Lacrosse - The Game
ABOUT THE GAME
Lacrosse is fast paced, physical game that is really fun to watch and even better to play. It's roots were originated by Native Americans and it is recognized as North America's first sport! Lacrosse is one of the few sports in post 2000s that actually encourages multi-sport athlete participation. It combines skills showcased in basketball, football, soccer, and hockey among others. It is the perfect compliment to those athletes that compete in fall and winter sports and are looking for a spring sport to increase their speed and agility. At the 12U level and above the game is played on a similar size field to that of football and is a 10 v 10 game. Games at the 12U & 14U typically are 40 minutes long (either quarters or halves).
We hope that your student athlete will give us an opportunity to introduce them to the sport! We usually find that as long as a player gives us the opportunity to get a crosse in their hand, they usually fall in love with the sport and play it for years to come. Don't take our word for though, check out the past and present player testimonials on the home page.
common women's lacrosse terms
Source: https://www.usalacrosse.com/girls-game-overview
8-METER ARC - An arc marked in front of the goal used for the administration of major fouls. A defender may not remain in this area for more than three seconds unless closely marking her opponent.
12-METER FAN - A semi-circle area in front of each goal circle bounded by an arc 12 meters from the goal circles.
CHECKING - Using stick-to-stick contact to try and dislodge the ball.
FREE POSITION - An opportunity awarded to one player when a major or minor foul is committed by a player from the other team. All players must move 4 meters away from the player with the ball. When the whistle sounds to resume play, the ball carrier may run, pass or shoot.
GOAL CIRCLE - The circle around the goal to protect the goalkeeper. No player’s stick or body may “break” the plane of the goal circle.
MODIFIED CHECKING - Checking the stick only if the entire stick is below shoulder level. The check must be down and away from the body.
MARKING - Closely guarding an opponent within a stick’s length.
SHOOTING SPACE - A player may not use any part of her body to guard the goal in a manner that denies the attack the opportunity to shoot safety and encourages shooting at a player.
THREE SECONDS - While defending within the 8-meter arc, a player may not remain in that area more than 3 seconds unless she is marking an opponent within a stick's length.
Common men's lacrosse terms
Source: https://www.usalacrosse.com/boys-game-overview
BODY CHECK - Contact with an opponent from the front or side (but not a blind side check) — between the shoulders and waist — when the opponent has the ball or is within 5 yards (high school) or 3 yards (youth) of a loose ball. Not permitted at U9 and U11 levels.
BOX - An area drawn in both ends of the field surrounding the crease area. Also called the goal area or defensive area.
CLEAR - Transitioning the ball from the defensive half to the offensive half.
CREASE - A circle around the goal with a radius of 9 feet into which only defensive players may enter.
EMO - A man advantage resulting from an opponent's time-serving penalty. Also known as "man-up."
FACEOFF - This technique is used to put the ball in play at the start of the game, each quarter, half, or after a goal is scored.
GLE - Goal line extended
HOLE - Another name for the area outside/in front of the crease area, the imaginary box, 10 yards by 10 yards in front of the goal
RIDE - The defending team will try to prevent their opponent from advancing the ball, thereby creating a turnover.
SLASH - A poke into the ribs, chest, neck or back. A vicious uncontrolled swinging of the stick whether contact is made or not. The gloved hand on the stick may be legally checked.