{"id":18140,"date":"2013-01-15T14:02:24","date_gmt":"2013-01-15T19:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/?p=18140"},"modified":"2014-10-29T11:00:57","modified_gmt":"2014-10-29T16:00:57","slug":"lacrosse-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/lacrosse-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Lacrosse 101"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Lacrosse\"

Photo Credit: Ray McDonald via Facebook.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Many of you may have heard of lacrosse, but have no idea what it actually entails.\u00a0 As a current collegiate lacrosse player at the University of Florida, I\u2019m here to tell you that lacrosse is a fast paced game that offers amazingl health benefits for participants, exciting entertainment for spectators, and the chance to have a fun while being active.<\/p>\n

Lacrosse was originally created by the Native Americans, and is now the fastest growing sport in the country!\u00a0 Teams pass and throw a hard rubber ball using netted sticks in order to try and score on the opposing goal cage. \u00a0Men wear helmets and can hit each other, while women wear eye protection and can hit each other’s sticks. \u00a0While this description is quite simplified, lacrosse offers a unique and complex experience for stakeholders.<\/p>\n

With a large field, players are challenged to be in top physical condition in order to sprint up and down the field in transition.\u00a0 At the college and national levels, players lift weights and run sprints on a regular basis in order to increase speed, agility, and quickness.\u00a0 Players must also acquire endurance, physically and mentally, as lacrosse is a long game that requires focus and execution.<\/p>\n

Watching lacrosse is an eye-opening experience for first-time viewers.\u00a0 With very few whistles stopping play, high scoring games, and contact not only allowed but encouraged, fans will always be on the edge of their seats trying to keep up.\u00a0 At the elite level, lacrosse players are so skilled and athletic that plays can leave spectators with their jaws dropped in amazement.\u00a0 Behind the back shots, trick plays, and aggressive defense are just some ways that these players can display their athletic abilities.<\/p>\n

Lacrosse can also be enjoyed at the recreational or youth levels as well.\u00a0 Anyone newly interested in playing, coaching, or watching is warmly welcomed into the lacrosse community, as the sport continues to grow across the nation.\u00a0 To see if lacrosse might be something you\u2019re interested in, you can purchase \u201cfiddle sticks\u201d (found at chain sporting good stores).\u00a0 Fiddle sticks<\/strong> are smaller versions of lacrosse sticks that are more reasonably priced and for backyard fun.\u00a0 Throwing and catching, practicing stick skills and learning the basics with fiddle sticks can spark an interest in pursuing lacrosse at the next level.\u00a0 If you wish to learn more about lacrosse and are interested in how you can get involved in your community, please visit USLacrosse.org<\/a> for more information.
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