Sr.A v.s. NLL

[Nanaimo_Lax]

This is entirely personal, but I think that the NLL would be twice as exciting if it were more like the Sr.A league. The NLL just doesn't seem as fast or intense as some of the heated battles in Sr.A, and it seems that the players in the NLL space themselves out a lot more(like in field lax). That is just my opinion. What do you guys think?

[bellies_lax_17]

I agree, most of the action in NLL games generally happens out more instead of the action that happens through the crease (cutting infront of the net, setting picks etc.). I would watch a bellies game over a rock game anyday.

[LaCokaNostra]

I completely agree, although I get to see alot more NLL games then a do WLA, considering im only 6 hours away from calgary, and 12 away from the coast. The NLL has its strong points, like bigger arena's and a more commercial feel. But the WLA, and even most Junior A games I've seen have that intensity and the true Lacrosse feel. Plus seeing an amazing dive save from behind the glass, is way better than watching a diver goal from behind the net on a huge stadium screen.

[jofc]

The NLL's got nothing on Senior A.
The Mann Cup trumps the NLL's Champon's Cup (change the name please!) any day of the week.

[WHEELAX2]

well, the game is "indoor lacrosse" in the NLL not box lacrosse like Sr. A

the NLL is trying to broaden it's audience to make the game more appealing to field traditionalists.

correct me if I'm wrong, but the only similarities field and box have are sticks, balls, and goals. the game is played entirely differnelty. The NLL has traditionally tried to blend some of the field characteristics with the box game


no matter how you slice it, the box game dominates the field game in intensity and pace (and in so many other areas), but there are so many more field players in the world, that it's hard to ignore their presence.

[#15Roadies]

"correct me if I'm wrong, but the only similarities field and box have are sticks, balls, and goals."

Most of the open contact is the same in both games with the exception of cross-checking - and with seeing some US teams in recent fall ball tournaments, even that distinction is being removed! :)

Most of the equipment is the same - box may have a few more pads here and there, but after seeing the photos of NW Salmonbellies in the NDP tournament, even box buckets are making it in field.

Most of the stick skills are the same - concepts of running, passing, shooting lanes are the same.

Etc.

I think there are more similarities than dissimilarities.

[#15Roadies]

Back on topic...

I think that the NLL is trying to make the indoor game more familiar to US audiences, with tweaks here and there. One tweak last year - no off-ball contact - is brutal. Not sure if it is in this year.

I am not sure about fast or intense though - I think the NLL tends to be a much faster game where Major is more defensive - like the Rock used to be (hint). I have also watched some Redmen games where the teams didn't really play until the last 5 minutes of the game.

One thing for certain - it is WAY cheaper to go watch the best box/indoor players in the world in the summer than it is in the winter.

[Canadian Lax]

Nothing beats summer box.... going to the small arenas that have no air conditioning, seeing how much better/faster the game is when the refs are more easy going on the rules, getting to talk to the players (or even have a beer with them after the game), paying $8 to watch the best game in the world. PRICELESS.

[LaxIntegrity]

well, the game is "indoor lacrosse" in the NLL not box lacrosse like Sr. A

the NLL is trying to broaden it's audience to make the game more appealing to field traditionalists.

correct me if I'm wrong, but the only similarities field and box have are sticks, balls, and goals. the game is played entirely differnelty. The NLL has traditionally tried to blend some of the field characteristics with the box game


no matter how you slice it, the box game dominates the field game in intensity and pace (and in so many other areas), but there are so many more field players in the world, that it's hard to ignore their presence.

You forgot they both use rinks! The style and strategy may differ somewhat, but both make generous use of picks and the fast break out of the defensive zone. In fact, box seems to call picks illegal lots more than indoor/NLL refs do. The slightly bigger NLL goal aims to improve scoring chances, and it does seem to work.

What's not to love about BOTH? They're essentially two different versions of the same game, with the same skill set. I like both better than any other sport. Wish I could see more boxla, but I also wish I could see more NLL games this year! :chair:

[Nanaimo_Lax]

So true. Nothing can beat seeing a guy get crunched while trying to quick-stick it into the net in Sr.A than not being touched while cutting to the net in the NLL. That no off-ball contact is, like #15Roadies said, BRUTAL!! I think that if they keep that rule in place, the game might soften up a bit(bad) because of the amount of young canadians who watch and try emulate the NLL players. If they see a guy cut without being touched, they're going to assume that the same rule applies for minor boxla. Whoever made that rule is living in a whole different planet, because the're taking away something that all players and fans love.

[Stonewall35]

I do enjoy watching both NLL and Senior "A" games. However, (having tried out in both leagues) if I had to pick one, I would go with the Senior "A". Since Senior A teams play more physical (especially on defense), it also gives goalies more manageable shots to stop, which results in lower scoring games.

[OldPtboBoy]

The NLL is in essence a commercialized, made for tv version of box lacrosse. Yes, there is many facets of the box game included in the NLL version, but it's not box.

That being said I don't think less of any of the athletes. They're getting paid to play within the rules of the league. And, that being said, these rules are killing me. Watching last nights game on Rogers Sportsnet, (Rock/Swarm) we saw Pollock, Sharpe, Woods and Hill get game misconducts for starting fights. The aggressor of the fight gets the gate while the other combatant gets five and returns to play.

No off ball contact, don't hit a cutter, don't start a fight, don't............ this certainly isn't box lacrosse. I'd rather watch a Sr. Game any day of the year. NLL is our only winter alternative, so it will have to do until these guys can get back to league that allows them to play the game as it was meant to be played.