I’m a rising freshman and would like to play a sport in high school, but unfortunately don’t have much experience. Based on suggestions, tennis and lacrosse are two sports that interest me. In general, what are some comparisons between the two? In case you want to suggest another sport altogether, here’s the list of sports offered at my school:
Baseball
Basketball
Badminton
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rugby
Golf
Football
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball
Water Polo
Thanks.
How competitive are the sports at your high school? Unless these are no-cut teams, it may be hard to make the team without experience. Does your school have a cross-country or track team? Those tend to be no-cut sports in my area.
@Momma2018, I think tennis is no cut and lacrosse is a club team. The really competitive sports are like, soccer and baseball. No track or cross-country for some reason.
Both sports involve using a stick/racket to move a ball, require sprinting to that ball, but after that aren’t all that similar. Lacrosse is a team sport and the 10/12 people on the field are working together to get the ball into the net. Tennis is just you trying to keep the ball OUT of the net, but still get it across.
If you have never played lacrosse, it would be difficult to just start playing in high school. Most of those trying out have probably been tossing the ball, nonstop, since they were 6. The team needs to play at the same level. If you are really interested, get into a summer (beginner) league.
For tennis, start taking private lessons immediately.
@tennisorlacrosse I would suggest neither but I’m not completely sure about what the situation is like at your school. At most schools, tennis is somewhat competitive and everybody has been playing for years. Lacrosse is one of the most competitive and popular sports and most of the best athletes will play either baseball or lacrosse. If you have no prior experience in either, I would suggest volleyball. Most boys have no prior experience playing volleyball and only a few girls do. It’s a great sport that many of my friends enjoy. As long as you are a decent athlete and learn the fundamentals you can be a good player. I would also suggest joining a club team for a year or two to get better.
It depends on the strength of the current programs. Lacrosse is huge on the east coast but only trying to grow in the midwest. S19 was in the same position and able to start lacrosse for the very first time during fall of his freshman year. He lucked out that his school’s club team is no cut and it has been a really good experience. My parents and brother all played tennis so it depends on your options and what you want out of it.
Lacrosse-more physical sport for injuries and hits, more equipment needed, they play or weight train almost year round here so it’s a full year commitment… S has developed good muscles, particularly upper body from all the stick handling.
Tennis-no tackles or stick hits, easier to play throughout life, more reliant on own skills, less gear to buy