Girl's Lacrosse: Check it out!!!

Girl’s lacrosse, despite its growing popularity, might be one of the most underrated sports out there. This complicated game is better known when played by boys, although nearly all aspects of the game are different. One of the greatest is the equipment worn and used to participate in this fast growing sport.

The game of lacrosse was invented by the American Indians, and dates back to the 15th century. It was played strictly by men as a sport played to the death between tribes to settle disputes. There is no evidence that any one else besides the Indians played the game until the 19th century. At that point, Canadians attempted to change the sport with a new set of rules and organize it into amateur clubs. The game began to become violent and interfere in church services. In the late 19th century the Native American lacrosse was banned due to an Oklahoma tribe attaching lead weights to their sticks and using them as skull crackers. At this point, the non-native lacrosse spread and became the fastest growing sport of the day. The game was changed with official regulations and played with manufactured rather than hand made equipment. The field lacrosse that women play today is most closely related to the Indian game of the past. Some girls and women still use the wooden stick; they lack protective gear and play the game with mass attack instead of field positions.

The first recorded game of Women’s Lacrosse was played in Scotland in 1890. The headmaster of the school St. Leonard’s had visited New Hampshire where she saw a match played. She loved the game so much she introduced it into the school. The young women would play an inter-dormitory competition in which the winners would be awarded a shield in victory.

The game has changed a great deal since the beginning of women’s lacrosse. The sticks had very large nets, no bridge, and short handles, and were made of wood. The sticks that are available today come in a wide range of colors and styles. The handles, usually 36” or greater, are made of aluminum and the heads are made of molded plastic. The only equipment worn by today's girls is a mouth guard and goggles. The game is played with 12 girls on the field, including the goalie. Checking your opponents stick has become a favorable defense tactic and increases in frequency as girls play at different levels.

The game of girl's and women’s lacrosse has changed and grown very rapidly. It is a great sport for girls to play because of the high level of physical activity required and the confidence and self esteem it builds.

The equipment for girl’s lacrosse is sometimes hard to find and the stick needs to be cut and fit to each girl. Make sure when lacrosse is played, you seek out a knowledgeable sales associate who can fit your stick, goggles and mouth guard to your size. Enjoy the game!!!

Rebecca Dooley
Sports Just 4 Girls, Inc.
631-474-4952