Joel Robson takes a look at the rapidly growing sport…
An exhilarating sport, lacrosse is one of the fastest growing activities in the US, and you now have the opportunity to try it out at UEL Sports Dock.
Although you may not be familiar with it, this explosive yet graceful sport is centuries old. First played by Native Americans around 400 years ago, few team sports have such a rich, historical legacy. Today, lacrosse has evolved into a modern sports phenomenon with its popularity exploding thanks to dedicated players, coaches, and officials who are on the fields spreading their enthusiasm.
Though women’s and men’s lacrosse share common history and similarities, there are actually two different versions of the sport with different rules, equipment and playing techniques. The men’s game allows limited body and stick contact so protective equipment is a must, but speed and stamina is more important than ize. The rare combination of artistry and rugged sportsmanship creates a dynamic game played at a high intensity throughout.
The women’s game prohibits body contact, and is a sport where swiftness strength and agility produce a graceful game of tremendous energy and spirit. The women’s game is also more reflective of the Native American game playing on a longer field with minimal contact.
It is a combination of a number of sports with its fast-paced, highly physical nature, along with quick hand-to-eye co-ordination makes pro lacrosse players both athletic and incredibly skilled.
UEL student Marcus, who is a member of Foxes Lacrosse club in Chislehurst, says: “After the London Olympics I was intrigued; I thought lacrosse looked kind of bizarre but really fun at the same time. It was really quick and easy to learn the rules and since I started playing I have been hooked.”
Lacrosse manages to combine football, hockey and basketball in a non-stop end-to-end fashion. Quickness, agility and good hand-eye coordination are attributes which the best players have in their locker above brute force and power.
So why not try it out? If you are looking for a new and interesting sport to play lacrosse will certainly tick that box!
UEL SportsDock now runs lacrosse sessions from 5pm every Monday.