Glossary of Lacrosse terms is your ultimate shortcut to understanding the game, whether you’re a beginner or a fan wanting to sound like a pro. From youth fields in Baltimore to the intensity of the NCAA Lacrosse Championship, knowing the lingo helps you follow plays instantly and enjoy every moment.
No more guessing what commentators mean — recognize the terms used by players, coaches, and pros in the Premier Lacrosse League. This guide gives you the language of Lacrosse — clear, simple, and game-ready.
Complete A–Z List of Lacrosse Terms
Game Basics
- Faceoff — Method used to start or restart play
- Ground Ball — Loose ball picked up off the field
- Shot — Any scoring attempt
- Turnover — Loss of possession
Player Roles
- Attackman — Offensive scorer near goal
- Midfielder — Two-way player covering full field
- Goalie — Player protecting the net
Core Gameplay Actions
- Dodge — Move to beat a defender
- Assist — Pass leading directly to goal
- Save — Goalie stops shot
Strategy & Systems
- Slide — Defensive help rotation
- Ride — Pressure after losing possession
- Clear — Moving ball from defense to offense
Essential Lacrosse Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Must-Understand Rules
- Offside — Too many players on one side of field
- Crease Violation — Illegal entry into goalie area
- Possession — Team control of the ball
Basic Equipment Terms
- Stick — Player’s primary tool for passing and shooting
- Head — Top part of stick holding mesh
- Pocket — Netting that holds the ball
Beginner Game Concepts
- Fast Break — Quick attack before defense sets
- Man-Up — Power play situation
- Man-Down — Playing with penalty disadvantage
Offensive and Defensive Lacrosse Terminology Explained
Offensive Concepts
- Pick — Screen set on defender
- Cut — Quick run toward open space
- Isolation (ISO) — One-on-one scoring setup
Defensive Concepts
- Body Check — Legal physical contact
- Stick Check — Attempt to dislodge ball
- Zone Defense — Guarding areas, not players
Transition Play
- Clear — Defense moving ball forward
- Ride — Attack trying to stop the clear
Lacrosse Penalties, Fouls, and Rules Vocabulary
Common Personal Fouls
- Slashing — Illegal stick contact
- Cross-Checking — Using shaft to push opponent
- Unnecessary Roughness — Excessive force
Technical Fouls
- Holding — Restricting opponent movement
- Push — Illegal shove from behind or side
- Interference — Blocking player without ball
Timing & Restart Rules
- Shot Clock — Time allowed to shoot
- Restart — Play resuming after whistle
- Dead Ball — Play temporarily stopped
Common Lacrosse Slang and Game Phrases
Player Talk
- Top Shelf — Shot placed high in goal
- Sniper — Accurate shooter
- D-Pole — Defender with long stick
Sideline & Commentary Terms
- On the Mark — Defender positioned correctly
- Unsettled — Defense not organized
- Clamp It — Command to win faceoff
Casual Game Expressions
- Rip It — Shoot hard
- Wheel — Run fast with ball
- Lockdown D — Strong defensive performance
Takeaway
Mastering this glossary of Lacrosse terms means more than memorizing definitions — it means unlocking the game itself.
Once you understand the language, the speed, strategy, and excitement of Lacrosse instantly make sense.
So the next time you watch a game, step on the field, or talk with other fans, you won’t just follow the action — you’ll own it.
Ready to unlock your full potential ?
