Lacrosse
Stick and ball sport with running.
How to start
Join a beginner session and learn to cradle, pass and catch with a stick.
How to progress
Play weekly.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular sport. The general physical activity evidence applies.
Take care: Sticks and balls cause injuries. Wear protective gear.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly session.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 8 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Wear protection.
- Practise catching against a wall.
- Warm up.
Common mistakes
- Skipping protection.
- Skipping warm-up.
- Overplaying.
Kit and cost
Moderate Approximate UK prices.
- A stick (about £30 to £90)
- Protective gear
- Club fees
Frequently asked questions
Is it for beginners?
Yes, many clubs welcome beginners.
Is it a contact sport?
The men's game has contact; the women's game has less.
What do I need?
A stick and protection.
Good for: Heart & fitness Skill
Compare with similar options
| Lacrosse | Futsal | Field Hockey | Football (Soccer) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 70 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 70 min × 2/wk | 90 min × 2/wk |
| Effort | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ |
| Cost | Moderate cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Some equipment | Basic kit | Some equipment | Basic kit |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | High impact |
| Fitness needed | Moderate fitness | Some fitness | Moderate fitness | Moderate fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | moderate |