American Stick Arts: Lacrosse?

Note the Guy at Right: Can You Say "Rifle Grip"?

Old Dave posted the following as a comment, and I think it deserves a post of its own.

“Yes, indeed, lots of good information on this blog! Here’s a heads up on a “Fast Stick Game” that has some parallels to Big Stick Combat…it’s the NCAA Lacrosse tournament on ESPNU the next two weekends. Darrin, you should be pleased to know that this is a genuine all American game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacrosse
“Lacrosse is a very physically demanding sport that requires not only fitness but also good stick work.”

The ball, or anyone with it, draws a crowd in a hurry…stick and body checking is legal to separate the ball from whomever has possession. I’ve seen the stick knocked out of the grip of an opponent with a hard strike, and I’ve seen a player whacked and body checked to the ground roll over and come up running still controlling the ball. The power of the stick is mostly demonstrated by the velocity of the shots taken on goal. Often it is difficult to see the ball except on the replays. And there is lots of control and accuracy on both the shots and passes.

And as the pictures show, the techniques are woven into the flow of movement…not much happens that isn’t generated by quick running, even sprinting, and lots of turning and twisting to gain a open shot on goal. The sticks range in length from 42 to 72 inches. Sometimes a defenseman gets a chance to wind up with his long stick, but mostly the shots are taken by attackers with the shorter sticks and little indication (other than he’s in a decent position).”

In my exploration of the big stick, I have studied American baseball. There may be a lot to learn by studying lacrosse, and playing lacrosse may help the stick fighter with overall endurance, conditioning, hitting while moving, defending, and hitting a moving target.