Although it has a French name, the game of lacrosse was originally invented by Native Americans in what is now New York state and the province of Ontario, Canada. Today, clubs and schools across the U.S. field youth lacrosse teams for both boys and girls. Is your child interested in this fast-paced, fast-growing sport?
The basics: In outdoor, or field lacrosse, two teams compete to shoot a small, hard rubber ball into the opposing team's goal, which is protected by a goalkeeper. As in hockey, the goal is forward of the edge of the field so play can occur behind the goal as well as in front of it. Players advance the ball by tossing the ball to teammates using a lacrosse stick (or crosse), which has a small net at the end of it. Players can also try to knock a ball out of an opponent's net, and can run downfield, cradling the ball as they go to keep it in the net.
There are also two versions of lacrosse played inside: Indoor lacrosse and box lacrosse. Box lacrosse is popular in Canada and allows body contact. Indoor lacrosse allows less physical contact. In both cases, both the field of play and the goal are smaller than they are outdoors.
Age kids can start: Some clubs offer introductory classes and informal teams for kids as young as kindergarten or 1st grade. Kids typically begin competing against one another more formally in 4th or 5th grade or older.
Skills needed/used: Speed, ball and stick handling, and agility.
Best for kids who are: Energetic, team-oriented, and strong.
Season/when played: Historically, spring for outdoor play; now, youth lacrosse tournaments, camps, and lessons are often available in fall and summer as well.
Team or individual? Team. Men's and boys' teams usually have 10 players and allow body checking. Women's/girls' teams have 12 players and no contact is allowed. Boys and girls play separately.
Levels: Youth teams are grouped by age: U15 (for kids 15 and under), U13, U11, and U9. Many middle and high schools have lacrosse teams; they are recognized or sanctioned by state athletic associations in 21 states. Colleges and universities may offer club teams and/or competitive lacrosse programs overseen by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
There are two men's professional leagues (Major League Lacrosse and National Lacrosse League).
Appropriate for kids with special needs: Some individual clubs or communities may run lacrosse programs designed for kids with special needs. You can use the National Center for Physical Activity and Disability's listings to search for a program in your area. There is also a small number of wheelchair lacrosse teams, although they are usually for adults.
Fitness factor: High. As in soccer or basketball, players are almost constantly on the move and need upper-body strength as well as cardiovascular endurance. (Lacrosse burns over 500 calories per hour in a 150-lb. person.)
Equipment: Players need a stick as well as protective equipment including helmets, gloves, mouthguards, shoulder and arm pads, and rib pads. Rules about mandatory equipment differ for boys and girls, and for goalkeepers.
Costs: Classes and clinics usually begin at about $100. League registration fees may run $500 or more, or almost double that for elite or travel teams.
Time commitment required: Introductory classes and leagues for young children usually meet once a week. For more advanced play, athletes will have 2 or more practices a week, plus games and tournaments.
Potential for injury: Medium. Although lacrosse is a contact sport for boys, most injuries are sprains and bruises. Players are also at risk for knee injuries, concussion, shin splints, and abrasions. Get a tip sheet on preventing lacrosse injuries from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).
How to find a program:
Governing bodies:
If your child likes lacrosse, also try: Basketball, soccer, field or ice hockey, tennis
