Lacrosse for Dummies

[iSpider]

I thought that it might be helpful in building a larger lax base for potential lax fans to learn some of the basics of the game. I never played competitive lacrosse but have watched the game since high school, and I know that in my case there has been a lot to learn and that the more I learn, the more I enjoy watching the game both in person and on TV.

Based on my discussions with adults at UR games and others, mostly through work or at my children's' schools, there are many who do not know even the basics of the game. It is a pretty new sport not only for UR but for many below the Mason-Dixon line.

With the success of our team, I think it is appropriate to help provide a basic understanding of the rules, tools and other basic aspects of the game through this board.

I would encourage others to post in this thread, but to keep it very simple. Questions whether leading to an ongoing conversation or just for the sake of an answer will also contribute to a basic or deeper appreciation of the game and our team.

Understanding Basic Lacrosse Rules ( 2 pages)

 

[Spiders05]

Appreciate this i. I enjoy watching the game, but find myself having to ask others about things I'm obviously missing.

 

[32counter]

How about this one:

https://orsagouge.pbworks.com/f/fundamentals.pdf

 

[iSpider]

The Dimensions of the Men's Lacrosse Field (NCAA)

 

[iSpider]

How about this one:

https://orsagouge.pbworks.com/f/fundamentals.pdf

Thanks, but link will not work for me. I get an error message.

 

[iSpider]

NCAA Lacrosse Rules (2016)
Fairly technical, but great for reference. Definitely not a simplified book to learn about the game.

 

[iSpider]

COLLEGE LACROSSE OVERVIEW - SIMPLIFIED

There are ten (10) players on each men's college lacrosse team. Four (4) of the players must stay on the defensive half of the field, three (3) must stay on the offensive half, and three (3) can go anywhere on the field.

The game is divided up into two (2) halves and four (4) quarters with each quarter being 15 minutes long. Each team is given a two-minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Halftime is ten minutes long. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, sudden victory periods are played each lasting 4-minutes in duration until a goal is scored.

The team winning the coin toss can choose the end of the field it wants to defend first or the first alternate possession. Teams change sides between periods. Each team is permitted two timeouts each half.

Men's lacrosse begins with a face-off. The players take their positions on the field: four (4)
in the defensive clearing area, one (1) at the center, two (2) in the wing areas (20 yards from the middle of the field and 20 yards long, parallel with the sideline) and three (3) in their
attack goal area. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the
center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play. Each face-off player
tries to control the ball. The players in the wing areas can run after the ball when the
whistle sounds. The other players must wait until one player has gained possession of the
ball before they can release. Faceoffs in lacrosse come at the start of each quarter and after each goal.

The easiest way to know the positions on the field and in the arena is to know the responsibilities that come with them. In a nutshell, players have three (3) main assignments that come with their positions: score goals (attack players), prevent the other team from scoring goals (defenders) and stop the ball from entering the net (goaltenders). In addition, in lacrosse, one set of players — known as the midfielders — is regularly assigned the task of playing both offense and defense. Lacrosse defenders always stay in the opposition's offensive zone, and the offensive players always stay in their own offensive zone. Only midfielders can run the entire field without restriction.

The Defensive Team has 20-seconds to clear the ball past the midfield line once possession has been gained. An Offensive Team has 10-seconds to move the ball into the Attack Goal area once they have possession in the offensive half of the field. A new 10-second count begins each time the offensive team brings the ball outside the Attack Goal area.

In the final 2 minutes of play, the team that is ahead in score must keep the ball within the Attack Goal area and loses possession if the ball comes out (other than as a result of a shot or pass deflected by the defense).

If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot, the inbound player nearest to the ball when it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.

A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse (stick) with a stick check. A legal stick check is the controlled poking or slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.

Body checking is permitted if the opponent has the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball. All body contact must occur from the front or side, above the waist, and below the shoulders.
An opponent's crosse may also be checked if he is within five yards of a loose ball. When an opponent has the ball or is within five yards of the ball, a player can body check them. A body check is contact from the front between the waist and the shoulders. You can also stick check the player on the stick or gloves to try and knock the ball away or to keep a player from getting the ball.

There is an area around the goal called a crease. The crease is a 9-foot semicircle that arcs from goalpost to goalpost. Offensive players must stay out of the crease area in front of the goal.
An opponent is not allowed to enter the crease, but they can reach in with their stick to pick up the ball. Players are not allowed to step into or land in the crease unless they are forced in by a defender. If this violation occurs, goals are waived off and possession is given to the defense. An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball provided he does not contact the goalie or the goalie's crosse.

Much of a team's offense starts behind the goal, so management of the crease from defensive as well as offensive standpoints is very important. Only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands. All other players must use the lacrosse stick (crosse) to carry, pass, shoot, or catch the ball.

Some plays that you are not allowed to do in lacrosse are called fouls. There are both personal fouls and technical fouls. If a player commits a personal foul, they will get put in a penalty area for 1 to 3 minutes. A technical foul will result in a thirty-second penalty or loss of possession. Like basketball, at five (5) personal fouls, the player is removed from the game.

 

[WebSpinner]

gosh, baltimore is south of the mason-dixon line, they have suuper lax and uva and w&l have been lax powers for almost 50 years. think it is great to teach about the game but you need to polish up on your history and geography

 

[iSpider]

PLAYER POSITIONS

There are four main player positions on a Lacrosse team:
1. Defenseman
2. Midfielder
3. Attackman
4. Goalkeeper

The easiest way to know the positions on the field and in the arena is to know the responsibilities that come with them. In a nutshell, players have three main assignments that come with their positions: score goals (attack players), prevent the other team from scoring goals (defenders), and stop the ball from entering the net (goaltenders). In addition, in field lacrosse, one set of players — known as the midfielders — is regularly assigned the task of playing both offense and defense.

Defender: Lacrosse defenders protect the goal. It is their job, together with the goalie, to make sure the opponent does not score a goal. Defenders often use a longer lacrosse stick to allow them to block or deflect passes and shots. They must try to stay between the attacker and the goal and prevent the attacker from getting off a clean shot on goal. Working together and communication with other defenders is key in forming a good defense.

Midfielders: The midfielders are allowed to play over the entire Lacrosse field. They play both offense and defense. A good midfielder must have speed and endurance. One of the main tasks for midfielders is transition. That is moving the ball from defense to offense quickly in order to create an advantage on offense. Midfielders also are responsible in making sure the team doesn't get called for offsides when transitioning. Midfielders are sometimes call "middies".

Attackers: Lacrosse attackers are responsible for scoring goals. There are three attackers on each lacrosse team. They stay on the offensive side of the field, receive the ball from the midfielders in transition, and move the ball into scoring position. Attackers must have superior skills with the lacrosse stick in shooting, passing, and protecting the ball from defenders. Attackers use fakes, passes, plays and other moves to get off clean shots on goal. They must work together to outwit and outplay the defenders and goalie.

Goal Keeper: The goalie is one of the most important positions in lacrosse. They are the last line of defense and must keep the opponent from scoring a goal. The goalie has an area around the goal, called the crease, where only they (and their fellow defenders) can go. Typically the goalie remains in the crease and near the goal, however, sometimes the goalie needs to come out of the crease as well. The goalie must have very quick hands and tremendous hand-eye coordination. A lacrosse goalie must also be very tough as they will be hit by the ball at high speeds many times during a game. The goalie must also be a good leader in order to direct the defenders and organize the defense. Players are substituted throughout the game. Midfielders are often substituted in lines like in ice hockey because they run so much and need to rest. Sometimes there is a player that is really good at face-offs, so they will play the face-off and then immediately get substituted for another player.

Read more at: http://www.ducksters.com/sports/lacrossepositions.php

 

[iSpider]

LACROSSE FOULS

Lacrosse fouls consist of both personal fouls and technical fouls. The penalty for a personal foul results in a one to three-minute suspension from play and possession to the team that was fouled. Players accumulating five personal fouls would be ejected from the game.

The penalty for a technical foul is a thirty-second suspension if the fouled team is in possession of the ball when the foul is committed. If the ball is loose, or in possession of the offending team, when the technical foul is committed, the fouled team is awarded possession of the ball.

Penalties are released when the full penalty time has been served or when a goal is scored by the team with the man advantage (except in some circumstances when penalty time is classified as “non-releasable”).

PERSONAL FOULS: Tripping, Unsportsmanlike conduct, Unnecessary roughness, Cross-checking, Slashing, and Illegal body checking.

Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at, or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs. When a player trips accidentally while participating in play, no foul has been committed.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Occurs when a player or coach commits an act that is considered unsportsmanlike by an official, including taunting, arguing, obscene language or gestures. Most of these violations result in non-releasable penalty time

Unnecessary roughness: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or
body using excessive or unnecessary force.

Cross checking: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands
to make striking or thrusting contact with an opponent (making contact with another player with the stick between your hands).

Slashing: Occurs when a player's stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick or a player swings his stick in an uncontrolled manner (a stick check not on the opponent's gloves or stick).

Illegal Body Checking: Occurs when any of the following actions takes place:
a. body checking an opponent who is not in possession of the ball nor within five yards of a loose ball;
b. avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball;
c. body checking an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist;
d. body checking an opponent above the shoulders.
e. body checking of an opponent who is on the ground.

A body check must be below the shoulders, above the waist, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse. A body check must not be initiated with the head – this is referred to as Spearing and also results in non-releasable penalty time.

Illegal Crosse (Stick): Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse is found illegal if the stick length is too short or too long, the pocket is too deep, or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.

Illegal Equipment: A player may not use gloves that do not conform to required specifications. A glove is found illegal if the fingers and/or palms are cut out of the gloves, or if the glove has been altered in a way that compromises its protective features.
Additional equipment required includes an approved helmet, colored mouthpiece, shoulder pads, and arm pads. Additionally, the goalkeeper is required to wear throat and chest protectors but shoulder pads are optional.


TECHNICAL FOULS: Holding, Interference, Offsides, Pushing, Illegal Offensive Screening, Stalling, and Warding Off.

Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's crosse.

Interference: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of
an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball. An offensive player may also not interfere in any manner with the Goalie while the goalie is within the goal crease.

Offsides: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line and at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line. (Not the right number of players on each half of the field.)

Pushing: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.

Illegal Offensive Screening: Occurs when an offensive player moves into & makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending. Similar to a "moving pick" in basketball.

Stalling: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock.

Warding Off: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check. Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.

 

[iSpider]

STRATEGY

In Lacrosse, there are offensive and defensive strategies for different situations. Some of these game situations include: Settled - A settled situation is when all players are ready or settled when the attacker goes on the attack. It may occur after a stoppage of play like a foul or out of bounds play. Unsettled - An unsettled situation is when there is a quick change of possession giving one team an advantage like a fast break. Power Play or Man-up Man-down - This is when one team has one less player due to a penalty. While the player is out, the team with the extra player or power play will press and try to score. The other team will focus on defense and try to hold until their player's penalty time is complete.

Lacrosse Offensive Strategies:
In regular or settled situations, teams will run set offenses. A commonly settled offense is called a 2-3-1. This stands for the first line of 2 midfielders at the top of the field, a second line just in front of the goal with two attackers on the outside and a midfielder in the middle, and a third attacker located just behind the goal (sometimes called position X). The players will then pass the ball around the outside or run in triangles to confuse the defense and try to get an opening. Some other settled formations include the 1-4-1 and the 1-3-2. Some formations may give an offense more attack strength, but also leaves the defense open to a fast break. Other strategies used include setting picks or screening within the rules. A key offensive strategy in lacrosse is to try and get fast breaks or unsettled clears. This can give the offense the advantage for a short period of time. By quickly transitioning the ball up the field a team can get more offensive players than defensive players in the attack zone.

Lacrosse Defensive Strategies:
In regular or settled play the defense may play man-to-man defense, where each lacrosse defensive player is assigned an offensive player to cover, or zone, where each defensive player is assigned an area or zone to cover. In man-to-man defense, players need to communicate and have "slide" responsibilities where they cover for a defender who gets passed. Knowing when and how to switch players is key in a lacrosse man-to-man defense. The most common zone defense is a 3-3 where the top three players are midfielders and the bottom three are defenders.


Man-up Man Down:
Power play or Man-up Man Down is another key area in lacrosse strategy. A Man-up situation is a great opportunity to score and teams must be ready to capitalize on these situations. At the same time, if you can establish a strong man-down defense you can frustrate the other lacrosse team as well as hold them in check.

Other:
Substitutions are a key strategy in lacrosse as well. Keeping the players, especially midfielders, fresh and fast is important. The best strategy and players in the world won't be able to win games if they are too exhausted to run.

Read more at http://www.ducksters.com/sports/lacrossestrategy.php

 

[iSpider]

THE DIFFERENT LENGTHS OF LACROSSE STICKS
by LaxWorld.

The difference between success and failure on the lacrosse field comes down to a few key things - like always having the right equipment. A good stick is imperative, and no two lacrosse sticks are created equally or are the same. Each position has its own stick length measurements, head and shaft requirements and variations. Understanding why lacrosse sticks have different sizes will go a long way towards making sure that you spend your hard-earned money in the right place and on the correct equipment.

What are the different sizes?
Before we get too deep into the reasons and benefits of each position, the correct stick lengths for men’s lacrosse players, per NCAA regulations are as follows:

40 to 42 inches long for offensive players (including the head)
52 to 72 inches long for defensemen (including the head)
40 to 72 inches long for goalies (including the head)


Why are they different?
There is a very specific reason why lacrosse sticks tend to be different sizes: each position requires different stick length measurements to better allow a player to succeed at their responsibilities. A goalie and a striker have two very different needs for their stick, which is why they tend to have different lacrosse sticks with different lengths.

There are times where you'll be on the field and you may have to switch from one position to the next. In those stressful times in the middle of a match, you'll always need to know which stick to grab to give the other team your all.

If you're having a hard time justifying different sized sticks, it can be helpful if you think of lacrosse sticks the same way you would golf clubs. There is a vast number of different sizes and types of golf clubs that you can choose from, depending on where you are on the course, how far away you are from the hole, the type of shot you want to make and other characteristics. Each club is designed to serve a different purpose in the best possible way, which is similar to the way that lacrosse sticks are designed.

Short Sticks
The first of the three main sizes of lacrosse sticks are called short sticks. This length of sticks is commonly used by players who play both middie or attackmen. According to the official rules that govern lacrosse in the United States, the shaft of these types of sticks must be exactly 30 inches in length. When you take both the head and the shaft into consideration, the measurement needs to be between 40 and 42 inches.

The major benefit of these types of sticks is that they are shorter, which makes them much easier to control than other longer sticks, which makes it easier for people in these positions to dodge defenders and score from tough angles and distances. As you’re sprinting towards the goal, you'll appreciate the shorter stick when dodging defenders without losing the ball. That's where short sticks come in handy.

Long Sticks
The second most common type of lacrosse stick is called the long stick. These types of sticks are commonly used by defenseman, as well as by certain middies. According to the official United States lacrosse rules, the head and the shaft of the long stick must have a combined measurement of between 52 and 72 inches. The shaft alone will be about 60 inches, making it almost double that of the short stick.

The long stick is specifically designed to be longer, as it makes it significantly easier for people to play defensive positions. When an opposing attackmen enter your zone, you'll want to have a good long stick in your hands so you have the best possible chance of fending them off, forcing a turnover and preventing a goal.

Goalie Sticks
Goalies in lacrosse have their own lacrosse sticks with their own specific sets of dimensions. The shaft of a goalie stick is 40 inches long, making it closer in measurement to a short stick than a long stick. According to official United States lacrosse rules, the head and the shaft of the goalie stick must have a combined measurement of between 52 inches and 72 inches.

The main benefit of a goalie stick comes not in the length of the shaft, but the size of the head. These sticks feature a much larger head than the other two types, which makes it easier for the goalie to save any ball thrown their way. The downside, however, is that the wider head also makes it harder to both pass and cradle the ball should the need arise. If you're a trained goalie, however, you'll quickly learn to use these perceived "limitations" to your advantage when it comes to knocking back the other team time and again.

 

[iSpider]

HOW WOMEN’S FIELD LACROSSE DIFFERS FROM MEN’S FIELD LACROSSE

Women’s field lacrosse is exploding in popularity — there are three times as many women’s collegiate lacrosse programs today as there were in 1990.

The women’s field game differs from the men’s field game in some critical ways:

Physical contact: The main difference between men’s and women’s lacrosse comes down to contact. In the men’s game, body-checking is legal — and encouraged (especially by coaches) — while in the women’s game, it is not. As a result, there is far less protective equipment in the women’s game: Men wear helmets, mouth guards, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and often ribs pads, whereas women wear mouth guards and protective eyewear, but (with the exception of goalies) no helmets or padding.

Number of players: In the men’s game, ten players are on the field — three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen, and a goaltender. In the women’s game, there are 12 players on the field — offensive players (first home, second home, third home, and two attack wings) and defensive players (center, two defensive wings, point, cover point, third man, and goalie).

Sticks: Unlike men’s lacrosse, mesh is not permitted for the pockets of women’s sticks; the pockets must be strung in the traditional way. Also, the top of the ball must be above the sidewall when it’s in the pocket. As a result, stick handling and shooting are more difficult in the women’s game.

In addition, the standard stick length in men’s field lacrosse is 40 to 42 inches from the end of the head to the end of the handle; sticks for defensive players (as well as one midfielder) can measure 52 to 72 inches in length, and the goalie’s stick can be 40 to 72 inches long. Women’s lacrosse sticks must measure 35½ to 43¼ inches in length; the goalie’s stick must measure 35½ to 48 inches in length.

Field size: In men’s lacrosse, the field measures 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. In women’s lacrosse, the field is a bit bigger: 120 yards long and 70 yards wide.

 

[iSpider]

GLOSSARY AND TERMS

Attack area - The zone of the lacrosse field with the opponents goal.

Attacker - Offensive player who is responsible for scoring goals.

Clear - When the defense gets the ball and tries to get the ball into their offensive zone on the lacrosse field.

Crease - A circle around the lacrosse goal that is the goalie's area. Only the goalie and defensive players can enter the crease and only the goalie can handle the ball while in the crease.

Cross check - When an opponent has the ball, or is within five yards of the ball, a player can body check them. A body check must make contact from the front of the player and between the waist and the shoulders. There is also a stick check where you may hit the player on the stick or gloves in order to knock the ball away or to keep a player from getting the ball.

Crosse - A name for the lacrosse stick.

Defender - A defensive player. There must always be at least four defensive players on the defensive side of the lacrosse field.

Defensive Area - The side of the lacrosse field where the goal you are defending resides.

Face-off - To start play, the ball is placed on the ground between two players. When the referee blows the whistle each player tries to gain control of the ball.

Goal - 6 foot by 6 foot poles with a net or a point scored when the ball enters the net.

Goal Keeper - Player that resides in the crease (see crease) and protects the goal.

Fast break - When the offense quickly moves the ball such that they have a player advantage at the offensive end.

Man-up Man-Down (power play) - In lacrosse, when a player commits a foul they may receive penalty time. During this time their team will have to play with one less player creating a power play or Man-up for the other team and a Man-down for their team.

Midfielder - The lacrosse player responsible for transitioning between defense and offense. They play the entire field.

Offsides - A lacrosse penalty when one team has more than 6 players on one half of the field.

Ride - When the offense tries to stop the defense from clearing the ball. See clear.

Settled - A playing situation where all the lacrosse players are in their proper positions. Usually means they had time to set up.

Slashing - Hitting another player with the lacrosse stick on an area other than their stick or gloves.

Stick - The stick with a net on the end that is used to catch, throw, shoot, and carry the ball. There are short sticks, long sticks and goalie sticks. Each is different and serves a different purpose. The NCAA controls their length.

Transition - Moving the ball from the defensive side of the lacrosse field to the offensive side.

Unsettled - A playing situation where some lacrosse players are out of position or not set up often giving an advantage to the offense.

Wing area - Area in the middle of the lacrosse field between the attack zone and the defensive zone.

X - The area behind the goal.

 

[McSpider67]

What channel is it on?