We’ve got another NEW activity coming to camp this year… LACROSSE! This exciting new activity will be available for our Blue and Red groups (ages 8+) at our Easter and summer 2024 camps. Please check your nearest location page for specific activities available to you.
In a world where children have a myriad of options for sports and activities, lacrosse stands out as an exciting and dynamic team sport that captivates players and spectators alike. With its rich history and fast-paced gameplay, lacrosse offers a fantastic way for children to stay active, learn valuable skills, and foster a sense of teamwork. In this introductory guide, we'll explore the basic rules of lacrosse and the numerous benefits it brings to children's physical and mental development.
Understanding the Basics:
Lacrosse is a high-energy sport that combines elements of basketball, football, and hockey. It is played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse. The game involves two teams competing to score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent's net. Here are some fundamental rules to understand:
Positions:
- Each team has ten players: three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders, and one goalie.
- Players use their crosses to pass, catch, and carry the ball.
Scoring:
- Points are scored by shooting the ball into the opponent's goal.
- A goal is worth one point, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Face-offs:
- The game begins with a face-off at the center of the field after each goal and at the start of each quarter.
- Two players from each team battle for possession of the ball.
Checking:
- Players can use their crosses to obstruct opponents to dislodge the ball.
- However, certain types of obstruction are regulated to ensure safety, especially at the youth level.
Passing and Catching:
- Precision in passing and catching is crucial for success.
- Players use their crosses to throw and catch the ball, showcasing their hand-eye coordination.
Tip: Encourage your children to practice passing and catching skills in a controlled environment to build confidence.
Benefits of Lacrosse for Children:
Physical Fitness: Lacrosse involves running, sprinting, and rapid changes in direction, promoting cardiovascular health and overall physical fitness.
Hand-Eye Coordination: The sport requires players to master the art of passing, catching, and shooting, enhancing hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Teamwork and Communication: Lacrosse is a team sport that emphasizes cooperation and communication. Players learn to work together to achieve common goals.
Discipline and Focus: Playing lacrosse requires discipline and focus, as players need to stay attentive to the game's fast pace and make split-second decisions.
Social Skills: Being part of a lacrosse team provides an opportunity for children to build lasting friendships, learn good sportsmanship, and develop social skills.
Confidence Building: Mastering lacrosse skills and contributing to the team's success can significantly boost a child's confidence and self-esteem.
Lacrosse is more than just a game; it's a gateway to a world of physical activity, skill development, and teamwork. We're extremely thrilled to bring this new activity and its exciting equipment to camp this year, and we will be sure to share some ultimate photos with you later in the year! So, let’s grab a crosse, hit the field, and let the lacrosse adventure begin in 2024! See what other amazing activities UAC has to offer at our Easter and summer camps!
Check out England Lacrosse for more information and find your nearest club: https://www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/take-action