HELP! Shooting Men's Lacrosse

I have been asked by a relatively new lacrosse league to do the action sports photography for their instructional league this Fall. It sounds like a great opportunity to compliment my baseball and soccer shooting.

Here's the problem...

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT LACROSSE!!

I have picked up the library books to learn the game and its rules but from a sports photography point of view could the folks familar with the game give me some pointers on where to shoot, what to shoot, who to shoot, etc. Granted it is a fast sport but I am curious what to anticipate developing while shooting for the great shots.

As a sidenote...I didn't even know lacrosse was a sport until I went to college (a long time ago). Ohio was all about football.

Thanks in advance to everyone who helps me out.

Where to shoot: sidelines near the goals, or out off the endline (with a 100-400). Just make sure you stay in front of the player w/ the ball and get the faces, you should be fine.

Lacrosse is easy follow the ball. Look for opposing players struggling for position, and when there is break away to the net focus wide on the goalie and start blasting away when the ball/player carrying the ball enter the frame. Hope that helps, oh yeah action is fast paced and changes direction constantly and instantly.

Lacrosse is unique in a lot of the attacks on goal begin from behind the goal itself... in a wrapping around the goal motion. It is much more like shooting hockey then soccer in that aspect. With said, on the field shooting locations are very similar to soccer. Most of the contact happens around a protective halo around the goal. Other shooting opportunities are when the player tries to set up for a fast break on goal as well. These provide for some good player to player contact shots as the defender tries to shield or block the offensive players lane. lastly, shooting from the corners provides some good shots on goal. Some leagues allow for shooting behind the end line - I would recommend being very careful in this area though even if allowed. I have been hit more than once by a misdirected ball... and they are not soft. Very seldom do shots go wrong enough that the corners are very risky.

Good luck with it... it is a great sport to shoot.

I played varsity laccrosse in highschool. Mark said everything that I was going to say. The only other thing I have to add is that the players will enjoy the photos of themselves getting hit and checking other players.

Wow! Thank you very much for those of you that have replied. I am making notes and getting ready.

As always, all other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Rob

Don't forget to post some shots after your effort.