In an era where sports are evolving faster than ever, it doesn’t take long before everyone’s talking and wondering what it’s all about. Lacrosse is no exception. You might have heard it’s coming to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in an exciting 6-a-side format, but what exactly is Lacrosse?
Why You’ll Love Lacrosse
- Lacrosse is a fast, free-flowing sport that combines elements of hockey, football, and basketball. It is known as the fastest game on two feet!
- It is played by both men and women in different ways: outdoor field lacrosse, indoor box lacrosse, and the fast-paced elite-level 6-a-side format.
- Mixed lacrosse can also be played and is considered the most social and inclusive version of the game.
- England’s men are currently ranked 6th globally, and the women are 3rd. Both teams are reigning European Champions.
How do you Play?
Players use a stick with a netted head, called a crosse, to catch, carry, and throw a small rubber ball. The goal is simple: get the ball into the other team’s net!
The game kicks off with a draw where two players compete to move the ball to their team members. From there, teams pass, run, and dodge their way towards the goal. Midfielders help out both ends, defenders try to stop attacks, attackers focus on scoring, and the goalie protects the net.
A Little History
Lacrosse originated in North America, where Indigenous people played a game called Baggataway as far back as 1100 AD. This version could be played by up to 1000 men over several days and was considered to be ceremonial warfare! Today, lacrosse has evolved into a fast, fun, and energetic modern sport.
Light Rules (The Fun Version!)
- Dropped balls become ground balls, which both teams race to recover, keeping the pace quick and exciting.
- There are no restrictions on where players can move to, except for the goalie, who can’t cross the far restrainer.
- No heavy body contact is allowed, it’s all about skill, speed, and clever stick work.
- Defenders keep a safe distance when marking attackers, but there’s plenty of room to show off.
With simple rules and endless action, lacrosse is a blast whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun! Lacrosse is now played in community clubs, schools and universities throughout England, with Liverpool being one of the oldest Clubs around. The Cricket Club has been Liverpool Lacrosse’s home for over 15 years now, with a focus on both competition and enjoyment. So join in the fun at LCC →
