How to Play a Lacrosse Goalie

The goalie just might be the most important position on the lacrosse team. His job is to first of all stop any shot that the opposing team can place at the goal and then once the ball is taken away from the opposing players and is in the possession of the defense, then the goalie must lead the task of carrying and passing the ball until it reaches the offensive players. This is called “clearing” the ball.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lacrosse net
• Goalie stick
• Lacrosse ball
• Lacrosse helmet
• Chest protectors
• Shin guards
• Leg protectors

1. Procure all necessary protective equipment for the person, who will be goalie. Besides the mandatory helmet and gloves, the goalie will need a special stick, which is wider and deeper than other sticks. He will also need a chest protector, shin guards and leg protectors. Some goalies even play with a neck protector.

2. Learn how to pass and catch with a goalie stick, which is much more different from the other sticks that the rest of the players use.

3. Learn how to defend the goal. Stopping shots that are heading directly to the goal takes concentration and quick reflexes. Also, one needs to know where to stand and how to react as the ball gets passed around the perimeter of the goal. Goalies should spend plenty of time defending shots taken by the best offensive players during practice.

4. Learn how to call signals for the defense. The goalie’s chatter is an integral part of the defense of any lacrosse team. He must constantly callout ball location, passes, shots and loose balls. The goalie should be a constant conveyor of verbal information until he gains control of the ball, at which time he yells the command clear.

5. Clearing the ball is the process by which the defense moves the ball down the field and passes it off to the offensive players. The goalie begins the process by taking the ball and proceeding to the safety of the area behind the net and inside the marked-off circle that is called the crease. He then begins the clearing process by running with the ball or passing it off.

Tips & Warnings

• The goalie is "command central central for the defense. He needs to be taught to chatter constantly, while the opposing team is trying to score a goal.
• A good lacrosse player can hurl shots at the goal with speeds that approach 150 mph. The goalie must be well protected and learn the techniques of using his stick to stop oncoming shots with great dedication .

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