NLL Insider

A lacrosse team is much like a quilt. Players from all over, patched together, all with the same goal in mind: win. Each player brings their own characteristics, their own skill and ability to the table in an attempt to mesh together for a greater purpose. Each player has different tendencies and different styles of play. This shows as each player takes the floor at their respective positions. Just like in field lacrosse each player molds to their position and, in turn, each position embodies a certain type of player. In the box, it is the same thing. Offense, transition, defense and goalie all have groups of players who follow stereotypes and fit their positions.

Each team has a “go-to guy” on offense. It is the one person who you would want to have the ball in a critical situation. The offensive players usually have the best stick-handling abilities on the team; they stay poised and confident when handling the ball. They can shoot accurately from the inside or outside but also can create opportunities for teammates by passing the ball. In field, players use both hands to create situations from the left side and the right side. But Canadian players have either a very stong right hand or a very strong left hand. That is one of the most notable differences between field players and box players. With the confined size of the floor, it requires too much time to switch hands when playing. They can create shots with one of their hands that field players would choose to shoot with the opposite hand. Box players have great stick skills because of the lack of time and space they have to handle the ball.

Transition players seem to be the most athletic players on the floor. A transition player, in box, is one who goes out on defense and will push the ball into the offensive zone after a shot. I feel like this would be most comparable to a longpole middie in the field game. The position is often occupied by one of the best athletes on the team. They play tough D against the opposing team’s best player up top and push the ball down the field, being a threat on offense as long as they can; same goes in box. The transition players on teams must be smart. They control the tempo of the game between the blue lines. The use their judgment knowing when to push the ball and when to slow it down. Trannies play a pivotal role on a team’s success on offense and defense.

Defense wins championships. Every great team, no matter what sport, carries a stifling defense. In box, strong D and a solid goalie can make or break a team. A good defense is the heart and soul of a team. These players tend to be some of the toughest, strongest, and meanest players on the team. A defender’s job is not just to keep his offensive player from scoring but to wear them down any way possible. Cheap tricks and dirty are the simple statement of any good defensive player. Their tough mental attitude shows through the way they play. Cross-checks to the neck, slashes between pads, and late hits are commonplace among all defensive players. This tough style of play is not a bad part of the game but it adds a physical edge which I do not see in field. Certain things I may experience in box I may not experience in field. Dealing with these rough defensive players was an eye-opener at first but ultimately enjoyable.

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