What is Indoor Lacrosse?
Indoor Lacrosse is played between two teams of six players each (5 runners & a goalie). Traditionally, it is played on an ice hockey rink once the ice has been removed and covered with astroturf. In the USA, the game is known as 'Indoor Lacrosse' and can be played on either roller, hockey or indoor soccer rinks.
What are the key differences between indoor lacrosse and Box Lacrosse?
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Safety - The US Lacrosse Association's rulebook contains a myriad of rules that protect its players in this indoor setting. Field lacrosse rules (NFHS - boys) fail to address and protect players who participate in an environment with boards. Indoor Lacrosse is a stick skills based game and unlike field lacrosse its rules severely punish open field hits, hits from behind, take out checks, man/ball loose ball techniques and stick swinging defensive techniques.
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Game play - Indoor lacrosse's offensive and defense philosophies and techniques are drastically different than field lacrosse. With nets 20 sq-ft smaller than 6x6's and extremely well padded goalies, players must develop unique refined skills in order to score. With a quick 30 second shot clock and allowing all 5 players to go anywhere on the field, the game relies heavily on O to D and D to O transition increasing the overall speed and intensity of game play. Indoor lacrosse's effective defensive techniques limit the effectiveness of field lacrosse's 1-on-1 doges and promotes the creativity of off ball, 2 man, and team play.
“Indoor lacrosse has made me a better overall lacrosse player. Indoor has improved my field game and playing it has increased my passion for the sport.”
- Casey Powell, former All-American and US National Team Captain
Advantages of playing Indoor Lacrosse
The tight confines, reps, smaller nets and fast pace of the game develop a different skill set than traditional outdoor only players. Some of these benefits include:
IMPROVED STICK SKILLS
- increased shot accuracy
- improved stick fakes
- greater shot variety
- screen shooting
- behind the back passing and shooting
- stick protection
- picking up ground balls in traffic
NEW LACROSSE CONCEPTS
- how to generate space off ball
- better understanding of the pick and roll
- using your body to generate space
- defending the inside/out pick
- generating better angles with your stick
- dodging after contact
IMPROVED FITNESS
- offseason training
- defensive footwork
- fast paced play
Colleges Are Taking Notice
Aside from bringing in more Canadians, they are bringing indoor lacrosse into their practices. Brown and Loyola are two schools using indoor lacrosse to improve their players.
http://www.lacrosseplayground.com/loyola-lacrosse-hones-skills-by-taking-it-indoor/
“Indoor players have very specific skills, especially close to the cage.”
- Dom Starsia, Virginia head coach
It's Growing
Word is spreading. Teams and Tournaments are popping up everywhere. Leagues have begun and even college teams are playing it in the off season.
