Watching a lax game without knowing the lingo can make it tougher to follow the action. Did you ever wonder what different penalties were called? And, what is warding off anyway? If you can learn these simple lacrosse terms, we guarantee you will enjoy your next Lizards game that much more.
Attackmen
Three offensive players that generally do not cross midfield. Attackmen are known to be stick-handlers and shooters who play close to the goal or behind it.
Checking
To strike an opposing player with a lacrosse stick in an effort to dislodge the ball.
Clear
To move the ball from the defensive end to the offensive end of the field.
Cradling
How a player rocks their stick back and forth in their hands to create a centrifugal force that keeps the ball in the stick’s pocket while they run.
Crease
The circle surrounding the goal that protects the goalie from opposing players.
Crosse
A traditional term that refers to a stick used by a lacrosse player.
Defensemen
Three players who protect the goal with long poles. They remain on the defensive side of the field even when their team is on offense.
Dodge
An evasive move by an offensive player in an effort to get past a defensive player.
Goose
When a player uses their stick to knock a ground ball to an open teammate, instead of picking up the ball and throwing it.
Ground ball
A loose ball on the ground that is not in the possession of either team.
Long-stick midfielder
A defensive-minded midfielder who carries a long pole. This player usually guards the opposing team’s best midfielder.
Man-up/Man-down
Some penalties require a player to sit in the penalty box. That team, which continues the game without that player, is said to be “man-down.” The opposing team is “man-up.”
Mesh
A popular type of pocket for a lacrosse stick, which is made of woven nylon.
Midfielders
Three players who are allowed to play at both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.
Off-sides
A rule that requires each team to have four players on the defensive half of the field and three players on the offensive half of the field at all times.
On-the-fly
A game strategy in which a team replaces a player on the field with a player on the sidelines while the game is in progress.
The netted section of the head of a stick where the ball is held.
Rake
To pick up a ground ball by placing the head of the stick over the ball and then pulling the stick backwards on the ground so that the ball rolls into the stick’s pocket.
Scoop
The traditional way to pick up a ground ball by placing the stick on the ground while running through the ball.
Slashing
A penalty in which a player strikes an opposing player with their stick anywhere on the body besides the opposing player’s stick or gloves.
Warding Off
An offensive penalty where a player who is cradling the ball one-handed uses their other hand or arm to move, block or interfere with a defender.
Which lacrosse terms would you add to the list?
