A men’s lacrosse game may attract larger crowds but listen up, boys– there is a lot that can be learned from girls’ lacrosse and by no means should the female version of the game be ignored or downplayed. There are some key differences between boys and girls lacrosse – from the physicality allowed to the sticks used to the rules enforced –that have changed the way girls are playing the game...and in a good way.
To begin with, girls’ lacrosse is a purer form of the game, with a lineage closer to the sport’s early history. In the female version of the game, players abide by rules that are closer to the original regulations, with being “out of bounds” only recently resulting in a stoppage of play. (More info: http://apps.uslacrosse.org/news/2005/hardboundaries.phtml)
The sticks used in girls’ lacrosse have a shallower pocket than the sticks boys use in their games. This lack of pocket depth forces girls to be more aware of where the ball is, since the ball is more likely to fall out of a shallow pocket. For this same reason, girls also must be aware of their body positioning, grip placement, and stick location at all times since any false movement could mean loss of the ball. From this, boys can see how increased awareness makes girls more attentive to the physical aspect of the competition and can learn to increase focus on the mechanics of the game.
Girls are also experts at defensive positioning. Much like in basketball, girls’ lacrosse players are not permitted to openly check each other so girls don’t have the option of knocking another player out of position. Instead, girls are always aware of their location and must be precise about their positioning. If boys can add this additional consciousness to their game, they would be able to improve their method of body-checking while remaining in proper position to defend their goal as necessary.
Teamwork is also hyper-important in girls’ lacrosse. In the girls’ game, each player needs to always be aware of their position on the field and communication plays a huge role in that. When the whistle is blown to stop the game, girls are not permitted to move. Therefore, they must think ahead when they see a ball going out-of-bounds. It can be easier to beat someone one-on-one without the physicality allowed in boy’s lacrosse, so girls rely on their teammates to let them know when their competitors are in their area so they can make the moves necessary to retain ball possession. Enhancing team communication for boys’ lacrosse can make a team stronger and more primed on both the offensive and defensive zones of the field.
To learn more, Lacrosse IQ's blog is available at http://bblax.com/lacrosse_IQ/.
158 comments
As much as respect women’s lacrosse and agree that it does take a lot of skill and endurance to play. To say and argue that it is the purer form of the game is a fucking joke. No contact and penalty shots, can you even imagine how high scoring men’s lacrosse would be with those kind of rules. This is not to diss women’s lacrosse, but we have an old saying when girls say that they play lacrosse, “no you don’t, you play girl’s lacrosse, there’s a difference”. It goes both ways, just as hard it is for a guy to you a girls stick, it is equally difficult for women to use a men’s stick, they throw straight into the ground. This article completely discredits the skill and hardwork it takes to make it in lacrosse at any level.
The two sports are equally challenging, you cannot compare to unlike things, they are so different it’s like comparing apples to oranges.
As much as respect women’s lacrosse and agree that it does take a lot of skill and endurance to play. To say and argue that it is the purer form of the game is a fucking joke. No contact and penalty shots, can you even imagine how high scoring men’s lacrosse would be with those kind of rules. This is not to diss women’s lacrosse, but we have an old saying when girls say that they play lacrosse, “no you don’t, you play girl’s lacrosse, there’s a difference”. It goes both ways, just as hard it is for a guy to you a girls stick, it is equally difficult for women to use a men’s stick, they throw straight into the ground. This article completely discredits the skill and hardwork it takes to make it in lacrosse at any level.
The two sports are equally challenging, you cannot compare to unlike things, they are so different it’s like comparing apples to oranges.
As much as respect women’s lacrosse and agree that it does take a lot of skill and endurance to play. To say and argue that it is the purer form of the game is a fucking joke. No contact and penalty shots, can you even imagine how high scoring men’s lacrosse would be with those kind of rules. This is not to diss women’s lacrosse, but we have an old saying when girls say that they play lacrosse, “no you don’t, you play girl’s lacrosse, there’s a difference”. It goes both ways, just as hard it is for a guy to you a girls stick, it is equally difficult for women to use a men’s stick, they throw straight into the ground. This article completely discredits the skill and hardwork it takes to make it in lacrosse at any level.
The two sports are equally challenging, you cannot compare to unlike things, they are so different it’s like comparing apples to oranges.
As much as respect women’s lacrosse and agree that it does take a lot of skill and endurance to play. To say and argue that it is the purer form of the game is a fucking joke. No contact and penalty shots, can you even imagine how high scoring men’s lacrosse would be with those kind of rules. This is not to diss women’s lacrosse, but we have an old saying when girls say that they play lacrosse, “no you don’t, you play girl’s lacrosse, there’s a difference”. It goes both ways, just as hard it is for a guy to you a girls stick, it is equally difficult for women to use a men’s stick, they throw straight into the ground. This article completely discredits the skill and hardwork it takes to make it in lacrosse at any level.
The two sports are equally challenging, you cannot compare to unlike things, they are so different it’s like comparing apples to oranges.
I completely agree with Celticlaxer, my lax has improved exponentially by coaching womens lacosse as well as using a womens stick. some of the games all time greats have moved into coaching womens lacrosse. Also my ball handling has got beter using a ladies stick and dont underestimate how much more power you can get once you have mastered how to throw a decent speed shot with a womens stick.
finally I am saddened to be associated with lacrosse if playing mens means I am associated with some of the posts on here. I dont see women padding up with huge gloves, helmets etc but they use the same ball and some can throw some serious fire.
both mens and womens deserve respect for the skills they both require!