BEYOND THE NET: UNVEILING THE WORLD OF LACROSSE
Ever seen a blur of sticks, a flash of a ball, and heard the roar of a crowd? That's lacrosse, a sport that blends the speed of basketball, the physicality of hockey, and a unique strategy all its own. If you're new to the game, or simply curious about what makes it so captivating, you're in the right place. We're here to unravel the excitement, explain the basics, and show you why lacrosse is more than just a sport—it's a thrilling experience.
History of LAX
Lacrosse originates from the Indigenous peoples of North America. Long before European settlers arrived, various tribes, particularly those in the Eastern Woodlands and Great Lakes regions, played variations of what we now know as lacrosse. These early games were often referred to as "stickball”. However, they often meant far more than simply sport. They held significant cultural and spiritual importance, serving as rituals, conflict resolution, and even training for warfare. French Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century were among the first Europeans to document these games, giving it the name "lacrosse," derived from the French word for "crozier" (a bishop's staff), due to the curved shape of the stick. Over time, European settlers adopted and adapted the game, leading to the development of organized leagues and standardized rules, transforming it into the modern sport we see today.
Positions in Lacrosse
There are 2 different types of lacrosse: field lacrosse and box lacrosse. One of the major differences between the two is the playing area. Field lacrosse is played outdoors in a large field, similar to a soccer field. Conversely, box lacrosse is played indoors on a smaller, enclosed rink. Since Spring has sprung, we will focus on field lacrosse. The positions played differ between men’s and women’s lacrosse.
Men’s Positions
-
Attackmen: The attackmen are the primary offensive weapons looking to feed and score. They create most of the offense and generally don’t play defense. They’re the three players kept on the opposite side of the midline while the ball is at the other end.
-
Midfielders: Midfielders play offense and defense, following the flow of the game and getting involved at both ends of the field. Midfielders, or “middies,” are crucial to a team’s transition offense and defense.
-
Defensemen: The role of the defensemen is generally to stop the opposing attackmen from creating offense or scoring. Occasionally, a defenseman will be dispatched to cover a dominant opposing midfielder.
-
Goaltender: In addition to stopping shots and getting the ball out of the defensive end, goalies are also responsible for directing the defense.
Women’s Positions
-
Attack: The attack positions are made up of first, second, and third homes, and two attack wings, all of whom are responsible for scoring goals.
-
Defense: Defensive assignments are broken down into these areas: center, two defensive wings, point, cover point, and third man. Wing players move the ball from defense to offense.
-
Goaltender: The only player on the field wearing a helmet, her job is to prevent goals from being scored.
Basic Rules
Lacrosse, at its core, involves two teams using sticks with netted pockets to catch, carry, and throw a rubber ball, aiming to score by shooting it into the opponent's goal. Players must adhere to rules regarding stick checking, body contact, and positioning. In field lacrosse, offsides rules dictate player placement. Players can advance the ball by running, passing, or cradling it in their stick, but must avoid holding the ball in the pocket for too long (generally, three seconds inside the crease surrounding the goal). Fouls, such as illegal checks or cross-checking, result in penalties, granting the opposing team advantages like man-up opportunities. Ultimately, the team with the most goals at the end of regulation time wins.
Become a Fan
Professional team
Team Name: Albany FireWolves
League: National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse (Indoor)
First Season: 2021
Where They Play: MVP Arena, Albany
Tickets Start at $15.96 for a single game
College Teams
UAlbany Men’s Lacrosse
League: America East (Division I)
Where They Play: Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium at UAlbany in Albany
https://ualbanysports.com/sports/mens-lacrosse
UAlbany Women’s Lacrosse
League: America East (Division I)
Where They Play: John Fallon Field at UAlbany in Albany
https://ualbanysports.com/sports/womens-lacrosse
