Lacrosse Positions

Perhaps best described as a hybrid of soccer and hockey, lacrosse is a game in which players must use a long-handled racket with a net at the end to fire a rubber ball into a goal net. Much like in international football, offensive players need to pass the ball and set up the open shot, while as in hockey, defensive players typically use physical play and body checking to prevent the opposition from scoring.

Overview of Lacrosse Positions

There are four main categories of lacrosse positions. Those positions are the goalkeeper, the attacker, the midfielder and the defenseman.

Attackers

The attackers are the key offensive players on a lacrosse squad. They play in the end of the field closest to their opponent's goal, and their mission is to score points.

Defensemen

Defensemen are responsible for helping prevent the opposing team from scoring goals. While they are not directly charged with blocking shots, they need to challenge the other team's attackers, prevent them from getting an open shot at the net and try to force turnovers.

Midfielders

Midfielders, or "middies" as they are sometimes called, alternate between the offensive and defensive zones and as such must have attributes of both attackers and defensemen. Speed is the primary requirement, since they need to cover so much ground on the field.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the absolute last line of defense between the opposing offense and his team's goal. The keeper is responsible for blocking shots, which requires him to wear special protective gear, and must also direct his defensive teammates.