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Best Tennis Bags Reviews

Whether you are a newbie or pro player, we can all agree that a tennis bags is the next crucial gear of a tennis player after the racket. You’ll need a bag with the right design and features for you. Most players carry lots of gear – from shoes, clothes, extra rackets, and ball packs to water bottles, wallets, and keys. The ideal bag should be easily accessible, spacious, well-organized, and ensures the security of your items.

 There are different brands with different features in the market, and it can be difficult to select the best one that fits your budget. Nonetheless, here are some of the best tennis bags to consider:

Top 7 Tennis Bags Comparison Table

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Himal Outdoors Tennis Backpack

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HEAD Core Tennis Backpack

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Adidas Tour Tennis Racquet Backpack

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Ytonet Tennis Bag

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HEAD Tour Team Tennis Backpack

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Holisogn Tennis Bag

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EINENG Tennis Tote Bag

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Here’s Our Full Reviews Of The 7 Best Tennis Bags For 2018 Tour 9-Pack Tennis Bag

Himal Outdoors Tennis Backpack

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The Himal Outdoors Tennis Backpack serves as a practical storage option for tennis, pickleball, and racketball enthusiasts alike. In addition to being capable of holding two rackets, the backpack can also accommodate a few essential items. Furthermore, it caters to a broad audience, including women, men, and teenagers. The backpack features a single large compartment and comes in a variety of colors.

Pros

  • Extra storage space: The hidden pocket on the back is perfect for storing important items such as money, keys, or cards to avoid losing them.
  • Durable materials: The bag is made of durable 600D polyester fabric that is meant to last, and its sturdy zipper ensures long-term use. Dimensions: 18.5″x9″x12″.
  • This tennis backpack is designed to hold up to 2-3 rackets and is padded to protect them. It also has 5 pockets and 2 water bottle holders to hold all your tennis essentials.

Cons

  • Not suitable for all sports: While the backpack is designed for tennis, pickleball, and racketball, it may not be suitable for other sports that require different equipment or storage needs.

HEAD Core Tennis Backpack

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The HEAD Core Tennis Backpack is an ideal option for tennis players seeking a lightweight and compact bag that can accommodate two racquets. The bag’s padded shoulder straps ensure that it is comfortable to carry, even during extended periods of use. Its uncomplicated design further enables players to access their gear quickly. Additionally, a small zippered pocket on the front of the bag offers storage for small items such as keys or wallets. The backpack’s compact size makes it convenient for players to carry around the court, and it is available in a few color options to match your style. All in all, the HEAD Core Tennis Backpack is an excellent choice for players seeking a simple, functional, and lightweight bag.

Pros

  • CARRY COMFORTABLY: Adjustable padded shoulder straps offer a comfortable fit even when the athletic backpack is at full capacity.
  • HEAD PERFORMANCE: Born out of revolutionizing how we ski and play tennis, HEAD has constantly pushed athletic equipment into the modern era. With decades of experience in all racquet sports; HEAD offers nothing but the best tennis equipment on the market.
  • SPECS: The sports backpack measures 13 x 7 x 20in and is made of a durable fabric that will stand up to seasons’ of use.

Cons

  • No Thermal Lining: Unlike some other tennis backpacks on the market, the HEAD Core Tennis Backpack does not feature any thermal lining to protect racquets from extreme temperatures.

Adidas Tour Tennis Racquet Backpack

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The Adidas Tour Tennis Racquet Backpack is a bag specifically created to hold one racquet and has limited space to carry additional gear or personal belongings. Unfortunately, the backpack does not feature any thermal lining to safeguard racquets from extreme temperatures and lacks external pockets for easy access to items such as water bottles or tennis balls. Additionally, some users have experienced discomfort due to the shoulder straps, and the backpack is comparatively expensive compared to other tennis backpacks available in the market. However, the backpack does come in a few color options.

Pros

  • Side pocket water bottle holders.
  • Lifetime warranty.
  • Interior webbed pocket and key fob.

Cons

  • Price: The Adidas Tour Tennis Racquet Backpack is relatively expensive compared to other tennis backpacks on the market, which may not be affordable for all tennis players

Ytonet Tennis Bag

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The Ytonet Tennis Bag is a multi-functional and practical sling backpack that is water-resistant, capable of carrying tennis, badminton, squash rackets, pickleball paddles, and other sports accessories. Its lightweight construction and portability make it an excellent option for players on the move. Moreover, the bag features adjustable straps, ensuring a comfortable fit, while its stylish design is both fashionable and practical. Furthermore, the Ytonet Tennis Bag is available at an affordable price, making it a fantastic value for players searching for a budget-friendly option.

Pros

  • Featuring multiple pockets, this tennis racket bag is highly versatile. The bag’s padded main compartment can accommodate one or two tennis or racquetball rackets, six pickleball paddles, or a 13.3-inch laptop, with additional space for shoes and other essentials. Furthermore, there is an accessory compartment designed to hold clothes, towels, snacks, and other belongings, complete with organizer pockets for phones, wallets, keys, and small items. In addition, a front deep ball pocket and a zippered personal pocket are available for storage purposes. Additionally, a side mesh pocket equipped with a cord lock is included, specifically for holding a water bottle or umbrella.
  • The Portable Tennis Bag comes with an adjustable and padded single-shoulder strap that features a quick-release buckle, making it convenient to carry on either the left or right shoulder, depending on personal preference. This strap can be adjusted to varying lengths, ranging from 23” to 40”. Moreover, this tennis racquet bag includes a cleverly hidden fence hook, allowing it to be hung on the net for easy access while keeping the bag clean and secure. Additionally, the bag features a back pocket where it can be tucked away when not in use.
  • The Versatile Tennis Backpack is made of durable polyester and suitable for multiple sports. Its 13” x 5.5” x 19.3” size is perfect for carrying sports equipment to tennis, pickleball, badminton, and squash courts. Additionally, the backpack can serve as a crossbody travel backpack or casual daypack, making it a versatile choice.

Cons

  • Only suitable for one-handed use: As a sling backpack, the Ytonet Tennis Bag is only designed to be carried on one shoulder, which may not be comfortable for everyone. It can also cause uneven distribution of weight, leading to shoulder and back pain.
  • Limited color options: The Ytonet Tennis Bag is only available in black, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.

HEAD Tour Team Tennis

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The HEAD Tour Team Tennis Backpack is a stylish and functional bag that can hold up to two rackets and other tennis accessories. It features padded shoulder straps and a shoe compartment for added comfort and organization. The backpack is suitable for players of all ages and genders, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry. Moreover, it is available at an affordable price, making it a great value for tennis players who want a high-quality and stylish bag.

 

Pros

  • UP TO TWO RACQUETS: The tennis equipment bag’s main racquet compartments offers enough room for up to 2 racquets or 1 racquet with other court essentials. Keep your racquets properly protected and play like new for seasons to come.
  • AMPLE STORAGE SPACE: Each tennis racket backpack features a large main compartment, an integrated shoe compartment, as well as an exterior zippered accessory pocket for smaller items such as your phone or keys.
  • CARRY COMFORTABLY: Adjustable padded shoulder straps offer a comfortable fit even when the athletic backpack is at full capacity.

Cons

  • Uncomfortable shoe compartment: Some customers have reported that the shoe compartment is too small or uncomfortable to use, which can be inconvenient for players who need to change shoes between matches.

Holisogn Tennis Bag

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The Holisogn Tennis Bag is waterproof and designed to hold tennis, pickleball, and badminton rackets. It features an extendable shoe compartment to keep items clean and organized. The backpack is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for players on the go. The black/grey color scheme is versatile for all players. Additionally, the Holisogn Tennis Bag is available at an affordable price, providing excellent value.

Pros

  • Extendable Shoe Compartment Design, it’s a separate compartment made at the bottom of the bag. Players can keep the extra sports shoes here to get away from the personal stuff.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps and comfortable back padding offer stable and happy use.

Cons

  • Design flaws: Some customers have reported design flaws, such as the shoe compartment being too small or the straps being uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

EINENG Tennis Tote Bag

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The EINENG Tennis Tote Bag is a stylish and functional tennis bag designed for both men and women. The bag is spacious and can hold multiple tennis rackets or other sports equipment, making it a versatile option for players. It comes with a zipper and shoulder strap, allowing for easy access and comfortable transportation. The tote bag is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Its sleek and modern design makes it an excellent choice for players looking for a fashionable and practical tennis bag. Additionally, the EINENG Tennis Tote Bag is available at an affordable price, making it an excellent value for players looking for a high-quality and budget-friendly option.

Pros

  • Large Capacity – Measures 16 x 6 x 13 inches; suit for a racquet with a head size between 80 and 100 sq. inches; main compartment can be handy storage for clothes, towels, shoes, and more.
  • Trendy and Colorful Design – A stylish bag will keep you looking fresh on and off the court. Our high-quality tennis racket bag features a cute color. Perfect for organizing your equipment while looking stylish on and off the court.
  • Multifunctional – Our tennis bag comes with a removable and adjustable long strap, perfect as a handbag and crossbody bag. Can be used for many outdoor activities, such as a pickleball paddles bag, badminton racquet bag, and squash racquetball bag. Also, it can be used as a travel tote.

Cons

  • Inconvenient design: The bag’s zipper may be difficult to close, and the shoulder strap may not be adjustable, making it uncomfortable for some users to carry.

Play in Style and Comfort With Tennis Bags

tennis shoes, balls and rackets which you can put on tennis bag

Tennis is a cool sport, so you’ll need a cool bag. Considering your taste, design, and material, a good tennis bag should provide you with ample space for all your tennis gear and serve you over the years while offering a sporty, sophisticated feel.

Get one of these high-quality bags and enjoy your game.

 

Top Ten Racquetball Racquets

10 Best Racquetball Racquets

The year was 1950 when a young man stood between the walls of a YMCA in Connecticut, contemplating a new concept.

With a ping pong paddle in one hand, and a few strings in another, he put the two to good use.

Attaching the string to the paddle, he invented a racquet for a new game that would later be given the name of racquetball.

Not to be mistaken as tennis, the two games are not even to be compared, as there is not even a net involved in the game.

Racquetball can be played indoors or out as long as there is a space available that is 40 feet long, 20 feet wide and 20 feet in height. Red lines are used to illustrate the serve and service areas.

Teams can be played as singles or doubles, and the game is played by hitting the ball to the front wall making it bounce onto the floor beyond the short line, thus allowing the opposing player to take a shot at the ball next. The player or team with the best score of three games wins.

Whether you are new to the game or you are a pro, playing with the proper equipment is essential. The first and most important piece of equipment you will need is a proper racquet.

To help you make the proper choice, the following is a list of some of the best racquetball racquets on the market for you to choose from:

Head MX Fire 190 Beginners Racquetball Racket

The HEAD MX Fire 190 Beginners Racquetball Racket is pre-strung for better control and maneuverability as it has a head-light balance, distributing the racket’s weight towards the handle. It is an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate players, delivering a good balance of power and control. Additionally, its aluminum frame and MegaBlast string pattern enhance power and ball control. Its comfortable grip provides a better feel, reducing vibration during play. Overall, the HEAD MX Fire 190 is a lightweight and easy-to-control racquet suitable for beginners and intermediate players.

Wilson Striker Raquetball Racquet

The Wilson Striker Racquetball Racquet is ideal for beginner and intermediate players due to its lightweight and maneuverable design. Its aluminum frame provides durability and strength, while V-Matrix technology creates a larger sweet spot for enhanced power and control. The string pattern on this pre-strung racquet also improves ball control and feel. Players will enjoy reduced vibration during play thanks to the comfortable grip and wrist strap that comes with the Wilson Striker. This racquet offers good power and control and is affordable and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out in racquetball.

Python Intro 5000 Racquetball Racquet

The Python Intro 5000 Racquetball Racquet Series, a budget-friendly option for beginners, offers excellent value for its price. Python, a genuine racquetball brand, designs the Intro 5000 with quality in mind, despite it being a beginner-frame racquet. A lightweight and durable graphite frame provides maneuverability and strength, making it an excellent option for new players. The racquet features a pre-strung high-quality string pattern that delivers good power and control on the court. It is easy to handle and has a comfortable grip for a better feel, reducing vibration during play. Overall, the Python Intro 5000 Racquetball Racquet Series, from a well-known brand, is an excellent option for new players who want a quality racquet at an affordable price.

Graphene 360+ Radical 155 Racquetball Racquet

The Graphene 360+ Radical 155 Racquetball Racquet targets advanced players who prioritize control and maneuverability. Head’s Graphene 360+ technology strengthens the frame at stress points, providing stability, power, and control. With a weight of 155 grams and head light balance, the racquet is highly maneuverable, making it ideal for quick reaction shots. It has a unique string pattern and comfortable grip that reduces vibration and enhances feel. The Radical 155 caters to players who seek a powerful and precise racquet with excellent ball control and high maneuverability. It is a great option for those seeking a high-performance racquet from a reputable brand.

Deluxe Racquetball Starter Kit Set

This starter kit is perfect for a beginner or intermediate players, as it includes all the necessary equipment to kickstart your game. The kit comes with an Ektelon Lightening 190 ESP racquet, two Ektelon Fireball racquetballs, a pair of Python Intro 2000 eye guards, and a convenient carrying bag, all of which provide high-quality performance at an unbeatable price. The smaller handle size allows for an easy grip, making it a great option for young teenagers who want a powerful racquet that they can handle with ease. With its excellent quality and affordability, this kit is an ideal choice for anyone looking to get started in the sport of racquetball.

Gearbox GBX1 Racquetball Racquet

The Gearbox GBX1 “10th Anniversary Edition” Racquetball Racquet Series is a premium line of racquets that are designed for players who demand high performance and precision on the court. The series includes five different racquets, the 165Q, 165T, 170Q, 170T, and 185Q, each with its own unique weight and balance. The racquets feature a high-quality carbon fiber frame that is both durable and lightweight, offering players excellent power and control. They also come pre-strung with Gearbox MonoFilament string, which enhances ball control and durability. The Gearbox GBX1 racquets also feature a patented Solid Head Technology, which reduces vibration and increases power on shots. The racquets are available in a variety of weights and balances to suit players’ preferences and skill levels. Overall, the Gearbox GBX1 “10th Anniversary Edition” Racquetball Racquet Series is an excellent choice for advanced players who want a high-quality, high-performance racquet from a trusted brand.

Wilson Ultra Lite Gruuv Racquetball Racquet

The Wilson Ultra Lite Gruuv Racquetball Racquet is a lightweight and maneuverable racquet that is designed to provide excellent control and power on the court. It has a head size of 108 square inches and is 4 inches in length, making it a slightly shorter racquet compared to standard racquets. This shorter length allows for greater maneuverability and control over the ball. The racquet also features Wilson’s Gruuv technology, which improves string movement and ball control. It has a head light balance for better control and maneuverability, and is constructed with a durable graphite frame for long-lasting performance. Additionally, the racquet has a comfortable grip to help reduce vibrations during play. Overall, the Wilson Ultra Lite Gruuv Racquetball Racquet is an excellent choice for players who value control and precision over power and speed, and who want a lightweight racquet that is easy to handle on the court.

E-Force Fission 175 Racquetball Racquet

The E-Force Fission 175 Racquet is a high-performance racquet that is designed for players who demand power and speed on the court. It has a head size of 107 square inches and a weight of 175 grams, which is a little heavier than some other racquets in its class. The racquet is also constructed with E-Force’s Powerhouse Shaft technology, which increases the racquet’s power and stability, and its Zero Richter Tubes, which reduce vibration on impact. It also features a Tri-Carbon Frame, which provides excellent durability and strength. The E-Force Fission 175 Racquet comes pre-strung with E-Force Oxygen 17G string, which enhances power and ball control, and has a 3 5/8-inch grip for a comfortable and secure hold. Overall, the E-Force Fission 175 Racquet is an excellent choice for players who are looking for a powerful and durable racquet that can help them dominate on the court.

Head Intelligence i. 165 Racquet

The HEAD Intelligence i.165 Racquet is a high-performance racquet designed for advanced players who value power and control. It features HEAD’s patented Intelligence Technology, which adapts to a player’s swing speed and ball impact location to provide optimal performance. The racquet has a head size of 103 square inches and a weight of 165 grams. Making it lightweight and maneuverable on the court. It is constructed with a sturdy graphite composite frame and comes pre-strung with HEAD Synthetic Gut string. This adds durability and ball control. Additionally, the racquet has a head-heavy balance for added power and a comfortable grip to help reduce vibration during play. Overall, the HEAD Intelligence i.165 Racquet is a great option for advanced players who want a high-performance racquet. It comes from a trusted brand that delivers excellent power and control on the court.

Head Zeus/Hades/Ares Racquetball Racquet

The Head Zeus/Hades/Ares Racquetball Racquet Series is a high-performance line of racquets designed for advanced players. These players demand power and precision on the court. The series includes three different racquets, Zeus, Hades, and Ares, each with its own unique weight and balance. Zeus weighs 165 grams, Hades weighs 170 grams, and Ares weighs 175 grams. Making them suitable for players of different skill levels and preferences.

The racquets are constructed with a durable graphite composite frame and come pre-strung with high-quality string for added power and control. The Head Zeus/Hades/Ares Racquetball Racquet Series also features a patented Power Channels system, which increases stiffness and power on shots. Additionally, the racquets have comfortable grips in both 3 5/8″ and 3 7/8″ sizes to suit players’ hand sizes. Overall, the Head Zeus/Hades/Ares Racquetball Racquet Series is an excellent choice. Particularly for advanced players who want a high-performance racquet that delivers power, precision, and control on the court.

 

With this list of excellent choices, you will be sure to choose the right racquet. So get out there and start slamming the walls!

 

How to Serve in Tennis: Instruction for a Better Serve

Tennis is a beautiful sport. It helps you to stay active, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors.

With that said, however, it is far from being a natural sport. Tennis is a very competitive, challenging sport to master, especially for those who are just starting out.

You might think that the only way to truly learn the game is to hire a professional coach or instructor. And, while this indeed can be helpful, it is also expensive and far from being your only option.

Thanks to the internet, you can now watch videos to learn things like how to serve in tennis or how to improve your swing. Whatever you want to learn, you probably can just by heading to YouTube.

In addition to what you learn from videos, you can also follow a few helpful tips to learn how to serve in tennis.

Remember the Importance of Stance

A lot of people are under the impression that learning how to serve in tennis is all about what you do with your arm and the ball.

And, while these things indeed are important, other, smaller things are equally important and work together to help you perfect your serve.

One such “small thing” is your stance. If you are not standing correctly, then you are going to have a tough time serving the ball accurately.

To serve correctly, you will want to position your feet in such a way that your front foot points toward the right net post. Your back foot should be next to the baseline. This stance, of course, will be reversed if you are a left-handed player.

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to stance is to keep the toes of your back foot aligned with the heel of your right foot. This will help to increase stability as you serve and will make for a smoother, more powerful serve.

While stance may seem simple, if you can master it, you will find that serving is a whole lot easier.

Grip can be everything

How you hold your racquet can determine a lot about the final way you serve and how effective it will be. This technique is crucial, and one of the most important things you can learn immediately.

The continental grip is the grip used by pros and is considered a “proper” tennis serve grip.

Looking up a description of this serve could prove confusing. There are a lot of different descriptions for how to hold this grip. Here are some basic descriptions to help you determine if your grip really is a continental grip.

Hold the racquet as if it were a hammer with the side edge perpendicular to the court, or the ground.

Clasp your hands together around the racquet with your right hand on the bottom and your left hand over your right. With your left index finger resting between your right thumb and index finger, align the fingers on your left hand in the valleys of the fingers on your right hand.

Your right index finger should be pointing to the top left corner of the racquet handle.

How to Serve in Tennis:

Practice Makes Perfect

Something else you will want to keep in mind as you work to perfect your serve is that repetition and a lot of practice are both vital to your success.

Top tennis pros will recommend that, on a daily basis, you fill a basket with 100 balls (or more if you can manage it).

Once your basket is full, you’ll want to take it out to the tennis court and then serve until your basket is empty.

If that seems like a lot of work, it is, but it’s the kind of work that is going to allow you to improve your serve honestly, so don’t shy away from it.

Master Your Toss Before

Anything Else

As mentioned earlier, a lot of little things go into determining the strength of your serve.

One other “little thing” is your toss. The full serve is built around that initial toss, so it does need to be perfect.

An easy way to master the toss is to take some balls out to the court. Then, stand in the serving position and toss the ball. Your goal will be for the ball to land right in front of your body. This is trickier than it sounds and takes some practice to master.

Once you are consistently getting the ball to land where you want, however, this is a good indicator that you’ve got the toss down pat and are ready to move into more demanding drills.

Give the Platform Serve Stance a Try

In addition to general practice, you are also encouraged to try out different types of stances. This will enable you to find the serving position that works best for you.

After you have mastered the basic stance, try the platform serve stance.

With this simple stance, you want to keep your feet in the same position as you serve. Thus, instead of moving your feet, you bend your knees, tilt your body, and push into the serve with an upward motion.

This simple stance works well for a lot of people, so it is worth a try.

Focus on Building Up Your

Serving Muscles

All of the practice and hard work in the world isn’t going to help you if you don’t have strong serving muscles.

Your upper arms, your legs, and your wrists all need to be healthy, firm, and capable if you are going to excel at serving.

One way to build up these muscles is through practice. They will get naturally stronger the more you practice your serving.

However, little extra work at the gym targeting these areas also doesn’t hurt.

As you can see, learning how to serve in tennis isn’t easy, but it is possible. You have to commit to doing the work!

Featured Image via Pixabay

What Is Lacrosse? The Origins and History of the Sport

What is lacrosse? While it might just seem like any other sport to somebody who isn’t really into sports or the history behind them, it’s not. Lacrosse is a sport rooted in tradition, which we seem to have forgotten over the years.

What is Lacrosse?

lacrosse game

image by pexels

Lacrosse is a game where the players divide into teams. Though it is popular worldwide, lacrosse is most common in the United States. Over the past few decades, lacrosse has made gains in popularity.

Today, people play lacrosse in most schools around the U.S, whether as an extracurricular activity or a gym class requirement. Even if you’re not positive what lacrosse is, you probably have some rough idea.

How lacrosse is played

Though original lacrosse and lacrosse in the modern-day do have their fair share of differences, the basics are the same. Lacrosse involves teaming up, a ball, some kind of carrying stick, and a goal.

The objective of the game is to get the ball, which is smaller than a soccer ball, into the other team’s goal. You can’t use your hands, though: That’s what the lacrosse sticks are for. You stick the ball in the netted end and throw it to your teammates and, eventually, into the goal.

The History of Lacrosse

One of the earliest accounts of lacrosse comes from a document written in 1612. You can describe the game as similar to field hockey, a popular game in Europe at the time. Interestingly enough, adults originally played the game, but today kids represent the largest demographic among players.

As life evolves, we tend to forget the origins of common things in our lives. For example, do you know where ketchup originated? Do you know why?

The answer is most likely no. It’s not your fault; as things become more widely used and accepted, we naturally stop putting emphasis on their roots. That habit we have is nothing to be proud of, and it’s definitely something to work on, but that’s for another day.

The Native American origins of lacrosse

image by pixabay

If you know the bare bones of the sport, you probably know that it has a Native American origin story. More specifically, lacrosse was first played by the Algonquians and the Powhatans. The two founding tribes were prevalent in and around eastern Virginia, where European settlers first arrived in their efforts for colonization.

Given that fact, it makes sense that they were the first seen playing lacrosse. It’s also why we associate them with the game even though there could definitely have been other tribes who played first. However, original lacrosse and the lacrosse we know today are not as similar as they might seem.

What was the original lacrosse like?

First of all, the game wasn’t originally called “lacrosse.” A French missionary named Jean de Brébeuf provided its current name. The game was actually called “stickball.”

The game involved a stick and a ball if you couldn’t guess. The sticks evolved as the game grew in popularity, going from simple tree branch mechanisms to more complex instruments made from bones, deer sinew, and fishing nets.

The balls had their share of evolution, too. Originally, they were just wooden balls. However, they became balls of sticks and fur, wrapped in deer hide to keep them together.

The original rules

lacrosse girls

image by unsplash

The original rules of lacrosse and the rules today actually aren’t terribly different. Players may not touch the ball with their hands. However, lacrosse players today have boundaries they need to stay inside, unlike the original version.

The ball couldn’t touch another player’s hand, but a player could touch another player. While there are still some allowances of contact in lacrosse, it’s nowhere near what it was. There were very few boundaries as far as gameplay and contact.

Though not technically a rule, the warm-ups for lacrosse were also different Today, players jog around and do exercises before a game. However, that was not always the case.

The players had a celebration the night before the game, complete with dancing and food that was thought to help them win. All in all, the sport was more focused on the community aspect rather than the logistics and best ways of winning.

What is lacrosse about today for the most part? Winning and following the rules, like a lot of sports have become.

What is lacrosse today that it used to be? It’s a great way to build leadership skills; it takes a good leader to win.

The cultural role of lacrosse in Native American traditions

Lacrosse brought people together. People used it as an act of communion, allowing them to play and have fun while exercising. In fact, the crowded games allowed a wide range of players to participate.

Though the game is recreational, it is also great to tone its participants, making them more apt for the hardships of hunting and gathering. Gaining the ability to chuck a ball was training for things like throwing spears or knives.

Players painted their faces and bodies with charcoal. That would help to differentiate between the teams, which would otherwise be too large and confusing to keep track of. Overall, lacrosse was a symbol of union, a symbol of joy, and it has remained that way.

Lacrosse in the Modern World

adult-athletes-athletics

image by pexels

Lacrosse in the modern world differs from lacrosse in the old world. The sticks are more advanced, the balls are made of a different material. In today’s lacrosse, especially for women, referees won’t let you play without proper gear, and they are enforcing safety rules with an iron fist.

Lacrosse underwent name changes, rule changes, and societal changes. However, something that still hasn’t changed is the fact that lacrosse still brings people together. People connect over their love for the sport and form lifetime bonds while they play together.

The modern benefits of lacrosse

Besides being an extremely physical sport that will help to keep you healthy, lacrosse has several different benefits. When you’re trying to choose a sport to play, lacrosse should not be overlooked.

Colleges give out tons of sports scholarships. When you think of them, you may not necessarily think “lacrosse.” You probably think about football, because everybody thinks about football.

In reality, it’s sports like lacrosse or rowing that are in demand with colleges. The sports that students overlook because they’re not as common are the sports with fewer team members. Fewer team members mean more open spots, which could translate to lower tuition.

Another benefit is the extreme amount of self-control lacrosse takes to play. What is lacrosse? A sport that looks like it should be extremely violent, but it just…isn’t.

lacrosse

image by pixabay

What gameplay is like today

Lacrosse still uses a stick and a ball. However, now, there are specific guidelines the players have to follow, such as safety and boundaries as far as gameplay. Lacrosse today is done in teams of no more than nine, while there was no limit in the game’s original version.

Today’s version of the sport is also able to be played indoors. Often times, you’ll see lacrosse players joining teams year-round, even though the game is technically a spring sport. That helps them stay in shape and capable of performing well in the spring season.

lacrosse-college-game

image by pixabay

Lacrosse in pop culture

Lacrosse has had its fair share of influences on pop culture. Everyone knows “Mean Girls.” At the end of the movie, when Regina George decides to start disposing of her anger in a healthy way, what does she play? Lacrosse.

Granted, the game Regina plays is absolutely not what real lacrosse is like; that level of violence in a girls’ lacrosse league is unheard of. If she tried that in real life, she’d be dismissed from the team.

Lacrosse is also compared to Quidditch — the fictional game played by Harry Potter. The resemblance is definitely there; there are sticks, and some type of ball, and goals. However, if you call a Quidditch player a lacrosse player, do not be surprised when you get throat-punched by a superfan.

A Game of Sticks

Lacrosse is a timeless game. It’s an amazing way to release aggression and form friendships, and it has some practical benefits, too. Colleges don’t take sports lightly.

Remembering the game’s origins is important, and yet, it is so often forgotten. The times of old-school stickball seem so far gone, and they definitely are, but what is lacrosse without stickball? It’s nonexistent.

What is lacrosse? It’s yet another sport that has become so widely loved by the American public, especially. It is a sport that has ended up slowly losing touch with its heritage.

It’s time to remember.

What is lacrosse to you? Have you ever played? Let us know in the comments!