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
Please look into getting your highschool diploma and learn how to have an intelligent conversation, that doesn’t involve cursing, before you decide to attack someone making a very valid point.
As a matter of fact, I didn’t see where in your comment you made any attempt at making a valid argument.
Not being able to touch them makes you have to have more skills you dumbass. You can’t just sit there and sack them you have to learn so many things correctly so why dont you stop being ignorant and learn something.
Firstly, I question your judgement as a person for having chosen vanilla fudge over chocolate fudge (ya fraake).
Secondly, there IS no polite way to tell someone to STFU, so don’t act like you’re not being an absolute CYUNNNNT.
Lastly, Meganne made an unbelievably true and valid point in reference to the comment above, without the use of verbal abuse (ya slag) so now it’s yourr turn to put your finger over your lips and go sit in the corner. K?
kthanksbye.
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, boys. Nothing- and I mean NOTHING- has done more to make me a better men’s lacrosse player than coaching women’s lacrosse. (For the record, I’ve played at 4 World Games (3 field, 1 indoor) and currently coach a pro box team.)
Pick up a girl’s stick to practice with, or at least tighten the pocket in one of your backup sticks all the way, then do everything you would with your gamer- hit the wall, shoot, do some mess-around dodging with your buddies. After just a week or two you will have better ball, stick, and field awareness than you ever imagined.
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, boys. Nothing- and I mean NOTHING- has done more to make me a better men’s lacrosse player than coaching women’s lacrosse. (For the record, I’ve played at 4 World Games (3 field, 1 indoor) and currently coach a pro box team.)
Pick up a girl’s stick to practice with, or at least tighten the pocket in one of your backup sticks all the way, then do everything you would with your gamer- hit the wall, shoot, do some mess-around dodging with your buddies. After just a week or two you will have better ball, stick, and field awareness than you ever imagined.