Lacrosse Explained

Lacrosse is a fast-paced team sport where the object is to shoot the ball into your opponent’s goal. The game is played on a field that is 110 yards long by 60 yards wide, with goals at either end of the field, each measuring six feet by six feet. The field is divided by a line called the midfield line, and the teams are referred to as “attack” and “defense.” Each player carries a stick (known as a crosse) which they use to carry, pass, catch and shoot the ball. Unlike many other team sports, players may not touch the ball with their hands except to pass or catch it. They must use the head of the stick to carry, pass, catch or shoot the ball, but can check an opponent on their stick or body with their hand or arm.

The quickest way to understand the rules of lacrosse is to compare them to those of ice hockey. The field is similar in size, and the midline of the field is a bit like the blue line in hockey. The two restraining lines are similar to the red lines in hockey, and they separate the offensive zone from the defensive zone.

At the beginning of each quarter and after every goal, there is a faceoff. The faceoff is a contest between the three midfielders from each team to see who will get control of the ball at the center of the circle. The winner of the faceoff is awarded possession of the ball, and the losing team will concede possession to the other team. A good faceoff man can change the momentum of a game.

In addition to the rules listed above, there are a number of other rules that must be followed to play the game properly. For example, players must wear protective cups to protect their faces and other parts of the body. They must also keep their sticks at all times, even when they are off the field. It is against the rules to use any kind of illegal stick, and it is also not permitted to hit an opposing player with the head or the neck of a stick. In addition, players must avoid unsportsmanlike conduct such as taunting or arguing with an official.

Another important thing to remember is that only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands. All other players must use their sticks to carry, pass or catch the ball. There is an area around the goal called the crease, and a defender cannot enter it unless they have the ball in their stick. It is also against the rules to body check an opponent if they are above the waist and below the shoulders, and contact must be made from the front of the player’s body. Lastly, it is against the rules to play the ball out of bounds unless it leaves on a shot. Otherwise, the team that was closest to the ball when it went out of bounds will be awarded possession.