A Parent's Guide to Youth Girls Lacrosse
The US Lacrosse Women's Rules Committee has developed age-appropriate guidelines to support the Lacrosse Athlete Development Model (LADM). These rules are designed to promote the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of young female lacrosse players, ensuring that each player progresses at a pace suitable for their age and skill level. Each youth level has specific rules that dictate the number of players, field size, equipment, goal size, penalties, and possession of the draw.
Age-Specific Rules
6U-8U Level:
- The game is played 3v3 to 7v7 with no goalies.
- There is no draw at this level.
Key Differences in Youth Girls Lacrosse
Youth girls' lacrosse rules differ significantly from boys' lacrosse, particularly in equipment requirements and the level of physical contact permitted. Unlike boys' lacrosse, which involves more physical contact and the use of protective gear, girls' lacrosse emphasizes skill and technique over physicality. Currently, the only mandatory protective equipment for girls is a mouthguard, goggles, and gloves. However, some states are considering the use of optional headgear or helmets.
Another notable difference is the lacrosse stick. In youth girls' lacrosse, players use a stick without a deep pocket or loose netting, unlike boys' sticks, which are designed for more control and handling. Most beginners start with a basic stick and transition to a women's complete stick as they improve their skills.
The Draw vs. The Face-Off
In girls' lacrosse, the game begins with a "draw" instead of a face-off. The draw involves two players standing with their sticks held in the air above their hips, and the ball is placed between the sticks. This is different from the face-off in boys' lacrosse, where the ball is placed on the ground.
Building Strong Fundamentals
The primary goal of youth girls' lacrosse is to help players develop strong fundamentals and a solid understanding of teamwork. Key skills like throwing, catching, scooping, shooting, and defensive positioning are emphasized. As players progress to higher levels, they will refine these skills and begin to learn more complex strategies and tactical play.
By the time players reach the 12U level, the game becomes more competitive, with play set at 12v12 or 8v8. At this stage, players use sticks that meet US Lacrosse's legal specifications, and games include draws and the enforcement of technical fouls.
This overview provides a glimpse into the world of youth girls' lacrosse. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our lacrosse experts, feel free to call us at 855.255.5294. At LAX.com, we're passionate about the game and here to help you and your young player succeed.
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