Players use the head of the lacrosse stick to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball into the goal. The sport has five versions that have different sticks, fields, rules and equipment: field lacrosse, women's lacrosse, box lacrosse, lacrosse sixes and intercrosse. Lacrosse, competitive sport, modern version of the North American Indian game of baggataway, in which two teams of players use long-handled, racketlike implements (crosses) to catch, carry, or throw a ball down the field or into the opponents’ goal.

Understanding the Context

For many Indigenous nations, lacrosse is a spiritual and cultural practice. Some nations refer to lacrosse as the “Creator’s Game,” because of how it connects tribe members and creates a sense of community. [3] The Indigenous game was played on a large scale sometimes involving hundreds of men. Lacrosse originated as a native American sport.

Key Insights

In that form, it was a battle between sometimes hundreds of tribesmen, and very often turned violent. Lacrosse today is a rapidly growing sport, one that owes as much to finesse and trickery as it does to brute strength and violence. As the governing body of lacrosse in the U.S., USA Lacrosse inspires participation, enriches the athlete experience, and supports the growth of the sport. The official source for all National Lacrosse League news, statistics, teams, schedules, and video. Check back daily for video highlights and updated stats.

Final Thoughts

LaCrosse Footwear makes multi-season leather and rubber boots, hunting boots, waders, work boots, safety boots, safety apparel, uniform boots, fire boots, and high-performance socks. Pro Lacrosse Hall of Famers Ryan Boyle and Brian Dougherty break down goalie Blaze Riorden's unique "butterfly" style and how it is changing how the position is played.