Lacrosse goalie guide for beginners

What the goalie does

The goalie is the player who guards the net. The goalie tries to stop shots with the stick or body, then starts the team's attack by passing the ball upfield, which is called a clear. Goalies also act as the team's voice: from the back of the field they see the whole game and call out where opponents are and what the defense should do.

The crease and special rules

The crease is the circle around the goal. In standard rules the goalie may touch the ball with a hand while inside the crease, which no other player may do in normal play. Attackers generally may not step into the crease or interfere with the goalie there. After a save, the goalie usually has a short window to release the ball, and a team may not keep the ball in the crease area forever. The details and time limits vary by version and league, so ask your coach.

Boys' and girls' goalies play under different rules. For instance, in standard rules a girls' goalie has more freedom around the crease than other players, and a girls' defense may not enter the crease area in certain ways. Because of these differences, be sure to read your own league's rules.

Goalie equipment

Goalies take shots at close range, so they wear extra protection beyond what field players wear. What that includes depends on the version of the game and the league, but commonly:

• A helmet with a face mask (girls' goalies wear one, too).
• A throat guard and chest protector.
• Padded gloves and often arm and leg protection, depending on the rules.
• A larger stick head than field players, designed for blocking shots.

Ask your league what is required and what is available to borrow. Gear must fit properly to protect the player, so never guess and never pad things out with extras that were not built for lacrosse. Read the youth lacrosse equipment checklist to see the full picture of field player gear.

What a young goalie works on

1. Stance. Balanced, knees slightly bent, stick up and ready, eyes on the ball.
2. Tracking. Watch the ball all the way into the stick, not the shooter's body.
3. Stepping to the ball. Move the feet and the stick together toward the shot rather than flailing.
4. Outlet passing. A quick, accurate pass after a save is what turns defense into offense.
5. Communication. Short, loud calls help the defense stay organized.

None of these need a big yard or special coaching. A wall, a safe space and a soft ball for early practice can go a long way. Check with the coach before a child practices with a full-speed lacrosse ball at home, especially when working on facing shots.

Handling fear of the ball

Most new goalies are nervous at first. That is normal, and the best coaches build up gradually. Ideas that tend to help:

• Start with soft or slower balls and larger targets, and increase intensity only as comfort grows.
• Praise stepping toward the ball and staying with it, not only saves.
• Let the player step away from the position if it is not a good fit. It is okay to say no.
• Make sure gear fits well; a loose chest protector or helmet makes a child less confident.

If a child seems really overwhelmed, talk to the coach. Never push a player into goal when they are afraid.

Mindset: the short memory

Every goalie gives up goals. Good goalies learn to take a breath, reset and focus on the next shot. Parents can help by never keeping a private tally of goals allowed. Instead, ask about the best moment: a tough save, a good clear or a loud call that helped a teammate. Our lacrosse sideline etiquette guide has tips on post-game conversations that keep pressure off.

A quick routine can help, too: take a breath after a goal, tap the stick on the ground or look at the next target, then get back in position. Routines like this belong to the player, so let your child invent one that feels natural.

Questions to ask your coach

• Does the team rotate goalies, or is there one main goalie?
• What gear does the club provide?
• How does the coach help beginners get comfortable facing shots?
• What does the coach expect from a goalie at practice?

Clearing: where the goalie starts the attack

After a save, the goalie looks upfield for an open teammate. This is the clear. A good clear is short, accurate and quick, and it works best when defenders spread out and move into open space so the goalie has options. Beginners often rush the pass or throw it to a covered teammate. Teaching a young goalie to pause for a moment, look up and choose the easiest safe pass is more valuable than a hard throw.

It also helps teammates to know what to expect. Many teams agree on a few simple calls, such as who is open and which side the goalie will throw to. Ask your coach what your team uses, and if your child plays on a team with no goalie coach, a friendly parent who has played the position may be glad to share tips.

How the family can help

• Keep goalie gear clean and dry after practices, as sweaty gear can become smelly and uncomfortable.
• Check straps, buckles and padding before each game. Replace or repair anything worn.
• Pack a spare water bottle and towel, because goalies get hot in all that equipment.
• Learn the basics through lacrosse rules for beginners, so you can follow what your goalie is dealing with.

Finally, remember that goalie is a role, not a label. Many players try it for a season, enjoy it or move on, and either answer is fine. Keep the conversation open, ask your child how it feels, and let them know that trying a different spot on the field is always an option.

Sources and further reading

1. Equipment US Lacrosse
2. NOCSAE Statement on the Performance Standard to Protect Against Commotio Cordis US Lacrosse
3. Boys' Game Overview US Lacrosse
4. Girls' Game Overview US Lacrosse

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Frequently asked questions

What does a lacrosse goalie do?

The goalie blocks shots, then passes the ball upfield to start the team's attack. Goalies also direct the defense by calling out what they see.

Can a lacrosse goalie use their hands?

In standard rules, yes, but only inside the crease. Outside it, goalies play like other players.

What equipment does a lacrosse goalie need?

Usually a helmet, throat guard, chest protector, gloves and a goalie stick, with other protection depending on league rules. Ask your league for its list.

How can I help my child get over fear of the ball?

Start with softer balls and gradual speed, praise effort and stepping toward the ball, and make sure gear fits well. Never force a child to play goal.

Do goalies have to be tall?

No. Quick feet, a good stance, tracking and communication matter more than height.