The art of the story, as told by the professional speaker…is a true art! Everybody loves a great story; let’s face it. The art of the story involves setting that scene, extending that hook, and reeling them in! So, I wish that you could have been there on Saturday at the Box Lacrosse game. For those unfamiliar with the setting, the game is played in a so-called ‘box’ rather than on a field, and is perhaps a bit shorter than the standard game. Lacrosse was once a violent game played by Native American tribes to determine who would own sought after territories. The game has evolved since then, and nowhere is it more popular than in youth leagues. But – you have to be there to appreciate the action, the speed, and the outcome.
Picture the great American baseball game and the pitcher’s delivery; that’s the basic footwork needed to throw the lacrosse ball. The player steps forward to the target, snaps the wrist, pulls back with the bottom hand, and releases the ball – following through. Picture looking at, and stepping to the target! Let’s return to the box.
I wish that you could have been there to see the 10 year olds going for the score on Saturday. They were sweating profusely – their sport glasses covered in steam under their helmets. Going for the ball and passing it away from the net to block the vision of the opposing player, they moved quickly and confidently within the box! The young player meets the ball, receives it as if it were a water balloon, and brings the stick in close to the body with some give.
Lacrosse was not intended to be football with sticks. It was not intended to be violent, yet as a parent, you cringe when your son falls to the floor and limps out of the box. Yes, the crowd roars and teammates cheer for the fallen athlete, but the game goes on. I wish that you could have been there on Saturday as Alex set up the play, changed direction, and beat his defender. And then…out of nowhere…he SCORED! I wish that you could have experienced the excitement, the joy, the teamwork, and the win: 21-2, but who’s counting?
