Lacrosse programs on Long Island are constantly looking for an edge on the competition. Some perennial contenders have built strong young programs, others have vast strength and conditioning resources and some have a combination of riches that add up to regular championship appearances and victories.
One unique element to Sachem North’s off-season training has been the creation of the North Hardwood Lacrosse League, an indoor game played at the high school during the winter to enhance stick skills, footwork, and overall athleticism while promoting camaraderie throughout the program.
Many Division I college lacrosse programs have organized simulated indoor lacrosse leagues. Canada, which has recently been a large source of college imports for American college programs, has long been famous for its “box” and indoor lacrosse leagues, which allow for strong fundamental approaches to the game.
At Sachem, the “NHLL” consists of players from the middle school, junior varsity, and varsity levels and has helped maintain a competitive edge in the offseason, according to Sachem North lacrosse coach Alex Grimm.
The eight-team league begins with a “live draft” where upperclassmen serve as both team captains and owners, responsible for assembling a six-man roster. A team’s roster includes at least one player from each level (MS, JV, and varsity), which is crucial in perpetuating the strong family-style culture the Sachem North lacrosse program relies so heavily on.
“The student-athletes really enjoy the draft night, getting dressed up for the catered event and taking photos at the podium with all first round draft picks,” said Grimm, who also serves as commissioner of the league.
Each Sunday for eight consecutive weeks, the teams play on the “hardwood” of Sachem North’s gymnasium with the basketball lines serving as a playing field. The traditional 6’x6′ lacrosse goal is replaced by a 36″ tall/72″ wide PVC hockey net.
“The smaller target helps all of our players shoot more accurately, and we have definitely seen this translate to the outdoor game,” said Grimm.
The nets are placed against the gym wall and no offensive players may play below the baseline. This creates a crease similar to the goalie’s circle in field lacrosse. Games showcase four-on-four lacrosse in two 12-minute running time halves and players can only use short sticks (no six foot defensive poles are allowed). Most games see combined point totals in the 30s and 40s.
The ball used is a pink STX training ball that is much lighter than a regulation size white lacrosse ball.
“The pink ball does not damage the gym floor or walls, it is safer on the goalies when being shot on from close range, and because it is lighter it forces our players to develop “soft hands” when passing and catching,” added Grimm.
The “NHLL” is not a mandatory league and coaches encourage creativity with trick shots, ridiculous stick fakes, and two-point goals.
“Obviously when we take to the field in the spring we adhere to the fundamentals of lacrosse,” said Grimm, “but allowing a player’s personality to show up in his style of play is one of the things that makes this sport great.”
Sachem North opens its Division I season on the road at rival Ward Melville on March 29.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro