What is Lacrosse?
A Brief History
Lacrosse was one of many varieties of indigenous stickball games being played by American Indians at the time of European contact. Almost exclusively a male team sport, it is distinguished from the others, such as field hockey or shinny, by the use of a netted racquet with which to pick the ball off the ground, throw, catch and convey it into or past a goal to score a point. The cardinal rule in all varieties of lacrosse was that the ball, with few exceptions, must not be touched with the hands. Read More
The Breakdown
The Players
MIDDIES (3 on the field) - Responsible for moving the ball up and down the entire length of the field. Middies can move anywhere. Middies are also part of the FACEOFF at the start of the game and after every goal.
ATTACK (3 on the field) - The attack team's primary goal is to score. They are the players that typically make up most of the goals. Attackman must stay on the offensive side of the field at all times. During a FACEOFF the Attackman must stay behind the RESTRAINING line until possession of the ball is called by the referee.
DEFENSE (3 on the field) - The defense team's primary goal is stop the opposing offense from scoring. They work as a unit to disrupt the offensive plays, turnover the ball and move it down the field towards our offense. The defense must stay on the defensive side of the field at all times. During a FACEOFF the defenseman must stay behind the RESTRAINING line until possession of the ball is called by the referee.
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GOALIE (1 on the field) - The Goalie's job is to be the last line of defense and prevent the ball going inside the cage. He is protected by a circle called the crease. Defensemen are allowed to go in and out of the crease. Offensive players are not. If a goalie makes a save, he has 4 seconds to pass the ball out of the crease or he must step out.
The Game
TIME - Typically 4-12 minute quarters running time. Running time means the clock only stops during referee stops and timeouts. Some other variations you'll see: 4-10 minute stop clock (clock stops after every goal etc.) or 2-20 minute halves.
FACEOFF - At the beginning of every game, quarter (if no possession) and after each goal there will be a faceoff. The faceoff occurs between two players of the opposing teams. The ball is placed on the midline (middle of field) by the referee. The players line up their sticks and wait for the whistle. Both will attempt to clamp down on the ball first and either take it or flick it back to one of their teammates. Once a player has assumed control of the ball the referee will call "possession" and play will continue releasing both attack and defense from the RESTRAINING lines. The attack and defense players are to stay behind the restraining line until possession is called. Once possession is called then normal play will resume.
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OFFENSE- The offensive team's goal is to get the ball in the net. In middle school there is not shot clock. They can pass, dodge, set picks in any combination to drive the ball to the net.
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DEFENSE - The defense's job is prevent the ball from going in the net AND move the ball back down the field towards the OFFENSE. When the defense makes a save they have 20 seconds to get the ball over the half field mark. Then they have 10 seconds to get the ball into the restraining box (the big square at each end of the field). Once that is accomplished the offense is safe to take their time if they choose.
Want to learn more?
To learn more, here are some helpful resources:
Boys Game Overview (Pictures and Easy Breakdown) https://www.uslacrosse.org/parents/boys-game-overview
Girls Game Overview (Pictures and Easy Breakdown) https://www.uslacrosse.org/parents/girls-game-overview