Lacrosse has roots deep in Native American history, according to Sports Know How, when tribes in what is now the northwestern United States and Canada played baggataway as early as the 1400s. Baggataway had important cultural and spiritual significance for the Native Americans, who used it to praise and appeal to their gods as well as settle disputes between tribes. Lacrosse received its modern name from French missionaries, who said the stick reminded them of the staff carried by bishops. French settlers began to adopt the game in the 1840s and its popularity grew from there. Lacrosse typically is played between two teams of 10 players, but a modified version allows teams of seven.
Basics
Lacrosse, like many other sports, has the simple objective of gaining control over a ball and placing it in the opponents' goal. Play begins with a face-off between two players in the center of the field who try to gain control over the ball. One player on each team is the goalie, who defends the goal and is the only player allowed to touch the ball. All other players must use the stick, or crosse, to handle the ball. Players may run with the ball.
Positions
Positioning rules vary between leagues for seven-on-seven lacrosse, but they typically require that there be at least three players on defense and two on offense. One player must remain goalie throughout the game, and the remaining player can be assigned to play where he is needed.
Checking
Professional lacrosse allows for body-checking and stick-checking, controlled attempts to knock the ball free from a carrier's net, from the front or side. Because seven-on-seven lacrosse is generally played in children's or amateur leagues, rules vary, and checking rules might be modified or checking might be banned.
Technical Fouls
Player movement is generally dictated by the midfield line. Defense must remain behind the line, closest to its team's goal, and offense must play on the other side. If a player crosses the line, the team receives an offsides penalty. Players cannot impede or interfere with the movement of another player who is not carrying the ball. A player holding the ball cannot retain it without continuing normal play. The carrier also cannot use his free hand to control the movement of opposing players.
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