1. The Last Line of Defense
Like goaltenders in other team sports, lacrosse goalkeepers are the last line of defense between the opponent and the goal. Playing goalkeeper in lacrosse takes nerves of steel and skin nearly as tough. Skilled lacrosse attackers can fire the ball as hard and fast as a major league pitcher, and it's the goalkeeper's job to put her body in front of that speeding ball. In addition to protecting the net, the goalkeeper must also keep track of her teammates and give directions. Lacrosse goalkeepers are also referred to as keepers and goalies.
2. Keeper Rules
The rules the goalkeeper must abide by depend on whether men or women are playing lacrosse. The rules are also different for field (outdoor) lacrosse and box (indoor) lacrosse. Men's field lacrosse goalkeepers may keep the ball in their possession inside the goal crease for only 4 seconds. Before that time expires, the goalie must either pass the ball to a teammate or step outside the crease. Failure to get the ball out of the crease in under 4 seconds results in a time delay penalty. The goalkeeper can't bring the ball back into the crease after stepping out.
3. Girls Only
Women's field lacrosse goalkeepers have a similar time limit for being inside the crease with the ball, except they are granted 10 seconds. A time delay penalty is assessed for holding onto the ball in the crease too long. Unlike men's lacrosse goalkeepers, the ladies are allowed to control the ball with their hands.
4. Think Inside the Box
In addition to field lacrosse, which is played outside, players can also play box lacrosse inside. Box lacrosse has slightly different rules than field lacrosse, is played on a smaller field and tends to have quicker play, which can add an element of difficulty for the goalkeeper. Box lacrosse goalies have the same crease rules as field lacrosse goalies, but they aren't confined to playing inside a specific zone. Box lacrosse goalies often join their teammates on the offense and take advantage of the lack of an offsides rule in box lacrosse.
5. Suit Up for Safety
Lacrosse goalies wear the most protective gear on the field. They are required to wear a helmet, throat protector, chest protector and gloves. Male goalkeepers are required to wear a protective athletic cup, and women must wear thigh protectors and shin guards. Some male goalkeepers also opt to wear the thigh protectors and shin guards, and elbow and shoulder pads are also available for all goalkeepers. Box lacrosse goalies tend to wear more protective gear than their field goalkeeping counterparts. Lacrosse goalkeepers use a different stick, also called a crosse, than the field players. The goalkeeper's stick has a larger head for snagging shots from the air.
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