Some may say referees are taking hitting out of boys lacrosse. A big part is due to illegal hits. Players are hitting with incorrect form, leading with their head, lifting there hands, and much more. Educating players at a young age how to correctly create body contact with another player is crucial. These young athletes need to develop good habits early on and learn what it means to hit properly. Below is an image of what we consider a great hit, and 7 reasons why:
- The player initiating contact is still on his feet. Leaving your feet is a sign of throwing your body recklessly. This player has full control of his body.
- The player initiating contact has the head of his stick on the ground.This shows the play isn’t cross-checking his opponent. Instead, he is using his stick as leverage to control his body and execute the hit.
- The player being hit has his neck up and eyes upfield. This shows that there was NO head-to-head contact. If a player’s neck is arched back, then it shows he was struck in his head.
- The player initiating the hit has his eyes up, head up, showing that he didn’t lead with his head when making contact.
- The player initiating contact has hands below his waste. This shows he never lifted his arms when initiating contact. It’s illegal to raise your arms upon contact or strike a player above his collar bone.
- The player being hit is parallel, with his back towards the ground. This shows he was struck in the chest, as opposed to the back. It’s illegal to hit player from behind in lacrosse.
- The ball is falling out of the stick of the player being struck. This shows he had the ball. Those making contact with the ball carriers are less likely to get flagged. Also, players who carry the ball for too long deserve to get put on there back. Move the rock!
Watch some more great hits, highlights, and lacrosse here!
