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Lacrosse: The Fastest American Sport

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What started as an American Indian substitute for war, is now played for enjoyment and competition all over the world. Lacrosse is the fastest growing college and high school sport in the United States. From 2000 to 2014, women’s college lacrosse has grown 109 percent and men’s college lacrosse has grown 95 percent. It is often called the fastest sport on two feet. Lacrosse is most popular on the East Coast, however, it is gaining popularity in the Western United States and other parts of the world rapidly. All over the world, people are starting to play lacrosse. Currently, there are 54 countries that are members of the Federation of International Lacrosse. Many athletes find it easy to start playing lacrosse because the strategy and …show more content…

Unlike the past, lacrosse is in high demand from women and men. It originally was only played by men, but currently, women play the game just as much. Lacrosse, the oldest American sport, is a long-established, traditional ball and stick game that has gone through many changes; specifically the changes implemented by Dr. William George Beers eliminating the warlike traits of the game and dramatically modernizing the sport.
Modern day lacrosse was derived from an American Indian game, so there are many traditions and traits that go along with the sport. American Indian lacrosse so closely resembled war and fighting that tribes called it “little brother to war” and “brother of war”. They used the game to settle land arguments, most disputes between tribes, and anything not quite major enough for a war. Some tribes wagered land or resources. Death and critical injuries were considered normal in the game. In the 1890’s, “to play ball against them” was a slang term to declare war on another tribe. A former Creek …show more content…

Even though the modern day game is nothing like the American Indian game, it is always important for players to understand the roots and traditions of the sport. Knowing the game’s history can help players understand the current strategy of the game and it shows them gives them a connection with history. Players are able to have the awareness of strategies that work well and strategies that do not work at all. Sports and games have been a universal way of entertainment since the beginning of time. They can bring people together and set others apart. The roots of modern day lacrosse have shaped the sport into what it is today and will shape the game into what it will be

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