Lacrosse may not be a mainstream sport, but it is a very competitive athletic contest that has similarities to hockey and soccer. In lacrosse, nine players on each side are attempting to fire a ball into a net protected by the goalkeeper.
Player Positioning
Each team must keep four players on the defensive side of the field at all times. One of those players may be the goaltender. Each team also must have three players on the offensive side of the field at all times. Three players may roam the field and go on either side at any time.
Face Off
Play begins with a face-off in the middle of the field. In a face-off, the opposing centers from the two teams face each other with their sticks on the ground. Each player tries to come up with the ball and when one does, play begins. Wings may release down the field as the face-off begins, but the other players must wait until one player or the other gains possession. Center face-offs are used at the start of all four quarters and after every goal.
Game Length
Most lacrosse games consist of four 12-minute quarters. There is a two-minute break after the first and third quarters and a 10-minute break at halftime. Teams change ends of the field after every quarter. Each team is permitted two timeouts per half.
Possession
Players may stick-check the player with possession of the ball. This is done by the controlled slapping and poking of the stick against the opponent's. The player may not use his lacrosse stick to "smash" or "attack" the opponent's stick--just to knock the ball away. Defensive players can also body check the player with the ball, but the body check can occur only from the front or side and it must be above the waist.
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