Generally, games are 48 minutes long, with 12-minute quarters. Each team is given a two minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Half time is ten minutes long.
Positions
There are four different positions in lacrosse - attack, midfielder, defense and goalie.
U9 girls and boys teams play with 7 players on a shortened field.
U11 and above boys teams play with 10 players on the field at any time. Typically, 3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defense and 1 Goalie.
U11 and above girls teams play with 12 players on the field at any time. Some teams run 4 attack and 4 def, 3 midfield (4-3-4) and 1 goalie, although some teams will run 5 midfielders (wings) instead, so 3-5-3.
In the Coed Instructional level and U9, we teach all positions to all players. All players will have a chance to play these positions throughout the lacrosse season either at practice sessions, during a scrimmage or at a real game.
Scoring
A goal scores one point when the ball crosses through the imaginary plane formed by the rear edges of the goal line, the goal posts and the top cross bar. Most goals are shot, but goals also count when a player kicks the ball in or when the ball rolls in after hitting an offensive or defensive player.
Substitutions
Substitutions can take place at any point in the game if they are done “on the fly” As one players exist the field another player can enter. Substitutions can also take place when the ball goes out of bounds (aka, dead ball) on the sidelines. The coach can ask for the horn, the ref stops play, and major line changes can be performed.
Lacrosse Terms
Checking – attempt to dislodge the ball from the opponent’s stick by stick or body contact.
Clear – a pass or run to advance the ball from the defensive to the offensive half of the field.
Cradling – moving the arms and wrists to keep the ball in the stick pocket and ready for passing or shooting.
Crease – the circle (with a 9′ in radius) around each goal.
Dead ball – when the game ball goes out of bounds – off the playing field.
Goal line extended – an imaginary line that runs parallel to the endline from the goal posts to the sidelines.
Ground ball – a loose ball. Since you need the ball to score coaches should send 2 players for ground balls.
Man-ball – one man’s scooping a loose ball while a teammate body checks the opponent closest to the ball but within the legal 5 yard distance.
Mark up – making sure you have an opponent player right in front of you in a body-to-body position or lock step mode.
On the fly – how substitutions are made while the clock is running.
Scoop – picking up a loose ground ball.
Shot – a ball thrown at the goal with the intent of scoring.
Slide – a move to block a ball carrier moving to the goal; the defender leaves the player he was guarding.
Ward off – the illegal movement of the ball carrier’s free arm to deflect the stick check of his opponent.
X – the area behind the goal.