Fat Old Man wants to play

[cgarrigues]

41 years old, way overweight, and I've never played the game. I want to try the game in a limited-contact rec league not too far away, assuming I can pull some short shifts in the defensive end. I've been playing catch with my sons and can actually pass and catch leftie and rightie. Besides bringing my own oxygen tank and automatic external defibrilator, any advice?

[zak]

Dont go in with that attitude! Lacrosse is about having fun. So go have fun!

[BigTony]

Don't be a ball hog. I've played in a Rec league with 40 year olds and they never pass the ball.

[cgarrigues]

Dont go in with that attitude! Lacrosse is about having fun. So go have fun!

Thanks for the encouragement, Zak. I got the fun attitude, but if you're not not yet in my chronological neighborhood, let me assure you that that a little bit of self-deprecation goes a long way in middle age.

[tekz]

Actually depends on how over weight you are. The game requires alot of running, so you may want to get in shape first?

[KnightsLAXDad]

Finally I can give some first hand advice. I started this past summer at the age of
36 never having played more than a couple of H.S. gym classes. While it can be
intimidating, just play and don't worry about it. Don't be afraid to ask for pointers.
Just about everyone I have played with are easy to get long with and appreciate
someon wanting to try. This goes for a rec league I play in that has everyone from
me to ex-NLL players (one extreme to the other lol).

Cheers..."Dad"

[AHSmiddie]

well playing the game will get him in shape. and d dosent take that much running. so my advice would just to play some and run some on your own.

[layingthelumber]

it might be good to get into "shape"but it really doesnt matter i am 18 and am no were near the best shape i could be in, but all i can recomend is have fun. lacrosse is one of the few sports you can play in to yr 60's caus unlike football it doesnt destroy yr knees and unlike baseball it doesnt destroy yr arms. The only other recomendation i can say is when i played in a mens legue the nebee made alot of friend by bringing the pony keg.

[RockStar]

Finally I can give some first hand advice. I started this past summer at the age of
36 never having played more than a couple of H.S. gym classes. While it can be
intimidating, just play and don't worry about it. Don't be afraid to ask for pointers.
Just about everyone I have played with are easy to get long with and appreciate
someon wanting to try. This goes for a rec league I play in that has everyone from
me to ex-NLL players (one extreme to the other lol).

Cheers..."Dad"

Almost the same thing with me. I never played much as a youth, only picked up the sport shortly after the Toronto Rock entered the NLL.

In those few years, I've played everything from masters to full contact, and I love every minute of it!

I've actually shared the floor with both retired and current professionals, and with more Ontario Junior "A" and "B" players than I can count.

Currently in a masters rec league where a sizeable chunk of the players are Brooklin Redmen alumni

cgarrigues:

Are you close to Detroit?

If so, I know Windsor has one of the better masters lacrosse (non-contact box lacrosse) clubs in Ontario for tournament play. Try to find out if the club runs a Rec league during the summer. If so, that'd be a great place to start.

[bacharach]

GO FOR IT!!! I can't think of many other things that will give you more exercise and let you have real fun in the process. Not only that but I think I speak for most people here when I say that the friends you making playing lacrosse last a lifetime.

[stegmakk]

Im younger, but still fit in the older guys on this forums (27)
Knightslaxdad said it best...if you have any questions feel free to ask, or PM us...
I play on a rec league with a very large defenseman...you dont need to be able to run far...just short and quick...
other than that...have fun and good luck

[OutBurst]

The game requires alot of running, so you may want to get in shape first?


The game will get you in shape. All you have to do is try your hardest everytime and you will continually get better, slimmer, stronger, faster.

All props to you man. Lacrosse is a tough sport to get into when you are older. It takes a lot of energy, time, and dedication to become a good player. If I were to give you one piece of advice it would have to be: never quit.

[wayzatalax2008]

yeah like laying the lumber said bring a keg and you're sure to have fun and make some good friends

[Paul_Gait_RULZ]

Hell...man I am 21 and look at me...work on your stick, sure there's lots of running, but if you are good on the stick....you can get away and cheat the running out of lacrosse....

BELIEVE ME, I HAVE MADE A "CAREER" IF YOU WILL OF IT IN LEAGUES UP HERE!!!

[stxbionic42]

thats awesome youre getting into the sport. good luck. D doesnt include all that much running. Eventually youll slim out and get into shape. once again good luck man! my dads 41 and joining the sport too, lol.

[thunder_15]

if ya over weight then go to the crease cause usually all ya good do to the d guy playing on ya is give him a little nudge and then ya just need to catch the ball and score!

[Steely Dan]

Our team has a couple of post 40 players and there experience (even if they haven't play lacrosse before) has led to us being at the top of our league! Go for it, enjoy it and play your best.

[Lax4Ever]

You said that you can throw and catch so you have already made it to a point that I would have you on my team. There is nothing I hate more then a player that can't throw so they just try to run through everyone.
The only things that I can think of would be to make sure you can fight for a loose ball. Even if you aren't going to win a lot of races to the ball, you will want to make sure you can win the fights for the ones you do get to first.
The other, have fun and give it your all. You will get better the more you play and you will be in better shape the more you play. Don't push yourself too hard the first few times out but try to get some ball handling in the game and work your way up. Push yourself a bit more and more as you go but don't over do it.
Well, have fun and I hope you enjoy the game.

[UKLaxFan]

41 years old, way overweight, and I've never played the game. I want to try the game in a limited-contact rec league not too far away, assuming I can pull some short shifts in the defensive end. I've been playing catch with my sons and can actually pass and catch leftie and rightie. Besides bringing my own oxygen tank and automatic external defibrilator, any advice?

Check out two sites to make you feel better

http://www.rustyboneslax.com/

http://eteamz.active.com/blueslacrosse/index.cfm?

Life is not a spectator sport... Go play! :laugh:

[Gulc]

At 33 I play for a university side and have nicknames such as "pops" and "Grandad" but all in good fun.


Lacrosse is a great game and worth it :agree:

*When I played for Scotland at the Europeans last year one of our keepers was in his 60's!

[memphislax]

You must be a pretty awesome guy, cgarrigues. My dad is 45 and he wont even touch a lacrosse stick because hes afraid to get hurt. Props to you, sir, for getting out and playing lacrosse.

[stegmakk]

Hey...I know its a shameless plug...but I dont do many of them...
To all the older guys playing lax...you might enjoy this...
http://www.laxnation.com/home/displayarticle.php?category=articles&title=postcollegiate&articleid=260

[OldLaxer]

I'm 47 and play at least 2 times per week and go by two simple rules.
1. the more fun you have, the better you play
2. the better you play, the more fun you have.

If you start at D, let your keeper know your situation and pick his brain before, during and after the games.

Congratulations, you're going to have a blast.