The history of Lacrosse has deep roots in North American culture.  It is one of the oldest team sports in North America.  Evidence shows that a version of Lacrosse originated in Mesoamerica or Mexico as early as the 1100s.  Lacrosse originated as a tribal game played in the North Eastern United States and Canada.  The game has been modernized extensively by European immigrants to create its current form.  To read more about the rich history and evolution of Lacrosse, click HERE. 

 

Lacrosse is a challenging, fast paced, team oriented game that takes cardiovascular endurance and hand eye coordination.  In addition, because lacrosse is a team game, it reinforces good teamwork and cooperation.  There are 4 primary skills to learn in lacrosse; passing, catching, cradling and scooping- all of which are somewhat difficult to learn and perfect.  Lacrosse takes a lot of practice and patience, perfect characteristics for a Physical Education class.  Lacrosse also hits components in each of the 5 California State Physical Education Standards. 

The basic strategy of lacrosse is to use the skills of passing, catching, cradling and scooping to get the ball from one teammate to the other, advancing the ball toward and into your goal.  The team who can score the most goals in a class period, wins.  However, scoring goals is not easy, because throwing and catching while being guarded by defensive players is difficult. 

Lacrosse: means “the stick” in French

Passing: when throwing from one teammate to the other

Catching:  when the ball successfully makes it into the webbing of  the Lacrosse stick

Scooping:  using the stick to “pick” the ball up off of the ground

Cradling:  technique used when running with the ball to prevent the ball from falling out

Goal: when the ball goes into the net after a shot is taken

Faceoff: 

By the end of this Lacrosse Unit, students will be able to successfully:

  1. BulletPass and Catch with a lacrosse stick

  2. BulletScoop the ball off the ground

  3. BulletCradle while running with the ball

  4. BulletManipulate speed and distance by applying Radius and Torque

  5. BulletExecute basic offensive and defensive strategies during tournament play

  6. BulletWork cooperatively and with good sportsmanship when playing in a team and/or skill stations

  7. BulletMy Lacrosse skills be competent enough to be a valuable contributor to my team’s overall success

Here are some other resources (videos, websites) you might find helpful to learn more about lacrosse.

  1. BulletHistory of Lacrosse

  2. BulletGet Involved and Play Here in the Bay Area

  3. BulletNational Lacrosse League

  4. BulletThe US Governing Board of Lacrosse

  5. BulletBrutal Lacrosse Hits-check this out!!!

  6. BulletBest of Lacrosse-check this out!!!

There are a TON of great lacrosse sites and videos, just look them up.