Men's Lacrosse Field

Men's Lacrosse Positions 
There are 4 main positions in mens lacrosse.  The positions are: goalie (1), defenseman (3), midfield (3), and  attackmen (3).  10 players per team can be on the field at once.

Goalkeeper: The goalkeeper's main responsibility is to prevent the other team from scoring.  They are the last line of defense.  A goalie leads the defense by calling out ball location, cutters, and points the defense in the right direction to react.  Quickness, courage, confidence, being vocal are key ingredients for a successful goalkeeper.  There is one goalie for each team on the field. 

Defense: The defensemen's responsibility is to protect the area around the goal.  The defense usually plays on their defensive side of the field (endline to midfield line) the magority of the game.  Agressiveness, quickness, and excellent footwork are important qualities for a defensman.  Each team has three defensemen on the field.

Midfield: Midfielders are responsible to cover the entire field.  They are considered the most versatile of all the positions.  A midfielder should have an adequate balance between having good stick skills and playing solid individual defense.  Endurance and speed are important qualities for a midfielder.  A midfielder in soccer would be an accurate comparison.      

Attack: An attackmen's responsibility is to score goals.  Attackmen play on their offensive side of the field (midfield line to endline) the magority of the game.  Attackmen generally have the best stick skills out of all the positions, can use both hands proficiently and are usually very agile.  These qualities help them protect their stick from a defender who uses a stick that is twice as long.           

Women's Lacrosse Field

Women's Lacrosse Positions

THE ATTACK:

First Home: The first home's responsibility is to score.  Located in front of the goal, the first home continually cuts toward the goal for a shot, or cuts away from the goal to make room for another player. She should have excellent stickwork.
Second Home: The second home is considered the playmaker, similar to a point guard in basketball.  She should be able to shoot well from every angle and distance from the goal.
Third Home: The third home's responsibility is to transition the ball from defense to attack. She should be able to feed the ball to other players and fill in wing areas.
Attack Wings: The wings are also responsible for transitioning the ball from defense to attack. Wings should have speed and endurance and be ready to receive the ball from the defense and run or pass the ball.

THE DEFENSE:

Point: The point's responsibility is to mark the first home on the opposing team. She should be able to stick check, body check and look to intercept passes.
Coverpoint: The coverpoint's responsibility is to mark second home. She should be able to receive clears, run fast and have good footwork.
Third Man: The third man's responsibility is to mark the third home on the opposing team. She should be able to intercept passes, clear the ball, run fast and have good footwork.
Center: The center's responsibility is to control the draw and play both defense and attack. The draw is similar to a face off in hockey or a tip off in basketball.  She should have speed and endurance.
Defense Wings: The wings are responsible for marking the attack wings and bringing the ball into the attack area. Wings should have speed and endurance.
Goalkeeper:  The goalkeeper's main responsibility is to prevent the other team from scoring.  A goalie leads the defense by calling out ball location, cutters, and points the defense in the right direction to react.  Quickness, courage, confidence, and being vocal are key ingredients for a successful goalkeeper.  There is one goalie for each team on the field.