Lacrosse terms for new parents

How to use this glossary

Lacrosse has its own language, and some of it differs between boys' and girls' lacrosse. You do not need to memorize every word. Skim the list once, then come back when you hear something unfamiliar at a game. Terms are in alphabetical order, with a short note where boys' and girls' rules differ.

Lacrosse terms

Attack

The offensive players, or the offensive end of the field, where a team tries to score.

Cradle

A gentle rocking motion of the stick that keeps the ball secure in the pocket while running.

Clear

Moving the ball from the defensive end of the field to the offensive end, usually starting with the goalie.

Crease

The circle around each goal. The goalie has special privileges inside it. In boys' lacrosse attackers may not step into it, and in girls' lacrosse field players are generally kept out of it.

Draw

The way play starts in girls' lacrosse. The ball is placed between two sticks and released into the air on the whistle.

Faceoff

The way play starts in boys' lacrosse. Two players crouch with the ball on the ground between their sticks and fight for it on the whistle.

Fast break

A quick attack when a team has more players near the goal than the defense.

Foul

A rule break. It can lead to a free position for the other team or a player sitting out.

Goalie

The player who protects the net and is the only one allowed to touch the ball with a hand inside the crease.

Ground ball

A loose ball on the ground. Players race to scoop it up with the stick.

Man-up

A situation where one team has extra players on the field because the other team has a player serving a penalty.

Midfield

Players who cover the whole field, helping both on offense and defense.

Offsides

A boys' lacrosse rule about having too few or too many players on one side of the field. Girls' lacrosse has different positioning rules.

Pocket

The netted part of the stick head where the ball sits.

Pick

A teammate stands in a spot that blocks a defender so the ball carrier can move free.

Shaft

The long handle of the stick.

Slide

A defender leaves their player to help stop an attacker who has beaten a teammate.

Stick check

Using your stick to hit an opponent's stick to knock the ball loose, where the rules allow it.

Transition

The quick change from defense to offense, or the reverse, after a turnover.

Turnover

When a team loses the ball to the other team.

Wall ball

Practice by throwing the ball against a wall and catching it, a classic way to build skill.

Shot clock

A timer that limits how long a team can hold the ball without shooting. Used in some leagues and levels, not all.

Tips for using the terms

• Listen to your coach. Teams sometimes use their own nicknames for plays and positions.
• Do not be afraid to ask. Other parents were new once too.
• Remember that rules can vary by league and age group. Some terms apply only to certain levels.
• Pair this glossary with lacrosse rules for beginners and lacrosse positions explained to see the words in action.

Sideline phrases you may hear

Coaches and players shout short phrases during games. "Ball!" means a loose ball is available. "Man on!" warns a player that a defender is close. "Slide!" tells a defender to help. "Clear!" tells the goalie that the team is ready to run the ball up the field. These can differ from team to team, so you will pick them up as the season goes along.

For more on lacrosse, visit the lacrosse guides page. If you are getting ready for the first practice, read how to prepare for lacrosse season too. A few extra words will make you feel confident very quickly, and soon you will be calling out "ground ball!" with everyone else.