Lacrosse: China to focus on developing Sixes format, head coach Brendan Mullin reveals
- Smaller number of players required and smaller pitches make Sixes ‘easier’ and more ‘suitable’ for China’s development
- Team China focusing on World Indoor Championship next year, as well as Chengdu World Games in 2025
China head coach Brendan Mullin believes Sixes Lacrosse is more “suitable” for the country’s development in the sport.
The American is also eyeing the future after the establishment of the China Lacrosse Committee last December and is confident the sport is set to flourish in China going forward.
Speaking at the recent Hong Kong Open – in which China men’s and women’s teams finished fourth and fifth respectively – Mullin admitted China is “more focused” on developing the Sixes.
“It is more suitable for development as a sport in China,” the 30-year-old Mullin said at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O.
“You only need 12 players for a scrimmage instead of 20, which makes it easier to have meaningful practice.
“Field availability is another thing. As in Hong Kong, it is not easy to book pitches in China. We found it is easier to book seven-a-side pitches than regular size pitches.”