Grow the Game: The Next Level?

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?

Tutorial: Warrior Evo Pro

A stringing tutorial for my marble dyed Warrior Evo Pro. It gives a mid pocket with medium whip.

Pattern: Starting on the fifth sidewall hole the pattern is Knot, Knot, Interlock, 3, 1 interlock finish with a large bottom string.

I hope this helps some people and if it could be improved let me know. Thanks.

Tutorial: STX Proton Power

A stringing tutorial for my STX Proton Power. It gives a mid pocket with medium whip.

Pattern: Starting on the third sidewall hole the pattern is Knot, Interlock, 1 Interlock, 3, 2, 1 Interlock.

I hope this helps some people and if it could be improved let me know. Thanks.

 

My Love Story with Faceoff’s and the New York Lizards!

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 27^th. 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.

Tutorial: My Blade Pro Pattern

Just put together a tutorial video for the sidewall pattern on my Blade Pro. The pattern is knot, knot, skip a hole, weird interlock (see video), interlock, skip a hole, triple up but lock the last two diamonds down like an interlock, one, one and finish by putting a large bottom string in bunching those bottom mesh diamonds.

I hope this helps some people out.

 

Be Official!

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!

USA, the ‘Here and Now’. UK, the ‘There and Maybe Later’!

The Problem

For a sports fan such as myself, watching the game is almost as good as playing it. Ever since I started watching lacrosse, every other team sport seems really slow and nothing quite compares to it (with possibly the exception of ice hockey). And there’s a significant problem with this; watching good quality full length matches this side of the pond is really hard and expensive.

It isn’t impossible to watch lacrosse matches here but you will end up paying for it and, depending on the video quality, it’s a lucky dip as to if it is worth the money. Sky is one option in conjunction with ESPN which offer some coverage. From what I gather they show the odd MLL game and follow the NCAA season quite closely. As a student, this option is rather unobtainable much like the matches one desires. I know I would never be able to afford Sky on my maintenance loan.

Last year I decided to pay out for ESPN’s online and on demand option. For £99 a year (or £17.99  a month) you are granted access to the entire NCAA seasons games whenever you are free to watch them. Or so I thought.

Having paid out for the last month of the season, I assumed I would have access to all previous matches that I may or may not have watched, but come the end of the season ‘content is currently unavailable’. Also, as far as usability is concerned, the website was awful to navigate to a game. There were no quick search features or a decent scroll option. Since the package contains NCAA games from Basketball to American Football, from Softball to Baseball, trawling through the copious amounts of material was really tedious. More to the point, I don’t watch those sports so I end up paying for coverage of sports I don’t watch!

It seems over in the USA there are far more opportunities to obtain and watch lacrosse games. When clicking on links on the MLL website taking me to other sites where games were being shown, I would repeatedly get redirected to a UK version of the site offering me generic sports like football rather than the lacrosse I wanted to watch. Why isn’t this option available to all?

TLN do a brilliant job of bringing LXM Pro to the masses and now they are offering the up and coming NLL season too. It would be fantastic to see them growing and branching out to other tournaments like the Lake Placid Summit, which from what I read have some pretty explosive games.

The Future?

In reality, without a large injection of cash into the sport, it is unlikely that lacrosse will make it onto mainstream UK channels. I don’t know the exact dynamics of the system but the next step for game coverage, in my opinion, would be via the Internet. ESPN has proved it can work, albeit in rather primitive and rudimental form.

What I would love to see is a system more akin to the USA College game implemented here in the UK. I think with a little bit of effort and hard work it has great potential to be successful.

For example BUCS matches offer brilliantly tense games and with players coming and going through the universities, no two seasons will ever be the same. As part of a university community, there are likely to be a number of societies that are enthusiastic about TV and film, filming, recording and general media. Aberystwyth University has Aber Media Productions, which would be ideal to utilise. That particular society would gain experience in recording and broadcasting matches and the lacrosse community in the UK (or the World) would get a regular series of games to watch. It would seem a sensible match between the sports club and society. In practice, there are likely to be a lot more complications, but innovative ideas have never been easy to get off the ground.

For the meantime, I guess I will have to stick to Youtube and reading up on other websites. Hopefully, lacrosse continues to grow and its media reach will encapsulate more of the globe. On the lighter side, the future can only get better!

The Lacrosse World Unravelled.

I started this sport just over 1 year ago and I was instantly hooked, even though for the first month I couldn’t cradle and run with the ball. There is something about the game that is addictive, I couldn’t get enough of it. At a glance if you aren’t training or playing wall ball it might seem that your addiction hits a dead end. Wrong!

I am here to fuel your addiction. There are plenty of ways to further your understanding of the game and get an insight to what is happening in the Lacrosse World, you just have to know where to look.

Since the sport is predominantly played in the States and Canada it can be hard to know where to start looking. The key is to find the right websites with good quality advice and tips.

Now, for UK or European players one of the best sites available that has helped me out a lot is laxforums.co.uk. It is a UK based community and is the best place to find out about the rules of the game, player experiences, UK tournaments and buying and selling gear (my favourite section). Basically in short, if something slightly lacrosse related is happening in the UK it will find its way on to this site.

There are a few more websites that hold a copious amount of information. They do apply slightly more to the United States, however, it’s all the same game at the heart of it. Below is a brief overview of the sites.

Major League Lacrosse – The highest form of field lacrosse is played in this league, whilst the site is very US specific it gives a great idea of what is going on.

Inside Lacrosse – This is THE lacrosse magazine, tips on how to play the game, gear and updates on the Pro leagues, College and High school can all be found here. It is a brilliant resource with articles from All-American’s and previous NCAA and MLL players. It also has a great gear section to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest.

LaxAllStars – I love this site. Everything they do is to further the game. They aim to get it growing all over the world. The articles they post have the fun of lacrosse at the centre of them making it really enjoyable to learn about the sport. There are some awesome gear reviews as well from custom head dyes to string tips (keep your eyes posted here for more on stringing soon).

So far I have covered the online literature for lacrosse, but a great way to gain some sort of match experience without having to have years worth of matches under your belt is to watch the game. If you watch footage from high school all the way up to the pro leagues you’ll begin to understand how the best in the game got to where they are.

Of course I can’t forget to mention the importance of tutorial videos. I have practiced various techniques from these to help my game and some of the colleges post videos of drills they do which could help any coaches out there.

Youtube is your friend. In fact, it’s everybody’s friend and subscribing to the right pages and checking out their videos is a great way to improve your game if you can’t get outside and play. Here are what I think are the best channels to subscribe to.

1. LaxAllStars – From stick tricks to game highlights they have it all.

2. TheLacrosseNetwork – Quite possibly my favourite channel not only because they have such good content but they also cover the LXM Pro games. A brilliant way to watch entire matches this channel deserves your attention.

3. uslacrosse8 – With player interviews from before and after various matches you can really get into the game from their perspective.

4. InsideLacrosseTV – The guys at Inside Lacrosse bring you videos to support their website.

5. LAXnews – is a great channel for keeping up to date with the MLL.

These are superb places to start and once you know what kind of players you like to watch don’t forget to give them a search too. I found I really enjoyed learning about face offs from Chris Eck and Greg Gurenlian which lead me to EcksFactorLacrosse and GregGurenlian.

This should help those of you new to the sport find your feet online. Try to watch as many matches as possible and, don’t forget to practice.

So remember, no matter where you are in the world you can always stay clued up and connected.