Girl's/Women's Lacrosse
Did you know that the girls lacrosse game differs greatly from
that of the boys?
In fact, the only real similarities are the goal, size of the goal circle, and
the fact that they share the name of LACROSSE!
PLAY OF GAME: (https://www.uslacrosse.org/rules/girls-rules)
Although the rules are changing, you will notice that women's lacrosse is
more focused on stick skills, speed, and finesse rather than solely physical
strength. There are quote a few immediate differences that you'll notice:
-
Less physicality- there is no outright hitting in women's
lacrosse.
Stick-to-stick contact is ok. Body-to-body contact is
ok. Stick-to-body contact is NOT.
Therefore, there is also less protective equipment required to play (see below)
-
Halves!
The game is played in two halves with a half-time. The duration of these change
based on age.
-
Miscellaneous:
Different numbers of players on the field!, goalies can't score, girls can't
shoot "through" another player, etc etc etc.
EQUIPMENT: (https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/equipment)
As Program Director, I want all of our players to be safe. Safety starts with
great coaching, referees who keep the game safe, and players who play with
integrity and control. That said, it is required that each girl is equipped
with the below:
-
Girl's Lacrosse Stick
*THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN A BOYS STICK* as there is little to no pocket, the
sidewalls are shorter, and the stick doesn't come in different lengths. Girl's
goalie equipment is near identical to that of boys.
-
Eyewear/Headgear
Either is fine with me as long as your daughter is equipped with
it. Please note that a boy's lacrosse helmets for field players is
NOT allowed.
-
Mouthguard
MUST be a SOLID COLOR (not white or clear) and CANNOT have the image of teeth
on them (ie: fangs) PLEASE DO NOT allow your daughters to chew on their
mouthguards! Did you know that mouthguards come with supplemental dental
insurance? If your daughter is wearing one and is injured in the mouth during
play, your mouthguard provider will assist in the dental care (up to a specified
amount, see package for details as each is different)
-
Cleats and/or sneakers
Colorado weather is crazy so we recommend having a pair of cleats for (wet or
dry) field play.
NO:
- Jewelry *CANNOT be worn during practice or games. I have seen too many earring posts go into girls heads. It is dangerous
FIELD:
-
Field Size (https://www.uslacrosse.org/rules/field-diagrams)
The Men's field is 60x 110 Yards whereas the Women's field varies between
60-70x 110-130 Yards! (much smaller for U11 players)
-
Field Markings
The Women's field has not only restraining lines and boundary lines that are
integral to the play of the game, but also a center circle, 8m arc, and 12m
fan! (not to mention the hashes and extra dots that are included in those field
markings). These hashes, arcs, fans, and dots are all necessary when playing
and are referred to during games!
STICK RECOMMENDATIONS:
There are many sticks on the market that very greatly in price,
shape, material, etc. Below is a list of ones that I recommend most from
personal experience:
Top Tier sticks (your daughter will be able to
play with throughout high school even college)
-
StringKing Mark 2 Offense/Midfield/Defense (mesh)
-
STX Crux 500/600 (mesh or traditional)
- Gait
-
Maverick Axiom (mesh runner)
-
Maverick Ascent (mesh runner)
-
EPOCH Purpose (mesh)
-
Brine Dynasty (mesh)
Mid Tier sticks (that are less expensive but
are great for learning and growing as a player)
-
Brine Dynasty (traditional)
-
Brine Warp
-
STX Crux 400 or lower
Beginner sticks /packages - are all perfect
choices for players 10 and under, but be aware that your daughter will likely
grow out of this stick quickly, may become frustrated because these sticks
don't build pockets well and it will be more difficult for her to catch.
There is a new stick on the market made by Signature Lacrosse, that is a very good option for beginners.
More
to come at a later date!