Lacrosse positions explained

The basic idea

Every lacrosse team has one goalie and a group of field players who play offense, midfield or defense. Players spend their time moving between those jobs depending on who has the ball. Positions look a little different in boys' and girls' lacrosse, and youth leagues often use smaller teams, so the exact number of players on the field is something to ask your league.

Goalie

The goalie guards the net and wears extra protective gear. The goalie is the only player allowed to touch the ball with a hand, and only while inside the crease. After a save, the goalie directs the defense and starts the team's attack by passing the ball upfield. Great goalies are loud communicators, brave and calm.

Attack (offense)

Attackers stay mostly near the other team's goal. Their job is to move without the ball, pass, and take smart shots. In boys' lacrosse they are often simply called attackmen or attackers. In girls' lacrosse the attackers are called home players: first home, second home and third home.

• Practice catching and throwing with both hands.
• Learn to find open space and call for the ball.
• Shoot with a plan, not only with power.

Midfield

Midfielders play both ends of the field and cover the most ground. In boys' lacrosse, midfielders also take faceoffs; the specialist who does this is often called the faceoff specialist or "FOGO." In girls' lacrosse, the center takes the draw, and the attack wings and defense wings (also midfielders) work along the sides. Midfield is a great position for players who love to run.

Defense

Defenders stay mostly near their own goal and try to stop attackers from getting good shots. In boys' lacrosse, most defenders carry a longer stick (rules limit how many players may carry one), which helps them check and reach. In girls' lacrosse the defensive players have names such as point, cover point and third man, and the rules limit how and where they may defend close to the goal.

• Defenders stay between the attacker and the goal.
• They talk to each other to switch assignments.
• They aim to take away the ball legally, not to injure.

Quick comparison

Special roles to know

• Faceoff specialist: in boys' lacrosse, a player who mostly takes faceoffs.
• Long-stick midfielder: in boys' lacrosse, a midfielder who uses the longer defensive stick (often called an LSM).
• Draw taker: in girls' lacrosse, the player who takes the draw, usually the center.

How young players find their spot

At the youngest levels, coaches usually rotate players through several positions so everyone learns the whole game. That is healthy. A fast player may enjoy midfield, a tall one may like defense, and a confident, steady child may like goalie. If your child is curious about one spot, share that with the coach. Many families find the positions easier to follow after reading lacrosse rules for beginners, and the vocabulary in lacrosse terms for new parents helps too. Browse all of them on the lacrosse guides page.

Skills that help in every position

• Catching and passing with both hands, since every player handles the ball.
• Scooping ground balls, which decide many possessions.
• Communication: calling for the ball, warning teammates and talking through assignments.
• Staying in good running shape, because the game has many quick changes of direction.

Also remember that position names and counts change across leagues and age groups. Treat this guide as a map and let your coach tell you exactly how your team lines up.