers of schools and players and geographically, to become the fastest growing sport today in U.S. high schools and colleges. One source, US Lacrosse, reports that three-quarters of a million people played lacrosse in 2017. Participation in the sport at the high school level grew by 15 percent in 2012-13 among boys in U.S. boarding schools, becoming as popular as football and basketball at those schools. At the college level, participation grew by 28 percent in the 2009-14 time period. Not only has the sport become a NCAA staple, but two professional leagues comprising more than 20 teams have emerged in the past three decades, Major League Lacrosse and National League Lacrosse.

Why lacrosse is so popular among young people

A few observations in no particular order as to why lacrosse’s popularity has soared among youth:

• Most young people can play the game. despite what their physical framework happens to

1. One doesn’t have to be extraordinarily tall or have a large frame to be a competitive player.

Lacrosse web page:

“It (lacrosse) is characterized by intense action, strategy, finesse and power. It is a game with long, looping passes and short bullet-like shots to catch a pass over the shoulder while running at full stride, to hit the top corner of the net while in full flight, or to stop a shot aimed low through a maze of players requires a range of skills unsurpassed in any other sport. The … nature of the game makes it a great spectator sport.”

• Lacrosse players are now TV stars. College and professional team games are now being

televised, thereby exposing young people and their parents to what many consider to be the fastest ball game on two feet.

• Lacrosse is safer than most contact sports; a fact that appeals to parents and youth alike. Statistics on injuries from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) estimates lacrosse players have about two thirds the injuries of soccer players; one half the number of hockey players, and about one-tenth the injuries of football and rugby players.
• There are abundant opportunities to play the game, not only as a regular high school or

College varsity sport but in after-school, summer, and club competitions.

Lacrosse is spreading out from its traditional geographical roots

In recent years, the game’s popularity has expanded geographically from its traditional roots in the northeastern U.S. Four years ago, cadets from the Army and Navy Academy, an all-boys, college preparatory boarding school sited on a Pacific Ocean front campus in Carlsbad, California asked that lacrosse be added to the Academy’s long list of competitive sports that also includes cross country, football, surfing, basketball, soccer, wrestling, baseball, golf, swimming, and tennis. One Academy alumnus remarked after the school’s first year of the lacrosse program:

“Watching a first-year program grow while learning the game of lacrosse has been the

best experience of my life, teaching me much about the game and about being a part of a team.”

What are the overall benefits of lacrosse?

Like most any sport or athletic activity, lacrosse helps to instill success in young people who compete in the game.  A University of Missouri Health Care report on “Benefits of Sports for Adolescents” affirmed that sports and physical activity are good for the mind, body, and spirit, adding that “Team sports teach adolescents accountability, dedication, leadership, and other skills.” The report lists the following five reasons why organized, well-structured youth sports and ongoing physical activity “play an important role in a young person’s life.”:

1. Many athletes do better academically. Playing a sport requires a lot of time and energy.

While some people think this would distract student athletes from schoolwork, the opposite is true. Sports require memorization, repetition, and learning – skillsets that are directly relevant to class work. Also, the determination and goal-setting skills a sport requires can be transferred to the classroom.

2. Sports teach teamwork and problem-solving skills. Fighting for a common goal with a

group of players teaches … how to build teamwork and effectively communicate to solve problems. This experience is helpful when encountering problems later in life at work or at home.

3. Physical health benefits of sports. Clearly, sports can help one to reach fitness goals and

maintain a healthy weight. However, they also encourage healthy decision-making such as not smoking or drinking. Sports also have hidden health benefits such as lowering the chance of osteoporosis or breast cancer later in life.

4. Sports boost self-esteem. Achieving goals develops self-confidence. Mastering a sport or

fitness goal encourages one to achieve other goals, resulting in a rewarding and exciting learning process.

5. Reduce pressure and stress with sports. Exercising is a natural way to loosen up and let go

of stress. One can make new friends who can be there as a support system. When one feels under pressure or stressed, he or she can call up a teammate, head to the gym to talk and play it out.

Other ways lacrosse and other sports help young people learn to succeed

Additional research by the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health found there was a positive correlation between physical activity and mental health, including emotional wellness, self-confidence, and positive expectations for the future. The research also found that participation in sports is linked to greater satisfaction in a student’s experience at school, resulting in lower dropout rates. A laxcamps.com blog on the rise in lacrosse participation at the college level said a study several years ago showed that graduation rates for lacrosse players are among the highest in college sports. Some 88 percent and 94 percent of female lacrosse players surveyed had graduated from college.

Another survey several years ago by the National Federation of State High Schools Association found that students agreed they would not spend as much time in sedentary activities like watching television of playing video games if they had other options at school.

Further NFHS studies suggested that student athletes – who presumably include lacrosse players — are less likely to participate in unhealthy or risky behavior when they are playing sports in high school. The same report cited a study by the Department of Education that found students who spent no time in extracurricular activities in high school were 49 percent more likely to use drugs and 37 percent more apt to become teen parents.

Play College Lacrosse: How Hard Is It Really?

Editor’s Note: This post entitled ‘How Hard is it to Play College Lacrosse?’ was originally published in November of 2015, but with all the recent changes to the recruiting timeline and freshmen heading into their first college seasons, we are bringing it back up. It’s an LAS classic!

“How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse?”

It’s a fair question, and one I get asked quite a bit through coaching, as well as general inquiries through LaxAllStars.com. The real answer is a complex one, and it depends on a number of factors, so I’ll start out with a general answer to the question, and then dig down deeper on what it takes to play at different levels of the college game including NCAA D1, D2, and D3, NJCAA, MCLA, NCLL, NAIA, and CUFLA.

A General Answer

There are a number of different options and levels available to you. But here is the big key aspect they all share: No matter where you want to play college lacrosse requires time, effort, and plenty of sacrifices.

Any college student-athlete, at almost any level, needs to be prepared to dedicate at least a couple hours each day to lacrosse. Playing on a college team also means that other activities or options will no longer be available to you, and that the team will take priority over most other things during your years in school. This may be what you want, but before you can actually play college lacrosse, you need to be able to commit to the time it will require. That is really the first big step.

Do you need to work while you are in school? Or can you get loans or grants to cover your costs? Can you commit to being off campus with your team for half of the weekends each spring and one or two every fall? Will your major require an intensive project during the year? Will that mesh with your lacrosse activities? How does the college’s coach view academics vs athletics? How do you view the two? Will playing lacrosse help you keep your grades up? Or will your marks suffer because of athletics? Can lacrosse help you get into a better school? Is a “better” school a better fit for YOU? What would you do if you couldn’t play lacrosse anymore? Would you still like the school? How well do you manage your time on your own? How emotionally mature are you?

Before you can even ask yourself questions about on-field ability, you really should think heavily on ALL of the above issues. Go off on tangents. Ask yourself tough questions. Don’t just accept what you hear from one source. Talk to lots of people on your situation. Weigh their arguments. Come up with your own. And don’t listen to people just because they’re telling you what you want to hear. Pursue the truth. Can you HONESTLY handle all the school work AND the lacrosse work? It’s not easy!

Everyone, regardless of ability or where they end up, should ask themselves a lot of questions, but it all comes down to one thing. Can YOU make a full commitment to play college lacrosse and still find a way to thrive in the classroom?

If you answered yes to the above question, you may be ready to decide which level of college lacrosse is going to be appropriate. I’ll start with the big boys, the alpha dogs… the D1 lacrosse scene.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse at the D1 level?

Most D1 teams are running year-round and recruiting in top notch talent. Some offer scholarships (those that do have 12.5 scholarships for about 45 players) and some do not (the Ivy League for example), but all of these programs are running a serious show. From big time D1 athletics programs (like Notre Dame and Michigan) to D3 schools with D1 lacrosse (like Hopkins and Hobart), everyone is putting in a full-court press, and the competition is fierce.

In 2016, we will see 70 D1 teams, and while this is a 13 team jump from 2005, lacrosse is still a small sport collegiately, and rosters spots on D1 teams are hard to come by. D1 expansion has seemingly been much slower than high school expansion, so now there are more talented kids than ever vying for limited spots. 10 years ago it was much easier to find a spot on a lower end team’s roster, but these days, even teams that go 3-12 have plenty of talent and athleticism.

Photo Credit: Craig Chase

For your average D1 program, players are typically putting in 2-4 hours per day. There may be periods of slow down (Duke takes some time off from team stuff in December), but guys are always training, working out, and keeping lacrosse near the top of their priority lists. During the spring season, it ramps up another level, and lacrosse becomes nearly all-encompassing. This is not a negative, just a reality.

Many of these schools also don’t hold tryouts. The kids they recruit in are most often the kids that get a chance. If your plan is to walk-on to a D1 team, know this now: it will be a tough, uphill battle. Some programs host tryouts, but many don’t. For those that do host open tryouts, making the roster is a serious task. In many cases, you basically have to impress a coach so much that the coach drops a guy he brought in to the school for lacrosse. It’s a lot to ask, and few coaches will take you if you’re “as good” as one of their guys. From what I have seen you need to be better than a couple of their guys to make a real impact, and possibly make the team.

Now if you want to be recruited to a D1 school, you can go about in a couple of different ways:

1) You can attend a college’s “prospect day”. This is great if you know where you want to play as it puts you in front of the coaches in a contained and small setting.

2) You can create a video of yourself that includes ALL your field time from one game where you played against a top level opponent. Ask your high school coach to write the coach a letter about you as well. Do not send coaches a video filled with 10 second goal highlights. That is useless as a recruiting tool. USELESS. Coaches literally laugh when they see most of those unless the kid is truly a magician. Same thing for FoGos who only show themselves winning face offs. USELESS. Show coaches who you are as a complete player and hope they like you.

3) You can also join a club team and HOPE TO GOD that your team is so good that a coach happens to see you. At a tournament with 400 teams, do you REALLY think you’re good enough to stand out amongst 8000 kids? Are you one of the top players on your team, which is one of the top teams? If so, go for it. If not, look at options #1 and #2 a little more closely.

4) Just focus on being a LEGIT overall athlete in high school. Honestly, this is the best option. Play multiple sports, be good at all of them, and be a good kid. If you’re an all-state basketball player, college coaches will love your potential. If you were also all-state in lacrosse, even better. If I were a D1 coach, I would want to recruit a kid who was all-league in 3 sports over a kid who was named to 4 fall tourney all-star teams. I’m not a D1 coach, but many I speak to feel the same way.

Photo Credit: Molly Tavoletti

Ok, so where exactly should you be athletically for D1 lacrosse?

On average, D1 lacrosse players are superb athletes. These are the guys who played multiple sports, made all-state in one or two, and were all around forces to be reckoned with no matter what they were doing when it came to athletics. They are big, strong, fast, tough, and most importantly, have a good game sense for sports in general. There are exceptions of course, and some guys just have better skills than anyone else, and that gets them through the door as well. But to have those kind of skills requires a certain athleticism, so the point really does stand.

Do you TRULY stand out as an athlete compared to your friends and peers? Are you faster, or bigger, or just better (or notably more competitive) than ALL of the kids at your school? (Ask yourself that last question very honestly!) Is your school an “athletic” school? How do you compare to other kids in the area? Are you a league all-star in a couple sports, or just lacrosse? Can you take over a game, or cause a team to change their game plan? YES???? Well then, you may be a D1 caliber lacrosse player as well.

Of course you might not be. I know guys who fit the above profile who did not make in the D1 lacrosse world believe it or not. I also know guys who didn’t really fit the above profile who did make it. In general however, the above general tests and questions should help you address the issue of whether or not you are cut out for D1 lacrosse. D1 lacrosse is not for the kids who “just want it”. D1 lacrosse is for the kids who not only want it but also go out and make it a reality and then perform at a high level. A big chunk of natural athleticism and a good attitude never hurt either.

Remember, there is a 6’2″, 210 pound great natural athlete from Long Island who has been playing lacrosse, football, and basketball since he was four years old. His brothers, father, and uncles all played D1 sports. That is who you are competing with. How hard is it to play D1 lacrosse? VERY hard.

Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t necessarily pick up lacrosse later in life and still have D1 aspirations, just ask Jimmeh Koita.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse at the D2 level?

Take pretty much everything I said about D1 lacrosse, and dial it down to about 95%, and you have D2 lacrosse. Basically, it’s still really excellent lacrosse. In fact, I can’t think of another sport where the gap between D1 and D2 is as close as it is in men’s NCAA lacrosse. There are a few less teams (65 for 2016) and each team only has a maximum of a couple scholarships, far fewer than the 12.5 that fully funded D1 teams have. Rosters are about the same size, around 40-45 players per team.

The work rate and the level of play at the higher levels of D2 is very much like the D1 experience. Adelphi, Limestone, LeMoyne, Mercyhurst and a score of others offer some really great lacrosse options, and pull in some truly high level players. On the lower end of D2, the overall quality of the play does still take a major step down, but it is nothing like it was in past years. Bottom rung D2 teams (especially in newer areas) used to be truly awful, but with so many more kids looking to play college lacrosse now, a lot of these lower regarded programs have improved greatly, and the days of 35-0 scores being common seem to be behind us.

D2 lacrosse at the top levels is very competitive, and rivals some D1 programs. At the bottom end, it is below the level of good college club (MCLA) lacrosse, but it is still competitive. D2 offers a wide range of options and levels of play for the interested student-athlete, and their geographic spread is truly impressive with multiple teams in Georgia, Florida, California, and Tennessee, as well as hot bed areas like Long Island, Upstate, Pennsylvania, and New England.

D2 NCAA Lacrosse was considered the ugly duckling of college lacrosse for a long time, but that is really not fair anymore. D2 lacrosse is legit, growing quickly, and a great option for kids out there who want to play REALLY good college lacrosse.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse at the D3 level?

Take the scholarships right off the table. You might get grant money, or a loan, but you can’t play D3 lacrosse and get a “lacrosse scholarship”. That is against D3 rules. While there aren’t any scholarships, there are a TON of teams to choose from (and many offer great financial aid)! With 231 programs in 2016, NCAA D3 men’s lacrosse is the biggest division out there, and the diversity of the teams is downright staggering.

You have top level programs like Tufts, RIT, Salisbury, and Stevenson (amongst others) who routinely pull in top level players. These schools have awesome facilities, equipment sponsors, and they chase titles regularly. Their level of play is like high level D2 lacrosse, or mid to low level D1 lacrosse. As you can imagine, between #1 and #231 there is a big difference.

Lower end D3 lacrosse is completely accessible. If you have never played before, but have a good attitude and some athleticism, you can make some college teams. Seriously. Of course if you try that at RIT, things will go poorly for you. Between the top and the bottom we’re talking about polar opposite worlds. For D3, I would look at LaxPower as a helpful guide.

The top 60-70 D3 teams take lacrosse very seriously. Kids on those teams have played before, usually a LOT. Just making the team is hard if you weren’t an exceptional player on your high school team and good overall athlete. From around 70 to 110 you have another mix of teams. Some are long-time “ok” programs, others are newer programs on the rise. Beyond 110, it’s a real mix. Some of the programs are brand new, others are relatively new, while others still are old and under-funded. Some have coaches who needed to be fired long ago. Others don’t pay their coaches a serious salary. Some make the kids pay for their gear. Some are just small schools in new lacrosse areas. There is literally every sort of set up imaginable, but between the 110 and 231 range, any solid lacrosse player, or athlete, should be able to find a suitable home if they can commit to the time and effort that all lacrosse requires.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse at the NJCAA level?

There are some serious levels of striation for NJCAA Lacrosse. Up top, you have Onondaga, and then everyone else. Sort of. At least on paper… OCC has been dominant as of late, winning the last 7 NJCAA titles as well as their last 105 games. But Nassau CC, CCBC Essex, and Genesee are all very solid programs, and others move up and down year to year. While OCC is the clear top dog, Nassau gets 100 kids for tryouts and just making that team is an accomplishment. Many years they play OCC for the title, and games can be pretty close. Plenty of non-OCC players go on to play NCAA D1, D2, and D3 lacrosse each year, so the overall quality up top is good.

Lower down the ladder, the top level players can still be good, but depth suffers quickly. OCC, Essex, and NCC have talent all over, but many others programs don’t have more than a couple really good players. This can detract from the score lines we see, when better teams can win games by 15 or more goals regularly. At the lowest end of NJCAA lacrosse, programs are begging kids to come out and play and a roster of 14-17 players is not all that rare.

For the players at the top, NJCAA is tough and competitive, just to make the team. Many of these players have hopes of playing high level NCAA lacrosse. As you move down the ladder, it becomes less about NCAA lacrosse and more about competing and participating. Lowed end D3 NCAA schools can often be the goal here, and the NJCAA provides a great system of prep both on the field and in the classroom.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse in the MCLA?

The MCLA has two divisions, and while all of the teams are student-run to some degree, some of the programs are very serious, and attract a lot of top level talent. Big time D1 and D2 MCLA teams can play with many D3 and D2 programs, and they can beat a number of them as well. There is still a difference between schools like RIT, Tufts, Adelphi, and OCC and the best MCLA schools, but that gap is not a HUGE one. Over recent years, it seems to have only gotten tighter.

The MCLA is good lacrosse, but when it comes to asking if you can play MCLA Lacrosse, another question has to be asked: Can you afford it?

Many MCLA programs require the student-athletes to pay their way to play lacrosse at the school. You will see this at certain NCAA schools as well, but in the MCLA it is basically the norm. Practices can be held on school grounds, or not. Games can be on college campuses or public parks. The league is organized, but it is driven by the players above all else, which makes it a unique experience in the US. Many team captains spend hours coordinating their teams off the field in addition to their commitment to play college lacrosse.

If you want to play on a top level MCLA team, you will need to be a good player. ASU, Chapman, Colorado, Grand Canyon, and a number of other schools have great programs year in and year out. These clubs even produce players who end up in the pros sometimes. Not everyone is that good, but the MCLA can ball, so don’t think it’s going to be a cake walk out there. No way, no how. Lower down, teams are more open, and talent drops off considerably, but near the top, the MCLA offers high D3 level lacrosse.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse in the NCLL?

If your school has an NCAA team, your school can’t have an MCLA team. Those are just the rules. But they can have an NCLL team! The NCLL is basically a club league, made up of students at any school that don’t play varsity NCAA lacrosse. Navy has an NCLL team, which has basically been their school’s official JV team. Stevenson does a similar thing. You also have schools like Cortland and Salisbury, where 120 kids per year want to play varsity lacrosse. For those guys, the NCLL provides another league option.

At other schools, the NCLL teams are really just club teams, and there is no JV component to them. They are totally student-run and organized, and the D1 coaches have little to no interest in the kids playing. This is the case at Binghampton and some other schools with lower interest levels.

There are often some good players out there, and schools like Navy, Cortland, Salisbury, Virginia, and a couple others are often very well organized, and might even have a coach on their sidelines. Others are player-coached, and totally disorganized. Of course you also find everything in between the two extremes.

Making an NCLL team is usually an achievable goal if you can pay the dues and can maintain the commitment to your team. Remember, stick skills are a must if you want to play college lacrosse at any level!

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse in the NAIA?

The NAIA is an alternative college athletics oversight body to the NCAA, and over the last couple of years more and more NAIA schools are adding lacrosse at some level, and it looks like there will be a true NAIA national championship in the coming years, and the sport will be fully recognized by the NAIA.

Many NAIA schools can offer scholarships, and it is going to be extremely interesting to see how this association’s overall talent and interest levels develop over the coming years and seasons. Currently, the level of play is solid, along the lines of the MCLA where top teams are quite good, and lower teams are pretty open to anyone who can dedicate the time. Either way, these programs all require an investment if time and effort, and it’s not an easier path by any means.

How Hard Is It To Play College Lacrosse in the CUFLA?

The Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association is unique. It’s sort of like MCLA or NCLL, as it really is “club”, and not school sponsored, but there is no official Canadian college field lacrosse anywhere else, so it’s also the top dog in that country as far as college lacrosse leagues go. Oh, one other interesting note, pro players can play in this league.

Yup, if you’re a pro player (NLL or MLL) who is back in school for whatever reason, you can play CUFLA lacrosse. Honestly, how cool is that? Pretty cool. So you could have an 18 year old first year student matched up on 26 year old gold medal winner. It’s like Summer Club came to Canadian College and they played it in the fall! Oh right, they play in the Fall.

The CUFLA is good lacrosse. Year to year the quality can change for each team and the league, but on average there is a ton of talent out there, and it’s a lot of fun to play.

I hope this article has answered some questions you might have about how hard it is to play college lacrosse. If you have additional questions, drop them in the comments section below!

Share this article with someone you know who wants to play college lacrosse!

All you need to know about: Lacrosse | Health & wellbeing

What is it?

A fast-paced ball game with 12 players on each side, played over 60 minutes in two halves. A stick with a net (known as the pocket) is used to catch, pass and shoot the ball. The men’s game is a contact sport; the women’s non-contact.

What the expert says …

Lois Richardson is the senior head coach for the women’s England lacrosse team and was England captain for 10 years.

Practise your overarm This pass/shot is the most common, as well as the most powerful and accurate. With your top hand, hold the stick where it meets the pocket; with your lower hand, hold the bottom of the stick. Take the stick behind your head, then simultaneously snap the wrist of the top hand forwards and pull with the bottom hand. You should be side on to the direction in which you are throwing and put all your body weight behind the shot by following through (ie, the back shoulder ends up at the front).

Be ambidextrous Being able to play on either side of your body makes it harder for your opponent to mark you.

Keep it up If you’re in defence, your stick should be up at all times. This not only prepares you to receive, it also makes the opposition think there’s less space to pass.

Dig for victory Learning to scoop the ball off the ground quickly is essential as several players will be diving for it at the same time. It’s a shovelling action – your hands should be in the same position as for overarm passing and, with the face of the stick upwards, you simply bend your knees and hook the ball into the top of the pocket.

Vary your pace Changing pace as you run is a good way to throw off an opponent – suddenly slowing down or speeding up puts them off balance and gives you space to pass or shoot.

‘Cradle’ the ball Small, rapid half-twists of the stick use centrifugal force to stop the ball from falling out of the pocket. This is called cradling. It can also involve bringing the stick in close to the body and moving it from one side to the other, which makes it difficult for the opposition to hit the ball out of your pocket.

Keep your wrists loose The most important thing when catching is to relax your wrists so there is some give – that way, the ball won’t bounce out. Watch the ball all the way into your pocket.

Make moving count While running with the ball is effective, movement of the ball is as good as movement of the body. Make any running you do really count. If you can’t, pass the ball.

Fake it Faking a pass is an excellent tactic for foxing the opposition. One good fake is to look at one of your team members and call their name, but then pass to an entirely different person.

Be an all-rounder Players often break out of their set positions during a game, so it’s vital to know the techniques for both defence and attack.

Work on your ball skills Although you use the stick to catch and pass the ball in a game, it improves your hand-eye coordination to be able to throw and catch it with your hands. People who are used to ball games will pick up lacrosse more quickly.

Getting started

There are clubs across the UK. Most will welcome beginners, but call beforehand to find out what levels they cater for. Some clubs will have mixed teams that play socially and many also offer pop lacrosse – a mini version of the game with smaller, plastic sticks for children. There is a national league and many clubs will have first and second teams to cater for different abilities.

Membership costs around £100 to £140 a year, depending on the location and size of the club. To find one near you, visit englishlacrosse.co.uk; scottish-lacrosse.org.uk; irishlacrossefoundation.org or lacrossewales.com. For more information on lacrosse, visit insidelacrosse.com.

The gear

Sticks vary in length for men and women, and for the position you play – attackers tend to use shorter sticks for mobility and speed; defenders use longer sticks to maximise reach; and midfielders use medium-length sticks, allowing them to switch between attack and defence. Goalies’ sticks have a much larger pocket for blocking and defence. They cost from £30 to £100; DeBeer, Brine and STX are popular brands. Wear football or hockey boots for a good grip, with shorts/skirt and a T-shirt. Padded gloves are optional. Women have to wear gumshields, while men wear helmets with visors, and chest and shoulder padding. Goalkeepers in both men’s and women’s lacrosse wear full body protection, including helmet. Smaller plastic sticks are available for pop lacrosse. For equipment, visit prolaxshop.com, armourfit-online.com or hattersleysonline.co.uk.

The downside

Finding a club Lacrosse tends to be concentrated in certain areas of the country – mostly north for men’s lacrosse and south for women’s. There are some exceptions, but you may have to travel a little way to find a club.

The rain can ruin it Lacrosse is a fast-paced game that requires a lot of running and swift changes of direction – it’s usually played on grass and a field ankle-deep in mud means the game can’t be played properly.

Risk of injury As with any running game, the most common injuries are strains and sprains. You may also get an occasional bruise from an errant ball. The non-contact nature of the women’s game and the body protection of the men’s means serious injuries are rare.

Lacrosse Injuries | Children’s Hospital Colorado

“Two months after my surgery, I was fully recovered and playing a tournament in southern California, just like Dr. Erickson had said. It felt great to be back on the field. I’m still playing, if not better than before.”
– Hayden Eppers, lacrosse player who recovered from a broken elbow

The Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado provides pediatric care for all types of sports injuries, including lacrosse.

Why are we experts at caring for kids and young adults who play lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, competitive game that is rapidly gaining popularity throughout Colorado and across the country. Because our Sports Medicine team focuses solely on young athletes, we have the expertise to help lacrosse players recover from an injury and get back on the field.

What impact does lacrosse have on the body?

Lacrosse is a sport that challenges the entire body. Because it is a high-energy running and cutting (a way of separating from a defender) sport for boys and girls, lacrosse places the legs at risk for injury. Throwing, catching, cradling and shooting also place stress on the upper body. 

How does lacrosse differ for boys and girls?

Lacrosse is a unique sport in that the rules for men and women (and boys and girls) are very different. Men’s lacrosse is classified as a contact sport, allowing both body and stick checking (disrupting a player’s movement or knocking the ball away). Male players wear helmets with facemasks, mouth guards, arm, elbow and shoulder pads and gloves to protect them during the game.

Women’s lacrosse is technically a non-contact sport, though controlled stick checking is allowed. Women do not wear helmets, but are required to wear eye protection and mouth guards.

Does lacrosse affect a certain age group or gender more than others?

The biggest differences are due to the different rules in men’s and women’s (or boys’ and girls’) lacrosse. Boys have more legal contact during the game and have greater incidence of shoulder separations and traumatic shoulder injuries.

Similar to soccer players, female lacrosse players have a higher risk of non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. 

What are common lacrosse injuries? 

The most common injuries from lacrosse include:

• Concussion is a common lacrosse injury that can occur from collisions with other players, stick checks to the head, being struck in the head by the ball, or from falling and hitting the head on the ground. Even though boys wear helmets and girls do not, the concussion rates in both sports are similar.
• Shoulder separation and dislocation are much more common in men’s lacrosse, where there is greater contact.
• Overuse injuries to the shoulder are not very common in lacrosse, compared to baseball, softball and swimming. This is mainly because the lacrosse stick gives the thrower a mechanical advantage and does not put as much stress on the shoulder itself.
• We also see hand, wrist and arm fractures, more often in men’s lacrosse, from being slashed by the opponent’s stick.
• Acute non-contact ACL injury, hamstring strain and ankle sprain are the most common lower extremity (leg) injuries in lacrosse. 

Resources and tips for parents and coaches of lacrosse players 

For more information about the sport, visit the US Lacrosse Website.

Learn more about our Sports Medicine Center.

Need Advice for Your Young Athlete?

Check out our sports articles, written by our Sports Medicine experts. You’ll find advice and tips for parents, coaches, trainers and young athletes.

Muscles to Work for Lacrosse

Lacrosse is an intense and physical game that requires speed, quickness, hand-eye coordination and a superior competitive instinct. Playing the game at a high level requires strong legs for running, powerful arms for shooting and strength in the upper body to help you hold your position and fend off check from the opposing team.

Hamstrings, Quads, Calf Muscles

The muscles in your legs are vital to your success in lacrosse. You need to develop your running speed, your explosiveness and your ability to anchor in a position without getting pushed off of it. Develop your speed by running interval sprints, running with a resistance parachute, and dping box jumping. Build strength in your legs by doing the leg press, leg curls and lunges. These exercises will build up speed and strength and help you become a more successful lacrosse player.

Chest and Arms

Lacrosse players need to have the strength and dexterity to catch the lacrosse ball, throw it and whip shots at the opposing goalie. The pecs, biceps and triceps are vital in all of these areas. Weight training exercises, such as the bench press and arm curls, will help you develop the strength to fire hard shots on net. Pushups will also help you develop the strength in the upper body to withstand physical play and hold your position without losing possession of the lacrosse ball.

Core Muscles

Since so much running is required in this demanding sport, you have to cut weight and develop your core muscles. Trying to play lacrosse when you are carrying around an extra 20 lbs. around your midsection is foolish. In addition to eating in healthy and sensible manner, you have to develop your abs, hips and other core muscles with crunches, twists, medicine ball training and kettlebell training if you want to play lacrosse effectively.

Back and Neck Muscles

Carrying a lacrosse stick while running at full speed will put pressure on your back and neck because of the position your arms will be in as you make plays on the move. However, if you have to twist to make a catch or reach forward to pick up a loose ball, it’s easy to strain a muscle in your back or neck if you are not physically prepared. Medicine ball exercises such as performing twists and throws will help get your back and neck muscles prepared to throw the game.

lacrosse ball – Russian translation

% d0% 9b% d0% b0% d0% 9a% d1% 80% d0% be% d1% 81% d1% 81 – Estonian translation

Alex Carpenter: “I will definitely try to score a lacrosse goal in the new season”: News: Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)

Already next weekend, October 3, 2020, the new, sixth season of the Women’s Hockey League will start. On the eve of the start of the tournament, the official website of the KHL is launching a special section in which it will acquaint fans with the stars of the Beautiful League.The column is opened by the American Alex Carpenter, the leader of the WHL champion KRS Vanke Raise.

Summary Alex is solid – five-time world champion, winner of the Patty Kazmaier prize, best female athlete in varsity sports, winner of the Olympic silver medal. Despite the external isolation, it makes no sense to talk about Alex’s timidity. She has reached the level of professionalism in hockey that she is a role model for many players.

Kunlun Red Star attracts enough players from hockey families.Jake Chelios and David Bondra play in the KHL, and Carpenter in the WHL. Her father won the Stanley Cup and played over 1,000 NHL games, and Bobby Carpenter even worked at a Chinese club before his daughter arrived. But it was Alex and the Vanke Raises who won the first major Chinese hockey trophy.

“The strength of the guys, their speed helped me become stronger myself”

“I’ve probably spent my whole life in hockey,” Alex says. – And it doesn’t matter whether I watched it or just listened to what was happening around – the game penetrated into my subconscious.My father often took me to training after school, I saw what was happening around, and at the same time did my homework. I was just always there. When my father worked with juniors, he needed company in the car, so I rode with him and watched the games. And little by little I began to understand everything.

– You grew up with brothers who also played hockey. Has this somehow influenced your game?

– Honestly, I don’t remember the moment when I played against the girls for the first time. The strength of the guys, their speed helped me become stronger myself.I grew both physically and mentally. But as soon as it became difficult to play against the guys, I switched to women’s hockey.

– It is obvious that your father seriously influenced your career, but after all, mother did not look at all this from the outside.

– Of course, my mother was a figure skater in Boston for a long time and often came to the rink. Actually, that’s how my parents met. I remember that my father poured ice in our yard, and my mother taught us to skate. This is a family business.

– So your mom was your skating coach?

– In general, I was one of the worst in this regard.Some coaches even said: “She just can’t skate!” Others say, “She can get from point A to point B quickly enough, so it doesn’t matter how she rolls.” As soon as I started to listen to my mother, I was able to add smoothness and quality. Mom can still determine by two or three movements whether a person can skate or not.

“I was surprised by the number of fans in the ZhKhL”

– The Vanke Raises set several attendance records for WHL last season…

– In general, I’m used to playing when there are few spectators in the stands. This is bad, but even at the university level, our games were not popular. Maybe only at the World Championships in Ottawa there were more spectators than usual. In WHL, I was surprised that there were fans behind our bench, and quite a lot. Yes, these are people who know little about hockey, but want to get into it. This allowed me to rethink some things.

– Do you have any signs when preparing for the matches?

– Yes.I listen to the same music, eat the same.

– What are you eating?

“We usually have early games, so omelet or oatmeal. For lunch – rice with chicken.

– You surprised me with how fast you can rewind the club. Many men will envy this speed.

– I have to change it every period, so I don’t even care how it all looks. But I know: many people want to look beautiful. I use friction tape, I can bend it however I want, but it is sticky on both sides.

“I look forward to the start of the new season”

– You did not make it to the 2018 Olympics. Has this somehow pushed you to change the scene?

– Definitely! I think that even if I played at the Olympics, I would still go to China. Thanks to the leadership of Kunlun, which gave the girls the opportunity to just play hockey and thus earn their living. Not many female players have this opportunity now. We have a professional environment, excellent equipment, video – everything that should be there.

– You played two All-Star Game last season, on both sides of the Atlantic.

– When we went to the WHL All-Star Game, we didn’t know what to expect. But as soon as the match began, we realized that this was a real game and we had to win! There were a lot of fans, everything was just great, plus contests between periods. Going to the NHL All-Star Game also gave extra energy – it’s cool: being close to the stars, seeing how they behave … I’m still learning, so it was all a wonderful experience that will help the development of women’s hockey.

– In one of the WHL matches you tried to score a lacrosse goal. Did not work out. Will you try again?

– Yes, I tried several times when I was outside the gate, and no one covered. So why not try it again?

– In the new season, your team will play in Stupino. Will you miss China?

– Life in China, of course, required adaptation. It was initially a culture shock, but then I got used to everything.I miss the opportunity to ride a scooter to the arena and back. We also found some good restaurants, this cuisine I miss in America.

– What are your expectations for the second season in WHL?

– I am very glad that there is an opportunity to return. It is very enjoyable to play with such masters as Rachel Llanes, Megan Bosek and Jessica Wong . Of course, I want to play together with newcomers: Alena Mills, Lindsay Angew . We have a good roster and most importantly, we have enough personalities, so I’m looking forward to the new season.

90,000

% d0% 9b% d0% b0% d0% 9a% d1% 80% d0% be% d1% 81% d1% 81 – Polish translation

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016. License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016.License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016. License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016.License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016. License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016.License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Corpus name: OpenSubtitles2016. License: not specified. References: http://opus.lingfil.uu.se/OpenSubtitles2016.php, http://stp.lingfil.uu.se/~joerg/published/ranlp-V.pdf

Nora Sakavich “Fox hole” – review by mariari_shh

I read “Fox hole” in one day and in one breath.And the next two days were spent reading the rest of the books in this series.
This story sunk into my soul. I put it 4/5 only because the first book is a starting point, an introduction. Because of this, some things are incomprehensible, not disclosed. And only in the following books do you understand what the author meant.
I want to tell you what I like about this book.
1. Events unfold in the world familiar to us today. The only difference is exi (fictional sport). Thanks to the exi (and the mafia), even the ordinary world is turning into a unique universe.
2. Axi. This sports game really appealed to me, if it existed in the real world, then I would be a fan. I know the rules of lacrosse and exs, so I see a big difference between them. The fictional sport is justified here, since one of its creators is Tetsuya Moriyama, who is alive and well in the book, and is also an Exxi trainer. Therefore, Rico and Kevin are the sons of an Exie, because the uncle of one and the mother of the second created this game. If the author decided to describe lacrosse, football, etc., it would be as strange and ridiculous as possible.Still, these games have been around for much longer. The downside is that the detailed rules of the exi are only in additional materials from Nora. But this did not stop me from enjoying the sport in the book, because there is enough information about the game there for understanding.
3. Brevity. Yes, I like that there is no detailed description of the appearance and character of the characters, the surrounding world. I really like that you understand the character of a character by his words, actions, emotions, and in appearance, only height, hair and eye color are usually indicated.
4. Multifaceted characters and their relationships. Each character is unique, with one phrase you can understand exactly who is speaking. Every fox has trauma from the past, present. But few of them understand that they need to learn to live anew, and not injure themselves and those around them. Watching how they understand themselves, become attached to each other is an amazing feeling.

Source

-Stilinski, you idiot! – 4.Workout

                                    
                                           
 Lessons are over. Now the most interesting thing for this day awaits me. Workout. All summer I trained so as not to lose, but only to hone the skill. God, I missed you. 
 -And hello again, disabled people - coach again for his own. 
 -Hello, coach! - we answered in unison. 
 - Well, shall we start? - shouted the coach - Malia, build a team. 
 -In position! - eeeh, I have long wanted to command like that again - Hitcher, you are on the spare, forgot? Doyle, back to your place! Watter, have you completely forgotten where you are standing? Keynes, out of your mind? 
                           
 Everyone fell into place.Stiles. He is here. I smiled at him. And he told me. 
 -Stiles, come here please. 
 He walked over. Seeing me in uniform, he saw me from head to toe. Visibly embarrassed. Is he one of those people who think girls can't play lacrosse? God, just don’t. 
 - Coach, this is Stiles. Stiles Stilinski. He was the captain of the lacrosse team at the last school - I said - Would you mind me checking him out? 
 - Come on, honey - the coach smiled. 
 -Stiles, could you change into your gym clothes? We need to check you out.If everything goes well, and I have no doubt, then you will be one of the team's players. 
 -Look, Malia, this is an extremely strange question that probably won't please you. But still. Are you the captain of the lacrosse team ?! - surprise. I hate that. 
 -If you think girls can't play lacrosse. Then you are deeply mistaken. 
 -How deeply am I mistaken? 
 "You have no idea, dude," Hitcher replied on the bench. 
                           
 I smiled contentedly.I love being praised. 
 - What if we play? - The grin from my face never disappeared. 
 -I'm all for it! - Stilinski's grin drove up. 
 *************** 
                           
 The game has started. I run to the goal with the ball with me. But then Stiles bumped into me. 
 -Hey! You're finished, porshivets. 
 I run after him and forcibly take the ball away from him. I'm running. I'm hammering. I am glad. 
 “Ha!” I shouted right in Stiles' face. 
 The game is not over yet. 
                           
 The ball is on the field.Again with me. Stiles takes it. He scores into the goal and smiles. 
 I have the ball. Adrenaline is boiling in me. The new kid runs after me and tries to get the ball. I run faster and I SCORE. 
 -2: 1, Stilinski. 
 - Malia is winning! - The coach is proud of me. I'm young. 
 - Attention, victory dance. 
                           
 The spare turns on the music and starts. I dance as best I can. 
 “Is this for a long time?” Stiles asked. 
 Everyone nodded. 
 - I told you that she is the best in her business.Don't mess with her. Eat. 
 - Take it easy, Hitcher. I don't eat people. But thanks for the praise. 
                           
 - So, Stilinski, wow, you really have that last name. And the name? - asked the coach with some surprise. 
 -Stiles. 
 -God, child, why are you so? 
 - Coach, get to the point, how it pisses me off when he gets to the bottom. 
 -I'll think about it a bit. Now get up instead of Doyle. He doesn't play anyway. Malia is doing a workout. Get started! 
 - We all got into position.The ball is on the field. Once. Two. Three ... 
                           
  After training  
                           
 -Malia, wait. Malia! -Voice from behind. I can already guess who. 
 -Yes? 
 -Sorry. I was wrong. 
 - About? - I know what he's talking about. But this is even better. 
 - That girls can't play lacrosse. You are beautiful. Well, I mean, beautiful in lacrosse. I'm sorry I didn't think so. 
                           
 I have achieved my goal. It remains to finish the case.
 -Of course, I forgive you. And by the way. The coach accepted you. 
 -Thank you. You helped me a lot. You are the one who helped me get used to here - very nicely said. 
  ***********  
 -Do you want a little refreshment? 
 - Sounds tempting. Agree. 
 -During the time I spent here, I found a great restaurant. Go. 
                           
 We got into his car. Stiles has a great car. 
 We arrived at a restaurant. Bueno Clásica. That is what it was called.We sat down at a table and they brought us a menu. 
                           
 -I'm here for the first time. Is the restaurant new? 
 -Yes. It opened when I arrived. What will you do? 
 - What advice would you give me? 
 -Pizza. 
 - Well, well ... I don't mind. 
 The evening promises to be long and interesting. 
                           
 The order was accepted. We only had to wait. They were silent for a while. Again. 
 A painfully familiar face has entered the restaurant. Oh no! What is he doing here ?! God help me! How did he find me? 
                           
  ******************************  
   Stiles and Malia have a "date" or just lunch after workout ...  
   Stiles is now on the lacrosse team, captained by Malia.   
   In the next chapter you will find out who entered the restaurant.   
                                   

Don’t let go read online Harlan Coben (Page 13)

– Oh, and Hank Stroud is here. We know he’s still in town. Not quite sane, I must admit, but the ghosts haven’t taken him away yet.

Augie moves to the next page, but this time freezes.Silence now reigns in the room. I look into his eyes and think: probably my decision to come here was not the best. I don’t see exactly the page he is looking at, but this is the page towards the end. So I know. Its expression does not change, but everything else changes. A grimace of pain appears on his face. His hand is shaking a little now. I want to say something comforting, but I understand that one of those moments has come when the words will be like an appendix – redundant and painful.

So I keep my mouth shut.

I’m waiting – Augie is looking at a photograph of her seventeen-year-old daughter who never came home that evening. When he begins to speak, it seems to me that some kind of weight lies on his chest:

– They were just children, Nap.

I feel my fingers grip the glass tighter.

– Stupid, inexperienced children. Drank too much. Mixed tablets with alcohol. It was dark. Late. Either they stood on the tracks, or ran along them, laughed, pumping up, and did not understand what happened to them.Or maybe they played children’s games – they jumped over the tracks in front of the train. In 1937, this is how Jimmy Riccio died. I don’t know, Nap. But I would like to know. Yes, I would like to know exactly what happened. Was Diana suffering, or was it over in an instant. Whether she turned around at the last second, realized that her life was ending, or did she never understand that death had come to her. You see, my job, my only job, was to protect her, and I let her go that evening, so I want to know if she was scared then.Did she understand that she was going to die, and if she did, did she call me? Did you call your father? Hoping that somehow I could save her?

I don’t move. I can’t move.

– Are you going to investigate this? Augie asks.

I manage to nod. Then I squeeze out of myself:

– Yes.

– I guess you better do this without me. – He returns the album to me and leaves the room.

Chapter ten

And I’m starting an independent investigation.

I called Essex Pines Medical Center and was surprisingly quick to connect to one of Hank’s doctors. He says:

– Do you know the health disclosure law?

– I know.

– So I can’t tell you anything about his condition.

“I just want to talk to him,” I object.

– He is an outpatient.

– I understand that.

– Then you understand that he is not here.

Everyone poses as a smart guy.

– Doctor … sorry, I didn’t hear your name.

– Bauer. And what?

– I want to know who is spinning my balls.

Silence.

– I’m a police officer and I’m trying to find Hank. Do you have any idea where he might be?

– Not the slightest.

– Do you have his address?

– He only gave us his mailbox in Westbridge. And before you ask, let me remind you that there are rules that forbid me from telling you that Hank usually comes to Essex Pines three to five times a week, but he hasn’t appeared in more than two weeks.

Two weeks. Dr. Bauer hangs up. I do not mind. Another thought came to my mind.

I stand at dusk by the basketball courts next to the stadium in front of Westbridge School and listen to the pleasant sound of the ball hitting the asphalt. In front of me is a magnificent sight called streetball. There are no uniforms, no coaches, no established teams, no referees. Sometimes the site is bounded by a white line, sometimes by a mesh fence. The game starts with a check [A check is one of the positions in streetball.] at the top of the trapezoid. The winners play the next match and the fouls are decided by the offender. Some of the players are friends, others are outsiders. Some hold high positions, and some barely make ends meet. Tall, short, fat, thin, of all races, creeds, religions. One of the players is wearing a turban. Everything is permissible here. If only you knew how to own the ball. Someone argues, others keep quiet. Children come to play according to a predetermined schedule. The adult leagues live on a strict schedule.And this is streetball – an amazingly anarchist and archaic antipode.

I hear grumbling screams, players pick up a team, the fractional tapping of sneakers. Ten people play – five to five. Beyond the field line, three people are waiting for their turn. A fourth comes up, asks: “Are you next?” The players nod.

I know about half of the players. Some I know from school. Some are neighbors. I see a guy running the city’s lacrosse program [Lacrosse is a sports team game using a small ball and special clubs.]. Many of them work in the financial community, but I also see two school teachers.

I don’t see Hank.

When the game comes to an end – they play until ten, one point at a time – a car pulls up with a tall man I know, and he gets out of the car. One of the four waiting shouts: “Today with us Myron!” The rest begin to hoot and whistle. Myron smiles shyly in response.

– Look who’s back! – shouts one of the players.

Others join:

– How was your honeymoon, Romeo?

– You can’t look tanned, buddy.

– You should have stayed indoors, if you take my hint.

Myron answers this:

– Yes, at first I didn’t get it, but when you added: “If you understand my hint,” everything became clear to me.

Lots of good-natured laughter and congratulations to the young man.

Do you remember Myron Bolitar, Leo? My dad took us to see him play for the school team in Livingston, just to show us what real greatness is. Myron was considered an inveterate bachelor.So I thought, at least. But he recently married a cable TV host. I still remember my father’s voice on the podium. “Greatness is always worth seeing,” he told us. That was his philosophy. Myron became great – a huge star at Duke University and an NBA candidate. And suddenly – once, a stupid injury, and he never became a professional.

I think there is a lesson in this.

But here at these sites, he is still treated like a hero. I don’t know what this is about – nostalgia or something else, but I understand them.Myron remains someone special for me too. We are both grown men now, but some part of me gets a little lost and even feels euphoric when he pays attention to me.

I join the group in welcoming him. When Myron comes up to me, I shake his hand and say:

– Congratulations on your wedding.

– Thank you, Nap.

– But you son of a bitch left me.

– But it also has a positive side: you are now the coolest groom in town.- Seeing something on my face, Myron takes me aside. – What’s happened?

– I’m looking for Hank.

– Did he do something wrong?

– No, I don’t think so. I just need to talk to him. Hank usually plays on Monday nights?

“Always,” Myron replies. – But then you never know what kind of Hank you will have.

– What does that mean?

– So Hank is… um… behaviorally unstable.

– Clinic?

– Clinic, chemical imbalance, whatever.But listen, you don’t have to ask me. I was gone for over a month.

– Long honeymoon?

– If only … – Myron shakes his head.

He doesn’t want me to ask him a natural question, and I don’t have time for that either.

– So who knows Hank the best?

– David Raineve. – Myron points to a handsome man with his chin.

– Right?

Myron shrugs and walks off to the site.

I can’t imagine two more different fates than Hank and David Rainive.David was the President of the National Honor Society in our class and is now the CEO of one of the largest investment firms in the country.