Lacrosse Draft
A fast team sport played with a netted stick and a small rubber ball. Players cradle, pass and shoot, with versions for field, indoor box and no-contact formats.
Open the app Find lacrosse games, places and shops near you.
How to start
What you need
- Lacrosse stick (men's and women's sticks differ)
- Lacrosse ball
- Helmet, gloves, shoulder and arm pads for men's field play
- Eye protection and mouthguard for women's play
- Cleats and a water bottle
Typical cost
A beginner stick costs $30 to $80 and a full men's protective kit $150 to $300. Youth club fees are about $100 to $400 per season. Rental gear may be available at clubs (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
High school and college programs, youth clubs, community leagues, and park fields. Many areas run learn-to-play clinics and wall-ball groups.
Rules
- Teams try to put the ball into the opposing goal using their sticks. Only the goalie may touch the ball with their hands.
- Men's field lacrosse has 10 players per side; women's has 12; box (indoor) lacrosse has 6.
- A goal is worth one point. Games are four quarters (field) or four periods (box), often 12 to 15 minutes each.
- Players keep the ball in the stick pocket by cradling, and can pass, shoot or run with it.
- Offside rules require a minimum number of players to stay in each half of the field.
- Contact is limited: men's play allows stick checks and body checks within the rules; women's play avoids body contact and limits stick checks.
- Play restarts with a face-off in men's lacrosse and a draw in women's lacrosse.
Drills
Wall ball 10 min
Throw the ball against a wall from 3 to 4 meters. Catch with both hands on the stick, then switch to the other hand. 100 reps each hand.
Cradle and run 8 min
Cradle with a rhythmic motion and run through cones with the ball secure. Use both hands.
Partner passing 8 min
Pass back and forth from 8 meters. Step toward the target and snap your top hand forward. Catch with soft hands, giving with the ball.
Shooting lanes 10 min
From 8 to 10 meters, take 20 shots on goal, aiming for the four corners.
Ground-ball scoop 8 min
Place balls on the ground. Run, get low, scoop through the ball with the stick head and protect it with your body.
Etiquette
- Shake hands with opponents and officials after the game.
- Do not slash or stick check to the head.
- Respect the whistle and keep checks within the rules.
Safety
- Wear all required protective gear, and replace damaged helmets.
- Never swing the stick at head height or at someone not wearing pads.
- Warm up and stay hydrated; report head impacts immediately.
Levels
- 1First practice; learning to hold the stick and catch.
- 2Can throw and catch with both hands and cradle while jogging.
- 3Plays a position in a team; understands offsides and ground balls.
- 4Strong passing and shooting; plays on school or club teams.
- 5High-level stick skills and tactical play; plays college or elite club.
Questions
Is it hard to learn?
Catching and cradling take a few weeks of practice, mostly against a wall. After that, small-sided games are fun right away.
What is the difference between men's and women's lacrosse?
Men's allows body checks and uses helmets and pads; women's limits contact and uses eye protection and a shallower stick pocket.
Can I play without a team?
Yes. Wall ball and pickup games are common. Clubs also offer beginner clinics.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays lacrosse. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.