Photo Credit: Ray McDonald via Facebook.com
Many of you may have heard of lacrosse, but have no idea what it actually entails. As a current collegiate lacrosse player at the University of Florida, I’m here to tell you that lacrosse is a fast paced game that offers amazingl health benefits for participants, exciting entertainment for spectators, and the chance to have a fun while being active.
Lacrosse was originally created by the Native Americans, and is now the fastest growing sport in the country! Teams pass and throw a hard rubber ball using netted sticks in order to try and score on the opposing goal cage. Men wear helmets and can hit each other, while women wear eye protection and can hit each other’s sticks. While this description is quite simplified, lacrosse offers a unique and complex experience for stakeholders.
With a large field, players are challenged to be in top physical condition in order to sprint up and down the field in transition. At the college and national levels, players lift weights and run sprints on a regular basis in order to increase speed, agility, and quickness. Players must also acquire endurance, physically and mentally, as lacrosse is a long game that requires focus and execution.
Watching lacrosse is an eye-opening experience for first-time viewers. With very few whistles stopping play, high scoring games, and contact not only allowed but encouraged, fans will always be on the edge of their seats trying to keep up. At the elite level, lacrosse players are so skilled and athletic that plays can leave spectators with their jaws dropped in amazement. Behind the back shots, trick plays, and aggressive defense are just some ways that these players can display their athletic abilities.
Lacrosse can also be enjoyed at the recreational or youth levels as well. Anyone newly interested in playing, coaching, or watching is warmly welcomed into the lacrosse community, as the sport continues to grow across the nation. To see if lacrosse might be something you’re interested in, you can purchase “fiddle sticks” (found at chain sporting good stores). Fiddle sticks are smaller versions of lacrosse sticks that are more reasonably priced and for backyard fun. Throwing and catching, practicing stick skills and learning the basics with fiddle sticks can spark an interest in pursuing lacrosse at the next level. If you wish to learn more about lacrosse and are interested in how you can get involved in your community, please visit USLacrosse.org for more information.
