Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a team sport played with a lacrosse stick and a lacrosse ball. It is the oldest organized sport in North America, with its origins in indigenous Canada as early as the 17th century. Lacrosse, competitive sport, modern version of the North American Indian game of baggataway, in which two teams of players use long-handled, racket-like implements to catch, carry, or throw a ball down the field or into the opponents' goal. For most folks, lacrosse is a relatively easy game to pick up. The rules are fairly simple, with ten players on the field for a team (four defenders, three offensive, three midfielders, and a goalie). The flow of the game is incredibly fast-paced, with transitions moving quickly. Ten-person teams face off as they try to get the small rubber ball into their opponent's goal. Instead of throwing the ball with their hands or kicking it with their feet, lacrosse players use long sticks with a net-like basket or pocket on the end to pick up, carry, throw, catch, and shoot the ball. Lacrosse traditionally had many different purposes. Some games were played to settle inter-tribal disputes. This function was essential to keeping the Six Nations of the Iroquois together. Lacrosse was also played to toughen young warriors for combat, recreation, as part of festivals, and the bets involved. Lacrosse is a fast-paced game of agility and strength. The high demand for this strength and speed naturally builds endurance. Since the skills of hockey, basketball, and soccer are all rolled into the sport when it comes to lacrosse, the body is pushed past its limits creating great endurance.