Men's lacrosse is a demanding game that requires players to run up and down the field for four quarters as they attempt to score more goals than their opponents. Goals are scored when players can hurl a lacrosse ball (made out of hardened rubber) into a goal protected by a goaltender. Player shoot the ball with lacrosse sticks that measure anywhere between 40 and 72 inches.
Number of Players/Positions
There are 10 players on a lacrosse team. Each team must have one goaltender, three defensemen, three midfielders and three attackers. The defensemen must stay on the defensive side of the field, the attackers stay on the offensive side of the field while the midfielders can go all over the field. Attackers use sticks that are 40 to 42 inches long while defensemen use sticks that may be 52 to 72 inches long. Midfielders may use sticks that are between 40 and 72 inches.
Checking
Checking is allowed in lacrosse. Players are allowed to use their lacrosse sticks to force the ball from the mesh netting of of their lacrosse sticks. They are also allowed to body check an opponent who has the ball or is within five yards of a teammate who has the ball. Body checks may be made to the upper body only. Players who hit others in their lower body are called for an illegal checking penalty and must sit out and leave their team shorthanded.
Length of Game and Procedures
A college lacrosse game consists of four 15-minute periods. A high school game is shorter, with four 12-minute periods. At the start of each period and after every goal, the two teams conduct a face-off to see which team gains possession. The ball is placed between the sticks of two players who are crouching in the center of the field. After the official blows his whistle to start the play, each face-off player tries to control the ball. The other players on the field cannot touch the ball until one players who participated in the face-off has gained possession.
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