Do you want to become a master of the sport you love? Then Intercrosse is exactly what you need! Whether you're looking to be competitive, stay active or simply have fun with your friends, Intercrosse has it all.
In this blog post, we'll show why it's such a thrilling option for lacrosse fans, help break down intercrosse rules and discuss how best practices will help optimize your skillset! So get ready – let's dive into Intercrosse 101!
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Take Away Key Points:
If you need more information about intercrosse, please refer to the guide below and find the crucial details for a better understanding.
What is intercrosse?
Intercrosse or soft stick lacrosse is an action-packed form of lacrosse that combines elements from team handball, basketball, and hockey. You can play intercorsse on a specially designed court with five players per side (four players plus a goalie). Intercrosse was created as a variation of lacrosse for students and athletes of all ages and conditions.
The game's objective is for one team to score more goals than opponents before the time runs out. Players must pass or shoot the ball into the opponent's goal to score.
A versatile sport that can be played indoors or outdoors, intercrosse awards points for catches and dribbles as well as goals. The aim is to increase offensive maneuvering amongst participants. It also comes equipped with various boards, nets, and pockets to ensure a truly balanced game experience.
What are the major modifications made to lacrosse?
The changes tackle the intercrosse rules and equipment. The three main modifications that separate lacrosse and intercrosse are:
1. No physical contact
Intercrosse prohibits contact between the players or the stick and the players. The contact might result in a foul. Thus, the sport is less aggressive and competitive than lacrosse. It focuses more on the occupations of space and interceptions.
2. The ball is slightly larger than a tennis ball
Unlike the solid rubber ball used in lacrosse, the intercrosse ball contains soft rubber. Using a bigger and softer ball makes the practice safer for players. And the ball is only slightly bigger than a tennis ball to prevent severe injuries.
3. Stick
The critical difference between the lacrosse and intercrosse stick is in the head. The lacrosse stick uses leather and nylon string, or synthetic mesh for the head, while the intercrosse stick is made of full plastic parts.
Intercrosse history
We cannot talk about the history of intercrosse if we don't briefly mention the history of lacrosse. Let's take a further look for a better understanding:
1. The first official lacrosse team
Today's version of lacrosse was invented in 1856 when the first official lacrosse team was formed. Before that, Native Americans and Canadians used to play the game with hundreds of men divided into two teams to prepare for war and spiritual experience. The game used to last for days.
However, intercrosse is not that old and is a more modern version of the main play.
2. The invention of intercrosse sport
Intercorsse was invented in 1982 by Pierre Filion in Canada. Filion and his colleagues - teachers, sociologists, and psychologists created foundations for a new sport. He wanted to create a sport available to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Thus, he wanted to encourage younger generations to exercise more and practice safe methods.
The sport was founded by scholars and academics who wanted to include kids and younger adults more in sports and create good basics for educational institutions.
The two main reasons that triggered the founders to play intercrosse were:
1. Violence reduction - in lacrosse, players use sticks and bodies to push and kick each other, which may have severe consequences. The creators wanted to minimize the violence in this game.
2. Differentiation in the rules based on gender - lacrosse standards vary depending on gender, and various education professionals are prone to discuss their credibility. The intercrosse scholars wanted to propose gender-mixed teams for more equality.
Intercrosse rules
Source: Youtube
Intercrosse rules aren't complex, but there are certain aspects worth considering before you start playing the game:
Playing equipment
The players' equipment in lacrosse is pretty much equal to the equipment in lacrosse. But, there are differences between the goalkeeper and the field players:
1. Goalkeeper's equipment
Goalkeeper uses the following equipment:
Goalkeepers use specific equipment to protect their bodies.
2. Field players's equipment
Field players use the following equipment: shorts, jersey, running shoes and stick.
Intercrosse as a team game: Players' position
The team game consists of mixed genders, and the players use sticks similar to lacrosse sticks. No physical contact is allowed between the players.
Lacrosse is played in two teams of five players per each of the sides. The combinations include:
- four field players and one goalkeeper
- five field players and no goalkeeper.
Each team has a captain, marked with the letter C. The captain will deal with the referees politely during the match.
The team with possession has thirty seconds to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal, and each player has five seconds to shoot or pass the ball to the team member. Otherwise, the ball is given to the opponent.
Intercrosse in domestic competition
Intercrosse has become an increasingly popular sport in Canada and the United States over the past few years. Domestic competitions are held annually in both countries, with Canadian teams competing for the Women's Intercrosse Championship Cup and U.S. teams competing for the Men's Intercrosse Championship Cup.
These tournaments draw thousands of fans from all over the country to watch the best players from both countries go head-to-head in exciting, high-intensity matches. Teams from all levels compete for a chance at glory and prize money, making these tournaments some of the most-watched sporting events in Canada and the United States.
Intercrosse is fast, intense, and entertaining - it's no wonder it has become such a popular sport in both countries. With the ever-growing popularity of this exciting game, it will continue to gain more fans and participants in years to come.
Intercrosse in international tournaments
Source: Youtube
Intercrosse has grown in popularity on an international level as well, with tournaments held around the world that feature teams from different countries. These tournaments are often more competitive than domestic competitions, which leads to some of the world's best players going head-to-head in thrilling matches.
Some of the most popular international tournaments include the World Intercrosse Championship and the Intercrosse World Cup. These tournaments attract thousands of spectators worldwide, providing a unique and exciting viewing experience for fans.
The governing body responsible for international competitions is the FIIC - Fédération Internationale d'Inter-Crosse. They govern the Intercrosse World Cup, European Cup, and World Games.
In addition, intercrosse is also played in the Czech Republic, England, and Germany, and these countries actively participate in domestic and global competitions.
As the game continues to grow in popularity on an international level, more competitors will join and participate in these tournaments in years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Intercrosse originate?
Intercrosse originated in Canada in 1982.
Where is it played Intercrosse?
Intercrosse is played globally. It's most popular in Canada and the USA as a domestic sport, but it's also played in Europe. Germany, England, and the Czech Republic play sports too.
What are the 4 different types of lacrosse?
Final thoughts
Intercrosse is an excellent option for those who want to try lacrosse but may be intimidated by the traditional game. It's also perfect for experienced players looking for a new challenge.
Intercrosse is growing in admiration and is played internationally - so there's plenty of opportunity to get involved.
So whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, give intercrosse a try!
