Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 College lacrosse fans out there? As round 1 of the tourney starts this weekend, there are going to be 8-10 games televised on ESPNU today and tomorrow. Some really good lacrosse. While I am a Syracuse homer, I am looking forward to Albany v Cornell today at noon. Albany's Lyle Thompson is fun as hell to watch. Native American player who might just be the best ever. Also, Ohio State v Duke at 7:30 will showcase Duke's midfielder, Miles Jones. He's truly a man amongst boys. Anyone else going to be following? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Go Orange! Never played lacrosse, but being from Syracuse area I've always had a big appreciation for the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I never got a chance to play lacrosse and don't really understand all of what's going on, but I watch it regularly. Rugby the same way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I never got a chance to play lacrosse and don't really understand all of what's going on, but I watch it regularly. Rugby the same way. My son plays Dr., and I don't understand it all either. I can tell you 14 years old boys swing the stick instead of using their body way to often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Ill watch a few of the games. My son played lacrosse in high school and we used to watch the college games together to learn better technique and strategy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clippers of Nfl Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 no not interested Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 I grew up in CNY. Played HS lax, and then college lax at the division 3 level. I'm currently coaching HS lax here in Vermont which has been a great experience. Amazing game that has done so much for me in my life. I think Syracuse has a good chance at winning it all this year, but Notre Dame, UNC, Denver, and Hopkins all have a shot. I'm thinking about driving down to Philly for the national championship game on Memorial Day. no not interested Thanks for your contribution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 My son plays Dr., and I don't understand it all either. I can tell you 14 years old boys swing the stick instead of using their body way to often. My son is about to turn 12. I tried to get him interested in lacrosse, but no dice. When I was in high school only a very few private schools just started playing. Now there are youth clubs and even most public schools have a team. So it's been interesting to watch the sport grow down here. Maybe my grandson will play Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Go Orange! Never played lacrosse, but being from Syracuse area I've always had a big appreciation for the game. I'm from Auburn. Where r u from Pooj? My son is about to turn 12. I tried to get him interested in lacrosse, but no dice. When I was in high school only a very few private schools just started playing. Now there are youth clubs and even most public schools have a team. So it's been interesting to watch the sport grow down here. Maybe my grandson will play It's amazing how the game has grown. Here in a tiny Vermont town they start organized lacrosse at age 5. The game has evolved so much since my playing days. A lot less body checking allowed....much safer sport. The great thing about lacrosse is that you don't have to be physically gifted to play in college. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOBILLS78 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Watch UVA sophomore and Silver Creek grad Zed Williams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I was born and raised in Liverpool I'm from Auburn. Where r u from Pooj? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 I was born and raised in Liverpool I have lots of friends from L'Pool. I even dated a girl from there when I was in HS. Albany shreds Cornell in the upset. Lyle Thompson with 9 points for the Danes. Albany v Notre Dame is going to be interesting. Makes me okay with Cuse drawing the #2 seed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 10, 2015 Author Share Posted May 10, 2015 Duke upset by Ohio State! Wow, it's May madness!! If you're laying around this afternoon Virginia v Hopkins at 1:00 should be a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbb Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Thanks for your contribution. He's only answering your question! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 (edited) All I know about it is that apparently OSU just beat Duke and that was huge. I think there is a kid from Buffalo (Hamburg) on OSU lacrosse team. Edited May 10, 2015 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 10, 2015 Author Share Posted May 10, 2015 It has been a really surprising tourney thus far. First, UAlbany with the upset of Cornell, Notre Dame barely escapes a weak Towson team, Ohio State beating Duke was a huge upset. Lots of great games, and now Syracuse plays Marist. Go Cuse!! He's only answering your question! Yeah, I know. Usually when I click on a thread and I'm not interested, however, I just respectfully move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flutie Flakes Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 (edited) GO UAlbany! Beat Cornell like a rented mule and even the goalie got a goal with Blaze going end to end! Like NHL hockey playoffs, I love lax playoffs. Watch Luke Goldstock who played for Niskayuna HS in upstate NY and now plays for UNC. Kid is unbelievable! Edited May 11, 2015 by Flutie Flakes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbb Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 It has been a really surprising tourney thus far. First, UAlbany with the upset of Cornell, Notre Dame barely escapes a weak Towson team, Ohio State beating Duke was a huge upset. Lots of great games, and now Syracuse plays Marist. Go Cuse!! Yeah, I know. Usually when I click on a thread and I'm not interested, however, I just respectfully move on. I'm just joking that you put a ? at the end of your subject line - inviting answers of both kinds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 11, 2015 Author Share Posted May 11, 2015 (edited) GO UAlbany! Beat Cornell like a rented mule and even the goalie got a goal with Blaze going end to end! Like NHL hockey playoffs, I love lax playoffs. Watch Luke Goldstock who played for Niskayuna HS in upstate NY and now plays for UNC. Kid is unbelievable! Goldstock is a hell of an attackman. I think he had like 50 goals this year, right? That line with Bitter and Sankey might be the best attack group in the country. I'm cheering for UAlbany (my wife's alma), but I don't want Syracuse to see them in the championship game. Lyle Thompson is just on a different level than everyone else in the game today. Edited May 11, 2015 by Johnny Hammersticks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 11, 2015 Author Share Posted May 11, 2015 I'm just joking that you put a ? at the end of your subject line - inviting answers of both kinds. Yeah, I guess I left it open for smartasses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flutie Flakes Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 Goldstock is a hell of an attackman. I think he had like 50 goals this year, right? That line with Bitter and Sankey might be the best attack group in the country. I'm cheering for UAlbany (my wife's alma), but I don't want Syracuse to see them in the championship game. Lyle Thompson is just on a different level than everyone else in the game today. 48 goals, top scorer for UNC and you are right about his line at UNC being the best attack group in the country. He is quite a talent. Got to watch him play in high school and knew he would be special. UAlbany needs to make it happen this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philly McButterpants Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 Finals are here in Philly and Tix are cheap ($35) . . . If my son doesn't have to work, we'll likely go to the Championship game on Memorial Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 Goldstock is a hell of an attackman. I think he had like 50 goals this year, right? That line with Bitter and Sankey might be the best attack group in the country. I'm cheering for UAlbany (my wife's alma), but I don't want Syracuse to see them in the championship game. Lyle Thompson is just on a different level than everyone else in the game today. 48 goals, top scorer for UNC and you are right about his line at UNC being the best attack group in the country. He is quite a talent. Got to watch him play in high school and knew he would be special. UAlbany needs to make it happen this year! 10 goals and 6 assists yesterday in the win over Colgate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flutie Flakes Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 10 goals and 6 assists yesterday in the win over Colgate. Was watching highlights last night. Set the single season scoring record at UNC and he is only a sophomore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clippers of Nfl Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 10 goals and 6 assists yesterday in the win over Colgate. Tootbrushes are involved in this sport? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share Posted May 12, 2015 Tootbrushes are involved in this sport? Har dee har har. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 Can someone explain to me why no shin pads on the goalie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flutie Flakes Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) Can someone explain to me why no shin pads on the goalie? Required only in girls US lacrosse and also worn by box lacrosse players in Canada that get decked out in full goalie equipment (similar to hockey). Supposedly, shin pads adversely affect speed and movement in US boys/men's LAX and are never worn at high school or collegiate level. My son has played since kindergarten and only played goalie as a sub once and even kids at younger levels rarely wear shin guards. He plays box lacrosse in late fall and early spring which is played on an outdoor hockey style paved court with boards and kids will typically wear more goalie style gear including hockey shin pads. Having been hit by a lacrosse ball before, I don't understand it because it hurts like hell, but then again, kids/adults that play lacrosse goalie are a "very special" breed. Edited May 12, 2015 by Flutie Flakes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Yo McButterpants, Groupon has tix for $10 http://touch.groupon.com/deals/gl-2015-ncaa-division-i-ii-and-iii-men-s-lacrosse-championships-1 Finals are here in Philly and Tix are cheap ($35) . . . If my son doesn't have to work, we'll likely go to the Championship game on Memorial Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philly McButterpants Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Yo McButterpants, Groupon has tix for $10 http://touch.groupon.com/deals/gl-2015-ncaa-division-i-ii-and-iii-men-s-lacrosse-championships-1 Awesome . . .thanks Pooj!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 I'm coming down to Philly for the championship game. I hate taking 95. Can anyone suggest an alternate route? I'll be coming down through Albany. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) you have to be on 95 for only a short while with this route https://goo.gl/Wm5AOb via I-87 S and I-287 S 3 h 50 min 233 miles 3 h 40 min without traffic · Show traffic This route has tolls. Albany, NY Get on I-787 S from Pine St and Broadway 4 min (1.0 mi) Head southeast on Washington Ave toward Eagle St 331 ft Slight left onto Eagle St 174 ft Turn right onto Pine St 0.2 mi Turn right onto Broadway 0.1 mi Slight left to stay on Broadway 0.2 mi Continue straight to stay on Broadway 217 ft Turn right to stay on Broadway 0.1 mi Slight left to merge onto I-787 S toward New York State Thruway 0.2 mi Follow I-87 S and I-287 S to US-202 S/US-206 S in Bridgewater. Take exit 17 from I-287 S 2 h 25 min (164 mi) Get on I-95 S in Ewing Township from Trenton Harbourton Rd 44 min (31.6 mi) Follow I-95 S to PA-611 S/S Broad St in Philadelphia. Take exit 17 from I-95 S 37 min (35.9 mi) Take S 11th St to your destination 1 min (0.4 mi) Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19147 I'm coming down to Philly for the championship game. I hate taking 95. Can anyone suggest an alternate route? I'll be coming down through Albany. Edited May 14, 2015 by The Poojer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 you have to be on 95 for only a short while with this route https://goo.gl/Wm5AOb via I-87 S and I-287 S 3 h 50 min 233 miles 3 h 40 min without traffic · Show traffic This route has tolls. Albany, NY Get on I-787 S from Pine St and Broadway 4 min (1.0 mi) Head southeast on Washington Ave toward Eagle St 331 ft Slight left onto Eagle St 174 ft Turn right onto Pine St 0.2 mi Turn right onto Broadway 0.1 mi Slight left to stay on Broadway 0.2 mi Continue straight to stay on Broadway 217 ft Turn right to stay on Broadway 0.1 mi Slight left to merge onto I-787 S toward New York State Thruway 0.2 mi Follow I-87 S and I-287 S to US-202 S/US-206 S in Bridgewater. Take exit 17 from I-287 S 2 h 25 min (164 mi) Get on I-95 S in Ewing Township from Trenton Harbourton Rd 44 min (31.6 mi) Follow I-95 S to PA-611 S/S Broad St in Philadelphia. Take exit 17 from I-95 S 37 min (35.9 mi) Take S 11th St to your destination 1 min (0.4 mi) Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Muchas Gracias! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 let me know if folks are coming in for the games. i may or may not go, but maybe we could have a bit of an impromptu TBD happy hour in Philly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Oh well...guess I am not spending my weekend at the Linc. Hopkins seemed to want it more today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 (edited) Speaking of LAX... My son's varsity team is terrible! They lose every game to the tune of like 14-0, 17-2... They really don't get killed, It's basically like watching one team on a PowerPlay! LMAO... I give him "hope"... Say things like.. 14, 17, 12 isn't much in LAX if you guys could just score... The other team wouldn't be in your end so much! Welcome to Bills fandom Junior! I wonder who they will give the MVP to next week @ the team banquet? I nominated the goalie! Heck, the team has only scored I think like 10 goals all season... Any help? They have a young, YOUNG coach that came back to coach his alma mater... Actually, his team 5-6 years ago was quite GOOD... What went wrong? EDIT: I know what went wrong. The sport became popular and more people play it now. Sorry Pooj, I we were in Philly, would have tried and made it! Edited May 17, 2015 by ExiledInIllinois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share Posted May 17, 2015 Oh well...guess I am not spending my weekend at the Linc. Hopkins seemed to want it more today Yeah, I decided not to trek down after the game today. Tough loss to a good team. Those Stanwick kids can play, and Hopkins' goalie was pretty solid. Almost a miraculous comeback at the end. BTW, why did Desko pull the goalie there near the end? I thought that was prematurely aggressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Help Hammersticks! My son just got home and they lost 17-0... THEY CAN'T SCORE... WTF are they to do? Advice? I told them to just run down the field like mad men! LMAO... Anyway... They made the playoffs... LMAO, everybody makes the playoffs... Seeded best to worst... When do the Bills join his conference! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flutie Flakes Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Help Hammersticks! My son just got home and they lost 17-0... THEY CAN'T SCORE... WTF are they to do? Advice? I told them to just run down the field like mad men! LMAO... Anyway... They made the playoffs... LMAO, everybody makes the playoffs... Seeded best to worst... When do the Bills join his conference! ;-) Sounds like they need a little help on offense and defense. LOL Believe it or not, the best teams are sound fundamentally and can catch and throw extremely well. If they are not proficient, they must run the ball and the opposing team can key on this guy and force an easy turnover. I will chime in on the defensive side since I played long stick. Work on their slides and play physical. Defense is more about technique (footwork and playing the body) than it is about stick work. Their slides are similar to the footwork used by an offensive tackle. The side line is their friend and they want to force the middie or attackman outside and keep their body between the guy with the ball and the goalie. Also should work on their pokes, slap checks and stick checks. My boy was on a team that was undefeated last year and this year they have only won one game as they lost a lot of talent that moved up. $&*# happens, but above all, tell him to have fun and enjoy the game! Oh yeah, there is a reason why they keep ground ball stats in NCAA play. Ground ball drills (both stationary and moving) are HUGE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) Help Hammersticks! My son just got home and they lost 17-0... THEY CAN'T SCORE... WTF are they to do? Advice? I told them to just run down the field like mad men! LMAO... Anyway... They made the playoffs... LMAO, everybody makes the playoffs... Seeded best to worst... When do the Bills join his conference! ;-) Yeesh....I don't think there is much you can do now. Good luck in the first round of the playoffs. I'm not sure if it's close to you, but I have a friend who coaches at New Trier HS in the north suburbs of Chicago. I've seen his team play a few times, and was shocked at the level of lacrosse that is being played in Illinois. The team that I coach is a mix of football players, hockey players, and wrestlers. Most of them didn't even pick up a lacrosse stick until their freshman or sophomore year. We spent the entire first three weeks of practice doing conditioning and working on fundamentals (i.e., passing and catching, proper ground ball technique, dodging, shooting, and proper defensive technique). The key is designing your offensive and defensive schemes to capitalize on the strengths of your players. There are only a few players on my team with adequate stick skills, but a whole group of tremendous athletes who are aggressive and can run by people with the ball in their stick. When I started implementing my offense this year, I taught the kids a basic 2-3-1 triangle motion offense. I also drew up 4-5 plays to run out of that set. Well, I quickly learned that that scheme was too reliant on effective passing and catching. We would get the ball on offense, drop a pass, and the other team would quickly transition leaving our defense winded. The idea is ball/clock control for a team that is lacking stick skills. I switched to a very simple 2-2-2 offense, put my 2 best attackmen behind goal line extended, an attackman and middie on the crease, and the 2 best midfielders on each line up near the top of the restraining box. Essentially, this scheme is less reliant on passing and catching, and more reliant on a 2 man pick and roll game with dodging, shooting, and feeding the crease. We really try to slow it down and control the clock. It gives the defense rest, and sometimes lulls the opposing defense to sleep. Gradually, I have been introducing some simple plays to run out of the 2-2-2, and the kids are starting to pick up on it. Stick skills and athleticism are the name of the game in the sport of lacrosse. Most of my guys play wall ball for an hour after school, lift weights, and then meet the captains down on the field for shooting drills. We're not a great team (below .500 record), but we can play with most teams around here with the exception of the prep schools that recruit all over new england. Tell your kid and his friends to get on the wall every day this summer and focus especially on using their off-hand, go to lacrosse camps, and play in summer field/box leagues. The more you play the better you get. Sounds like the coach might be in a little over his head.... Edited May 19, 2015 by Johnny Hammersticks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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