About Girls Lacrosse
What Is Lacrosse?
Lacrosse is a fast-paced team sport played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse. Players pass, catch, and carry the ball with the stick and work together to score goals. Known as “the fastest game on two feet,” lacrosse combines teamwork, skill, speed, and strategy—and it’s a lot of fun!
A Brief History of Lacrosse
Lacrosse is one of North America’s oldest sports. It was created by Native American nations hundreds of years ago, long before it became a modern game. Originally, it was played for many reasons—community building, preparation, celebration, and tradition—and games could include many players and last for hours or even days.
The modern version of lacrosse developed in the 1800s and has since grown into an organized sport played around the world. Today, lacrosse honors its roots while continuing to grow at the youth, high school, college, and professional levels.
Basics of the Game
While rules vary slightly by age and league, the basics of lacrosse are the same:
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Teams:
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Grades 5-8: Usually 10 players per team in boys’ field lacrosse and 12 in girls’ field lacrosse (including goalies)
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Grades 1-4: Usually 7 players per team in boys’ field lacrosse and 8 in girls’ field lacrosse (including goalies)
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Objective: Score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net
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Equipment: A lacrosse stick (crosse), ball, goals, and protective gear -- goggles for girls and helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves and a protective cup for boys.
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Skills: Passing, catching, cradling (carrying the ball), shooting, and defending
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Game Flow: Players move the ball by passing or running and work together to create scoring chances
Youth lacrosse focuses on learning fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship, and having fun.
Boys’ vs. Girls’ Lacrosse: What’s the Difference?
While both games share the same roots and overall goal, there are some important differences:
Boys’ Lacrosse
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More physical contact is allowed (within rules)
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Players wear more protective equipment, including helmets and pads
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Sticks have deeper pockets, making it easier to hold the ball
Girls’ Lacrosse
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Limited physical contact
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Less protective equipment is required (typically goggles and a mouthguard)
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Sticks have shallower pockets, emphasizing passing, catching, and ball control
Both versions of the game highlight athleticism, skill, and teamwork, and both are exciting to watch and play.
Why Play Lacrosse?
Lacrosse helps players:
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Build confidence and leadership
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Learn teamwork and communication
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Improve fitness, coordination, and agility
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Make new friends and be part of a positive community
Most importantly, youth lacrosse is about learning the game in a supportive environment and having fun along the way.
GIRLS GAME OVERVIEW FROM USA LACROSSE:
