By Matt Wein          
Round Table editor

Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States at the youth, high school, and collegiate level. It is a unique sport in that it combines elements from a lot of other sports because it has the physicality of football, the speed and use of sticks like ice hockey, and the coordination skills of basketball.
 
What set lacrosse apart from other sports are the players. It’s not just a sport but also a culture. Lacrosse players are visual creatures; a major part of their demeanor is based on their field appearance. This is why “flow” is so significant in the game today.
 
Flow is the essence of the lacrosse player—it’s his hair, equipment coordination and overall swagger on the turf.

The lacrosse player’s hair is the first part of flow critiqued during the game. Every man has different hair, but usually one with legit flow has long locks that come out the back of the helmet. The hair can be shaggy, wavy or straight. Some players even rock gnarly curls.
 
Equipment coordination is key to reach full flowocity. Helmet tilt is an absolute requirement to play at the higher echelon of lacrosse. This is when the helmet is fixed on the head so the visor comes almost below the eyes and the eyes are above the top bar on the facemask. If the eyes are below that bar, players are diagnosed with ‘second bar syndrome’ and lack good looks on the field.

Another important aspect is the socks and cleats. The cleats, preferably Nike, must be white to be respected in the world of lacrosse. Socks are the same way. The socks also have to be mid-calves. Kids with low-cuts are labeled to have “cold ankles”.

Small shoulder pads and elbows with fresh gloves are also recommended to compete with the best.
 
First team all-area junior attacker Zack Hansell of Middletown High School is known for his impeccable flow and encourages his teammates to get at his level by flowing hard.

“You got to win with swagger,” said Hansell, “My flow is always on point, never less than a 10 out of 10; I keep it ripe.”

When asked if flow helps lacrosse players attract girls he said, “We are very affluent.”

It turns out that a large amount of girls at MHS do appreciate a lacrosse player with some sweet flow.

“I love lacrosse players, they have nice hair,” said senior Christine Lopez.

It seems flow helps a player’s game on and off the field.