Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports played in North America. A derivation of the game was first played by Native Americans of the Huron and Iroquois tribes and the sport was later adapted by Canadian William George Beers. The game is very popular in certain states -- particularly in the northeast -- and Canada. The game is played at the high school, college and professional level.
Players on the Field
A lacrosse team consists of 10 players. Each team has a goaltender, three defensemen, three midfielders and three forwards. The defensemen may only stay on the defensive side of the field, the three forwards are only on the offensive side while the midfielders are allowed to roam anywhere on the field. If players do not stay on their half of the field, they can be penalized and are required to leave the field for one minute at a time.
Field and Equipment
The lacrosse field is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. The offensive and defensive areas are 35 yards long. The goal crease has a 9-foot radius and the goal cage is 6 feet long by 6 feet wide. Each player has a lacrosse stick. The forward's lacrosse stick measures between 40 and 42 inches. The defenseman's lacrosse stick is between 52 and 72 inches. A goalkeeper's lacrosse stick is 40 to 72 inches long with a head that can be 12 inches wide. Defensemen use longer sticks than forwards because those sticks can be used to block passes and shots, as well as knock the ball out of the smaller, yet more maneuverable forward's sticks.
Length of Game and Overall Play
A lacrosse game at the college and professional level is 60 minutes long. There are four 15-minute periods. High school games consist of four 12-minute periods. There is a two-minute break after the first and third period and a 15-minute break at halftime. Goals are scored when the player hurls a round lacrosse ball into the net that is protected by a goaltender. The game is started with a face-off at the center of the field and the team advances the ball by running it upfield and completing passes to teammates until a shot can be taken. If the goaltender can stop the shot, the defense can take the ball and advance it up the field.
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