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.