Eric Force was kind enough to join us for a little chat on his experiences with box lacrosse. Eric was there at beginning two years ago when we started the area's only authentic box league and has been a big part of growing the league. He runs the York City Thunder club and provides excellent incite into the sport of box lacrosse.
Here are some other articles on the game of box:
(INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP)
How did you first start playing lacrosse?
A friend of mine brought up some sticks to throw around in the back yard. In our freshmen year of high school, we started a team at Lampeter-Strasburg.
When did you first start playing box lacrosse?
The summer of 2004, just after I graduated.
How were you introduced to box lacrosse?
I always watched the NLL games on TV, but after high school, a former coach started inviting me to pick ups in an old roller hockey court in NE Philly. After that, I got placed on a team in the Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association
Did you always play goalie or did you start out in another position?
I started as an attackman, but as my HS team needed help in other positions, I filled them in eventually finding goalie.
What makes box so different from field?
It's a much faster game. Everything is set up to keep the action going. The boards/glass, shot clocks, over and back rule and delayed penalties keep play going without stoppage whistles. How to play the game is different too. Smaller goals, bigger goalies (and yet still high scoring games) Crosschecking, Moving picks, and crease diving, and pulling the goalie for an extra shooter are things you won't find In field.
Are there any major points of the box game you prefer over field or vice versa?
I just enjoy the faster pace. I still coach field, but the other coaches and i have been introducing as many box Elements as we can to improve our players skills and game play.
What are some of the misconceptions about box lacrosse you have seen?
Its not just a "slugfest". You can't just go out and EFFECTIVELY run players over. There are strong offensive players that know how to counter any goon. The box game can be very exciting and amazing to watch.
Where have you had to travel to in order to find box leagues/tournaments?
For 6 years I traveled to Philadelphia, 2 years to Baltimore for leagues. I have traveled to Richmond, VA and Radotin, Czech Republic for tournaments.
Tell us about your playing experiences overseas?
In 2009 and 2012 with Salt Shakerz Lacrosse, I played in the Aleš Hřebeský Memorial Tournament held annually in Radotin, CZ. Teams from all over North America and Europe play in this 10 day tournament. It was such an amazing experience each time. Both times I was able to make the Tournament all star team who plays against the Czech National Box Lacrosse Team at the All Star Game held towards the end of the tournament.
Why do you think the game is so much more popular in Canada than here in the US?
Honestly, I think it has to do with our love for Football. In Canada, players found facilities to play lacrosse in during the fall ...we play football. In the winter, I think there are just more facilities that can be used for box. Here in PA, I feel its hard to find a proper facility to play authentic box lacrosse.
Do you think the growing trend of box players or “Canadians” in NCAA play will increase the popularity of box in the US?
Yes and No, I think more coaches will start coaching players in the style of box lacrosse because of the Canadian players in the NCAA, but box players have been around for years. Paul and Gary Gait and Tom Merecheck started changing the game since 1988. But players like Jake Bergey and Tom Ryan have proved that Americans can excel in the box game too. I think hockey goalies are the ones you need to convince more to play box...Can't play without goalies.
What vision do you have for box lacrosse here locally as well as nationally over the next five years?
My vision is to have a local box league last as long as the PBLA (Philly) or BILL (Baltimore). Nationally I would like to see at least more tournaments, if not leagues, for the different leagues to meet up and play in for healthy competition to help grow the game
What are some things you would like to see here locally to help grow the box version of the game?
I would just like to see more leagues and equipment readily available. Indoor lacrosse is becoming more and more popular, and some facilities like Heritage Hills in York, PA have adopted the 5v5/ no long poles/ no off sides rules of box for a pre-season league and the young players love it.
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