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Women's Lacrosse Field

Click on the above map to learn about women's lacrosse.

There are three attack players on each team. They are shown here lined up for the draw. Starting at the left, they are called third home, second home and first home. These players are usually the team's goal scorers.

The game and its second half begin here in a draw. Each team chooses a player called their center to stand on their defensive side of the center line. No other players are allowed in the center circle during the draw.

The two centers face each other with sticks waist high, their stick pockets touching each other back-to-back. The official places the ball between the backs of two pockets. Upon the referee's signal, the centers pull their sticks upward and backward to release the ball into play.

The goal circle or crease surrounding the goal is the goalie's domain. Only one player at a time may be inside the 9-foot diameter circle. No player may reach in with her stick from outside the circle. It is a foul or violation for any player to enter the crease while the goalie there

Semicircle in front of the crease from wherre most goals are scored. This area includes the 12-meter fan and the 8-meter arc. A shooting space violation occurs when a defender is more than a stick's length away from an opponent while inside the critical scoring area in front of her own goal. Although the defender is obstructing an incoming shot, she is too far away from the opponent to be defending.

There are three defenders on each team. They are shown here lined up for the draw. Starting at the left, they are called point, cover point and third man. The defenders help protect the goal from attack by the opposing team. They try to clear the ball from their goal area and pass it up to the midfielders.

The field sports two goals: one to protect and one to score upon. The goal opening is a triangle, as are its base and two sides.

Each goal is protected by a goalkeeper or goalie. The goalie plays inside the crease directly in front of her team's goal. She uses a stick with an oversized head to block the opposing team's shots on her goal.

The goalie is the only player allowed to touch the ball with her hands. She may do so only when she is standing inside the crease.

The goalie wears protective gear including a chest protector, helmet and mouth guard.

There are five attack players on each team. The center, plus the two attack wings and two defense wings shown just outside the center circle. Midfielders act as both offense and defense, carrying the ball from one end of the field to the other.