If you’re thinking of taking up lacrosse, these five pearls of wisdom will help you succeed in the sport.
If you’re just getting starting in lacrosse, there are basics you should know. Learning those basics will help you develop into a better player. Let’s look at the five pieces of advice for newcomers to the game.
It Often Takes Time to Find Your Position
Not all positions on a lacrosse team require the same skills. Let’s look at specific roles in lacrosse and what it takes to succeed in each one.
Courtesy: Record-Journal
Goalkeeper: The lacrosse goalie needs to have awareness–to spot attacking plays early–and fast reactions to block shots from the opposing team. It also helps to have a considerable physical presence, although that’s not essential. But every good goalie has a strategic mindset, able to marshal their defensive players and direct play from the back. Keep in mind that the goalie (with face to the action) has the best overview of the field.
Defense: Defensive players in lacrosse are often the most physically imposing on the field. But they also need skills, including being able to make long passes to move the ball quickly upfield during a counter-attack. Positional awareness is also fundamental, as is the agility to stick with opposing attackers as they try to dodge and weave through the defensive line.
Midfield: “Middies” as they’re known, need to be good all-round players. That’s because they’ll be called upon to assist on offense and defense. Playing in the midfield requires excellent levels of stamina, too, because middies run farther during a game than players in any other position. They also need physical strength to block/check opposing players.
Offense: The offensive (or attacking players) must be experts in handling their stick, which means the ability to pass, shoot, and cradle accurately while dodging opposing players to get into shooting position. Speed and balance are vital to those tasks–needed to avoid and get past defensive players who are guarding the goal.
Things Can Get Rough, so Suit Up
Lacrosse can be a pretty rough sport, so make sure that you wear the correct protective equipment–even while practicing. You don’t want to get a concussion from a fast-moving stick to the face or suffer a broken rib from an overenthusiastic body check.
Also, make sure that the equipment you buy fits correctly. Ill-fitting safety gear can be worse than wearing none at all. Fit is particularly important for your helmet. It can slip off easily during a blow or fall if it’s not the right size/ worn correctly. Bad things can occur when those things happen.
Equipment is Key to Success on the Field
Courtesy: The New York Times
Safety equipment and the lacrosse stick are vital to success in the game. But making the right choices doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars and buy the most expensive gear. But you do need to make sure you have quality equipment and that you take care of it. That means keeping it clean and well maintained. Repairing or replacing gear is a must, too.
It’s also essential to learn how to string your lacrosse head and how to tape the stick. You’ll find that there is a range of different patterns and styles, most of which are suited to a specific position an/or playing style. The more you customize your setup to the way that you play, the more successful you’ll be on the field.
You Need to Practice, then Practice Again
Lacrosse is different from many other sports because of the specialized equipment involved. The most critical aspect is the ability to master the lacrosse stick. You’ll need to put a lot of time/effort into learning specific skills, such as scooping, cradling, and dodging.
For solo practice, a lacrosse rebounder is an invaluable piece of equipment. It allows you to set up passing and shooting drills without the need for a partner to feed you the ball. Without the ability to make accurate passes, catches, and shots, you’ll find it hard to get far in any position.
Lacrosse Games are Won on the Training Ground
Courtesy: Inside Lacrosse
You’ll also need to be fit to be a successful player. Lacrosse is a fast-paced game involving running from one end of the field to the other–and without pausing for breath.
Fitness level is especially telling at the end stages of a game. The team with the higher level of fitness is more likely to win. So make sure you incorporate jogging, sprints, circuit training, and other cardio options into your exercise schedule. Strength training, such as weightlifting or resistance band training, can also be extremely valuable– especially for defensive or midfield players.
To Sum Up
Success in lacrosse requires a lot of dedication–whether that’s putting in the time to learn different positions, drilling to grasp technical skills competently, or getting fit. The more time and effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of the game. You’ll discover something else, too: you’ll enjoy playing one of the world’s greatest sports.
