Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport with similarities to soccer, hockey and football. Lacrosse players use a stick with a netted end, called a crosse, to move the ball up and down the field, with the objective being to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time wins.
Men's Lacrosse
Men's lacrosse is an extremely physical, contact sport played on a playing surface the size of a football field. Teams are made up of 10 to a side, including three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders and a goalie. Professional and collegiate level games are divided into 15-minute quarters, for a playing time of 60 minutes.
The game begins with a face-off of two players from opposing teams. The ball is placed at the center of the field. Upon hearing the referee's starting whistle, play begins and the two players fight for possession. The face-off is also used to restart play after one team scores a goal and to begin each quarter.
Players use their crosses to move the ball up and down the field, catching, passing and shooting, all without touching the ball with their hands. Only the goalies are allowed to use their hands.
As the ball moves around the field, communication between teammates is key. Defensive players must stay in the back half of the field and offensive players must stay in the front half. Midfielders, however, can roam the entire playing surface.
If a team sends the ball out of bounds, the other team takes possession and play is resumed.
Attacking players cannot enter the circle surrounding the opposing team's goal, but can reach across the line with a crosse to play the ball.
Checking
Men are required to wear shoulder pads, gloves and helmets because slamming into opponents, or body checking, is part of the game. Still, players are only allowed to check another player if he has possession of the ball or is within 5 yards of a free ball.
A stick check is used to take the ball from an opponent. A stick check involves hitting an opponent's crosse or gloved hands in order to dislodge the ball from the netting.
Women's Lacrosse
Women's lacrosse differs from the men's game in several significant ways. Excluding the goalkeeper, women don't wear protective pads while playing lacrosse because the game is no-contact. Professional and collegiate level games are 60 minutes, but they are divided into two halves rather than quarters. Women's lacrosse also differs in that each team is made up of 12 players: a goalie, five defenders and six attackers.
Games begin in a less physical manner than men's lacrosse. Rather than a face-off for possession, the ball is flung into the air to begin the game.
Stick checks are allowed in women's lacrosse in order to dislodge the ball from an opponent's crosse. However, in order for a stick check to be legal, it must be performed at least 7 inches from the opponent's face.
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