Lacrosse is the oldest sport that originated in North America. Like hockey and soccer, the idea is to propel the lacrosse ball into a goal area that is protected by a keeper. This is done by passing the ball from player to player with a stick that has netting on its end to catch the ball. When a player gets the ball to an open teammate in the offensive zone, he can score a goal. The team that gets the most goals wins the game.
Game Basics
The lacrosse field is 110 yards long and 55 yards wide. There are 10 players on each team: in addition to a goaltender, there are three attackers, three defensemen and three midfielders. The attackers stay on the offensive side of the field, the defenders stay on the defensive side of the field and the midfielders can roam all over the field. The goal sits in an 18-foot circular crease. The side of the goal is 6 by 6 feet.
Lacrosse Sticks
Attacking players can use a stick that is 40 to 42 inches long while defensive players can use a stick that is 52 to 72 inches long. The longer stick gives defensive players the ability to deflect passes and knock the ball out of their opponent's grasp. The goalkeeper can have a stick that is 40 to 72 inches and that stick can have a head that is 12 inches wide.
Strategy
One of the best ways to create scoring opportunities is by attacking quickly. Teams that can pass straight ahead often create a numerical advantage because they can beat the defense up the field and outnumber them. Teams like to catch and shoot the lacrosse ball at the goalkeeper once they get inside 15 yards. If there is no fastbreak shooting opportunity, the cross court feed often sets up a clear shot. For example, if the attacking team brings up the ball on the left side of the field, the last pass may take the player behind the goal. The player with the ball can sprint back up the zone and fire a pass across the field the instant an opening occurs. This may result in a shot on goal because the defense is overloaded to the side of the field where the ball was and the receiver should have a clear look at the goal. The key is to release the shot quickly before the defense can react.
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