Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a fast team sport. Players carry a small rubber ball in the net at the end of a long stick. They run down the field and try to throw the ball into the other team's goal. Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America. Native American tribes played it long ago.

How the Game Works

Two teams play on a big grass field. Each team has a goalie to block shots. Players pass the ball by scooping and throwing with their sticks. They cannot use their hands to touch the ball. The team with the most goals at the end wins.

An old painting of Native Americans playing an early version of lacrosse.
An old painting of Native Americans playing an early version of lacrosse. (George Catlin / Wikimedia Commons)

Lacrosse History

Native American tribes played lacrosse hundreds of years ago. Early games were very long and had many players. The game was used to settle fights and honor their beliefs. The sticks were made of wood with leather nets. Today lacrosse is played in schools and colleges across North America.

Fun Facts

  • Lacrosse is the official summer sport of Canada.
  • A lacrosse ball can fly over 100 miles per hour.
  • The name 'lacrosse' comes from the French word for 'the stick.'

Did You Know?

Some early Native American lacrosse games had hundreds of players and lasted for days.