mens vs womens lax

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s lacrosse? I usually explain to people that they’re almost 2 completely different sports. The most significant difference? Men’s lacrosse allows physical contact and women’s lacrosse, on the other hand, does allow stick-to-stick checking but no more physical contact than allowed in a soccer game. Pushing, charging and other contact calls are made frequently in women’s games. The men do wear helmets and heavy shoulder padding and chest protectors because of the contact allowed. They also wear thick padded gloves to protect their hands and fingers. While players of both genders are typically required to wear mouth guards, women only have to wear a pair of goggles in addition to the mouth guard.

As I mentioned before, a men’s lacrosse faceoff is much like one you would see in ice hockey. Both centers place their sticks on the ground, and the ball is placed between them. When the whistle is blown, they try to flip the ball to their own players. In women’s lacrosse, the faceoff is replaced by a draw. In a draw, players stand side by side facing opposite sides. They press their sticks against each other and the ball is placed in between. The centers lift their sticks up in the air when the whistle is blown and try to draw the ball to the players on their team.

But really, what's the difference to any old non-lacrosse watching Joe Schmo out there? Well, besides the obvious contact/no-contact stuff, you'll notice that girls traditionally wear skirts when playing lacrosse. Don't get all excited though. We wear shorts underneath. Also, the gear does look different, but you'll notice that the style of play is different. Women's games are fast-based and stick skills are absolutely critical. Men's games focus more on ball control and I hate to say it, but their defense is really fun to watch when they are checking people left and right with their extra long defender's sticks.