Physical Education s2

Lacrosse Study Guide

Physical Education

Ms. OSTRANDER

History

The oldest sport in North America, lacrosse was originally played by Native Americans in what is now northern New York and Canada. The sport is rooted in the Native American religious ceremony called baggataway, meaning “little brother of war.” French missionaries gave the game its name because the shape of the stick used, resembled a crosier (la crosse in French).

The tribal lacrosse game was not only played for recreation but was also a method of training warriors. It was played on a much larger scale than the game today. It was played with hundreds of players, and the distance between goals ranged from 500 yards to several miles. Native American lacrosse lasted several hours, if not days.

French pioneers started playing the game regularly in the early 1800’s. The first lacrosse club was founded in Montreal in 1842, and rules were formed in 1880. In 1867 lacrosse was declared Canada’s national sport. In 1867 Canadian Indians introduced the game in the United States.

Object of the game

The object of the game is to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent’s goal. Each goal is worth 1 point (as in hockey and soccer). The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Rules of Men’s Lacrosse

- Play with 10 players on a team (1 goal keeper, 3 defenders, 3 midfielders or wings, 3 offensive players called attackers

- Each team must keep at least 4 players (including the goalkeeper) in its defending half of the field and 3 players in the offensive half.

- Center face-offs are used to start the game and after each goal. - Players shoot and pass the ball to their teammate using the lacrosse stick, trying to score a goal by throwing (shooting) the ball into the opponent’s goal.

- The ball can be caught or “scooped” off the ground by any player for either team.

- Each team tries to control the ball and score into the opponent’s goal.

- Shots on goal must be made from outside the goal area (crease)

- Attacking or offensive players may not enter the crease but may reach into the crease.

- If the ball or a player with the ball goes out of bounds, the other team gets a free play. Free Play is an unobstructed throw in at the point where the ball went out of bounds.

- Opposing team players must stay 5 yards away during a free play.

- Goalies are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands.

Positions

Attackers – Attackers are the players who score and are placed near the opponent’s goal.

Midfielders – roam each side of the field but generally stay in the center.

Defenders – help the goalie stop the attackers from the other team.

Goalie – Goalie is the main protector of the goal.

Skills

Cradling Cues

- Keep a loose grip with upper hand

- Twist or Rock the stick back and forth

with a smooth motion using both hands

and arms

- Keep the ball from jiggling and falling out of the pocket

Scooping Cues

- Bend knees to crouch - Right foot forward to create unrestricted motion

- Bend the left arm slightly , making approximate 30

degree angle with the stick to scoop up the ball

- The end of the handle must be at side to prevent

the stick from jabbing the midsection

- Contact the ball two inches in front and scoop

Catching Cues

- Face the incoming ball

- The stick is held in an upward position with pocket open to the ball

- The catch should be made in front of the body

- Reach out for the ball with the head of the stick

- Give with the ball at contact

- Start cradling the ball immediately

Throwing (Passing) Cues

- Shift weight from back leg to front leg

- Turn the upper body to face the

front (a motion similar to throwing

a ball with the hand) The quick

turn of the shoulders adds power

to the throw - Draw the upper hand backward several

inches and then follow through with a

snapping motion of the wrist. The wrist

snap is key.

- Pull the handle downward with the lower hand, making a small arc.

- Produce more force by widening the grip. This increases the leverage from the stick.

- After the release, the stick should be pointing at the target in a horizontal position.

Men’s Lacrosse Field

How Women’s Lacrosse differs from Men’s Lacrosse

1) Physical Contact and Protective Equipment

- Body checks are only legal in men’s lacrosse. Men wear more protective equipment. Men wear helmets, mouth guards, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads and rib pads. Women wear mouth guards and protective eye wear.

2) Number of Players on the Field

- Men play with 10 players on the field, women play with 12 players on the field.

3) Sticks - Unlike men’s lacrosse, mesh is not permitted for the pockets of women’s sticks: the pockets must be strung in the traditional way. Also the top of the ball must be above the sidewall when it’s in the pocket. As a result, stick handling and shooting are more difficult in the woman’s game. Men also have a greater range of stick sizes to use.

4) Field Size

- Field size in men’s lacrosse measure 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. In women’s lacrosse, the field is a bit bigger: 120 yards long by 70 yards wide.

Woman’s Field Hockey Field