Lacrosse Positions: A Complete Guide for Men's and Women's Lacrosse
From attack to goalie, here's what every lacrosse position does in both the men's and women's game. Built for coaches, parents, and players learning the sport.
Whether your kid just picked up a stick for the first time or you're a new coach trying to figure out the lineup, understanding lacrosse positions is step one. Lacrosse is growing faster than almost any other youth sport in the country, and more families are discovering it every season.
Here's what makes lacrosse interesting: the men's and women's games are actually quite different. Men's lacrosse has 10 players per side and allows body checking. Women's lacrosse has 12 players per side and limits physical contact. Both versions use the same four position groups (attack, midfield, defense, goalie), but the number of players at each position differs.
This guide covers every lacrosse position explained for both the men's and women's game. We'll break down what each player does, the skills they need, and how positions differ between the two versions of the sport. When your team is ready for gear, check out our lacrosse uniforms and custom lacrosse jerseys. And if you want to watch the pros play, our lacrosse TV schedule has every televised game covered.
Men's Lacrosse Positions (10 Players)
Men's lacrosse puts 10 players on the field: 3 attack, 3 midfield, 3 defense, and 1 goalie. Here's what each group does.
Attack (3 Players)
Attackmen stay on the offensive half of the field and focus on one thing: scoring. They operate around the crease (the circle around the goal) and need the best stick skills on the team.
First Attack
The primary scorer. First attack is usually the most skilled finisher on the team with the best shot and dodging ability. He operates closest to the crease and looks for scoring opportunities from in tight.
Second Attack
The playmaker and feeder. Second attack often has the best passing ability among the attackmen. He creates scoring chances for others by dodging and finding open teammates cutting to the goal.
Third Attack
The "X" attackman who often works from behind the goal. He initiates the offense, dodges from behind the cage, and feeds cutters. Playing behind the goal is unique to lacrosse and requires excellent field awareness.
All attackmen need: Strong stick skills with both hands, the ability to shoot accurately from different angles, and enough toughness to handle physical defense. They must stay on the offensive side of the midfield line at all times (except during a clear).
Midfield (3 Players)
Midfielders are the only players who can roam the entire field. They play offense and defense, take face-offs, and run transition. They need the best conditioning on the team because they're covering a 110-yard field for all four quarters.
First Middie
The primary dodging midfielder. This is usually the most offensive-minded middie who can create shots off the dodge and finish in transition. Think of him as a hybrid between an attackman and a midfielder.
Second Middie
The two-way midfielder. He contributes on both ends, plays solid defense, and keeps the offense moving with smart passes and off-ball movement. Coaches rely on the second middie to do the unglamorous work.
Third Middie / FOGO
Often the face-off specialist (FOGO: Face Off, Get Off). At higher levels, this player takes the face-off and subs off immediately. At youth levels, the third middie plays a regular two-way role and happens to take face-offs too.
Key skills for all middies: Endurance, ground balls, transition play, and the ability to play both sides of the field. Middies need to be comfortable shooting from the outside and grinding for loose balls in traffic.
Defense (3 Players)
Defensemen carry long poles (6 feet vs. the standard 40 to 42 inches) and stay on the defensive half. Their job is to stop the opposing attack from scoring. In men's lacrosse, that includes body checking, stick checking, and physically controlling their matchup.
All three defensemen work as a unit around the crease. They communicate constantly, call slides (help defense), and try to force turnovers. A good defensive unit operates like a single organism, with each player knowing where the other two are at all times.
Responsibilities
- •Guard the opposing attackmen one-on-one
- •Communicate slides and defensive rotations
- •Force turnovers with stick checks and body position
- •Clear the ball from the defensive end to the offensive end
Key Skills
Goalie (1 Player)
The lacrosse goalie is the last line of defense and arguably the most important player on the field. They face shots from as close as 8 yards away, traveling at 90+ mph in men's and 60+ mph in women's. It takes a special kind of player.
Goalies use a larger stick head (up to 12 inches wide) to make saves. But the goal is 6 feet by 6 feet, and a lot of net is exposed. Making saves requires explosive hand-eye coordination, the courage to step into shots, and the discipline to stay square to the shooter.
Beyond making saves, goalies direct the defense. They can see the entire field from the crease and act as the defensive quarterback, calling out cutters, ball position, and slide responsibilities. After making a save, they're also responsible for starting the clear with an outlet pass.
Responsibilities
- •Stop shots from all angles and distances
- •Direct and communicate with the defense
- •Start clears with accurate outlet passes
- •Read shooters and anticipate shot placement
Key Skills
Women's Lacrosse Positions (12 Players)
Women's lacrosse puts 12 players on the field: 4 attack, 3 midfield, 4 defense, and 1 goalie. The extra players create a different style of play.
Girls lacrosse positions follow the same basic structure as the men's game but with key differences. The women's game has 12 players instead of 10, which means more passing options and a different offensive flow. Women's lacrosse also limits physical contact, so defensive positioning and stick skills matter even more.
Attack (4 Players)
With an extra attacker compared to the men's game, women's lacrosse offenses have more passing options around the crease. Attackers focus on shooting, cutting, and creating space for teammates. Strong stick skills and the ability to dodge one-on-one are essential. Without body checking in the game, attackers rely on speed, fakes, and smart movement to get open.
Midfield (3 Players)
Women's lacrosse midfielders cover the full field just like in the men's game. They take the draw (the women's equivalent of a face-off), transition the ball, and play both ends. The center midfielder typically takes draws, and draw specialists can be the most impactful players on the field since possessions start with them.
Defense (4 Players)
With 4 defenders and no body checking allowed, women's lacrosse defense is all about positioning, footwork, and smart stick checks. Defenders need to stay between their attacker and the goal while forcing the ball carrier away from the crease. Checking rules are stricter in the women's game, so defenders must be precise with their stick work.
Goalie (1 Player)
The women's lacrosse goalie wears less equipment than the men's goalie (no chest protector required, though many wear one) and faces shots that are generally slower but still incredibly fast. She uses the same oversized stick head and has the same responsibilities: stopping shots, directing the defense, and starting the clear. Many consider it the bravest position in women's sports.
Men's vs. Women's Lacrosse: Key Differences
Same sport, different rules. Here's how the two versions compare.
| Feature | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Players on field | 10 (3-3-3-1) | 12 (4-3-4-1) |
| Contact | Body checking allowed | Limited stick checking only |
| Start of play | Face-off | Draw |
| Field size | 110 x 60 yards | 120 x 70 yards |
| Protective gear | Helmet, gloves, shoulder/arm pads | Goggles, mouthguard (goalies get helmet) |
| Defensive sticks | Up to 72 inches (long poles) | 35.5 to 43.25 inches (same as attack) |
| Quarters | 4 x 15 minutes | 4 x 15 minutes |
Tips for Coaches: Assigning Lacrosse Positions
How to place players in the right spots, especially when the team is new to the sport.
Start everyone at midfield
For new teams, rotate players through midfield first. It's the best way for them to experience offense, defense, and transition. Once you see who gravitates toward scoring and who prefers defending, you can start assigning attack and defense positions.
Find your goalie early
Goalies take the longest to develop. Look for the player who doesn't flinch, communicates naturally, and doesn't get discouraged after giving up a goal. Skill can be taught, but the mental makeup of a goalie is harder to coach. Start training your goalie from day one.
Conditioning determines positions
Your best-conditioned athletes should play midfield. The field is big and midfielders run the most. If a talented player doesn't have the endurance for midfield, attack or defense might be better fits where they can conserve energy and focus on their specialty.
Stick skills sort themselves out
Players with the best stick skills naturally gravitate to attack. Players who are physical and competitive tend toward defense. Let skill development guide position placement rather than forcing players into spots based on size alone.
Get your gear sorted
Once positions are assigned, it's time to order youth lacrosse uniforms. Pair custom lacrosse jerseys with matching lacrosse shorts for a complete team look. Having real uniforms from day one builds team identity fast.
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Lacrosse TV Schedule
See which lacrosse games are on TV this week across NCAA, PLL, and NLL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are on a lacrosse team?
Men's lacrosse has 10 players on the field per team: 3 attackmen, 3 midfielders, 3 defensemen, and 1 goalie. Women's lacrosse has 12 players per team: 4 attackers, 3 midfielders, 4 defenders, and 1 goalie. The difference in player count is one of the biggest distinctions between the men's and women's games.
What are the positions in lacrosse?
Lacrosse has four main position groups: Attack (players who focus on scoring), Midfield (players who play both offense and defense and cover the full field), Defense (players who protect the goal area), and Goalie (the player who guards the net). In men's lacrosse, each field position has 3 players. In women's lacrosse, attack has 4, midfield has 3, and defense has 4.
What is the difference between men's and women's lacrosse positions?
The biggest difference is player count: men play 10v10 and women play 12v12. Women's lacrosse also has additional positions (4 attackers and 4 defenders vs. 3 each in men's). The rules differ too. Men's lacrosse allows body checking and requires more protective equipment, while women's lacrosse has stricter stick-checking rules and less contact. Women's lacrosse also uses a draw instead of a face-off.
What does a midfielder do in lacrosse?
Midfielders (or "middies") are the most versatile players in lacrosse. They play both offense and defense, running the full length of the field. They participate in face-offs (men's) or draws (women's), transition the ball from defense to offense, and need the best conditioning on the team. A middie might be dodging to score one moment and then sprinting back to play defense the next.
What position should a beginner play in lacrosse?
Midfield is often the best starting position for beginners because it exposes them to all aspects of the game: offense, defense, transitions, and ground balls. Players get a feel for the full field and develop well-rounded skills. Attack is also good for beginners who have stick skills but are still learning the defensive side. Avoid goalie for beginners since it requires significant courage and specific technical skills.
What makes a good lacrosse goalie?
A good lacrosse goalie needs fast hands, quick reflexes, and serious mental toughness. Lacrosse shots can reach 90+ mph in men's and 60+ mph in women's, and the goalie's body is often the last line of defense. Beyond shot-stopping, goalies need to be strong communicators who direct the defense, make accurate outlet passes to start clears, and stay composed after giving up goals. It takes a special kind of player.
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