Welcome to the new lacrosse forum on SportsTwo! Since lacrosse is a relatively new sport, i thought it would be a good idea to educate some of you on what its all about. Also, i've broken this article down into categories. History The sport of lacrosse is actually the oldest sport to be played in the United States. The game was first played by the Native Americans to settle debates and disputes amongst tribes. Unlike modern lacrosse, the Indians played on field that were miles long, playing from sunrise to sundown for often days at a time. The game was taken extremely serious by them and was considered to be an excellent source of "military training". Since many players couldn't get near the ball, they often focused on injuring there opponents with their sticks. Modern Lacrosse Lacrosse is an excellent sport that unlike many other sports, takes just as much focus and concentration as it does determination and will. Many players consider it the origin for some of the most popular sports today. For example, there is a crease just like hockey, positions very similar to soccer, and rules not far from football. The game always begins with a faceoff, which also takes place at the beginning of quarters, and after a team scores. Positions There are 10 player per-team on the field unless there is a penalty/penalties down The positions include three attackmen, three midfielders, three defenseman, and a goalie. Just like soccer, the defenseman and attackmen are limited to how far down the field they can go (50 yd. line) unless a midfielder stays back to take there spot. The attackmen act as offensive players, and the midfielders run up and down the field acting as both a defenseman and attackmen. Popular Leagues and Teams NCAA The NCAA has broken down lacrosse into divisions just like any sports at the college level (DI,DII,DIII). NCAA attracts more fans than any professional or international lacrosse league. Each year, during memorial weekend, the DI finals and DI, DII, and DIII championship games take place. These games are always broadcasted live on either an ESPN or CBS channel. As this 2009-2010 season comes to an end, the championships will be held in M&T bank stadium in Baltimore, MD. Major League Lacrosse (MLL) The new and growing league MLL took to the field in 2001. It is comprised of six teams across the United States and Canada. After college players finish there seasons, they often look to continue there lax careers and keep playing the game they have dedicated there entire lives to. Many players decide to enter the MLL draft and compete with other once-college-stars. National Lacrosse League (NLL) Another pro lacrosse league which includes much smaller goals, different rules, and is considered a type of box lacrosse. There are many star players that are in both the NLL and MLL including Paul Rabil and the Powell brothers. Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Yes, there is an international league dedicated to lacrosse. The league was put together in late 2009 and is just recently drawing attention from lacrosse fans across the world.
Very nice. My HS baseball coach played minor league ball for the Cubs organization before he blew out his knee. He was a Lacross player in college, and told us this story. There were two guys at different schools who really hated each other. Their teams played against each other one day and before the game, the two of them were on their own sidelines gesturing and otherwise insulting the other. Finally, they got pissed off enough to run out to the center of the field. One guy threw down his helmet, his gloves, his stick. The other guy responded by hitting him over the head with his stick.
Nice article! I watched the MLL All-Star game a couple of years ago and man....it was high action, high scoring fun!
The Toronto Rock are filth and a half. The 2 best rookies in the league, best coach, GM and goalie however we lost to Washington but next year we will win. Rock are the best, BOOK IT
