The Active Interns: Lacrosse
The True National Sport: ELEV8-ing the Sport to the Next Level
Growing up in Okotoks, the town had strong ties to lacrosse as I would often see many people I knew wearing Mustangs or Raiders gear. What intimidated me initially was that it is a contact sport. I have a vivid memory of watching a lacrosse game with my dad at the local rec-center and seeing someone nearly get crunched through the boards. This was followed by two of the players dropping the gloves and duking it out at the centre of the field.
Obviously my perspective of the sport has drastically changed as I have had the pleasure of attending many Calgary Roughnecks games, and I have also gotten to know many people who grew up playing the sport.
Throughout this sports story I will explore the history of Canada’s national sport, the rules and how the game works and finally I will highlight my experience trying out box and field lacrosse with ELEV8 Lacrosse.
But first, here are some highlights from your 2019 NLL Champion, Calgary Roughnecks.
History and Background: A True Canadian Sport
Early stage lacrosse players (Notice any differences in the gear they are wearing?)
Lacrosse was first documented being played by the first nations communities across North America in the early 1100s. For Indigenous Canadians, the sport was initially played between teams ranging anywhere from 100 to 1000 players per team. Games would last anywhere from two to three days to give thanks to the Creator.
The word “Lacrosse” is rooted in the french language and was traditionally called “la crosse,” or the stick. The sport would grow in popularity from 1637 into the 1900s as many mens clubs would begin to pop up across Canada, The United States, England and Australia.
My Experience with ELEV8 Lacrosse
Me in my lacrosse gear (83 is my new lucky number)
Upon arriving for the Lacrosse session, I was timid as the camp I was set to attend had already begun.
WHACK!!
WHACK!!
were the sounds against the boards as the kids were already warming up passing the ball. I was first introduced to the VP and Director of Player Development, Bob Snider.
He welcomed me to the practice and got me suited into my lacrosse gear. One of the things I found interesting about the gear was it was different than I had imagined. In box lacrosse, players wear kidney, shoulder, wrist and head protection. This differs from hockey because box lacrosse players do not wear any leg protection which allows for more mobility.
Bob also showed me the gear differences from box to field lacrosse, as the helmet I wore was actually a field lacrosse helmet. The visor on the helmet helps keep the sun and rain out of players eyes. These are designed to, “withstand the elements,” Bob wittily put.
The first thing I was taught was how to cradle the ball when I had possession.This was a simple instruction that I still managed to forget multiple times, leading to the ball flying out of the netting on my stick. This cradling motion is done to maintain possession and to shield the ball from other players trying to knock the ball free.
Me cradling and doing a spin move to avoid the defender
After the cradling drill, we ran a passing drill which was the most difficult thing to get a hold of. Passing and receiving the ball took different techniques; to receive a pass, players have to cushion the ball in with the netting and have their hands higher up on the stick to give them more control. To pass and to shoot the ball, players lead with their dominant foot and aim towards the target following with a rapid follow through. I let my partner down with my passing as I wasn’t the best to start, but as we did more drills I was able to get more accurate.
In the end we finished with a scrimmage. The game play of box lacrosse to me most felt like indoor soccer. Fast, team based and exhausting! At the end of the game I got set up by one of coaches and scored a highlight goal, sneaking a lucky shot past a very good goalie. Overall the experience was amazing and I had a great time!
The ELEV8 Team and I after the morning session
After the session I had the opportunity to chat with ELEV8 Coach, Dan Taylor, about his experience with Lacrosse at a high level with the Calgary Roughnecks and why you should try out the sport. Thanks for having me out once again ELEV8! I can’t wait for the next time I get to pick up a lacrosse stick!
How to get involved with Lacrosse
ELEV8 Lacrosse was developed to provide the highest level of instruction for the growing sports of field and box lacrosse. Instruction caters to the next generation of Canadian lacrosse players, providing the opportunity to learn and excel in both disciplines. ELEV8 Lacrosse offers an array of programs to both new and experienced lacrosse players such as the NCAA recruiting program, summer camps and new to lacrosse sessions. The coolest program that I found exploring the ELEV8 website was the Try-It Clinics that offers kids and teens ages nine through 19 the opportunity to just try the sport.
In August, ELEV8 will be running tryouts for its elite travel program as well as classroom sessions in September once school starts again!
Make sure you also check out the Sport Calgary Member Profile Podcast our own Rob Kerr, completed with ELEV8 Lacrosse’s Geoff Snider at All Sport One Day 2019!
Thanks for reading as always and stay tuned for my next article!
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