Lacrosse is one of the fastest, most exciting field sports in the world — combining the speed of hockey, the strategy of basketball, and the physicality of soccer. Whether you’re a beginner, a parent, or a player preparing for a league, understanding the rules of lacrosse is the first step to playing confidently and safely.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn the basic rules of lacrosse, gameplay flow, penalties, youth rules, girls’ rules, high-school rules, and more — all explained simply so anyone can understand.

Here are the 10 fundamental Lacrosse rules every player must know:

• Each team plays with 10 players (boys/men) or 12 players (girls/women).

• You must use a lacrosse stick to pass, catch, cradle, and shoot the ball.

• Players cannot touch the ball with their hands (except the goalie).

• Body checking is allowed in boys’ lacrosse but only within specific rules.

• No contact allowed in girls’ lacrosse — only stick checks.

• Players must stay in their designated zones to avoid offsides.

• Goals count as 1 point, scored by shooting the ball into the net.

• Players must not enter the crease area around the opposing goalie.

• Stick checking must be controlled, targeting stick and gloves only.

• Penalties result in man-down situations for the offending team.

Understanding how the game flows is just as important as learning the rules.

1 Start of Play — The Faceoff / Draw

• Boys/Men: The game begins with a faceoff at midfield.

• Girls/Women: Play starts with a draw where players lift the ball into the air.

2 Ball Movement

Players advance the ball by:

• Passing

• Catching

• Cradling

• Ground-ball scooping

• Running (carrying the ball)

3 Scoring

A team scores when the ball completely enters the opponent’s goal. Each goal = 1 point.

4 Offense

Offensive players use:

• Picks

• Cuts

• Passing patterns

• Dodges

• Shots on goal

The goal is to create space and get high-quality shot opportunities.

5 Defense

Defensive players focus on:

• Positioning

• Stick checks

• Body positioning (boys)

• Zone or man-to-man coverage

The goal is to limit shots and force turnovers.

Proper gear is required for safety and fair play.

Boys/Men’s Lacrosse Equipment:

• Helmet

• Shoulder pads

• Gloves

• Mouthguard

• Arm pads

• Lacrosse stick

• Cleats

• Goalie equipment (chest protector, throat guard)

Girls/Women’s Lacrosse Equipment:

• Goggles

• Mouthguard

• Stick

• Cleats

• Goalie gear (helmet + pads)

Equipment rules differ between boys and girls because contact rules differ significantly.

Youth lacrosse prioritizes safety and skill development.

Key youth rules:

• Limited body contact

• Shorter quarters

• Smaller fields for low age groups

• Emphasis on stick skills

• No one-handed checks

• Coaches on field allowed at younger ages

• Modified pocket depth for easier catching

These kid-specific rules ensure a positive introduction to the sport.

High school lacrosse follows NFHS regulations.

Important rules include:

• 4 quarters (12 minutes each)

• Shot clock may apply in some states

• More advanced checking allowed

• Strict penalties for dangerous contact

• Offside and crease violations are enforced more tightly

High school players experience gameplay very close to college-level competitiveness.

Girls’ lacrosse has very different rules from boys’ lacrosse.

Key differences:

• No body checking allowed

• Stick checks only (must be controlled)

• A 3-second rule prevents defenders from crowding the ball carrier

• Players must maintain specific shooting space

• More players on the field (12 vs 10)

The game is built around finesse, speed, and strategy rather than physicality.

Fouls in lacrosse fall into two main categories:

1 Personal Fouls

These include:

• Slashing

• Cross-checking

• Illegal body checks

• Tripping

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

These usually result in 1–3 minutes in the penalty box.

2 Technical Fouls

Lighter fouls such as:

• Holding

• Interference

• Offsides

• Warding

• Crease violation

These typically result in 30 seconds or loss of possession.

Once the Lacrosse rules are understood, players can master gameplay strategy:

Offensive Strategies:

• Motion offense

• 2-man game

• Triangle passing

• Isolation (ISO)

• Fast breaks

Defensive Strategies:

• Man-to-man defense

• Zone defense

• Ride/clear strategies

• Double teams

Mastering these takes players to the next level.

Coaches focus on drills that reinforce the Lacrosse rules and enhance gameplay skills:

• Ground-ball drills

• Cradling drills

• Shooting accuracy

• Defensive footwork

• Position-specific stick work

These are essential for youth and advanced players.