1. Role in the Game
Midfielders, or middies, are responsible for playing on the offensive team's side of the field. They are responsible for managing the ball in that side and keeping the game on target. They are also responsible for avoiding off-side penalties. This type of penalty occurs when more than four players are in the defense field during a game.
2. Equipment for Lacrosse Midfielders
Midfielders in lacrosse can use a short or long stick, but there cannot be more than five long sticks on the field at any one time. A long stick is 52 to 72 inches in length. All players must wear a helmet, shoulder, elbow and rib padding as well as gloves. Shoes with cleats are not required, but provide additional support to running positions. Some leagues have a no-cleat rule. Check the rules carefully before you play.
3. Need for Speed
The best midfielders are fast and agile. They must be in good condition, as their role requires them to run up and down the full length of the field many times. They must be able to focus on the ball and its location while fighting off attackers and knowing the location of the other midfielders and defensemen. Most opportunities to move the ball occur in the midfield, so clear thinking and good decision-making are critical.
4. Muscles Are Important
Midfielders must have good cardio fitness and muscular strength. They need to move the ball to other players and keep the overall play in mind. Lacrosse midfield positions are the players most frequently in contact with the ball, and have the greatest opportunity for moving the ball and keeping the play alive.
5. Always Have a Strategy
Midfielder's main skill is strategy. They can move the ball from one side of the field to the other, switch up the play and forward the ball. They must work as a team with the attack men, implementing the game plan. A very basic strategy is the two-three-one or settled offense. In this play, the two midfielders are positioned at the top of the field, the third midfielder in the crease and the attack men are in the wings. The midfielders move around the other teams players are a triangle. The midfielder drives the ball into the goal through this method of triangle passing. When the moment is right, the midfielder drives the ball into the net. This is just one example of the many strategies that require skilled lacrosse midfielders to execute.
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