Lacrosse is a popular sport played by men, women and children across the United States. With the rise in youth sports in the country, a substantial increase in the participation of lacrosse has also been witnessed there over the last few years. Stephen Varanko is among the many in the US who have been playing lacrosse from a very young age. He used to study at the Randolph Macon Academy, where he participated in a number of sports and extra-curricular activities, particularly lacrosse and basketball. He additionally was a part of the 1st Team in the Dulaney Lacrosse All-Conference.
Lacrosse has been one of the most loved sports of America since the 17th century. This sport features an excellent mix of tactility of basketball and soccer along with the physicality of hockey and football. Stephen Varanko has been an avid sportsman from a very young age, and used to play lacrosse and basketball from the school itself. He played varsity basketball for four years, and started playing lacrosse from the freshman year. He went onto continue playing this sport through senior years and cross country from his sophomore till his senior years. Stephen additionally played lacrosse again in college as a walk-on player in 2001.
Being an experienced player, Stephen Varanko is quite well versed in the nuances of the sport of lacrosse. Here are a few excellent tips of the game highlighted by him:
- People should catch the ball as if they are catching an egg. Let the stick give a hit as it receives the pass when catching the ball with the lacrosse stick head. This basically means that people should drop the head back with the ball, which would prevent the ball from popping out. This shall be similar to a manner how people would let their hands give the direction of the throw to prevent an egg from breaking.
- The players should try to make sure that they are always adequately aware of the location of the ball by facing the passer. In this way, the players would have a better view of the path the lacrosse ball when it heads towards the stick. It is vital to get into a habit of turning to the face direction of the ball when it is being passed.
- The technique of keeping the ball in the ball the pocket of the stick is referred to as cradling. People should practice cradling until they no longer have to look at the ball in order to know that it is there. This shall free their eyes so that they can properly scan the field and look for an opportunity to shoot or pass.
Stephen Varanko says that people should try to keep their body between any defender who shall be attempting to get to the ball while they are passing. Having eye contact with the fellow receiving teammate is vital, prior to making a pass at them.
