Choosing the Right Lacrosse Position: A Guide for Freshmen

Switching to lacrosse in your freshman year can be exciting, but choosing the right position is crucial. Let's explore the different options, focusing particularly on whether attack is the best fit for a fast, medium endurance student-athlete with a height of 53 inches.

Understanding the Positions

Lacrosse features three main positions: offensive players (Attack and Midfield), defensive players, and goaltenders. Each position requires specific skills and physical attributes, making it important to identify which one suits you best.

Attack

If you're a young player considering the attack position, it's a great choice if you're fast and have adequate endurance. The attack position requires quick thinking, speed, and agility to weave through defensive players and create scoring opportunities. At 53 inches, you might not be the biggest player on the field, but your speed and quickness can be significant assets. Remember, you might get pushed around a bit, but as long as you can maneuver around opponents and find open space, you can be very effective in the attack role.

Midfield

The midfield is an excellent choice if you have a combination of speed and endurance. Midfielders are instrumental in both offensive and defensive scenarios. If you were 6 feet tall and fast for a big guy, you played as a midfielder in high school and college. Similarly, if you are a fast and endurance athlete, midfield might suit you well. This position demands quick transitions, as midfielders often have to sprint back to help with defense after a turnover and then return to the offense.

Considerations for Freshmen

Choosing a position is more than just about physical attributes; it's also about your skill set, willingness to learn, and ability to work with the team. Here are a few tips for freshmen: Assess Your Skills: Think about what you enjoy most about lacrosse. Are you more effective in holding the ball and finding open teammates, or do you prefer the physicality of getting into open space? Listen to Coaches: Coaches often have valuable insights based on their observation of your skill set and potential. They can help you identify which position is best for your developing skills and role on the team. Experiment: Take part in practices and games in different positions if possible. This can help you understand the demands and requirements of each position better.

Conclusion

For a player at 53 inches with fast speed and medium endurance, the attack or midfield positions could be excellent choices. The attack position will leverage your speed, while the midfield position will allow you to utilize your endurance in both offensive and defensive plays. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to participate actively, learn from your coaches, and enjoy the game!