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Invention
There is no definite date when it was established, but most sources say lacrosse was founded around 1763. Native Americans invented this sport using wooden sticks and a ball made of deer skin stuffed with fur. multiple sources -
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Nothing changed
All through this time period, lacrosse was played with wooden sticks and materials which changed a little, but not much. -
The first thing to change
The first piece of equipment to change was the lacrosse ball, from fur into hard rubber that is still used today. -
The rules
In 1867 Dr. William George Beers created the first official rules for lacrosse. This gave him the nickname "The father of modern lacrosse" e-lacrosse.com/laxhist5 -
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Evolution
Around this time period lacrosse evolved into a much more physical sport for men, now starting to require pads and other protective gear. -
Helmets
The 1928 Olympics were the first record of helmet use in a lacrosse game. This meant that players could play harder and better with less risk of a head injury or even death. -
New stick
Robert Pool created a new type of stick, a double-walled wooden one that is close to the modern ones today. -
The positions change
The positions go from goalkeeper, point, cover point, first defense, second defense, center, second attack, first attack, and in home, to goal keeper, attack (WOO), midfield, and defense. -
Mouthguards
The American Dental Association begins promoting mouthguards. -
First Synthetic Stick
The first synthetic stick is developed for use in lacrosse. This allowed for a more lightweight stick that could be carried more easily and swung faster to take better shots. The first one is NOT the one in the picture -
Plastic Head
The first plastic lacrosse heads are introduced to lacrosse for use. This made it easier to replace them in case of breaking and also, plastic was more flexible than wood. -
Mouthguards Required
The NCAA requires all athletes to wear mouthguards during games. -
Breathable Pads
Most companies develop a type of padding made of many different pads put together in a mesh-like pattern, allowing for flexibility and aeration. warrior.com
stx.com
brine.com -
d3o
STX develops a type of padding where it is lightweight and naturally relaxed, but locks up on impact with anything else. stx.com/tech -
Final Step
It is now lacrosse as we know it today. Mostly because it is today. -
ACP
STX develops a new type of head that maintains its properties in all weather, climate, and temperatures, so there is no risk of it breaking due to those factors. stx.com/tech
