The Game of Lacrosse
Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Game of Lacrosse
The Game of Lacrosse is played between two teams. The object of the game is to advance the ball into the opposing team's territory and shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals at the end of regulation play is the winner. The ball is kept in play by being thrown, carried or hit by the stick, rolled or kicked by one or more players in any direction, provided the ball stays in the field of play.
A team is comprised of 10 players; 1 goalie, 3 defensemen, 3 midfielders and 3 attackmen. Each team must keep at least 4 players, including goalie, in its defensive half of field and 3 players in its offensive zone. The 3 midfielders are free to roam entire field.
The game has four quarters, plus a halftime. Teams change ends between quarters. Youth games are generally 32 minutes long, with eight minute quarters, two minute breaks between quarters and a ten minute halftime. High school games are generally 40-48 minutes long with either 10 or 12 quarters and 12 minutes at halftime. Collegiate games are 60 minutes long with 15 minute quarters and a 15 minute halftime. Each team is permitted 3 time-outs, only two in a half of play.
The game starts at the center of the field with a face-off. Face-offs are also used to start each quarter and to resume play after each goal. The ball is placed between sticks of two face-off players at the center of the field. The play starts when the official blows the whistle and face-off players try to control the ball. Wingmen are allowed to participate for control (release) of the ball. All other on-field players must wait until one player has gained possession or the ball has crossed a goal area line.
Players maneuver the ball by passing, running, etc., to gain position which will provide opportunity for a player to attempt to score goal, by throwing ball with stick, past goalie, into goal. The only player allowed to touch the ball with his/her hands is the goalie. Players attempt to gain control of the ball by scooping or catching it with a stick or by dislodging the ball from opponent's stick by checking. Checking involves poking, slapping or hitting an opponent's stick and gloved hand. Players may also attempt to gain possession of the ball by controlled body checks. Body checking is very limited at the youth level.
Attacking players may never enter the area immediately around their opponent's goal, known as the crease. Nor may a player physically touch the goalie while the goalie is in crease. Should the goalie gain possession of the ball, opposing players may try and block the clear by standing in the goalie's line of sight and waving sticks. Opposing players may also reach into the crease to try and retrieve loose or ground balls, but may not interfere with the goalie. Unlike other sports, should the ball go out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot, possession is awarded to the player closest to the ball when and where it went out of bounds.
The Team
There is no limit on the total number of players each team may carry on its roster. Most teams carry six to nine defensemen, six to nine attackmen, nine to twelve mid-fielders and three goalies. This provides three complete rotations of players (4 for mid- fielders). This is only a general rule of thumb and will vary considerably based on availability of players and coaching philosophy. There can be a maximum of four long sticks on the field at any one time (not including goalie). The remainder must be short sticks.
There will be situations (penalties) where one or both teams will be required to play with less than the full ten member team. These are typically known as Man Up or Man Down situations and are usually handled with special field formations. Upon issuance of a penalty, which requires one or more players to go to "The Box", substitutes are not permitted to take their place. The team must play with a reduced amount of players on the field until the required penalty time is served and expires.
The Field
The game is played on a rectangular field measuring 110 yards long by 60 yards wide. The field is marked at 55 yards with a center line and at 30 yards across the center line with an (X) to indicate face-off zone. (See diagram)
Goals are typically manufactured of steel or aluminum, measuring 6 feet square at the widest opening and converging to a point 7 feet behind opening. A mesh net is tightly secured to the goal. Each goal sits inside a circle with a radius of 9 feet, called the crease. Each crease is positioned 15 yards from the field's end line and 30 yards from each sideline. sits inside a circle with a radius of 9 feet, called the crease.
Other Important Areas of the Field Include:
Goal Area - area inside restraining lines at each end of field.
Defense Clearing Area - area behind two solid lines which run across the field 20 yards in front of the goal.
Wing Areas - indicated by two lines, 20 yards long and 10 yards in front of each sideline.
"The Box" Area - is located directly in front of the officials' table and is used as a holding area for players to wait out their penalties. It is also the access area for substitute players entering and exiting the field.
Rules & Regulations
The game of Lacrosse is physical. Rules have been established which are intended to protect safety of players and maintain control over the game. Each game must have a minimum of two officials; a referee and an umpire. There may also be a field judge and a chief bench official. Decisions regarding third and fourth officials are made by the organization hosting the game.
It is the coach's responsibility to teach and instill in each player that they are expected to be physical, but not violent. They are required to play with mental and physical control.
The NCAA has put forth a comprehensive series of regulations and penalties for infractions. Following is a brief summary of some of the major and common rule violations.
Personal Fouls
Personal Fouls are infractions of a serious nature, which carry suspension from the game for periods ranging from a minute to three minutes, depending on the severity and intent of the infraction. The penalty's length is determined by the officials.
Cross Check
Cross Check is a check by one player on another with the part of the stick between player's hands.
Slashing
Slashing occurs when a player swings his stick at an opponent in a deliberate, vicious, or reckless fashion, or when the stick comes in contact with any area of opponent other than on their stick or gloves, unless opponent is actively attempting to deflect a legitimate check with part of their body. Slashing also occurs when the stick of a player strikes any part of an opposing player's body above the neck, unless when done by a player in the act of shooting, passing or scooping the ball.
Illegal Body Check Illegal Body Checks occur when checking a player not within 3 yards of the ball, a late hit, contact from behind or above the shoulders or below the waist. This also occurs when a body check is thrown on an opponent who does not possess the ball, or when an avoidable body check of the opponent is made after the opponent has made a shot or pass. In youth lacrosse, no take-out checks (intent to put the opposing player on the ground) are allowed at any level.
Tripping Tripping is obstructing an opponent at or below the waist with any part of the stick or body. If a player makes a legitimate check with the stick to dislodge the ball from an opponent's stick and subsequently the opponent trips over his own or the checker's stick, this is not tripping.
Unnecessary Roughness
Unnecessary Roughness occurs when a player uses unnecessary and deliberate violent contact on an opposing player or is an infraction of the rules by being excessively violent when holding or pushing.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Unsportsmanlike Conduct occurs when a person who represents a team attempts to argue with or influence the decision of a game official, using threatening, profane, abusive, or obscene language or gestures during the game; or baits, taunts or acts in a manner considered unsportsmanlike by a game official.
Illegal Stick
Illegal stick is the use of a stick which does not conform to NCAA rules and standards.
Illegal Gloves
Illegal Gloves are gloves which do not conform to required standards or when the glove's fingers and/ or palms have been altered or removed.
Technical Fouls
Technical fouls are less serious than personal fouls and are subject to a 30 second suspension from play of the offending player.
Holding
Holding occurs when a player impedes or interferes with an opponent's stick movement.
Off-Side
Off-Side occurs when there are more than six players on the opponent's side of the field. This also occurs when a defenseman crosses the center line as the ball is being cleared up the field and all three attackmen and middies have progressed past the center line.
Warding Off
Warding Off occurs when a player with the ball uses his free hand or any part of his body to hold, push or control the stick or body of the player applying check.
Stalling
Stalling is when a team intentionally holds the ball without advancing toward the goal.
Screening
Screening occurs when an offensive player moves into or makes contact with a defender with the purpose of blocking the defensive player from opponent being played.
Illegal Procedure
Illegal Procedure is a term that includes touching of the ball by a player other than the goalie, playing in the game without a stick, use of illegal equipment, avoidable lateness of the team, placing a stick in an opponent's face, entering the game prior to expiration of a penalty, delay of game, more than 10 men on the field, and illegal playing out of bounds. (See complete description in NCAA rules).
Interference
Interference occurs when one player interferes with free the movement of an opponent. Exceptions: when opponent has the ball and a player is within five feet of opponent, or the ball is loose or on the fly, and both players are within five feet of the ball.
Pushing
Pushing is when a player pushes, thrusts, or shoves an opponent from behind. Pushing is permitted from the front and sides when an opponent has possession of the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball.
Examples of Ref Signals
Lacrosse Equipment
Required Equipment
Stick
Stick must be between 40-42" for attackmen/mid-fielders and 52-72" for defensemen. The head is to be 6.5-10" wide. Goalies head maybe 10-12" wide. Younger, more inexperienced players, should use shorter sticks.
The Stick contains three components:
1) Shaft - made from a variety of materials; including wood, metal or plastic. Most common is aluminum and its alloys. Aluminum and metal alloy shafts are the most popular for their relative strength and light weight.
The length of shaft should grow with player's size, development and skills. When selecting a shaft, the most important point to consider is how it feels in a player's hands. Younger, more inexperienced players, need to concentrate on feel and weight, not on materials of construction. Strength of shaft becomes critical with older, stronger, more experienced players.
2) Head - it's sole purpose is to act as a frame for the pocket. The head can be made of wood, plastic, or other synthetic material. The most common is plastic, because of its strength and lightness. There are a wide variety of heads available. It is best for beginners and younger players to stay with basic, simple heads.
3) Pocket - net that forms a pocket in which the ball is carried and cradled and from which the ball is thrown. The pocket is the single most important and controllable part of the crosse. It is very important that players get to know their pockets and how to adjust them. A player with average equipment, but good stick skills, and a good feel for the pocket will always perform better than a player with expensive equipment and average skills. Pockets come in two types: Traditional and Mesh.
Traditional: consists of four leather thongs, around which are interwoven synthetic cord and shooting strings. This produces a more accurate pass and shot, making it easier to control and absorb the ball. Ma or drawback: it takes time to soften the leather and form the proper pocket.
Mesh: a single piece of open nylon mesh material which is stretched between the sides of the head and attached with nylon cord, through which shooting strings run. This forms a good pocket immediately, is durable, and easy to adjust. This pocket is more forgiving while learning the basics and is preferred for those just starting the game.
Shooting Strings are made of heavy duty shoelace material, which are interwoven across the pocket. The purpose is to form a release point of the pocket. The actual pocket is formed just below the last shooting string. The objective is to form a short, smooth path for the ball to travel out of the stick.
The pocket must be adjusted so that the top of the ball does not fall below the bottom edge of the head when the stick is held horizontally. The purpose of this rule is so a player can't make it difficult for an opponent to dislodge the ball with a check.
For safety purposes, all sticks are to have a plastic or wood plug covering the end of the stick opposite the head. Sticks are not to be physically bent, or altered, other than material added on the exterior surface for improved grip and weight.
Ball
The ball is white, yellow, or orange and is made of solid rubber. The ball is 7 3/4 - 8" in circumference and weighs 5 - 5 1/4 ounces.
Helmet
Each player is required to wear a protective helmet that includes a metal face mask with a chin pad, and a cupped four point chin strap fastened at all points to the helmet. All helmets and face masks should be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved. The fit is the most important point to consider when selecting a helmet.
Mouthpiece
Must be a highly visible color and worn at all times while on the field.
Gloves, Arm Pads, Shoulder Pads, & Shoes
Gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, and shoes are required protective equipment for all regulation games.
Style and type of gloves, arm pads, and shoulder pads is optional, but is restricted to those approved for use in this sport. Type of shoe is optional, however, hard rubber cleats are recommended. No metal spikes are allowed.
The most important considerations when selecting gloves is fit and position. The player must be able to get a good grip, be able to feel the shaft through the gloves and be able to control the stick.
Arm pads & shoulder pads need to fit well. Points to consider when fitting a player are size and weight. Younger players typically require more protection than older, more experienced players. Middies and attackmen usually require more protection because of the frequency and the force of checks being thrown against them. Defensemen need less protection.
Goalies must wear all required equipment, including a throat protector and chest pad. Optional equipment for goalies are leg and shin guards. All players need the most protection possible without being uncomfortable or weighted down.
Protective Rib Pads, Athletic Supporters And Protective Cups
Protective rib pads, athletic supporters and protective cups are currently optional safety equipment- although, they are strongly recommended to minimize injury. Many leagues have made these items required equipment.
Uniform
Teams are required to have matching jerseys and shorts. Any clothing visible beneath the jersey and shorts also needs to be white, grey, or one of the teams official colors.
Positions & Basic Skills
Four Positions: Goalkeeper (Goalie), Defenseman, Mid-fielder (Middie) and Attackman. More advanced teams will contain face-off specialists and long stick middies.
1) Goalies - The No. 1 priority is to stop ball and to be the last line of defense. Requires courage, good reflexes, reaction time, and ability to think quickly. Goalie is the quarterback of the team Controls and dictates play of defensive unit. Calls out location of ball and presence of cutters. Tells teammates when to check opponents. Controls clearing process. Must be the most fearless and courageous player on field. Deals with dozens of high velocity shots during a game. Must be willing to absorb shots over any part of body. Must be a leader and command respect of teammates. Must keep his/her composure when mistakes are made and not be overly critical of him/herself or the team.
2) Defensemen - Top priority is to neutralize opponents attack and prevent close range shots. Requires agility, quickness, good reflexes, ability to react quickly, and to calculate cutoff angles. Being aggressive, but always under control makes an excellent defenseman. Speed becomes important for long stick middies. Size helps, but is secondary to reactions, agility, mind set and speed.
3) Mid-fielders, - Primary responsibility is to move the ball from defensive end into their offensive zone and assisting in defense of the goal. Regardless of offensive contribution, mid-fielders must be good defensively. Characteristics of good mid-fielders are speed, stamina, hustle and determination. They need to possess good stick skills and have the ability to effectively play ground bars. Should be able to switch back and forth from offense to defense quickly and frequently.
4) Attackmen - Primary responsibility is to score goals. Must be most proficient stick handlers on team or possess the basic qualities that will make good stick handlers. Must have great hand/eye coordination, having the ability to utilize both hands, and being adept at fakes and dodges. Quick feet, speed, agility, maneuverability and courage are needed. Must be able to take physical punishment from opposing defensemen and middies. Must possess great shooting, passing skills, and accuracy.
Player & Position Selection
Players can be evaluated on the following qualities and each player ranked on a scale of 1-5 (1 being highest) based on the level of each quality a player possesses:
1) Agility
2) Maneuverability
3) Aggressiveness
4) Reaction Time and Quickness
5) Speed
6) Catching
7) Passing
8) General Stick Skills
Those who possess best overall stick skills or demonstrate ability to quickly acquire those skills and have speed, agility and quickness may be be suited for attack.
Those who possess demonstrated speed, endurance and agility may be best suited for midfield.
Those who possess clearly demonstrated agility, aggressiveness, and reaction time may be best suited for defense.
Those who appear to be leaders, who demonstrate courage and quick reaction time, should try the goalie position.
One thing to keep in mind however is that a player's position can change from year to year and many playing wind up switching positions in High School based on a recommendation of their coach.
