Whether you're looking for a cross-training opportunity or trying to get your fix in an area without lacrosse, you can find similarities to lacrosse in many other popular sports. Which sport is most suited for your needs will depend on exactly what aspects of lacrosse you enjoy the most.
Basic Play
The core action in lacrosse involves passing a ball between team members to move it downfield and score by throwing the ball into a goal. This is a common mechanic of play that also is found in soccer and basketball, and even polo and water polo. Unlike soccer and basketball, in lacrosse the players don't touch the ball directly. Rather, they catch and direct the ball using a specialized stick. In this way, lacrosse is very similar to ice hockey and field hockey. Team handball also is very similar in that it follows most of the rules and conventions of lacrosse, only without using the sticks.
Equipment
No other sport uses the net-on-a-stick used by lacrosse players. The closest thing is the cesta in the Brazilian sport jai alai, which also has participants catching and throwing a ball using equipment. Hockey uses a stick of similar length, although it's used differently during play. Players who particularly like the protective gear worn in lacrosse will feel right at home suiting up for ice hockey or roller derby.
Scoring
The scoring conventions of lacrosse are simple: one goal equals one point, with nothing else taken into consideration. In this way, it's similar to soccer, ice hockey and field hockey. The foul conventions are most similar to soccer: fouls afford extra scoring opportunities and can result in a player getting ejected.
Contact
Lacrosse, especially men's and youth boys' lacrosse, can be a very physical game. Shoulder and body checks are common, as are short butts with the stick. Those drawn to the high-contact nature of play will find themselves less satisfied -- and potentially drawing many fouls -- in soccer. Rugby and ice hockey generally have a similar level of acceptable rough play.
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