Girls' Lacrosse Game Overview
Women's lacrosse (or girls' lacrosse), sometimes shortened to lax, is a field sport played at the international level with two opposing teams of ten players each (12 players per team at the U.S. domestic level). The rules of women's lacrosse differ significantly from men's field lacrosse. The two are often considered to be different sports with a common root.
The object of the game is to use a long-handled stick (known as a crosse or lacrosse stick) to catch, cradle, and pass a solid rubber lacrosse ball in an effort to score by hurling the ball into an opponent's goal. Cradling is a technique of moving the wrists and arms in a semi-circular motion to keep the ball in the pocket of the stick's head using centripetal force. The head of the lacrosse stick has a mesh or leather net strung into it that allows the player to hold the ball. Defensively, the object is to keep the opposing team from scoring and to dispossess them of the ball through the use of stick checking and body positioning. The rules of women's lacrosse are different from the men's lacrosse game. Equipment required to play is also different from the men's. In the United States, women are only required to wear eyewear or lacrosse goggles and a mouth guard. The stick has restrictions too, as it must be a certain length and the pocket must be shallow enough to show the ball above the side when held at eye level.
At the collegiate level in the United States, lacrosse is represented by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which conducts three NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championships, one for each of its competitive divisions, each spring. Internationally, women's lacrosse has a thirty-one-member governing body called World Lacrosse, which sponsors the Women's Lacrosse World Cup once every four years. (Wikipedia)
Girls' Lacrosse Field Positions
The Attack: There are four attackers, all who look to score. Attackers must continually cut toward the goal for a shot or cut away from the goal to make room for another player. All should have excellent stick work and be able to shoot well from every angle and distance from the goal.
The Midfield: The midfielders are responsible for transitioning the ball from defense to attack and vice versa. They should have speed and endurance and be ready to receive the ball from the defense and run or pass the ball. There are three midfielders, one of which is the Center. The center's responsibility is to control the draw and play both defense and attack. Midfielders play on both the offensive and defensive ends and have to ability to score.
The Defense: There are four defenders that mark the opposing attackers. They should be able to stick check, body check and look to intercept passes. Also, they should be able to receive clears, run fast and have good footwork.
The Goalie: The goalie's responsibility is to protect the goal. She should have good stick work, courage and confidence.
Regulation Women's Field Diagram
