Girls Lacrosse Terminology
Assist
The last pass that sets up a goal. An assist is given if the goalscorer gets a pass and does not have to beat a defender to score.
Back-Up
An out-of-bounds ball resulting from a shot on goal will be awarded to the team whose player is closest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds. This rule provides either team with the opportunity to gain possession of the ball after a missed shot.
Clearing
Moving the ball from the defensive end to the offensive end of the field by passing the ball to a teammate or running while cradling the ball. Similar to a basketball team bringing the ball up the court from their opponent's basket. Clearing is best done along the sidelines, away from the front of the goal.
Cradling
A method of moving your wrist in a motion that rocks the ball in your stick. This motion is important to keep the ball in your stick when running or having your stick hit. This is one of the most important basic skills to be learned.
Cutting
An o ffensive player without the ball darts around a defender toward the goal in order to receive a “feed pass.” A cutting player is a cutter.
Dodging
An offensive move of suddenly changing direction in order to avoid an opponent. Similar to a coss-over in basketball.
Draw
Draws occur at the beginning of each game, after each goal and at the start of each quarter/half. Draws involve two opposing center midfielders who meet at the center of the midfield line. Each player stands with knees bent, sticks at armpit level. The referee places the ball between the two sticks and the girls must hold it in place. The draw begins when the referee blows his whistle and the girls force the ball up, like a jumpball in basketball.
Feed
“Passing with a purpose – to score a goal.” An offensive play in which one player passes the ball to a cutting teammate for a shot on goal.
Man Up (aka Extra Man)
Occurs when the defense has been given a penalty and one defender must leave the field to serve that penalty. Similar to a powerplay in hockey.
Man Down
Describes the team which has lost a player to the penalty box.
Off-Ball Movement
Moving without the ball to create an advantage over the defense. This is done by cutting to get open to receive a pass, creating space for the ball carrier by moving to pull your defender away from the ball, or setting an on-ball pick, similar to basketball.
Offsides
The rule states that each team must not have more than 7 players on (or over) the restraining line in their offensive end or have more than 8 players on (or over) the restraining line. It is the number of players who must remain on each side, not the actual position they play.
On-the-Fly Substitution
A manner of substituting in which a team replaces a player on the field while the ball is in-bounds and the clock is running.
Pick
A technique in which a player without the ball, by her positioning, forces the opponent to take another route. To be legal it must be set within the visual field of the opponent allowing enough time and space to stop or change direction. It may be moving or stationary.
Ride
One team trying to stop another from clearing the ball out of its defensive zone. Similar to a basketball team applying a full-court press to prevent the opponent from getting the ball down the court after a rebound, turnover, or basket.
Slide
This occurs when an offensive player gets past his defender, forcing another defensive player to “slide” over and pick up the threatening offensive player.
Covering the Ball
Players are not permitted to cover the ball under any circumstances with their stick or body. Penalty: Immediate stoppage of play and possession is awarded to the offended team. \
3 Seconds Closely Guarded (OFFENSE)
A player with the ball may not hold the ball for more than 3 seconds when a) closely guarded b) the defense has both hands on their stick c) the defense is in a position to legally check if checking was allowed. Penalty: Immediate stoppage of play and possession is awarded to the offended team.
Shooting Space
Defenders cannot obstruct the free space to the goal if not marking an opponent or playing the ball carrier within a stick’s length.
3 Seconds in the Arc (DEFENSE)
Defenders cannot remain inside the 8m arc unless marking an opponent within a stick’s length. More than one defender can mark the ball carrier in the 8m. However, more than one defender can mark the ball carrier in the 8 meter as long as they are within a stick’s length. This is like the 3-second lane in basketball but applies to the defense.
Stick Check
Striking another player with the stick in an attempt to dislodge the ball is not allowed until 5/6th grade.
Poke Check
A defender jabs his stick at the exposed stick end or hands of an opposing ball carrier in an e ffort to jar the ball loose. These checks are very e ffective in that the checking player stays in balance and keeps a cushion of space between himself and the ball carrier.
Unsettled Situation
Any situation in which the defense is not positioned correctly, usually due to a loose ball or broken clear, or fast break. Teams that hustle score many goals during unsettled situations.
Penalties
Personal Fouls/Major (safety)
The penalty for a personal foul is 4 meters behind the person that was fouled and the ball is no closer than 12 meters to the goal circle. The most common personal fouls include:
Slashing
Occurs when a player’s stick contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick.
Tripping
Occurs when a player obstructs an opponent at or below the waist with her stick, hands, arms, feet or legs.
Cross-Checking
Occurs when a player uses the handle of his stick to make contact with an opponent.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsmanlike by an official, including taunting, obscene language or gestures, and arguing.
Unnecessary Roughness
Participants are expected to uphold the highest levels of sportsmanship at all times. Arguing, threatening, the use of profane language or obscene gestures by players, coaches or spectators shall result in a penalty.
Illegal Body Contact
Legal contact can occur between opponents during the normal process of play. However, contact that occurs that physically forces the opponent off of her position or path is illegal contact. Illegal stick to body contact (in a horizontal position) or any contact deemed dangerous should be called.
Illegal Stick
Occurs when a player uses a stick that does not conform to required specifications. A stick may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if the stick was altered to gain an advantage.
Dangerous Shot
A Player shoots dangerously or without control at the goalkeeper. 1. A dangerous shot is judged on the basis of the combination of distance, force, and placement. 2. A shot should not be directed at the goalkeeper’s body, especially her head or neck.
Holding
Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's stick.
Interference
Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the players, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball.
Offsides
Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its off¬ensive side of the midfield line.
Screening
Occurs illegally when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking her from the player she is defending.
Stick in the "Sphere"
Any time the stick of the defender goes into the sphere or forcing the opponent's stick into the sphere constitutes an illegal check. A check to the head and a slash are mandatory cards.
Cardable/Misconduct Fouls
The penalty for a cardable foul is a 2-minute suspension if a team is in possession of the ball when the foul is committed, or possession of the ball to the team that was fouled if there was no possession when the foul was committed. For a card, the player will serve a specific time penalty AND the team will play short. If a player gets a second yellow card, it is a red and the player is out for the game (like soccer). When a team gets a card, the penalties are non-releasable.
Penalty Administration for Major Fouls in the 8-meter Arc:
For a major foul by a defensive player which occurs in the 8-meter arc:
a. The player who was fouled will move to a hash mark nearest the spot of the foul on the 8-meter arc with her feet behind the arc.
b. The player who fouled moves to the 12-meter fan directly behind the player taking the free position.
c. All players’ and sticks must be 8 meters away from the goal circle above goal line extended and the area created by the extension of the 8-meter mark to the dots and across the dots.