GenerationX Lax

[SLandO]

I have been a sports guy my whole life ranging from football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse. What I have noticed though, especially in lacrosse, is that there is a new generation of lacrosse players and playing. The transition from absolute lines of middies, first, second, and third lines, has transitioned into specialty players. Where do you draw the line between old tactics and new ones. Stay true to the history of the game of the all-around player, or the new generation of lacrosse, subing specialty defensive and offensive players in and playing with the best threats possible. Its prevelant in all competetive sports today; the evolution of a new game, new rules, standards and disciplines in all aspects of play. The question is, stick with the old or conform to this new type of playing? What ever it takes to win right???

[SMSlax]

I suppose there aren't definite lines to be drawn or a bi-polar model to examine old vs. new school. It seems to me that the game just evolves. I always prided myself on being a middie, the backbone that can do it all. But eventually there comes a time when you see that some of the guys are just better at offense or defense so you want them in as much as possible to give your team every advantage in those situations. It was inevitable really. Until the rules change (like MLL) and attempt to reinstate the all-purpose middie, I think the style played now could continue indefinitely.

[byualum]

There will always be a handful of guys that are great two-way players (i.e. Harrison, Zash...), but those guys are becomig fewer and fewer. Harrison was a rare talent where he was Hopkins' best offensive middie and probably their 2nd best SSDM, behind Erwin (and probably their 2nd best FO guy behind Peyser).

Every sport has gone through it's own evolution. They probably had discussions like this when the first crazy dude in football tried to throw a forward pass, or the dude in hockey that decided the goalies should wear masks.

In my mind, I wouldn't try to fight the evolution of the game. I coach 8th graders and we've run 4 poles and inverted offenses for three years. Now, come summer and fall, I make everyone play a position they don't play in the spring, but in games that count we're trying to evolve along with the sport.

Just one opinion.

[Zeuslax]

Also, lacrosse has been impacted by equipment in last 10 years like no other sport. Some of the things we're seeing on the field are mostly an evolution of coaching tactics. The game is also becoming more-and-more main stream, with new faces and backgrounds that also 10-15 years ago wouldn't have been apart of the game. This influx has stirred the pot and some exciting things are happening. There’s always some that are resistant to change and hate to see something they consider pure to evaporate. (not saying that anyone here is, just a general statement)