Logo
Log inFind My Team
  • Solutions
    • For Business
      For Business

      Tools for clubs, leagues, tournament organizers, and associations to run their business

      For Teams
      For Teams

      For coaches, players & fans to stay connected on our top-rated mobile app

      Promo image
      • Overview
      • Program ManagementManage all aspects of your organization
      • SponsorshipAccess our network of opportunities
      • RegistrationPayments, dues, and more
      • TournamentsBuild and manage your events
      • PaymentsA better way to manage payments
      • Website BuilderProfessional & mobile friendly sites
      • SchedulingAutomate games & practices
      • Services & SupportIndustry-leading account support
      • MessagesSimple, reliable communication
      • Get started!Chat with our team right now
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    • Community

      Our mission is to enhance the lives of kids by enabling participation in sport

        Other resources
        • Blog
        • Coaches’ Corner
        • For Business Resources
        • TeamSnap Updates
        • Help Center
        Company
        • About
        • Careers
        • Partners
    • For Brands
      • Build relationships in the moments that matter.

        Convert families into superfans with TeamSnap for brands.

          • OverviewThe #1 way to reach the Chief Household Officer
          • AudienceLearn about our audience and network
          • CapabilitiesExplore our products and measurement solutions
          • Download Media Kit

      Find My Team

      Contact salesLog in
      Contact SalesLog in
      BlogTeamSnap For Business
      • General Sports
      • Health and Safety
      • Coaching
      • for Business
      • Announcements
      Featured image: Essential List of Lacrosse Terms: Ultimate Guide for Youth Lacrosse Clubs

      Mar 26, 2024 • 5 min read

      Essential List of Lacrosse Terms: Ultimate Guide for Youth Lacrosse Clubs

      /images/teamsnap-badge.png
      Taylor McKillop

      Posted in:
      • TeamSnap For Business

      TeamSnap shares the list of essential lacrosse terms and definitions in this guide for youth lacrosse terminology. Learn more about lacrosse terms for your youth athlete.

      Ultimate Guide for Youth Lacrosse Terminology

      Essential Lacrosse Terms

      Body Check

      When a lacrosse defender uses their body to hit an opposing ball carrier while contesting on defense. Body check is legal but must be done above the waist and below the neck. 

      Box

      A rectangular shaped area lined out around the crease and the goal. 

      Clear

      When a defense runs or passes the ball away from the crease and their goal area. 

      Crease

      A lined circle area around each team’s goal. 

      Cradling

      A maneuver in which players maintain control of the ball in their lacrosse stick by turning their arms and wrists to cradle the ball in the stick pocket. 

      Cutting

      Much like basketball, a maneuver in which an attacking player rushes towards the goal area in anticipation of receiving a pass. 

      Extra Man / Man Up

      After a penalty, one team will play with an “extra man” or “man up” until the penalty is finished. 

      Man Down

      The penalized team will be “man down” in these situations. 

      Faceoff

      An important part of each lacrosse game. Marks the start of play at the beginning of each quarter, after each goal, and after specific dead balls. Two opposing players crouch at midfield and attempt to gain control of the ball upon an official’s whistle. 

      Ground Ball

      Another important lacrosse maneuver and statistic. When players compete for control of a lose ball (on the ground) by trying to scoop it up with their lacrosse stick. 

      Midfield Line

      The line crossing the middle of the field. Divides the field into offensive and defensive sides. 

      Penalty Box

      An area where players go after they are penalized until time ends. 

      Slashing

      A lacrosse penalty in which players “uncontrollably” swing their lacrosse sticks into the ribs, chest, neck, or back of other players. 

      Stick Check

      A legal lacrosse move on defense in which a player controllably uses their lacrosse stick to stop an opposing player or force them to lose control of the ball. 

      Tripping

      A foul in which one player trips another with their lacrosse stick.  



      Definition: Lacrosse Positions

      Main Positions

      Attack

      Attack is one of the four main lacrosse positions. These players focus on the offensive end of the field, using shorter sticks, and are responsible for scoring goals and assisting goals. 

      Midfield

      Midfielders are important because they play both offense and defense. They act as a first line of defense on possession changes and begin the facilitation of offense on the other end of the field. 

      Defense

      These players use longer sticks and are responsible for preventing the other team from scoring goals. They knock down passes, play on-ball defense, and try to force possession changes. 

      Goalie

      Responsible for stopping the other team from scoring goals. 

      Specialty Positions 

      Faceoff or FOGO (Faceoff Get Off)

      Some players are so adept at winning faceoffs, their main goal is to win a facebook and then sub off the field when possession is gained. 

      Long Stick Midfielder or LSM

      Midfielders who play with a long stick (like defenders). They are combination midfield and defender. 

      Lacrosse Lingo and Slang

      Behind the Back

      When an offensive player scores a goal by shooting the ball and their stick behind their back. 

      Bucket/Lid

      Another playful name for the lacrosse helmet. 

      Cage

      The lacrosse goal.

      Celly

      Short for celebration, usually performed after scoring. 

      Coast to Coast

      When a defender or goalie carries the ball from the length of the field and scores a goal. 

      Dime

      Another name for an assist or nice pass leading to a goal.

      Door Step

      When offensive players are right above the crease or right near the other team’s goal. 

      Hatty

      Short for hat trick or scoring 3 goals in the same game (by one player). 

      Rip Twine

      A fun way to talk about scoring goals, when the ball hits the back of the net. 



      Download our app

      app-storegoogle-play

      Share this post


      Create Your Team Today!

      It’s Free and Free is Good!

      Sign Up Your Team!Free and Paid Plans Available
      Products
      Sports Organizations
      • Get a demo
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • FAQs
      Coaches or Team Managers
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • Get Started
      Parents or Athletes
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Find My Team
      • Get Started
      Sports
      Sports Organizations
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Volleyball
      Teams
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • +100s more
      Resources
      • Blog
      • Coaches’ Corner
      • Return To Play
      • For Business Resource Library
      • Skills & Drills
      • Press Releases
      • TeamSnap Updates
      • TeamSnap Help Center
      • Community
      • Why TeamSnap?
      Company
      • About
      • CareersHiring!
      • For Brands
      • Partners
      • TeamSnap API
      • Responsible Disclosure Policy
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Apple App Store Logo
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Google Play Store Logo
      • social-media-facebook
      • social-media-twitter
      • social-pinterest
      • social-instagram
      • social-video-youtube
      • professional-network-linkedin
      • social-tiktok

      TeamSnap Footer Logo

      Copyright © 2005–2025 TeamSnap, Inc.

      • Sitemap
      • Terms
      • Privacy Policy
      • California Privacy Policy
      • Your Privacy Choices