Lacrosse Terminology

Special thanks to Clark for this valuable information

 

Attack Area: The offensive zone where the attacking team tries to score. It's located near the opponent's goal.

Body Check: A defensive maneuver in men's lacrosse where a player uses their body to legally hit an opponent to dislodge the ball

Clear: A defensive strategy where the team in possession moves the ball from their defensive zone to the offensive zone

Crease: A circular area surrounding the goal. Offensive players are not allowed to enter the crease, and the goalie has special privileges within it.

Cross-Check: A penalty for using the shaft of the stick to push or hit an opponent

Defensive Area: The zone where the defending team works to prevent the opposing team from scoring

Dodge: An offensive move where a player uses quick footwork and stick skills to evade a defender and create scoring opportunities

Face-Off: A method used to start play at the beginning of each quarter or after a goal. Two players crouch down at the center of the field, and the ball is placed between their sticks. They compete to gain possession.

Fast Break: A quick transition from defense to offense, often resulting in a scoring opportunity before the opposing team can set up their defense

Ground Ball: A loose ball on the playing surface. Players often shout "Ball down!" to alert teammates when the ball is on the ground.

Holding: A penalty called when a player impedes an opponent's movement by grabbing their body or stick

Man-Up/Man-Down: Situations where one team has a numerical advantage due to a penalty. The team with more players is "man-up," while the penalized team is "man-down."

Midfield Line: The line that divides the field into two equal halves. It's also used to determine offside violations.

Offside: A penalty called when a team has too many players on one side of the midfield line

Restraining Box: A rectangular area on each half of the field. Teams must keep a certain number of players within this box to avoid offside penalties.

Ride: An offensive strategy where the attacking team pressures the defense to prevent a successful clear

Shot on Goal: Any attempt to score by shooting the ball toward the net. Shots that hit the goalpost or crossbar do not count as shots on goal unless they then enter the net.

Shoulder Pads: Protective gear worn on the upper body to absorb hits and prevent injuries during physical play

Slashing: A penalty called when a player swings their stick at an opponent in a dangerous or uncontrolled manner

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: A penalty for behavior deemed disrespectful or inappropriate, such as arguing with officials or taunting opponents

Wing Area: The areas on either side of the midfield line where players line up during a face-off