The NCAA Lacrosse Rules Committee is going to introduce a 60 second shot clock for men’s collegiate lacrosse with an additional 20 seconds to get the ball into the offensive half. A LetsGoDU article covered the topic last season but this issue has been raging for a long time.
The mechanics? Twenty seconds to clear to midfield, then a 60-second shot clock, according to sources to multiple Inside Lacrosse reporters. Paul Rabil first tweeted this would be the form of shot clock for men’s lacrosse. The change will be effective for the upcoming 2019 season.
So what does this decision mean for DU?
Well, it is too early to tell.
Teams that already employ a free-lance style of lacrosse, such as Albany, would appear to have an advantage. However, Denver recruits and encourages their players to participate in box lacrosse. And, the sport utilizes a shot clock. These players are used to working in traffic and getting off shots in tight quarters. On the other hand, the around-the-horn perimeter passing employed by Denver to initiate their offense will need to be shortened and additional work will be required on their interior offense. Also, from a recruiting perspective, athletic and skilled one-on-one creative offensive players will be in high demand as offenses will require players that can break down defenses when the shot clock is running down.
Fans on both sides of the issue have made compelling arguments. However, the demand for a shot clock was overwhelming.
Starting in the spring of 2017, Division I women’s lacrosse has been using a 90-second shot clock which begins with possession. And, in our view has improved the women’s game.
In your opinion, is an 80-second shot clock the right way to go for men’s lacrosse? Also, how will the new rules impact DU?
DU Striker Andre Shinyashiki/Photo Credit: University of Denver
