Lacrosse is a fast-paced, physical sport requiring players to be skilled in offensive and defensive tactics. One of the most important defensive skills in lacrosse is checking. Lacrosse checking is a technique used to dislodge the ball from an opposing player’s stick legally.
Mastering the art of lacrosse checking is a crucial skill for any defender looking to be successful on the field. It requires a combination of speed, strength, and precision to execute effectively.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the different types of lacrosse checks, the rules governing their use, and some tips for improving your checking skills.
What is Checking in Lacrosse
Checking is a defensive technique in lacrosse used to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s stick. It involves using the stick or body to make contact with the opponent. There are two ways of checking in lacrosse: stick checks and body checks.
Stick checks involve using the stick to lift or poke the opponent’s stick, or to hit the opponent’s stick with the shaft or head of the defender’s stick. Stick checks are legal at all levels of lacrosse, but they must be executed in a controlled and effective manner to avoid penalties.
Body checks involve using the defender’s body to make direct contact with the opponent in an attempt to regain possession of the ball. Body checks are only legal in men’s lacrosse, and only under certain circumstances. In women’s lacrosse and men’s U12, body checking is not permitted.
There are specific rules that govern the use of checks in lacrosse. For example, a defender cannot make contact with an opponent’s head or neck area with the stick or body. Additionally, checks must be made within a certain distance of the ball carrier, and excessive force can result in a penalty.
It is important for players to understand the rules and techniques of checking in lacrosse to avoid penalties and injury. Coaches should teach players the proper way to execute stick and body checks, and emphasize the importance of safety and control on the field.
Types of Lacrosse Checking
Lacrosse is a contact sport involving checking, a defensive technique used to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s crosse. There are different types of legal checks in lacrosse, each with its own rules and techniques. Here are the most common types of lacrosse checking:
Body Checking
Body checking in lacrosse is a legal technique where a defender uses their body to make contact with an opposing player in an attempt to gain possession of the ball. The contact must be above the waist and below the neck, and the defender must be within five yards of the player with the ball. Body checking is allowed in men’s lacrosse but not in women’s or youth lacrosse.
Crosse Checking in Lacrosse
Crosse checking refers to a defender using their stick to strike their opponent’s stick in an attempt to dislodge the ball. The defender can use the stick to lift or poke the opponent’s stick, but they cannot make contact with the opponent’s body. Crosse checking is legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Lift Checks
A lift check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses their stick to lift their opponent’s top or bottom hands to dislodge the ball. Defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot lift their opponent’s stick above their shoulder. Lift checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Poke Check
A poke check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses the tip of their stick to poke their opponent’s butt or hand to dislodge the ball. The defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Poke checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Trail Check
A trail check is a type of crosse check where the defender runs behind their opponent and uses their stick to check their opponent’s stick from behind. The defender must use a controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Trail checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Wrap Check
A wrap check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses their stick to wrap around their opponent’s stick in an attempt to dislodge the ball. The defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Wrap checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Slap Check
The slap check involves a sideways sweeping motion with your stick across the opponent’s stick, aiming to jar the ball loose. This technique is particularly effective when the opponent is cradling the ball close to their stick. Slap checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of legal checks in lacrosse is essential for players and coaches. By knowing the rules and techniques of each type of check, players can improve their defensive skills and avoid penalties.
Get more explanations and description images about these types of lacrosse checks on RookierRoad.com
Lacrosse Checking Tips
When playing lacrosse, checking is an essential tactic players use to gain possession of the ball from their opponents. It involves using the stick or body to contact the opposing player to dislodge the ball. Here are some tips to help improve your lacrosse checking skills:
Stick Checking
- Use the bottom hand: When performing a stick check, use the bottom hand to generate more power and control over the stick. This will make it easier to dislodge the ball from your opponent’s stick.
- Aim for the hands: When performing a stick check, aim for your opponent’s hands or the bottom of their stick. This will make it harder for them to control the ball, increasing your chances of gaining possession.
- Be quick: Stick checks should be quick and precise. This will make it harder for your opponent to react and avoid the check.
- Don’t overdo it: While stick checks are an important part of lacrosse, overdoing it can result in penalties. Stick checks should be used strategically and sparingly.
Body Checking
- Positioning is key: Proper positioning is crucial when performing a body check. Make sure to get low and use your body to block your opponent’s path before making contact.
- Use your legs: When performing a body check, use your legs to generate power and momentum. This will make it easier to knock your opponent off balance and gain possession of the ball.
- Stay within the rules: Body checks are only legal within certain areas of the body. Avoid making contact with your opponent’s head, neck, or below the waist to avoid penalties and injuries.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Body checks should only be performed when it is safe to do so. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and avoid making contact with other players or objects on the field.
Following these lacrosse checking tips can help players to improve their skills and increase their chances of gaining possession of the ball. However, it is essential to remember that checking should always be performed safely and within the lacrosse rules.
Conclusion
Lacrosse checking is an essential part of the game and can be used effectively by both offensive and defensive players. It is a physical aspect of the game that requires skill and technique. The lacrosse checking rules are important to understand to ensure that players stay safe and avoid penalties.
Players can use different types of legal checks, including stick checks, body checks, and poke checks. Each type of check has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be used in different situations. Players need to practice and master different types of checks to become well-rounded players.
Illegal checks, such as cross-checking, slashing, and hits to the head, are not allowed and can result in penalties or even ejections from the game. Players must understand the rules and consequences of illegal checks to avoid putting themselves and their team at a disadvantage.
Overall, lacrosse checking is an important aspect of the game that requires skill, technique, and knowledge of the rules. Players who master the different types of checks and understand the rules can contribute more effectively to their team. Lacrosse checking is a crucial part of the game, adding to its physicality and excitement.
