Memorial Lacrosse Enters a New Domain: Sixes Lacrosse

As part of their fall training, the Memorial Girl’s Lacrosse team has implemented a new activity into their program: six on six lacrosse. This unique form of lacrosse is typically played to increase the physicality and speed of the game, making it more challenging for athletes and forcing them to develop a greater “lacrosse IQ”. By including this version of the sport in the weekly routine, Memorial’s players are gaining valuable strength and conditioning as well as game experience, which can not be taught in a typical practice.

Sixes lacrosse is often played at a higher level, either collegiate or professional, and is a strategy used by teams worldwide to train athletes. The sport has grown in prominence simultaneously with the growth of typical lacrosse, and is even going to be in the 2028 Olympics! By participating in Sixes, Memorial hopes to see a positive impact on their field performance and introduce newcomers to the game. 

Sophomore Amanda Stinson drives to the cage during Memorial’s game against St. Agnes. (Photo: Kelsy Donovan)

The league, hosted by the St. John’s School allows teams from all over the Greater Houston area to play each other in the preseason for the mutual benefit of playing real competition before the season begins. Every Wednesday night, the teams gather for a more relaxed, but fast-paced game of lacrosse.

The game is played as expected, with six players from each team participating: 5 field and 1 goalie. All field players are expected to perform the role of the 3 main positions - attack (offense), defense, and midfield. Because of this, the tedious rules of the game that restrict the positions of players in a standard game are dismissed, and the game has a chance to focus more on skill and speed, the athletic components. Though sixes may demand a greater level of athleticism and endurance, the game welcomes new players who need game experience and helps ease the nerves of the sport before the season begins, making it the perfect fall-ball addition.
    
Furthermore, schools with smaller numbers are often split amongst the teams to make a more even playing experience, which has fostered bonds and friendships among players in Houston. This weekly get-together has helped grow the lacrosse community significantly in Houston, and has allowed players and coaches to connect in an amicable environment that differs from the game-night atmosphere where tension and competitiveness run high.