welcome to the greatest game
Fast. Fun. Competitive. A Game Like No Other.
Imagine the speed of basketball, the field movement of soccer, the physicality of football, and the hand eye coordination of hockey. Bring them together, add a stick and a ball, and you've got lacrosse.
Rooted in Indigenous traditions, lacrosse is one of North America's oldest team sports. Today, it's a fast, exciting game built around athleticism, creativity, teamwork, and quick decisions.
Players run, pass, catch, defend, and shoot, often transitioning between offense and defense in seconds.
The best part? There's a place in lacrosse for all kinds of athletes. Whether they love scoring, defending, running, or making the perfect pass, every player has a role.
HOW THE GAME WORKS
The objective is simple: put the ball in the opposing team's goal while protecting your own.
Players use a lacrosse stick with a netted pocket to carry, pass, catch, and shoot a small rubber ball. But success requires much more than stick skills. Players must anticipate movement, recognize opportunities, communicate, and work together.
UNDERSTANDING THE FIELD
Both boys and girls lacrosse have different rules and player configurations, but share four essential positions.
Attack: Creates scoring opportunities through movement, passing, and shooting.
Midfield: Connects offense and defense, covering the field and competing for possession.
Defense: Protects the goal, challenges opponents, and works to regain possession.
Goalkeeper: Stops shots, organizes the defense, and helps restart play.
THE FUNDAMENTALS
SCOOP IT
Win possession by scooping ground balls. One of the most important skills in lacrosse!
CATCH IT. PASS IT.
Move the ball, find open teammates, and create opportunities through teamwork.
CRADLE IT.
Keep the ball secure in your stick while running, dodging, and changing direction.
MOVE IT.
Cut, dodge, create space, and learn where to be with or without the ball.
DEFEND IT.
Use footwork, positioning, communication, and anticipation to protect your goal.
SCORE IT.
Find an opening, make the pass, take the shot!
BOYS AND GIRLS LACROSSE
Same Sport. Different Styles of Play.
Both games share the same foundation: speed, teamwork, stick skills, field awareness, and scoring goals. The biggest differences involve physical contact, defensive play, and protective equipment.
BOYS LACROSSE
Fast, physical, and strategic. Boys lacrosse combines quick transitions, creative offense, coordinated defense, and controlled contact.
Players wear protective equipment, and youth rules gradually introduce legal checking and physical contact as athletes develop.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Quick, fluid, and technical. Girls lacrosse emphasizes speed, agility, passing, positioning, and precise stick skills.
Intentional body checking is not permitted. Defense relies on footwork, anticipation, and controlled stick checking introduced progressively through youth rules.
Both games reward athleticism, creativity, confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
gET THE GEAR
Girls field players typically wear:
• Protective lacrosse goggles
• Mouthguard
• Cleats or athletic shoes
• Girls lacrosse stick
Close fitting gloves and approved girls lacrosse headgear are optional. Protective eyewear is required, and any optional headgear must meet the applicable ASTM standard.
Boys field players typically wear:
• Helmet
• Shoulder pads
• Arm pads
• Lacrosse gloves
• Mouthguard
• Protective cup or pelvic protector
• Cleats or athletic shoes
• Boys lacrosse stick
USA Lacrosse requires boys field players to wear this protective equipment, including shoulder pads that meet the applicable NOCSAE safety standard.