Lacrosse

History of Lacrosse History----Lacrosse comes from the Indian game "Baggataway" played by the North American Indians as a means to condition their warriors for war. Today's version of the game, though rough and fast, little resembles the Indian version. From 800 to 1000 would play at one time over several miles. Broken bones and even deaths were common results. The game was renamed "la crosse" which is the French translation for "the stick." It became the national sport of Canada. Enthusiasm for the game spread to the British Isles, Australia, and the United States. Of course, the rules were changed from those of Baggataway to become a more civilized game and safer skill techniques developed. It still is one of the more rough and dangerous games. Lacrosse is not consider a major sport in most areas of the U.S. Its popularity lies mainly in the East at prep schools and colleges.

Terminology  Catching: One hand at the head of the stick the other at the bottom (top hand can slide). Allow the ball to come to you and “cushion” it.  Cushion: The act of giving a little by bending your elbow when receiving the pass.  Cradling: The act of running with the ball. Position hands the same as catching, then use a curling motion with arms and wrists. Keep two hands on the stick. Using this skill will help keep the ball in the basket while moving.  Dodging: Weaving in and out of traffic in order to improve your position on the floor.  Passing: Bring the head of the stick back. Keep eyes on the target. Keep the hands and the wrists relaxed when gripping the handle. Wrists should “break” on follow-through. Head of stick should point to target at the end of the throw.

More Terms  Scooping: The act of picking the ball up off the floor. Position hands at the top and bottom of stick, bend your knees and back, keeping the basket low to the ground. Scoop through the ball like you are shoveling snow.  Shooting: The act of throwing the ball at the goal, with a snap of the wrist at the end. Do not push the ball, “throw it”.  Trapping: Use instead of scooping in order to control the ball. Simply cover the ball with the basket of your stick and keep it on the ground. The play stops, the player who traps the ball receives a free pass.

Positions  Attack men: Offensive player, must stay on offensive end of the field.  Defensemen: Defensive player, must stay on the defensive end of the field.  Goalie: The player who stays inside the crease and tries to stop the ball from going into the goal.  Midfielder: Plays both offense and defense. Only player on the field that can go on both sides of the field.

Basic Rules of Play  The team is divided into thirds; one third of the team is defensemen, attackmen or midfielders.  Game is started by a faceoff (two opponents face each other with the ball placed between their two sticks). Whistle is blown and players try to gain control of the ball.  The ball must be thrown over the center line (cannot be carried).  After the ball is advanced past the center line, there must be two more passes before a shot is taken (no goal can be scored from the defensive side of the field).

Rules Continued  Both hands must be kept on the stick at all times with no rough housing or using the stick as a weapon.  The Goalie is allowed to roll the ball to his teammates, but no other player is allowed to pick up the ball.  A goal is scored when the ball is thrown in (may not be kicked in or hit with the stick in the goal).  After a goal is scored a faceoff will start play in the center of the court.