Lacrosse Terms: A Starter Glossary With Format Context

Lacrosse vocabulary is easier to learn through game situations. Some terms change meaning or rules between formats, so use this glossary as an introduction alongside the applicable rulebook.

Common terms

Cradle: the stick motion used to help control the ball while moving.

Ground ball: a loose ball on the playing surface that players may try to pick up.

Clear: moving possession away from the defending end toward an offensive opportunity. It is not simply a universal instruction to reach midfield.

Ride: pressure applied by the opposing team as a team attempts to clear.

Crease: the marked area around the goal, with entry and play restrictions defined by the format. It is inaccurate to say universally that only the goalkeeper may enter it.

Faceoff: a restart procedure used in boys’/men’s field lacrosse and other specified formats. Learn the actual setup rather than thinking of it as merely clashing sticks.

Draw: the possession-starting procedure used in girls’/women’s field lacrosse. It is distinct from a boys’ field faceoff.

Substitution area and penalty area: places with different functions; do not assume every box reference means the same thing.

Learn one term at a time

Watch for one example during a game and ask a coach to explain what happened. Current official rules and diagrams supply the precise definitions and restrictions. Our beginner rules guide and positions overview provide the next step without requiring a new fan to memorize the entire rulebook at once.