hockey is more exhilarating. From experience of playing both sports, evidence that field hockey is more pleasurable can be provided. As stated in an article on Lacrosse, simple rules of the game were given. “The ball, which is never to be touched with the hand, but caught, carried, and thrown with the crosse, may be passed in any direction” (Lacrosse” 2). Although the article states the ball can be passed in any direction, it is difficult to do so while running and trying to get the ball accurately to the teammate. Field hockey offers a less complicated way to pass because the ball stays on the ground. More passing in a game results in faster movement of the play and a successful goal. While playing in lacrosse there is little passing, since the ball is mostly carried down the field in the crosse. The only time the ball moves around defenders in lacrosse is by the goal. In field hockey passing is the most important part of the game. With more passing it makes the game more entertaining for the players and the fans because everyone gets touches on the ball. Passing causes everyone to contribute to the goal. Along with passing field hockey offers more intense and superior shots on goal. For example, drive, sweep, lift, and many more. With more ways to get a goal involving everyone on the team, field hockey is the more enjoyable sport compared to lacrosse. Field hockey is not only more enjoyable, but it requires more agility and leaves you in a healthy shape after the season.
Experience with lacrosse workouts and exercise, players were much more fit at the end of the field hockey season than at the end of lacrosse. Due to the fast movement of the ball through passing, in field hockey, players run more during a single game than in lacrosse. This means field hockey requires more conditioning so the entire team is fit to run for the duration of the game. Lacrosse is a more slow paced game while in field hockey the ball can move from the offense to defense side in the blink of an eye. Although field hockey is the preferable sport to pick over lacrosse, it can be relatively dangerous according to an article on concussion incidents. “Concussion rates for field hockey rank third among girls’ sports included in the High School RIO surveillance program” (“Kriz et al” 1-2). Due to the intensity of field hockey, not only is more agility needed but more protection as well. Field hockey players wear shin guards to protect against hard hits to the shines and goggles and mouthguards are also worn. Only mouthguards are required for lacrosse. Thus, leaving field hockey more dangerous, yet more pleasurable to play and leaving athletes in shape at the end of each
season.
Lastly, along with the enjoyment and agility involved in the sport of field hockey, the sport offers a variety of strategies to achieve success. An article on field hockey mentioned the basic rules and regulations for a standard field hockey game. “The game is divided into two halves of 35 minutes each, with a change of goals at the end of the first half. Each team is comprised of 11 players, usually 5 forwards, 2 fullbacks, 3 halfbacks, and 1 goalkeeper, although the formation may be changed by the team captain” (Hockey, Field” 1-2). As stated in the excerpt from the article, coaches can change the formation or field set up as different strategies. For example, if a coach did research on their opponent and found that they have a strong mid field and weak offensive line, they would decrease the number of offenders to two and increase the midfield section by three. However, not for lacrosse. In a standard game of lacrosse there is strictly six attack and six defense. Thus, not permitting changes in lineup to beat their opponent. Not only does lack of strategy affect the lineup, it impacts the way the players can score. In field hockey there is strategy and plays that can be made during corners and free hits around the goal. For example, passing the inserted ball to the third person in on the circle rather than the second or have a play planed to move the ball quickly around the defense. In lacrosse the only strategy is to take turns running in front of goal line and wait for an opportunity to shoot and score. From facts supported by experiences themselves, it can be concluded how much better field hockey is than lacrosse. Although some may state that field hockey is dangerous, this statement can be argued due to the quality of the protection equipment required. Lacrosse and field hockey have very similar rules and regulations; however, field hockey shares more enjoyable experiences with its players and fans in addition to the strategy and agility it provides.