Lacrosse (Little Brother of War)James Brennan

Thesis

The prevalence of lacrosse, the oldest team sport in North America, will be conveyed through a historical analysis of the sport and through a portrayal of its fundamentals.

Personal Relevance

I choose to do the topic of lacrosse because it has been such a big part of my life. I have been playing lacrosse since seventh grade. Weather it is competing for championships or just playing a pick up game in the back yard. Lacrosse has become a major part of my life.

Overview

History of lacrosse

Modern Day Lacrosse

Lacrosse Equipment

Field Dimensions

Penalties

Fundamentals

Application

Class Activity

Conclusion

http://photos.upi.com/slideshow/lbox/0d9055183928b69fab6a3047feab638a/NCAA-LACROSSE-DIVISION-I-CHAMPIONSHIP-JOHNS-HOPKINS-DUKE.jpg

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/reports1/lacrosse.jpg

Lacrosse Interesting Facts

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America.

There was also a Women’s Version of lacrosse called Amtahcha. ( shorter sticks and bigger heads)

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec.

2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>

History of Lacrosse

Lacrosse was invented by native Americans.

One of the many stick and ball games they played.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>

http://alax.nl/img/61.jpg

Forms of Lacrosse

Early lacrosse had three basic forms. The southeastern, Great lakes and Iroquoian

Each style was different based on the region they lived in and the resources they had to make their equipment.

Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ."      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR.      N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/      url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/      KjNFN12035/url=http>.

http://www.superiorlacrosseclub.org/lax101/images/Indian_Lacrosse.jpg

Lacrosse Styles

The Plain Indians would play with two sticks that were smaller.

While the eastern woodland Native Americans would play with one stick.

Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ."      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR.      N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/      url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009.

<http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/      KjNFN12035/url=http>.

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/uploads/2007/09/lacrosse.jpg

Native American Pregame Rituals

They were very similar to rituals associated with war

They would Paint their bodies and decorated their sticks.

There were strict rules on what a player could eat before the game.

Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

http://mountaincabinbythelake.com/images/todo/native.jpg http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/005/005zgD-14448584.jpg

Early Lacrosse

As many as 100 to 1,000 men would play from each village.

The game would be played on an open plain between each village. On a field that could be miles long.

The game could last for several days but it normally went from sun up to sun down.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

Early Lacrosse Cont.

The rules were decided the day before.

There was often no boundaries.

The goals were big boulders or trees later they would use wooden poles put into the ground.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

Early lacrosse Continued

The Game started when the ball was thrown up in the air and both sides rushed toward it.

The game was slow moving because of the massive number of players.

Passing was considered a trick and a cowardice move because you wanted to dodge an opposing player.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

http://tilburglax.nl/images/Indian%20lacrosse2.jpg

Significance of the Game

Lacrosse was used to settle Inter-tribal conflicts.

It is the reason that the six nations of the Iroquois together

Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print

http://ryecityschools.milton.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496886/Image/Webquests/Algonquin%

The Stakes

Before the game every player made a wager (knives, horses, Goods)

Sometimes even wives and children were bet.

Items where awarded to the winners of the game

http://www.windmilltradingco.com/Images/HomePage%202.jpg

After the Game

A ceremonial dance took place

A feast for all the hungry players

http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ohq/106.3/images/williams_fig01b.jpg

First Lacrosse Balls

Lacrosse balls were made of wood or deer skin stuffed with hair.

3 inches in diameter

First Lacrosse Sticks

The First lacrosse sticks were basically giant wooden spoons with no netting.

A more advanced type had one end bent into a 4 or 5 inch circle which was filled with netting.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

http://www.hemplax.com/image/native-american-lacrosse-replica.gif

First Lacrosse Sticks Cont.

Lengths ranged from 2 to 5 feet.

Sticks often had carvings on them to help the player in the game.

Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ."      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in      American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR.      N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/      url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/      KjNFN12035/url=http>.

http://www.uwlax.edu/MVAC/images/Games/lacrosse%20stick%20W.jpg

Significance of the Stick

Lacrosse sticks were considered a extremely valuable piece of property.

Most lacrosse players requested to be buried with their stick.

Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

http://jenssannerud.com/lacrosse%20stick.jpg

Fastest Game on Two Feet

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/NCAA+Lacrosse+Semifinals+Johns+Hopkins+v+Duke+97qozQ-wOUil.jpg

Modern Lacrosse

Played with a small rubber ball.

Metal shafts plastic heads.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blog.syracuse.com/orangelacrosse/2009/

Safety Equipmentrequired

Mouth piece

Helmet

Shoulder pads

Elbow pads

Gloves

Optional

Throat protector

Shoulder guards

Rib pads

Chest protector

http://www.morleyathletic.com/images/BM20435x.gif

Modern Lacrosse Balls

2.5 inches in diameter

Made of rubber

Women’s balls are yellow

Men’s balls are white

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lax_ball.jpg

http://www.athleticfieldmarker.com/images/LacrosseYouthnHSDimensions.jpg

Crease

The crease is the circle around the net that an offense player can not enter.

The crease is 18 ft in diameter

Stick Dimensions

http://laxbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/ncaa-2010-lacrosse-head-requirements1.jpg

Start of Game

Each Game starts with a face off on the midline

There are only three players from each team that can compete in the face off until possession is determined.

After each goal there is also a face off

http://laxbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/syracuse-face-off-x-domination.jpg

Basic Rules

Each team has 10 players on the field

There must be 4 players on the defensive side of the field at all times and 3 on the offensive side

During Play

The Ball must make it over the midline in 20 seconds

Then 10 seconds to get it into the box

Penalties 30 Sec Technical

foul

Push with possession

Offside's

Interference

1 min Personal foul

Slashing

Tripping

Illegal Body Check

Cross Checking

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

http://www.collegefanz.com/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/8435-102-1-9052/Jarvis%20Hit.JPG

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj229/xciv_2007/lemoynehit.jpg

Change of Possession

Failure to advance

Lose ball push

http://images.veer.com/IMG/PIMG/CCP/CCP0006937_P.JPG

Serving the Penalty

The player that commits the foul must spend that amount of time in the penalty box.

The team that committed the foul has to play one man short until the penalty is served

Fundamentals

http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/p/051310_upper_merion_vs_upper_dublin_kc/kc1_7276_34_3_11

Catching

Hand at throat of stick

Receive the ball

Do not snatch or swat

Move to the ball

http://media.highschoolplaybook.com/networks/Centralflorida/images/member_album_photos/363545/IMG_4184_original183104.JPG

Passing

Point elbow

Follow through

Pass into the box

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200904/panchak_lacrosse_sports_2_330.jpg

Shooting styles

Over hand

Underhand

Side arm

Three quarter

Shooting on the Run

http://www.bainbridgelax.com/images/wrongShot.jpg

Time and Room

Shoulder with apart stance

Rotate hips

Hands placed

http://imagecache.artistrising.com/artwork/lgb//2/233/6NC3000A.jpg

Shooting on the Run

Free your hands

Rotate your hips

Over hand or three quarter

Change plains

Hide stick

http://www.hblacrosse.com/images/jb-gotrope.jpg

Quick Stick

In and out

Change plains

http://www.laxpower.com/graphics/garrity_09.jpg

Ground Balls

Get low

Keep ball in front

Keep stick low to ground

http://www.eteamz.com/jacksonlacrosse/images/DSC_4579.jpg

Defense

Play with your feet

Keep opposing player in front

Check hands

http://udothedishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lax-defender.jpg

Application

For my application I made a lacrosse shaft out of wood.

I also Created a how to video explaining the basics and faceoff's.

Class Activity

Clamp, Laser, Jam, Shoot

Same rules as rock paper scissors shoot.

Clamp beats Jam, Laser beats Clamp, Jam beats laser.

Tournament rules

Work Cited "The History of Lacrosse." Laxhistory.com. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. http://www.laxhistory.com/

Vennum, Thomas. "Native American History of Lacrosse." Http://www.laxhistory.com/. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. <http://www.laxhistory.com/>.

Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. Virginia Beach, VA: Duffy Publishing, 2007

"How to Play Lacrosse." Simplylacrosse.com. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. <http://www.simplylacrosse.com/how-to-play-lacrosse.html>.

Way, By The. "[Tutorial] Homemade Wood Shaft." The Lacrosse Forums. Web. 24 May 2010. <http://forums.insidelacrosse.com/showthread.php?t=61180>.

Website, My. US Lacrosse | National Menâs, Womenâs and Youth Lacrosse�� �� . Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.uslacrosse.org/.

Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today      23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009.      <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/      document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa      rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1&      publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>

Conclusion

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in America and teaches valuable skills such as team work and determination. As the fastest growing sport in America it is quickly becoming a bigger part of our culture.