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Hey Readers, I will be doing some writing for the awesome lacrosse equipment retailer Northern Soul Sportswear. Working with the guys from Manchester we will be aiming to create a complete one stop shop for all things lacrosse (with a little emphasise and appreciation for the UK game). Head over to their blog to check out my latest piece LXM Pro vs MLL.
There is a big movement in lacrosse that’s been around ever since I have known about the sport all to do with growing the game. GTG or grow the game is all about enthusing other people to try out the sport, raising the sports profile and increase overall popularity. It is a widely practiced idea in all levels of USA based lacrosse with professional teams and youth teams touring the country. Whilst the majority of attempts are focused on gaining popularity in the States, there has been a particular shift in focus to making the game more accessible internationally. Laxallstars.com frequently play host to a number of articles on the global effort with recent articles on Jamaica, Czech Republic, Turkey, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong… you get the point. Also, Easton Lacrosse, in association with laxallstars is rewarding those people, each month, which have gone above and beyond.
Easton supporting Game Growers.
Unfortunately, the UK doesn’t feature much at all in any of these articles or the ‘grow the game ideology’. We appear to be in some sort of attendance to these tournaments in Europe but don’t host one of our own, at least not one that’s renowned for bringing people together from across the globe. There is, of course, the slow inevitable small growth over time that is born out of the sport having quite a good foothold here but still so many people are missing out on the true ‘beautiful game’. Why aren’t there stronger efforts in the UK? Has lacrosse here reached it’s full potential? Has our game grown?
As I have said, I understand that lacrosse in the UK has a good foothold and clubs will always pull players in their local area contributing to small growth. On the other hand, students unwilling to try something new cap growth at a university level. The next step from here would be to bring lacrosse to the masses and put it in the public eye. Everyone will have his or her own opinion on how to do this most effectively but I look to another American sport with a large enthusiastic UK based following, American Football.
American Football, much like lacrosse, is a minority sport with participants/teams few and far apart however the fan base in UK is huge. It’s extremely televised in the USA and broadcast across Satellite TV; the UK population was able to buy into the NFL experience when they started bring games over to Wembley Stadium in 2007. Every one of those matches is a sellout event that showcases the sports elite battling it out in London. I think that an event similar to this would launch the sport into the public eye.
There is no reason why lacrosse can’t imitate the NFL’s UK success. If it is batted off and mockingly advertised as Quidditch as I often hear from my friends and family then its success will be limited. However, if the MLL or even LXM Pro tour added UK dates and it was advertised precisely as the sport it is (ei. The game with all the hits of American Football, the speed and tempo of basketball and the technique/stick finesse of Hockey) then I’m sure many newcomers will flock to watch this awesome game. People would be willing to go see a professional game, as they know that they would get to see a great sporting event. With the MLL season opener this Saturday anything like this is unlikely to take off this year.
MLL starts up on Saturday 27th April
Ideally, a plan of action like this would be fantastic if it could be implemented within the next few years so as to piggyback off the London Olympics that inspired a passion for watching sport. The MLL has the benefit of being arguably the sports top-most level and increasingly more accessible. It features on CBS sports, ESPN and for the first time 15 games will be streamed on Youtube. This will allow fans to follow teams pre and post UK match dates drumming a strong team support. I managed to become an avid supporter of the New York Lizards through a passion bordering upon obsession for lacrosse. The key will be to make it easier and simpler to follow the game here in the UK.
England may be firmly seated as European Champions (in both men’s and women’s game) with Wales, Scotland and Ireland close behind but as the greatest lacrosse nation outside of Canada and the USA we still have plenty of growth left in us.
I’d love to see this in London one day.
This is my idea but what do you think would generate more enthusiasm for lacrosse?
The MLL (Major Lacrosse League) is just around the corner with the first game facing off between the Denver Outlaws and the Charlotte Hounds on April 27th. The game I’m excited to see is the New York Lizards’ (formerly Long Island Lizards recently rebranded) first match against the Boston Cannons. Anybody who knows me knows that I am a huge Lizards fan. Some of you are probably wondering how a guy that lives on the end of the River Thames and attends university on West Coast of Wales becomes such a fan of the lacrosse team operating out of the Big Apple!
Eagerly Anticipated!
It all started when I was first learning how to play the game and trying to find my place in the team. I wasn’t particularly good at anything in the beginning. I had some speed and athleticism about me, which I would put down to playing football (soccer) and athletics at school, this sort of lead me into a midfield role; after that I just had to practice with the stick. Over time it became apparent that I wasn’t a natural born shooter but better at distributing the ball. There are two positions where a good ball distributor can be useful; one is behind goal the second is at the face off X. It wasn’t until my first Welsh university trials (which collates all players from the Welsh Uni’s to form a team) that I tried my hand at a face off. I instantly fell in love with it. There was something about utilizing that controlled aggression and strength I had learnt whilst playing left back on my football team that really drew me in. I was definitely not good enough to start any matches yet but I was keen to learn and get better. This is the point where I truly became aware of, quite frankly, my favourite lacrosse player ever and the Long Island Lizards.
Greg “The Beast” Gurenlian
The player I’m referring to is the MLL leader with 230 face off wins of 2012, the “Beast”, Greg Gurenlian. When sifting through the Internet on face-off technique this man seemed to dominate all. I found some tutorial videos from another renowned face off guy, Chris Eck (Boston Cannons) and what he said made sense. I then moved on and found Mr Anthony Kelly explaining the basics and what he said also made perfect sense. It was only when I went to search for game footage of these other players did I see Greg Gurenlian. He seemed to be a common denominator in these videos, as the guy that regularly beats them! So whilst Chris Eck and Anthony Kelly know what they are talking about and are very good, it is actually Greg Gurenlian that puts the technique in to practice most efficiently. After watching interviews, footage of Greg in action and reading his blog it has given me an impression of an athlete with an extremely passionate work ethic and all round decent guy, as well as an absolute powerhouse on the face-off. If ever I was going to model my role in my team on a professional athlete he seems to be a solid choice. As such it was through following Greg that I watched more and more of the Lizards.
Just as an aside here, if you are looking to get better at playing a particular position or technique look to the pros, find a guy that you like and basically study them. If you can fully understand the mechanics or theory behind something then it’s only a lack of experience that can hold you back. You would have done all you can all that’s left is to practice.
For someone relatively new to lacrosse I was familiar with the big names in the game. If you google ‘lacrosse’ their names pop up pretty darn quick, players like Rabil, Harrison and of course the Powells. But I suddenly became aware of some awesome players that play an amazing game but hadn’t been elevated to this god like status, players like Max Seibald, Stephen Peyser and Brian Langtry. I found myself excited seeing these players take to the field. Perhaps it was an absence of a mega star player that made me like the Long Island Lizards, I fancied them as the strong underdog, last year my faith in them was rewarded by the 5-0 winning streak mid-season and making playoff’s.
Max Seibald turning on the jets!
This year I fancy them for the title. Not only do they retain most of the players that took them to the playoffs but they have Greg Gurenlian, who had a limited preseason training due a knee operation, this year he has been able to complete his full preseason training schedule. Furthermore, the collegiate draft and clever trades have been extremely kind to the Lizards gaining Rob Pannell, Mark Matthews and Stephen Berger. These new additions hopefully, can provide sustained firepower throughout those tougher matches. There will be some that know I have the Lizards vs Outlaws playoff match in mind when I talk about sustained firepower where the Outlaws, trailing 12-3 with 11:32 left in the third, came back to win the game. On the day, the Lizards couldn’t break the Outlaws’ ten goal run but maybe a change up in the roster will allow them to change their game play more fluidly.
Probably my most prized lacrosse possession… other than my spoons, of course.
2013 looks to be an interesting year for the New York Lizards and I can’t wait to see what the season brings.
In a previous article Be Official! I spoke of the importance of referees in the lacrosse community therefore I am very pleased to see Aberystwyth Lacrosse Club stepping up to the plate and playing their part.
The 10th of March saw the ELA (English Lacrosse Association) make the long and arduous journey to the Welsh West coast town of Aberystwyth to impart their knowledge of the game. 8 of our club members took part on the Level 1 Refereeing course that occurred across the whole day and consisted of two components; the actual more practical course and then the written exam.
Jimmy’s Level 1 Badge and the coveted Zebra for highest quiz score!
The day started with a video outlining the refereeing of lacrosse followed by an in depth discussion on the major refereeing points, beginning with pre-game preparation. The course went on to explain the rules and regulations in fine detail ranging from the different types of fouls and their corresponding penalties to dimensions of the field and players game sticks. This whole process was extremely interactive with the ELA Official providing our students with different scenarios to pass judgement on.
After the course there was a written exam and I am happy to announce that all 8 club members successfully passed. Congratulations to Jonathan Walker, Tom Greaves, Jimmy Hatswell, Becci Pearce, Sarah Browne, Ben Lipiński,Dan Sheaff and Rory Martin-Courtright on the success of their hard work. Aberystwyth looks forward to seeing you refereeing soon and making the club proud.
The official gestures for penalties.
The game of lacrosse is said to be the fastest game on two feet and it’s growing at the same pace that it is played. Lacrosse is spreading across the world. In 1972 the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) consisted of just 5 members. It’s popularity has since exploded across 6 continents expanding to a current 45 different nations recognised as playing the game.
It’s popularity is not surprising; it is one of the few games that rewards players for having great physical strength but equally values the importance of skill with the stick (or crosse if you are that old). What is hard to believe is that it hadn’t spread earlier. Having said that the technology used within all areas of the sport, protective equipment in-particularly, has made the game the more enjoyable to play than it has ever been. But countries need to facilitate this growth. How?
By encouraging more players to officiate or coach.
Now, I have no experience of coaching but it’s importance to the sport is a no brainer. You need someone to guide teams to success. Someone to focus a teams training on areas of weakness so that they can better themselves. Now until I have tried my hand at it that is all I have to say.
Officiating, aka refereeing often contracted to reffing, is far less glamourous than playing or even coaching; It’s return, however, is far more conducive in terms of allowing matches to take part across the country, it also improves your game as you learn the intricate in’s and out’s of the sport. My perspective on this comes from being injured and being asked to be CBO (chief bench official). I was of course quite reluctant to do so, I had only played one season and hadn’t been on any officiating courses. I deemed myself quite under qualified. Thankfully the referee on this occasion was Tom Slade.
I must explain to anybody reading this who isn’t familiar with officiating guidelines that the FIL have produced which state that the officiating bench must consist of no less than 5 different positions. However, this is rather ambitious at our level of play since they would all have to be paid for from extremely limited club funds. Furthermore, it is especially problematic in Aberystwyth as it is so isolated from any other major area of civilisation (we are lucky if our rivals turn up to our home matches). Ultimately the role of an Aberystywth CBO combines the standard role Chief Bench Official but also Bench Manager, Game Timekeeper, Two Scorers (one of whom is the Official Scorer) and Two Penalty Timekeepers. It sounds a lot but in actual fact if you are vigilant then theres no reason all those roles can’t be completed.
Back to how Mr Tom Slade saved my hide. Tom is a full international referee and qualified in 2008 at the European Championships in Lahti, Finland. Since then he has officiated across the UK and most notably, in the 2010 World Championships in Manchester. I was therefore, privileged enough to receive the “Tom Slade’s 25 minute crash course in CBO’ing” it covered everything leaving no “CBO stone” unturned (DVD to come soon!). The only limiting factors were whether I remembered it all and my level of confidence to throw a flag or to make a call. Then without any further instruction the match began!
Right, it was my first time and I was far from perfect but I loved it. As a bonus I was not forcibly removed from my position of responsibility. Instead of standing on the sidelines watching my team mates, thinking about what I would have done differently and scouting my options had I been in possession of the ball, I was actively involved. I was watching the game but my mind was completely focussed on what I was supposed to be doing. I mean, yeah, sure some guys may have been held in penalties a couple of seconds longer than they should’ve as I fumbled between two different penalties and tried to keep my eye on the offsides. And perhaps a few less than perfect substitutions occurred. It was my first time and there are areas to improve upon.
Despite minor failings, I really enjoyed taking part as an official. It is one thing to know the rules to not break them as a player, but it is completely different thing to know the rules well enough and be confident enough to make a decision against either of the teams playing. As a player if you don’t no the rules you are only going to disadvantage yourself and the team but as a referee you have a much greater responsibility to make the right call for both teams. With regards to this, all players should respect the referee and honour his decision or gracefully object.
I would greatly recommend any player to take up a refereeing course, I know I will. Not only will you be serving your sport but you will also improve your knowledge of the game, THAT is invaluable to any enthusiastic lacrosse player.
So remember, get involved and be an official… or coach.
**Update** There is currently no plans to release the “Tom Slade’s 25 minute crash course in CBO’ing” DVD. However, it may emerge through popular demand!
The 26th January 2013 saw Aberystwyth battle it out with Bristol Bombers 2nd team. Bristol Bombers were firing on all cylinders to win 16-0. Not the finest of starts to the year from Aberystwyth up against one of the toughest opponents in the league. They look to get back on track with a win over the University of Bristol 2nd team on the 30th January.
Lacrosse is a tough game and enduring a season without injury can be a challenge. As a contact sport the likelihood picking up an injury is quite high. It isn’t surprising to see some of the games greatest players set back by injury. Greg Gurenlian face off specialist for the Long Island Lizards had under gone knee surgery as a result of an injury before last summers’ season.
Others such as Chris Eck (Boston Cannons) and Rob Pannell (currently at Cornell) picked up injuries from the game and have to battle through the recovery to get to where they are today.
I myself had picked up a hamstring injury before my university season; there is nothing more frustrating than being injured and wanting to get back to training or playing. It seems to be the case at some point in your lacrosse filled life you will get injured. As a minority sport in the UK, opportunities to play matches are not in abundance you have your University and Semla/Nemla seasons running from late September to May (roughly). There is a narrow window to get matches under your belt as a new or inexperienced player. Any time out from the game is a major set back that no keen player would welcome.
I was eager to see how other people coped with their injuries before coming back to the game. I asked UK based players on Laxforums.co.uk what kinds of injuries they had sustained as a result of lacrosse and some guys have really taken a battering. Other than the odd dead limb some serious injuries have kept players out for months at a time.
LacrosseRob: “Just recovered from fracturing a bone in the back of my hand, spilled a save back in front of the goal and had to dive out to check the guy on crease before he could pick it up, landed awkwardly with all of my weight on one hand. I didn’t even realise how bad it was for a couple of days until I got it x-rayed (I did a bar shift that night as well which probably didn’t help). The result being after the fourth game of the season: No lax for 3 months. Was in a splint for about 8 weeks, the usual therapy exercises and strengthening. Just building my fitness and strength back up again now gradually.”
Another player, a certain davidmcculloch81, seems to have been through it all suffering from:
“Dead leg – practice (2009; 2 weeks) – massage and rest
Fractured metacarpal – check at practice (2009; 6 weeks) – rest and progress x-rays
Fractured thumb – Bath Eights (2009; 6 weeks) – rest and progress x-rays
Broken collar bone & shoulder blade with dislocated shoulder – league game (2011; 8 months) – surgery to plate collar bone, rest and physio
Torn adductor (2012 to present; assume 6 weeks) – rest and physio
Since 2007 I have also suffered two collapsed lungs (same lung – 2 separate occasions). These weren’t sustained during lacrosse but kept me out for around three months at a time and have since had corrective surgery.
I have been playing competitive sport for 24 years (now very nearly 32). Up to the age of 26 I did not suffer any injuries that prevented me from playing.”
It seems the only way to combat broken bones and torn muscles is to take it easy. I am now sitting here with a broken leg from a skiing accident feeling a little more optimistic about going back to lacrosse. It’s going to be a while but I will make the best of my time out from the game. I will probably follow in the wise footsteps of the laxforums member mmm…beer that used physio, beer, swearing and playstation to help him pull through the hard times.
Remember if you get injured it isn’t game over. You just have time to plot your return!
**Update** Nicky Galasso (player formly of UNC) Syracuse suffered last year from injury. In his first year he racked up an impressive 56 points but his injury meant he had to sit majority of last year out. He moved to Syracuse to make some headlines and be closer to home and eagerly anticipated a strong 2013 season with them. However, he has recently broken his foot requiring surgery putting him out of the game for yet another year. Catch the full story here.
The blog started in October 2012 writing about topics of interest for lacrosse players and fans. Thanks to the WordPress.com stats helper’s for preparing a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner can carry about 250 passengers. This blog was viewed about 1,200 times in 2012. If it were a Dreamliner, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.
Christmas is a vital time for any player to restock or renovate their lacrosse wardrobe. With most gear being quite pricey, especially with import taxes on the latest stuff from the States to the U.K, it is the only time of year when splashing the cash out on a new head or pair of gloves becomes viable. Not to mention family members enthused with Christmas spirit just eager to get you just something you will appreciate. With all this in mind I bring you Gammalax’s Christmas Wish List, a list of gear and product ranges to keep your eyes on and save that Christmas money for.
First up are the offerings from Warrior for the 2013 season. The Evo 3 has been around for a little while now, but never has there been such a range of colour ways to personalize your stick. If you head over to the U.S sites there are a range of 2 Face colour ways as well as unique custom colours saving you from the hassle and peril of dying your gear yourself. Much fresher to the Warrior line up is the Paul Rabil line. This stretches from the Rabil head (in both NFHS and X spec) to shoulder pads and arm guards/pads. These promise to be excellent products, clearly good enoughfor a Paul Rabil endorsement. If you are the kind of player that doesn’t mind flashing Paul Rabil’s personal logo across your gear then these are the pads for you. As for the head, so far it has been acclaimed and credited as being a great head by many users. Suffice to say it most definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Next to the party is Reebok. This company is a big deal in lacrosse yet there influence as of late has been limited to Box lacrosse with few products for the field game. It is not unusual, in this instance, for Reebok to have a large stake in one part of the game and not the other and this can be explained by their highly integral role in ice hockey. However, times are changing, Reebok are branching out and lacrosse is going to benefit from it. They are bringing the forefront of design and intuition to Field lacrosse with their all-new Black range. Although not on general sale yet, it will set the field alight. In addition, Reebok have updated their current lacrosse line. The 10K protection range is designed for the elite. The gloves especially have a premium feel about them. For this season they have taken it to the next level for players looking for a little bit of ‘SHAZAM!’ and something eye catching. I present the 10K neon range. This takes the advantage of the great protection of the 10K and injects some life and colour into their line up and they look sweet.
STX is a big player in the game and they have two new lines for the 2013 season. The Shadow range is aimed to provide ultimate protection with a sleek low profile design. Currently only produced in grey/black scale these gloves, shoulder pads and arm guards look menacing. Many members of Team STX on the LXM Pro tour are using custom versions of these gloves and based on their performance they rock offering all the protection with maximum mobility. Those who aren’t using the Shadow range are probably using the new Cell II line up. This takes the prosperity and success of the original Cellrange and improves upon them by making the gloves more flexible and infuses new technology. STX also have two new heads out. The Shield is a new goalie head; there doesn’t seem to be a plethora of choice in this field so a new offering is a breath of fresh air for all keepers. The second new release is the Hammer. This is a stiff solid head designed for defensemen raining down the hard hitting checks and hammering at the attacks stick.
Following the theme of flexibility and low profile Brine has created its Lo Pro range of shoulder pads and elbow/arm guards. These are designed for the mid level to elite player, to give lightweight protection. They look promising and have a very reasonable and accessible price tag.
Another piece of gear from Brine are the new King IV’s. The King III’s were highly successful and Brine has merely added to their flagship glove. The new glove has a more flexible and breathable protective back panel that flexes away from the mesh. There is no doubt these will be a brilliant purchase for those who are fans of the King III’s.
Easton is a brand to look out for. Their helmet, The Raptor, looked awesome and was adored by many but minor technical faults and Easton’s strict regulations and strive towards perfection meant a mass recall. The near future looks bright with a new style of helmets making their debut appearance at the Lake Placid Summit for the Burnt Orange Team. Also on the horizon is the Easton Core line. With the Easton Stealth Core head featured on Inside Lacrosse and the new Easton Core gloves a whole range looks likely. The new gloves appear to be a further developed version of the Easton Stealth gloves, which were good but seemed to lack something. Hopefully, this new set of gloves will fly off the shelves and on to player’s hands. Easton Lacrosse is a great company producing great products and their new stuff looks set to follow the trend.
My most anticipated set of gear comes from Nike. Nike Lacrosse works closelywith STX to produce few but high quality products. For the 2013 season, there is a whole host of gear new and available for the lax enthusiast. Firstly, is the Nike Vapor head and shaft, the head looks very closely related to the STX Stallion and an inverted Nike Lakota with a similar sidewall and face shape. If this is anything to go by then this head will string up nicely and perform well for a midfielder or attacker. The shaft is a light 9000 alloy. Which should maintain a good strength to weight ratio, it also features a sandblasted grip similar to that of the non-rubber coated Easton shafts. This provides addition grip without the chipping of paint and rubber coating found on the likes of Brine Scandium Swizzles. I, for one, am a fan of the rubber coating but I greatly dislike its lack of permanence, making me eager to get my hands on a Vapor shaft to see if it is a viable alternative.
Following the Nike Vapor line through to gloves now and Nike have provided an extremely sleek looking mid-ranged glove. Reviews are yet to come in, but priced up against the Brine King Superlights these look to be the affordable yet high quality glove for all.
Finally, down to the cleats. I crave for a pair of lacrosse specific cleats to give me more support around my ankle. The new Nike Huarache 3 LX, improved from the last Huaraches these are supposed to be more comfortable, better fitting and featuring the same sole plate as that found on the base of the Vapour Talon Elites. Whilst the Talon Elites are low cut boots, much like football (or soccer) boots, designed for minimal weight and speed the Huaraches provide more support for the foot. Sported by some professionals like Kyle Harrison during the LXM Pro tour, they seem to do the job. There is a multitude of colourways out there but my heart is set on the Black/Anthracite and Volt. These cleats easily make it to my top spot on my Christmas wish list.
Hopefully, this has provided those of you unsure about what they want for Christmas with some clarity of vision. I hope you receive all you wish for these holidays and be ready to suit up in your new gear for the New Year!
I bought this Warrior Evo Pro off laxforums.co.uk for £25. I then applied royal blue rit dye followed by krylon webbing spray, then black rit dye. It gives it a cool marble effect. It looks a bit more classier than the hot glue gun method.
Here are the video tutorials I used to dye this lacrosse head.
Gammalax 