Cue the Chu
An Introduction to Chumash Lacrosse
by Andrew O'Reilly
When Rock-it Pocket founder Flip Naumburg created Chumash in the early 1990s, it was originally nothing more than a game to be played on the beach. Created near Santa Barbara, California, Chumash was a laid back game that offered beach goers an opportunity to keep the lacrosse stick in their hands while enjoying some California sun rays. But in more recent years, Chumash has crept eastward and has evolved as more than just a beach game, but rather a terrific teaching tool for young lacrosse players, especially for those involved in Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL).
Chumash is a modified game that involves three-on-three competition and promotes an extremely fast pace of play. The upbeat playing style and small team sizes allow for players to refine some of their skills not always offered with more traditional practice drills. Teams of three compete against each other using one net and a take-back line similar to that of half-court basketball to symbolize change of possession.
Unlike traditional lacrosse, Chumash is played with no goalies as players shoot on a modified 6 feet by 12-inch net. The net, which is the same height of the standard lacrosse goal, is five feet skinnier, which adds an element of challenge for offensive players, making up for a lack of goalie. While the game seems rather simple, its benefits are endless to those looking to work on their skills while having a little fun as well.
In recent years, coaches in MBYLL have learned about Chumash and have incorporated it into their practices and summer camps. Jim Dalton, who is the Boys Coaching Director for Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse, is one of those who have decided to incorporate Chumash into his local program.
Dalton, who was always a fan of Rock-It Pockets, learned of Chumash when surfing
the Rock-It Pocket website one day. “After reading about Chumash on the Rock-it Pocket website, I was hooked; it seemed like a blast.” So intrigued by the concept of a three-on-three game that could be played anywhere, Dalton soon after built his own Chumash goal and started incorporating it into his practices and camp.
Dalton admits that he was so intrigued by Chumash, he couldn’t keep himself out of the game: “The revelation for me was: I started playing it with my players and found myself naturally teaching them while we kept playing with them.”
With any drill, it’s a balancing act between finding something that is fun and something that has key learning aspects that can be transitioned into the full-field game. Dalton knew that Chumash was an invaluable aspect of his coaching when he noticed the balance of fun and learning that was achievable.
“Players were having fun and I was teaching many different offensive and defensive concepts and techniques," he said. "My players were learning all the while.” Dalton believes what Chumash offers to players is truly unique: “Chumash is the best of mix of having fun playing and learning at the same time – I have not seen something better or close to this for what it offers.”
Perhaps one thing that Dalton and all those who have fallen in love with Chumash find most appealing
22 The Scoop / Spring '17