Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that demands quickness, stamina and anticipation from players. A successful lacrosse player can seize the moment in a game by determining when an opponent gives them a brief opening and having the awareness and abilities to take advantage of these open areas to help his team score. Lacrosse players also have a certain fearless quality that is often found among hockey players. Most lacrosse players are willing to take a hit from an opponent if it allows them to make a play that will help their team win the game.
Intuitive
The best lacrosse players rely on their instincts and intuition that will help them sense the weak spots in the opposing team and know where the next pass is going. A lacrosse player likes to make a play on the run and instincts for the opponent's strategy will allow the player to streak into the breach and make a play.
Quickness
The ability to change directions in a heartbeat will allow a lacrosse player to dominate the action. As the ball travels around the field, you have to anticipate where the ball will be in a second or less. You can't run to where you see the ball -- unless you will be fighting for a loose ball. You may be running toward the right sideline at full speed. You have to be ready to change direction without slowing down when the action goes to the other side of the field.
Toughness and Determination
You are going to have to battle for loose balls when you are a lacrosse player, and if you are going to be successful, you are going to have to win a majority of those battles. You will need the characteristics of strength to win those 50-50 balls, and you can't ever be satisfied because you won the previous battle. You have to be willing to accept the physical contact that comes with battling for loose balls and have the determination to do whatever it takes to take possession.
Mental Tenacity
Lacrosse requires maximum effort as your physical strength is getting drained in the final portion of the game. Many players give in to fatigue and fail to finish a check or extend for a pass because they are feeling fatigued. This has nothing to do with physical conditioning because fatigue impacts even the best-conditioned athlete. A lacrosse player with mental tenacity will drain every bit of physical ability and put ideas such as fatigue or pain out of his mind to make a winning play.
References
- Athletic Edge: The Key Lacrosse Skills
- "Coach And Athletic Director"; In The Lacrosse Hairs; Kevin Newell; December 2006
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