If you’re new to the game of lacrosse, you may have heard the term “crease” being thrown around. But what exactly is the crease in lacrosse? Simply put, it’s a circle around the goal that designates an area for the goalie. The crease is an essential component of the game, and understanding its rules is crucial for any player looking to succeed on the field.
The crease is a circular line around the goal with a nine-foot radius (18-foot diameter) that is designated for the goalie. The goalie’s teammates may enter the crease, but players on the opposing team cannot. Offensive players must not step into the crease regardless of the situation. If a player violates this rule, they may face a 30-second penalty or lose possession of the ball.
What is the Crease in Lacrosse?
In lacrosse, the crease is a circular area located in front of the goal. It has a diameter of 18 feet and is marked by a line that extends 9 feet from the center of the goal. The crease serves as a designated space for offensive players and provides protection to the goalie.
The crease is an important part of the game of lacrosse as it marks the goalie’s territory. Offensive players are not allowed to enter the crease, regardless of whether they have the ball or not. If an offensive player enters the crease, it is considered a crease violation, and the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
The crease is an area where the ball may only be held by the goaltender. If another player, whether offensive or defensive, enters the crease and touches the ball, it is considered a crease violation, and the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
In addition to marking the goalie’s territory, the crease also serves to ensure fair play and allows for strategic maneuvers within the game. It provides a designated area for offensive players to maneuver and attempt to score while also providing a protected space for the goalie to defend the goal.
Overall, the crease is an essential part of the game of lacrosse and serves to ensure fair play and protect the goalie while also providing a designated area for offensive players to maneuver and attempt to score.
(You may want to learn: Lacrosse Field Dimensions: A Comprehensive Guide)
Importance of the Crease
The crease is a crucial element in lacrosse, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. It is a circular area with a diameter of 18 feet, marked in front of the goal. Here are some of the reasons why the crease is so important in lacrosse:
Protecting the Goalkeeper
The primary purpose of the crease is to protect the goalkeeper from physical contact by opposing players while they are defending the goal. The crease serves as a safe zone for the goalkeeper to make saves without worrying about being hit by an opposing player. If an offensive player enters the crease, it results in a penalty and the ball is given to the opposing team.
Scoring Area for Offensive Players
The crease also serves as a scoring area for offensive players, allowing them to score goals from within the crease. If an offensive player has possession of the ball and enters the crease, they can shoot the ball into the goal and score a point. However, the offensive player must not make contact with the goalkeeper or any defensive player while in the crease.
Strategic Importance
The crease is strategically important for both offensive and defensive teams. For the offensive team, the crease is an area where they can create scoring opportunities and force the defensive team to make mistakes. For the defensive team, the crease is an area where they can prevent the offensive team from scoring and protect their goalkeeper.
In conclusion, the crease is an essential element in lacrosse, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. It protects the goalkeeper, serves as a scoring area for offensive players, and is strategically important for both teams.
Rules Governing the Crease
The crease in lacrosse is a critical area on the field that is surrounded by a circle with a 9-foot radius. As a player, it’s essential to understand the rules governing the crease to avoid penalties and play effectively. Here are some of the rules you need to know:
Crease Violation
The crease violation occurs when an offensive player enters the crease area or steps on the crease line while the ball is not in the crease. It’s also a violation when a defensive player enters the crease area with the ball in their possession. When a crease violation occurs, the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
Goalie Privileges
The goalie has certain privileges within the crease that other players don’t have. The goalie is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands while in the crease. Also, no opposing player is allowed to make contact with the goalie while they are in the crease. If an opposing player enters the crease and makes contact with the goalie, a penalty is awarded to the goalie’s team.
Loose Ball in the Crease
When the ball is loose in the crease, any player can try to gain possession of it. However, they must not make contact with the goalie while doing so. If a player makes contact with the goalie while going for the loose ball, a penalty is awarded to the goalie’s team.
Exiting the Crease
When the goalie exits the crease with the ball, they become a field player and can be checked by opposing players. However, they must not re-enter the crease with the ball. If the goalie re-enters the crease with the ball, a crease violation is called, and the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
Understanding the rules governing the crease is crucial for any player looking to excel in lacrosse. By following these rules, you can avoid penalties and help your team succeed on the field.
Positioning and Strategy in the Crease
As a lacrosse player, the crease is a crucial area to master. It’s where the game is won or lost, and where attackers and defenders battle it out to score or prevent a goal. To become a crease master, you need to have quick reflexes, excellent footwork, and a deep understanding of the game.
Here are some tips on how to position yourself and develop a strategy in the crease:
- Stay inside the crease: The goalie crease is the circle that surrounds the lacrosse goal on both sides of the field. The circle has a 9ft radius to depict the goalie’s area. Inside the circular lining, the area is goalie only. Offensive players must not step into the crease regardless of the situation.
- Communicate with your teammates: Communication is key when it comes to defending the crease. Make sure you are constantly talking to your teammates, letting them know where the ball is and what your plan is.
- Anticipate shots: As a goalie, you need to be able to anticipate where the ball is going to be shot from and position yourself accordingly. This means being able to read the body language of the attacker and predicting where they are going to shoot.
- Be quick on your feet: Footwork is crucial when it comes to defending the crease. You need to be able to move quickly and efficiently in order to make saves and block shots.
- Keep your eye on the ball: It’s important to keep your eye on the ball at all times. This means not getting distracted by the movements of the attacker or the crowd.
By following these tips, you can improve your positioning and strategy in the crease and become a more effective lacrosse player.
Penalties and Violations in the Crease
As mentioned earlier, the crease is a crucial area in lacrosse, and players must follow specific rules to avoid penalties and violations. Here are some of the most common penalties and violations that occur in the crease:
Crease Violation
A crease violation occurs when an offensive player enters the crease area around the goal. Only the goalkeeper and defensive players are allowed in the crease. If an offensive player enters the crease, the opposing team will gain possession of the ball. If the violation occurs during a shot attempt, the goal will not count, and the player will receive a penalty or lose possession of the ball.
Goalkeeper Interference
Goalkeeper interference occurs when an offensive player makes contact with the goalkeeper inside the crease. This type of violation results in a one-minute penalty and no goal. If the offensive player enters the crease without making contact with the goalkeeper, the goal will not count, and the opposing team will gain possession of the ball.
Illegal Picks
An illegal pick occurs when an offensive player sets a pick on a defensive player inside the crease. This type of violation results in a turnover, and the opposing team gains possession of the ball.
Holding
Holding occurs when a player grabs or holds an opponent’s stick or body. This type of violation results in a one-minute penalty.
Slashing
Slashing occurs when a player hits an opponent with their stick. This type of violation results in a one-minute penalty.
Cross-Checking
Cross-checking occurs when a player hits an opponent with the shaft of their stick. This type of violation results in a one-minute penalty.
It’s essential to remember that penalties and violations in the crease can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Players must follow the rules and avoid any unnecessary violations to ensure their team’s success.
Famous Instances of Crease Violations
Crease violations can be costly for a team, and some famous instances have proven just how important it is to follow the rules. Here are a few notable examples:
- 2018 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship: In the final game between Yale and Duke, Duke lost possession after a crease violation in the fourth quarter. This violation ended up being a crucial turning point in the game, as Yale scored soon after and went on to win the championship.
- 2015 MLL Championship: In the final game between the New York Lizards and the Rochester Rattlers, the Lizards lost possession after a crease violation in the fourth quarter. This violation also proved to be costly, as Rochester scored soon after and won the championship.
- 2009 NLL Championship: In the final game between the Calgary Roughnecks and the New York Titans, Calgary lost possession after a crease violation in the fourth quarter. This violation ultimately led to New York scoring the game-winning goal and winning the championship.
These instances show just how important it is to follow crease rules and avoid violations. Even the slightest mistake can have a major impact on the outcome of a game.
