North American Indians were the first people to play Lacrosse, as early as the 1400s. The game originally used a ball and wooden stick. It began as play, but in time the Indians realized that it was a great vehicle for training warriors in the fighting arts.
Today, Lacrosse is still played with a stick, although now made from titanium instead of wood, and a rubber ball. When the game was first developed, it was played by no fewer than 100 men but as many as 1,000. Games would last up to three days, starting at sunup and not stopping until sundown. For the goals, trees and rocks were used, typically set from 500 yards to one-half mile apart.
By the 17th century, the Jesuit missionaries from France learned about the game and soon the word spread. Today, Lacrosse remains popular, being considered a national sport played by people in the United States and Canada, as well as England, Ireland, Australia, and Scotland among other countries. To win in the game of Lacrosse, it takes endurance and strategy. As you will see below, inside tips can also give you an advantage to win this game.
First, remember that the more time the Lacrosse stick is in your hands the better it will work for you. In addition, make your stick your best friend, taking it with you running or walking so that you become comfortable handling it. Also, if you are right-handed, learn to work the stick left-handed and vice versa. You should also learn how to change the direction and speed of your cradle.
Many experts will also advise that you do tons of sprints. Remember, with Lacrosse, you need endurance and strong legs for running. Therefore, running and sprints will help condition your body. Expert players will also advise that you go back to a wooden stick over titanium. The reason is that the metal handles become very cold and the plastic heads do not last. Most importantly, with the wood stick, impact is absorbed better.
For attackmen, keep moving all the time so your defenseman must keep his attention on you and not helping other defensemen. Then, when moving the ball around the goal, make sure your passes are short and sharp, keeping them to the outside away from the defenseman. For the passes, they should be hard and when you have the ball, NEVER stand still. In Lacrosse, it is important that you keep moving, even if it means running forward or backward.
When you do possess the ball, keep the opposing defense on their toes by making fake passes. Remember their defense is watching your sticks in action while using their own. Be careful not to pass to someone well covered, just to rid yourself of the ball. Lacrosse is great fun as well as challenging to your physical and mental prowess.
Copyright 2006, Tate Palumb, All Rights Reserved. This article may be published on web sites or in newsletters provided this notice and the resource box is included without ammendment. |
