30 Must-Know Lacrosse Terms, Phrases and Slang

Lax Bros and Sisters, gear up to cradle your way through the rad lingo of lacrosse!

From wild face-offs to stellar goals, knowing these 30 crucial terms will launch you from sideline spectator to the heart of the huddle.

Ready to talk the talk and walk the walk? Let’s rip into it!

Must-Know Lacrosse Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Attackman
2. Clear
3. Crease
4. Cradle
5. Defenseman
6. Face-off
7. Goal
8. Ground ball
9. Head
10. Man-up
11. Midfielder
12. Offside
13. Pick
14. Pocket
15. Quick stick
16. Ride
17. Scoop
18. Shot
19. Stick check
20. Transition
21. Zone defense
22. Assist
23. Body check
24. Box lacrosse
25. Clamp
26. Dodge
27. Feed
28. Mesh
29. Release
30. Sidewall

#1 Attackman

A position in lacrosse mainly responsible for offense, attackmen are critical players positioned near the opponent’s goal to score. They showcase stick skills, agility, and strategic play to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities.

#2 Clear

A strategic move in lacrosse used by the defending team to move the ball from their defensive area to the attacking half safely. It is essential for transitioning from defense to offense and requires strong passing and coordination among teammates.

#3 Crease

The circular area around the lacrosse goal with a radius of nine feet, the crease is the goalie’s domain. Offensive players cannot enter the crease with the ball, and defensive strategies often focus on protecting this zone.

#4 Cradle

The act of rocking the stick back and forth to keep the ball secure in the head’s pocket while running or dodging opponents. Cradling is a foundational skill that helps players maintain possession during play.

#5 Defenseman

A position in lacrosse dedicated to protecting the goal area and preventing the opposing team from scoring. Defensemen use body position, stick checks, and tactical awareness to disrupt the offense and clear the ball.

#6 Face-off

A method to start or resume play where two midfielders battle for possession of the ball at the center of the field. Winning face-offs is crucial for controlling the game’s pace and securing more offensive opportunities.

#7 Goal

In lacrosse, a goal is scored when the ball is shot into the opponent’s net, passing completely over the goal line between the goal posts and beneath the crossbar. Each goal counts as one point. The structure itself is also referred to as the goal, consisting of a rectangular frame with a net attached to catch the ball.

#8 Ground ball

A ground ball in lacrosse is any ball that is loose on the playing field, not in the possession of any player. Winning ground balls by picking them up before the opponent is crucial as it leads to increased possession and opportunities to score.

#9 Head

The top portion of a lacrosse stick where the net (or pocket) is located and where players catch, carry, and shoot the ball. The head’s design affects control, accuracy, and how the ball is handled during play.

#10 Man-up

A situation where one team has a numerical advantage due to an opposing player serving a penalty. The team with more players can exploit the extra space and manpower to orchestrate a strategic play.

#11 Midfielder

A versatile player who performs both offensive and defensive roles, moving the full length of the field. Midfielders are key to transition plays, contributing to both goal-scoring opportunities and defensive stops.

#12 Offside

A rule violation that occurs when a team has too few players on its side of the field relative to the midfield line. Offsides results in a change of possession and a potential scoring opportunity for the opposition.

#13 Pick

A tactical move where a player uses their body to block or ‘pick’ an opponent, creating space for a teammate to move or receive a pass. This play requires good communication and timing to execute effectively.

#14 Pocket

The strung part of the lacrosse stick’s head that cradles the ball. Players adjust the pocket’s depth and tension for better control, passing, and shooting, adhering to regulations on pocket dimensions.

#15 Quick stick

A quick stick is a technique in lacrosse where the player catches the ball with the stick and immediately releases it in one smooth, quick motion, without cradling. This technique is often used close to the goal to score before the goalie can react.

#16 Ride

Riding in lacrosse refers to the actions taken by the attacking team to prevent the defending team from successfully clearing the ball from their defensive half to the midfield or attacking zone. This can involve pressuring the ball carrier or cutting off passing lanes.

#17 Scoop

A fundamental technique used to pick up the ball from the ground, where a player uses the bottom edge of the stick to get under the ball and lift it into the pocket. It’s the lacrosse equivalent of picking up a ground ball.

#18 Shot

An attempt to score a goal by propelling the ball towards the net with the stick. Players showcase their precision and power by placing the shot away from the goalie’s reach.

#19 Stick check

A defensive move aimed at dislodging the ball from an opponent’s stick by using controlled stick-to-stick contact. Effective stick checking can thwart an offensive player’s momentum and cause a turnover.

#20 Transition

Refers to the change in play from defense to offense or vice versa. Teams in transition aim for quick, efficient movements to capitalize on shifts in player positions and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

#21 Zone defense

A defensive strategy where each player is responsible for guarding an area of the field instead of marking a specific opponent. This approach can be effective at disrupting offensive plays and forcing turnovers.

#22 Assist

A pass to a teammate that directly leads to a goal, displaying teamwork and game sense. Assists are a critical indicator of a player’s vision and ability to support offensive plays.

#23 Body check

A body check in lacrosse is a defensive move where a player uses their body to hit an opponent in possession of the ball or within five yards of the ball. The check must be from the front or side, above the waist and below the shoulders, to be legal. Body checking is allowed in men’s lacrosse but is illegal in women’s lacrosse.

#24 Box Lacrosse

Box lacrosse is a faster, more physical variant of lacrosse played on an enclosed field, resembling a hockey rink. It emphasizes quick passing, close quarters play, and strategic use of the playing area’s boundaries.

#25 Clamp

A face-off technique where a player quickly pushes the back of their stick on top of the ball to gain control. It’s a critical skill for gaining possession and allowing their team to initiate offensive plays.

#26 Dodge

An evasive move by a player with the ball to get past an opponent. Much like basketball’s crossover, dodges in lacrosse are fancy footwork tricks crucial for creating scoring opportunities.

#27 Feed

A term for a pass made to a teammate where the intention is to set up a goal. A successful feed requires precise timing and awareness of the field, often leading to an assist.

#28 Mesh

The netting on the head of a lacrosse stick that holds the ball. The tightness and style of the mesh can affect how a player shoots and passes, making it a personalized feature of the stick.

#29 Release

In penalty situations, a release occurs when the penalized time ends and the player may re-enter the field of play. The term is also used to signal that a player has passed the ball during offensive play.

#30 Sidewall

The side of the head of a lacrosse stick, where strings are woven to create and maintain the pocket. The sidewall design influences the depth and type of pocket, affecting ball control and release.

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