Everyone has watched it, been amazed by it and thought it looked like fun. Lacrosse is a team sport that requires a fast pace and quick judgment. Each team consists of 10-12 players (10 men or 12 women) whom use netted sticks in order to control a rubber ball. The object of Lacrosse is to score by guiding the rubber ball into the opposing team’s goal.
Lacrosse is extremely popular in North America where it is the oldest known sport and still remains one of the fastest growing. Everyone from children to high school, college and professional Lacrosse athletes are at continuous play. Lacrosse is widely adored throughout the United States and it’s Northeastern region, but is perhaps most highly honored as Canada’s national summer sport. Fans in the Western United States need not worry, however, as the sport is steadily moving toward increased popularity in Colorado, California and Oregon. Even the sunshine state in the Southeastern United States is catching on, along with other southern states such as Tennessee and Texas.
Lacrosse is played on a competition field made of grass or artificial turf. Both men’s and women’s Lacrosse competitions are much the same with the main difference being the required protective gear. Women competitors are only required to wear protective eye gear whereas gentlemen athletes are required to wear protective headgear, shoulder equipment and protective hand wear.
The sport of Lacrosse was originally invented by North Americans. Originally designed as a very intense, physical sport, players used their netted sticks to make contact with their opponents and then clearing the way for them to score a goal. In their earliest days, Lacrosse games often lasted for several days. Because the sport was so physical and encouraged contact between players, some competitors were seriously injured during the early years. However, contact is no longer permitted in Lacrosse as we know it today. The object of the game is to direct and guide the rubber ball to victory without harming, or inflicting pain upon, any players on the opposing team.
Individuals who would like to learn more about Lacrosse, are interested in participating or simply wants to stay abreast of the latest news, happenings and live events may visit lacrosse.org. In addition, website visitors may be able to read additional historic facts, player profiles and information on contacting the organization. Color photos, news releases and other related stories are posted regularly.
Box Lacrosse, also referred to as boxla or boxcrosse is an indoor version of outdoor field lacrosse. The difference between a field lacrosse game and a box lacrosse game is like night-and-day.
Box Lacrosse is predominantly played in Canada during the summer months. Box Lacrosse started in the 1930’s as a means to bring revenue to hockey rinks in the off season. Additionally it kept players fit during the summer months.
In Canada box lacrosse is more popular than field lacrosse from which it was derived. The rules of box lacrosse and field lacrosse are very different and of course the surface of play is very different. Box lacrosse is played indoors, in hockey arenas (without the ice) or on indoor soccer fields.
The goal in box lacrosse is smaller than the goal in field lacrosse and the attacking team must take a shot on goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession of the ball. Play in box lacrosse is significantly rougher than in a field lacrosse game. The rules of box lax encourage passing and running which improves a players overall lacrosse skills and athletic ability.
Box lacrosse should not be confused with indoor lacrosse which is a newer version of the indoor game. Indoor lacrosse was intended to be less violent than the other indoor version of the game, box lacrosse, on which it is based. Indoor lacrosse is also played in regions where box lacrosse is not played. Indoor lacrosse was designed to combine the most exciting elements of box and field lacrosse. Box lacrosse is a summer game, while indoor lacrosse is played in the winter.
Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Indoor lacrosse is played with six men per side, a rougher and faster derivative of the outdoor game. There are more scoring opportunities, and far more big hits, making indoor lacrosse an intense experience for players as well as fans.
The two indoor games have become increasingly similar in recent years with the primary difference being the equipment used in game play. Indoor lacrosse allows only sticks with hollow shafts, while box lacrosse allows solid wooden sticks. Also indoor lacrosse games consist of four quarters of fifteen minutes each, while box lacrosse games consist of three periods of twenty minutes in length.
The age of indoor lacrosse is evident when discussions relating to the first World Indoor Lacrosse Championships arise. The first Championships were held in 2003.