If you’re new to lacrosse, you may be wondering, can you tackle in lacrosse? The answer is no, tackling is not allowed in lacrosse. However, players are permitted to perform body checking to knock the ball out of their opponent’s stick. Body checking is a legal defensive play that involves making contact with an opponent using your body to separate them from the ball.
While body checking is allowed in lacrosse, there are strict rules in place to ensure the safety of all players. For example, body checks must be made within five yards of a loose ball or within five yards of an opponent who has possession of the ball. Additionally, players are not allowed to make contact with an opponent’s head or neck, or use excessive force when making a body check. Failure to follow these rules can result in a penalty or even ejection from the game.
It’s important for all lacrosse players to understand the rules and regulations surrounding body checking in order to play the game safely and effectively. In the following sections, we’ll explore the differences between tackling and body checking, the techniques used in body checking, and the penalties associated with illegal body checking.
The Basics of Tackling in Lacrosse
As you know you have no right to tackle in lacrosse, but legal defensive plays can result in a player being taken to the ground. In this section, we’ll cover the rules of lacrosse tackling and the different types of tackles.
(Related: Can You Kick the Ball in Lacrosse?)
The Rules of Tackling in Lacrosse
In lacrosse, the defensive player is allowed to use their body to impede the progress of an offensive player. However, any contact must be above the belt and below the head. You cannot approach from behind, and the contact should only be from the front or the side. If the player is on the ground, you cannot come into contact with them. At all times, the defensive player should keep both hands on the crosse.
The Different Types of Tackles in Lacrosse
While tackling in the traditional sense is not allowed in lacrosse, there are legal defensive plays that can result in a player being taken to the ground. These include:
- Body checks: A body check is when a defensive player uses their body to knock an offensive player off balance. The contact must be above the waist and below the shoulders, and the defensive player must be within five yards of the ball carrier.
- Poke checks: A poke check is when a defensive player uses their stick to poke the ball away from the offensive player. The defensive player must be within a stick’s length of the ball carrier.
- Wrap checks: A wrap check is when a defensive player uses their stick to wrap around the waist of the offensive player and dislodge the ball. The contact must be below the shoulders, and the defensive player must be within five yards of the ball carrier.
In conclusion, while tackling is not allowed in lacrosse, there are legal defensive plays that can result in a player being taken to the ground. The rules of tackling in lacrosse are designed to keep the game safe and fair for all players involved.
The Importance of Proper Tackling Technique
Tackling is a crucial aspect of lacrosse, and it’s important to execute it properly to avoid injuries and to be effective on the field. In this section, we’ll discuss how to execute a safe and effective tackle, as well as common mistakes to avoid when tackling in lacrosse.
How to Execute a Safe and Effective Tackle
To execute a safe and effective tackle in lacrosse, you need to follow some basic rules and techniques. Here are some tips to help you tackle safely and effectively:
- Keep your head up: When approaching your opponent, keep your head up and your eyes on the ball carrier. This will help you anticipate their moves and react quickly.
- Use proper footwork: When approaching your opponent, use short, quick steps to maintain your balance and stay in control. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Use your body: To tackle effectively, you need to use your body weight and momentum. As you approach your opponent, lower your center of gravity and use your shoulder to make contact with their torso. This will help you drive them back and bring them to the ground.
- Follow the rules: Remember that lacrosse has rules governing tackling. You can only make contact with your opponent’s torso, and you can’t hit them from behind or above the shoulders. Make sure you understand these rules and follow them to avoid penalties or injuries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tackling in Lacrosse
Even experienced lacrosse players can make mistakes when tackling. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Leading with your head: Never lead with your head when tackling. This can cause serious injuries to both you and your opponent.
- Not using proper footwork: If you don’t use proper footwork when tackling, you can lose your balance and get knocked down. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent to maintain your balance.
- Using only your arms: Tackling in lacrosse requires using your entire body, not just your arms. Use your body weight and momentum to drive your opponent back and bring them to the ground.
- Ignoring the rules: Remember that lacrosse has rules governing tackling. If you don’t follow these rules, you can get penalized or injured. Make sure you understand the rules and follow them at all times.
Training for Tackling in Lacrosse
If you want to improve your tackling skills in lacrosse, you need to train your body to be strong, fast, and agile. In addition to practicing the basic techniques of tackling, you should also focus on building your endurance and explosiveness. Here are some tips and drills to help you train for tackling in lacrosse.
Drills to Improve Tackling Skills
To improve your tackling skills, you need to practice the basic techniques of tackling. Here are some drills that can help you improve your tackling skills:
- Tackling Dummy Drill: Set up a tackling dummy and practice tackling it from different angles. Focus on keeping your head up, leading with your shoulder, and wrapping up the dummy with your arms.
- Partner Tackling Drill: Find a partner and practice tackling each other. Start with light contact and gradually increase the intensity. Focus on proper technique and safety.
- Footwork Drill: Set up cones in a zigzag pattern and practice running through them while maintaining proper tackling form. This drill will help you improve your footwork and agility.
Strength and Conditioning for Tackling
Tackling in lacrosse requires strength and explosiveness. Here are some exercises that can help you build the strength and conditioning you need for tackling:
- Squats: Squats are a great exercise for building leg strength, which is essential for tackling. Start with bodyweight squats and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.
- Deadlifts: Deadlifts are another great exercise for building leg and back strength. Start with light weights and focus on proper form.
- Plyometric Exercises: Plyometric exercises like box jumps, jump squats, and jump lunges can help you build explosive power, which is essential for tackling.
- Sprints: Sprints are a great way to build endurance and speed, which are also important for tackling. Incorporate sprint intervals into your training routine.
By incorporating these drills and exercises into your training routine, you can improve your tackling skills and become a more effective player on the lacrosse field. Always practice proper technique and safety, and consult with a coach or trainer if you have any questions or concerns.
Tackling Strategies for Different Positions
When it comes to tackling in lacrosse, each position requires different strategies. Here are some for attackers, midfielders, and defenders.
Tackling Strategies for Attackers
As an attacker, your primary goal is to score goals. However, you also need to be able to tackle effectively to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Here are for attackers:
- Stick Checks: Use your stick to check the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
- Body Checks: Use your body to check the opposing player to disrupt their movement and force them to make mistakes.
- Slap Checks: Use your stick to slap the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
Remember, as an attacker, your primary focus should be on scoring goals. Tackling should be a secondary priority.
Tackling Strategies for Midfielders
Midfielders need to be versatile players who can both attack and defend. Here are some tackling strategies for midfielders:
- Poke Checks: Use your stick to poke the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
- Body Checks: Use your body to check the opposing player to disrupt their movement and force them to make mistakes.
- Wrap Checks: Use your stick to wrap around the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
As a midfielder, you need to be able to tackle effectively in both offensive and defensive situations.
Tackling Strategies for Defenders
Defenders are responsible for protecting their team’s goal. Here are some tackling strategies for defenders:
- Body Checks: Use your body to check the opposing player to disrupt their movement and force them to make mistakes.
- Lift Checks: Use your stick to lift the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
- Slap Checks: Use your stick to slap the opposing player’s stick to dislodge the ball.
In conclusion, tackling is not allowed in lacrosse. However, players are allowed to perform body checking to knock the ball out of the sticks. It is important to note that body checking should only be performed within the legal limits set by the rules of the game.
When performing body checking, you must ensure that the contact is above the belt and below the head. You cannot approach the player from behind, and the contact should only be from the front or the side. If the player is on the ground, you cannot come into contact with them. At all times, the defensive player should keep both hands on the crosse.
It is important to follow the rules and regulations surrounding tackling and body checking in lacrosse. Not only does it ensure fair play, but it also helps prevent injuries. Players who violate the rules may be penalized, which can result in a disadvantage for their team.
While tackling is not allowed in lacrosse, there are legal defensive plays that can result in a player being taken to the ground. These plays should be used strategically and within the legal limits set by the rules of the game.
It would be best if you also learn more about lacrosse rules.
Overall, understanding the rules and regulations surrounding tackling and body checking in lacrosse is important for all players. By following these rules, you can ensure fair play and prevent injuries, while also improving your skills and strategies on the field.
