Lacrosse Terminology
Many terms used throughout the course of a game may be unique to the sport and unfamiliar. Here are some common terms:
Assist = Pass to teammate who immediately scores a goal
Box = Sideline substitution area
Cage = Goal
Chase = After a shot, the player closest to the ball (offense or defense) gains possession. This often results in players chasing a ball to gain possession, called a chase.
Clear = Defense attempts to advance the ball out of their half of the field into the offensive half
Crease = 3 foot circle surrounding the goal that cannot be entered by an offensive player
Fast Break = Offense has numbers of players advantage rushing toward the defending team’s goal eager for a scoring opportunity
Man-up/down =Team has a number of players advantage/disadvantage from a penalty. Related term is Extra Man Offense (EMO).
Ride = Attempt by offensive players to hinder or prevent defensive players from moving the ball out of their defensive zone