This document provides a historical overview of lacrosse, from its origins as a Native American sport to its modern form. It details how lacrosse was originally played by Native American tribes for religious and military purposes over large fields with many players. Over time, the sport developed standardized equipment like sticks and balls, and established more formal rules and field dimensions as it grew in popularity. The document also outlines the fundamentals of modern lacrosse, including techniques for catching, passing, shooting, and playing defense.

1. Lacrosse (Little Brother of War) James Brennan

2. Thesis The prevalence of lacrosse, the oldest team sport in North America, will be conveyed through a historical analysis of the sport and through a portrayal of its fundamentals.

3. Personal Relevance I choose to do the topic of lacrosse because it has been such a big part of my life. I have been playing lacrosse since seventh grade. Weather it is competing for championships or just playing a pick up game in the back yard. Lacrosse has become a major part of my life.

4. Overview History of lacrosse Modern Day Lacrosse Lacrosse Equipment Field Dimensions Penalties Fundamentals Application Class Activity Conclusion http://photos.upi.com/slideshow/lbox/0d9055183928b69fab6a3047feab638a/NCAA-LACROSSE-DIVISION-I-CHAMPIONSHIP-JOHNS-HOPKINS-DUKE.jpg

5. http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/reports1/lacrosse.jpg

6. Lacrosse Interesting Facts Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America. There was also a Women’s Version of lacrosse called Amtahcha. ( shorter sticks and bigger heads) Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>

7. History of Lacrosse Lacrosse was invented by native Americans. One of the many stick and ball games they played. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900> http://alax.nl/img/61.jpg

8. Forms of Lacrosse Early lacrosse had three basic forms. The southeastern, Great lakes and Iroquoian Each style was different based on the region they lived in and the resources they had to make their equipment. Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ." American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR. N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/ url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/ KjNFN12035/url=http>. http://www.superiorlacrosseclub.org/lax101/images/Indian_Lacrosse.jpg

9. Lacrosse Styles The Plain Indians would play with two sticks that were smaller. While the eastern woodland Native Americans would play with one stick. Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ." American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR. N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/ url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/ KjNFN12035/url=http>. http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/uploads/2007/09/lacrosse.jpg

10. Native American Pregame Rituals They were very similar to rituals associated with war They would Paint their bodies and decorated their sticks. There were strict rules on what a player could eat before the game. Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

11. http://mountaincabinbythelake.com/images/todo/native.jpg http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/005/005zgD-14448584.jpg

13. Early Lacrosse As many as 100 to 1,000 men would play from each village. The game would be played on an open plain between each village. On a field that could be miles long. The game could last for several days but it normally went from sun up to sun down. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

14. Early Lacrosse Cont. The rules were decided the day before. There was often no boundaries. The goals were big boulders or trees later they would use wooden poles put into the ground. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

15. Early lacrosse Continued The Game started when the ball was thrown up in the air and both sides rushed toward it. The game was slow moving because of the massive number of players. Passing was considered a trick and a cowardice move because you wanted to dodge an opposing player. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>.

16. http://tilburglax.nl/images/Indian%20lacrosse2.jpg

17. Significance of the Game Lacrosse was used to settle Inter-tribal conflicts. It is the reason that the six nations of the Iroquois together Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print http://ryecityschools.milton.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496886/Image/Webquests/Algonquin%

18. The Stakes Before the game every player made a wager (knives, horses, Goods) Sometimes even wives and children were bet. Items where awarded to the winners of the game http://www.windmilltradingco.com/Images/HomePage%202.jpg

19. After the Game A ceremonial dance took place A feast for all the hungry players http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ohq/106.3/images/williams_fig01b.jpg

20. First Lacrosse Balls Lacrosse balls were made of wood or deer skin stuffed with hair. 3 inches in diameter

21. First Lacrosse Sticks The First lacrosse sticks were basically giant wooden spoons with no netting. A more advanced type had one end bent into a 4 or 5 inch circle which was filled with netting. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>. http://www.hemplax.com/image/native-american-lacrosse-replica.gif

22. First Lacrosse Sticks Cont. Lengths ranged from 2 to 5 feet. Sticks often had carvings on them to help the player in the game. Venum, Thomas, Jr. "American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war ." American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war (2007): n. pag. Rpt. in American Indian Lacrosse: little brother of war . By THOMAS VENUM, JR. N.p.: n.p., 2007. N. pag. http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/KjNFN12035/ url=http. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http:/http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org:80/ KjNFN12035/url=http>. http://www.uwlax.edu/MVAC/images/Games/lacrosse%20stick%20W.jpg

23. Significance of the Stick Lacrosse sticks were considered a extremely valuable piece of property. Most lacrosse players requested to be buried with their stick. Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. http://jenssannerud.com/lacrosse%20stick.jpg

24. Fastest Game on Two Feet http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/NCAA+Lacrosse+Semifinals+Johns+Hopkins+v+Duke+97qozQ-wOUil.jpg

25. Modern Lacrosse Played with a small rubber ball. Metal shafts plastic heads. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blog.syracuse.com/orangelacrosse/2009/

26. Safety Equipment required Mouth piece Helmet Shoulder pads Elbow pads Gloves Optional Throat protector Shoulder guards Rib pads Chest protector

27. http://www.morleyathletic.com/images/BM20435x.gif

28. Modern Lacrosse Balls 2.5 inches in diameter Made of rubber Women’s balls are yellow Men’s balls are white http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lax_ball.jpg

29. http://www.athleticfieldmarker.com/images/LacrosseYouthnHSDimensions.jpg

30. Crease The crease is the circle around the net that an offense player can not enter. The crease is 18 ft in diameter

31. Stick Dimensions http://laxbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/ncaa-2010-lacrosse-head-requirements1.jpg

32. Start of Game Each Game starts with a face off on the midline There are only three players from each team that can compete in the face off until possession is determined. After each goal there is also a face off

33. http://laxbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/syracuse-face-off-x-domination.jpg

34. Basic Rules Each team has 10 players on the field There must be 4 players on the defensive side of the field at all times and 3 on the offensive side

35. During Play The Ball must make it over the midline in 20 seconds Then 10 seconds to get it into the box

36. Penalties 30 Sec Technical foul Push with possession Offside's Interference 1 min Personal foul Slashing Tripping Illegal Body Check Cross Checking Unsportsmanlike Conduct

37. http://www.collegefanz.com/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/8435-102-1-9052/Jarvis%20Hit.JPG http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj229/xciv_2007/lemoynehit.jpg

38. Change of Possession Failure to advance Lose ball push http://images.veer.com/IMG/PIMG/CCP/CCP0006937_P.JPG

39. Serving the Penalty The player that commits the foul must spend that amount of time in the penalty box. The team that committed the foul has to play one man short until the penalty is served

40. Fundamentals http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/p/051310_upper_merion_vs_upper_dublin_kc/kc1_7276_34_3_11

41. Catching Hand at throat of stick Receive the ball Do not snatch or swat Move to the ball http://media.highschoolplaybook.com/networks/Centralflorida/images/member_album_photos/363545/IMG_4184_original183104.JPG

42. Passing Point elbow Follow through Pass into the box http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200904/panchak_lacrosse_sports_2_330.jpg

43. Shooting styles Over hand Underhand Side arm Three quarter Shooting on the Run http://www.bainbridgelax.com/images/wrongShot.jpg

44. Time and Room Shoulder with apart stance Rotate hips Hands placed http://imagecache.artistrising.com/artwork/lgb//2/233/6NC3000A.jpg

45. Shooting on the Run Free your hands Rotate your hips Over hand or three quarter Change plains Hide stick http://www.hblacrosse.com/images/jb-gotrope.jpg

46. Quick Stick In and out Change plains http://www.laxpower.com/graphics/garrity_09.jpg

47. Ground Balls Get low Keep ball in front Keep stick low to ground http://www.eteamz.com/jacksonlacrosse/images/DSC_4579.jpg

48. Defense Play with your feet Keep opposing player in front Check hands http://udothedishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lax-defender.jpg

49. Application For my application I made a lacrosse shaft out of wood. I also Created a how to video explaining the basics and faceoff's.

51. Class Activity Clamp, Laser, Jam, Shoot Same rules as rock paper scissors shoot. Clamp beats Jam, Laser beats Clamp, Jam beats laser. Tournament rules

52. Work Cited "The History of Lacrosse." Laxhistory.com. Web. 20 Mar. 2010.http://www.laxhistory.com/ Vennum, Thomas. "Native American History of Lacrosse." Http://www.laxhistory.com/. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. <http://www.laxhistory.com/>. Duffy, Neil. The Spirit in the Stick. Virginia Beach, VA: Duffy Publishing, 2007 "How to Play Lacrosse." Simplylacrosse.com. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. <http://www.simplylacrosse.com/how-to-play-lacrosse.html>. Way, By The. "[Tutorial] Homemade Wood Shaft." The Lacrosse Forums. Web. 24 May 2010. <http://forums.insidelacrosse.com/showthread.php?t=61180>. Website, My. US Lacrosse | National Men’s, Women’s and Youth Lacrosse. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.http://www.uslacrosse.org/. Freed, Stanley. "Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today." Lacrosse: Yesterday and Today 23 (Dec. 2006): 44 . E-Library . Web. 1 Dec. 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/ document?set=search&dictionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standa rd&resultid=4&edition=&ts=F28A9876F5576E4471968E465047F39B_1259678873042&start=1& publicationId=&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B135311900>

53. Conclusion Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in America and teaches valuable skills such as team work and determination. As the fastest growing sport in America it is quickly becoming a bigger part of our culture.