Whether you are new to the game of lacrosse, or are unsure about what you’re seeing on the lacrosse field, here’s a brief Boys Lacrosse 101 to help you enjoy the game!
What is lacrosse? Lacrosse is a game played with a small, yet hard, rubber ball about the size of a baseball. Players each have a stick, or crosse, which consists of 2 parts: the head and the shaft. The head is strung with a net, and the shaft is of varying lengths based on the age and/or position of the player. Lacrosse is a healthy combo of hockey, soccer and basketball on a field that is size-appropriate based on the age of the players. Players advance the ball by cradling (running while protecting the ball) or passing to teammates until they can get a scoring opportunity and attempt to put the ball in the opponent’s net.
Where did lacrosse start? Lacrosse was originated by Native Americans and is the oldest sport played on the North American continent. First documented in the 17th century, lacrosse began to be played in the United States at the collegiate level in the late 19th century. Lacrosse was first played in the Olympics in 1904 and the first international championship recognized by World Lacrosse was held in 1967. There are now more than 65 nations recognized by World Lacrosse and the United States has won 10 world championships, more than any other nation, beginning with the 1967 team.
What equipment does my player need? In addition to a stick, each player needs a lacrosse-specific helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves. A protective cup and mouthguard are also required. While these items can easily be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recommend a trip to a lacrosse specialty store (Northstar Lacrosse in Bloomington, or Lavin Lacrosse in Rosemount & Chaska) to be fitted by a lacrosse expert who is available to ensure proper fit and answer any and all questions you may have. PLAY Lacrosse also offers rental equipment on a first-come, first-served basis for a nominal fee.
What positions are there? On the boys side the four positions are Goaltender, Defensemen, Midfielder, and Attack. At the 12U and 14U levels there are 10 players on the field at a time. There is 1 goaltender and 3 each of D-men, Middies and Attacks. At the 8U and 10U levels there are 5 and 7 players on the field, respectively, with no goaltender at the 8U level.
What rules do I need to know? There are a lot of rules unique to lacrosse, and understanding them will add to the joy of watching the game. The best way to get a feel for the game is to watch this 12 minute VIDEO produced by US Lacrosse. It highlights specific points of emphasis, discusses rules interpretations and provides numerous video clip examples of what is a foul, and what isn’t, as well as how the game is played.
USE THIS CHART TO SEE A GRID BREAKDOWN OF DIFFERENT RULES FOR 8U TO 14U IN MINNESOTA
What are some terms I’ll hear often? Below is a small list of common terms you may hear during a game:
Ball down – when the ball is on the grass it is considered “down” and no team is in possession.
Scoop – when the ball is on the grass, players are encouraged to scoop it up, not “rake” it. Players are taught to get low and scoop through the ball because raking (think pulling back, raking leaves) is poor technique, and a foul at 8U and 10U.
Midline – it’s the line that extends across the middle of the field. It comes into play at 10U, 12U and 14U. Depending on age, a specific number of layers must be on each side of the midline at all times. Failure to have the appropriate number of players on each side results in an "offsides" violation.
Middie back – at the 10U, 12U and 14U levels Middies (Midfielders) will stay back in the defensive zone if a Defenseman advances the ball beyond the midline, ensuring at least 4 players are in the defensive half of the field. Middies who stay back will often lift their stick in the air to ensure the referee sees them and doesn’t call “offsides” when the ball crosses the midline.
Hot – at the 8U level teams need to attempt 3 consecutive passes before they can shoot on goal. At the 10U level teams need to complete 2 consecutive passes before they can shoot on goal. The referee keeps track and will announce a team is “Hot” when they have satisfied the pass requirements and are able to shoot on goal. There is no pass requirement at the 12U or 14U levels.
Releasable, or Non-releasable, penalty – referees have the discretion to make fouls releasable or non-releasable. The severity of the punishment is at the discretion of the referee and is usually indicative of the severity of the foul. Releasable means the player is released if the opponent scores during their man-advantage. Non-releasable means the player who fouled serves his full time regardless of whether the opponent scores. He is therefore “non-releasable”.
ENJOY THE GAME OF LACROSSE!!!!