The key muscles utilized by lacrosse players are the quadriceps and hamstrings (front and rear of the thigh), trapezius and rhomboids (neck, shoulder, and back), calves (lower legs), biceps, triceps, flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulinaris (upper and lower arm). While many of these muscles are used in daily life, they are especially important in sports such as lacrosse that require rapid movement with resistance applied laterally (to the side). Lacrosse is a sport that requires quick reaction time and explosive strength. During a game, lacrosse players often need to stop themselves from falling over because the ball has gone out of bounds. They also sometimes have to dodge opponents who want to steal the ball. To do this, they need strong muscles to keep them upright and able to move quickly. Like other team sports, lacrosse relies on all players working together as a unit. If one player is not doing his or her part, then the team cannot win. It is therefore important for everyone to know their role on the field, so that people can be substituted when needed. Many athletes work hard to improve their skills by practicing drills and exercises that target specific muscle groups. Research shows that the best way to gain strength is through progressive resistance training, which means exercising objects that increase in difficulty until your muscles are able to handle them without help from breathing or heart rate monitors.