What Lacrosse Position Should I Play: 14 Factors That Helps!

Deciding “What lacrosse position should I play?” is a pivotal question that you must grapple with to maximize your enjoyment and impact on the field.

Our comprehensive experience in playing, coaching, and analyzing the game equips us to guide you through this game-changer decision.

Imagine what happens if you choose an ill-suited position? It leads to frustration and hindered progress.

Finding the right fit enhances personal performance and the team’s cohesion and success.

Stay tuned as we lay out 14 imperative tips to help you identify which lacrosse positions align best with your skills and preferences and set you up for a rewarding experience on the lacrosse field.

Table of Contents

Evaluate Your Role Preferences

When deciding which lacrosse position to play, reflect on your natural inclinations and preferences.

Think about where you feel most at home on the field and the skills you bring to the game. Here’s how you can break it down:

Preferences Matter:

Offense or Defense: Do you thrive when charging the goal, or is shutting down opponent plays more your style?
Physicality: Can you handle the rigors of defense, or do you prefer the agility needed for attack?
Stamina: If running for days is your thing, midfield may call your name.

Skill Assessment:

Stickwork: If you have got impressive control and can weave through defenders, attacking positions might suit you.
Speed: Swift runners do well as midfielders, constantly transitioning between attack and defense.
Strategic Thinking: A knack for strategy can make you a valuable defender or goalie, predicting opponents’ moves.

Consider how your current capabilities align with the demands of the various positions in lacrosse. It isn’t about fitting into a box but finding where you can shine and grow.

If Paul Rabil could switch from attack to midfield and excel, you can find your fit, too. Just remember, while skills can be honed, passion for a position is irreplaceable.

Have fun out there!

Attend Training Sessions

Attending training sessions is another key to helping you choose the correct positions in lacrosse.

These gatherings are like goldmines, where you can test your mettle and discover your natural fit on the field. It’s a chance to dabble with attack, defense, and goalie positions, and see what clicks.

Pick up a stick and get a natural feel for each position during these sessions. You will scrimmage, run drills, and get a real taste of the game’s pace.

You can jump into various positions and be surprised where your skills shine.

What to Expect:

Scrimmites: Test game scenarios
Positional Drills: Hone specific skills
Feedback: Coaches assess your performance

Here’s your game plan for those sessions:

Be Open-Minded: Try every position, even just for a few minutes. You always need to find out which one might feel like home.
Ask for Feedback: Coaches and teammates can offer insights. They’ll tell you where your strengths are most helpful.
Observe and Mimic: Watch experienced players during the session. Notice their footwork, stick skills, and positioning.

We can’t all be Paul Rabil or Gary Gait overnight, but we’ll inch closer to finding our ideal spot on the lacrosse field by testing our limits and listening to the coaches’ advice.

So, lace up those cleats, grab your sticks, and hit the field with an open mind at the next training session.

Who knows?

That’s likely where you will start your journey towards your perfect lacrosse position.

Play Pickup Games

Pickup games can be beneficial when you need clarification about the position you should play in lacrosse.

These casual games are less about the score and more about getting a feel for each position. Think of them as a test drive for each lacrosse position – attack, midfield, defense, and goalie.

In attack, you focus on scoring goals and offensive strategies. If you find yourself constantly aiming for the goal or leading offensive plays, it might be a hint that attack is your calling.

Midfielders have responsibilities on both ends of the field. If you are into running up and down the field and enjoy being a part of both offensive and defensive plays, midfield could be where you belong.

Defense is critical for stopping the opposing team’s advances. You might consider a defensive position if you notice you are good at anticipating the opponent’s moves and preventing their goals.

Lastly, if you gravitate toward the goal and have quick reflexes, trying out as a goalie could be wise. It’s a unique position that requires a specific skill set and mindset.

Watch Games

It would help to watch games when figuring out which lacrosse position you should play. Observing real-life scenarios enables you to understand the dynamics of each position. You can look for both college and professional games to get a broad perspective.

Attack: Watch how players maneuver to score. Pay attention to their agility and how they handle pressure near the goal.
Midfield: Consider how these athletes must be versatile, covering both offensive and defensive duties. Their stamina and speed are the key.
Defense: Notice how defenders position themselves, their footwork, and communicate with teammates to protect their side.
Goalie: Observe their reflexes and how they command the defense. It’s a unique position that requires a specific skill set.

Talk to Coaches: What Lacrosse Position Should I Play?

Chatting with your coaches can be a real game-changer when figuring out your lacrosse positions.

They’ve seen you in action, know the game inside out, and can spot where your strengths will shine on the lacrosse field.

Their insight is like gold – they’ve watched us during practices, noticed how you handle the ball, and even how you interact with teammates. Whether it’s in attack, midfield, defense, or even as goalie, they’ll point you in the right direction.

For example, they might steer you towards playing midfield if you’re quick and good at snatching the ball. On the flip side, if you’ve got a keen eye for intercepting passes and a solid defensive stance, they may suggest you would excel in defense.

Remember, their advice concerns where you are now and where you could grow with practice and dedication.

So, let’s take their advice, ask questions, and be open to trying new positions until you find where you fit best on the lacrosse field.

Volunteer for Drills

It’s not just about going through the motions; it’s about discovering where your strengths really shine. Drills give you a taste of the action and help you suss out the role you’re meant to play.

Attack Position Drills might lure you in if you’ve got a keen eye for scoring goals. Snapping up those opportunities to dodge and shoot during practice can hint at a future weaving through defenders to victory.

Midfield Drills are rigorous. They force you to be all over the field, perfect for figuring out if you thrive in the chaos of transition play. It concerns agility and endurance.

Defense Drills emphasize your protective instinct. If you find joy in disrupting the opponent’s flow and can communicate like a boss, then getting your feet wet with defense-focused practices will confirm if this position is for you.

Lastly, Goalie Drills challenge your reaction speed and decision-making. If you’ve got a knack for anticipating shots and a cool head under pressure, taking up the mantle in goal during these drills might reveal your most genuine potential between the posts.

So, you gear up and dive in. You rotate, you experience, and soon enough, the correct lacrosse position seems to find you.

Ask Questions

Ask yourself a couple of key questions. You want to ensure your chosen role matches your skills, strengths, and enjoyment. Here’s a simple table to get us started:

Question	Why It Matters
How often do I play and work out?	This gauges your fitness level, which is crucial for positions like midfielders who require stamina.
What are my strongest skills?	Knowing whether you excel at offense, defense, or both can steer you toward attack, defense, or midfield roles.
Do I prefer strategy or physical play?	Some of you might thrive on the tactical aspect, nudging you toward positions like goalie or defense.

If you’re unsure, consider attack position if you like scoring or have quick reflexes. For those who love a good sprint and are okay playing offense and defense, midfield could be your calling. As for those who are strategic thinkers and have a strong sense of spatial awareness, playing defense might suit you. And let’s not forget about the goalie – ideal for those who have quick reactions and enjoy being the last line of defense.

Remember, your position can change as you grow and learn more about the game. You don’t have to lock yourself into one choice; you can experiment with different positions until you find the one you play well.

Keep an Open Mind

Stay flexible in your thinking. Lacrosse positions are diverse, each with its unique demands. Before settling into a role, allow yourself to explore various positions. Try out roles that might not immediately appeal to you – you might be surprised at where your talents shine.

Attack: If you think you’re more defense-oriented, give the attack a shot. You may have a knack for scoring goals.
Midfield: Maybe you’ve never considered midfield, but it requires versatility that could match your diverse skill set.
Defense: Even if you see yourself as an offensive player, playing defense can teach you valuable tactics about how the other team thinks.
Goalie: It’s a specialist position, but don’t count it out. It might just align perfectly with your reflexes and field vision.

Think about Jim Brown, famed for football, but also an exceptional lacrosse player. He played multiple lacrosse positions during college, leveraging his athletic prowess. His willingness to play where needed demonstrated the importance of adaptability.

Lastly, remember that what you initially pick may not always be where you end up. Your first choice might not be your best fit, and that’s okay. Being open to changing positions can enhance your overall game and team contribution. Let’s keep your options open and find the position that elevates your game to the next level.

Reflect on Your Experience

When deciding what lacrosse position you should play, look at your past field experiences.

Think about the roles you’ve gravitated toward during games or practice.

You should check the list of skills and qualities for each position above again to verify what you have experienced.

Your skills and preferences are roadmaps to your ideal position in lacrosse – each experience you reflect on gets you closer to finding your perfect fit in the game.

Seek Feedback

Choosing the right position in lacrosse isn’t a solo mission.

It would help if you tapped into the collective wisdom around you. Asking for feedback is stellar when you zero in on where we’ll shine on the field.

Coaches: They’ve seen countless players and know the game’s nuances. Their insight can put you in a spot that complements your skill set. “Hey Coach, based on my speed and stick skills, do you see me as a midfielder or more of a defensive player?“

Teammates: These guys are in the thick of it with you. They might notice something in your gameplay that you miss. Imagine someone saying, “You’re always great at anticipating where the ball’s going – ever thought of playing defense?“

Self-Assessment: It’s about understanding your strengths and weaknesses. You jot down what you excel at and where you could use some work. Then, you match these traits to lacrosse positions.

Speed and agility? You may be midfield material.
Precision and quick reflexes? Sounds like goalie material to you.

Remember that feedback is your ally. It guides you and gives you a new perspective on where to contribute the most to the lacrosse field.

Stay Patient

You have to be patient.

Take your time choosing one of the positions in lacrosse.

Discovering where you fit in on a lacrosse team is like a trial and error-process.

You might jump straight into the attack position because scoring goals is exciting. But what if your strengths lie in defense, midfield, or as a goalie? Each lacrosse position has its own unique set of responsibilities and required skills.

You have seen players switch from midfield to attack before finally landing on defense. This shuffle isn’t a sign of failure but rather part of the journey to find where their skills shine the most. The key is to explore each position without pressure.

Table: Sample Roles & Skills

Position	Key Skills
Attack	Scoring, Agility, Ball control
Midfield	Endurance, Versatility, Team play
Defense	Strength, Strategy, Blocking
Goalie	Reflexes, Courage, Communication

Remember, some of the best lacrosse players took their time to find the right position. Consistency and willingness to experiment are your best friends on this journey.

Play Multiple Positions

You need to try several roles to see what fits you best. Playing multiple positions gives you a broad understanding of the game and helps you find where your skills shine.

Attack? Defense? Midfield? You won’t know what you are best at until you give each position a fair shot. Each role has its unique demands:

Attackers need speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents.
Defensemen must be strong and strategic to protect the goal.
Midfielders require stamina and versatility, as they run the full field.
Goalies rely on quick reflexes and strong decision-making.

We’ve seen players who started at one position and found their true calling in another.

Consider Paul Rabil, one of the lacrosse greats; he was a scorer in college but expanded his playing style to become a top midfielder in the pros.

Consider Team Needs

What does your team need most?

It isn’t always about which spot you prefer. Sometimes, you have got to play where you are needed the most.

For example, if your team’s stacked with incredible attackers but is light on defense, you might strap on some shin guards and jump into a defensive role.

Here’s a quick chart to help you assess your team needs against the positions:

Position	Team Need
Attack	Scoring proficiency, creativity
Midfield	Versatility, stamina
Defense	Physicality, tactical awareness
Goalie	Quick reflexes, communication

You should chat with your coach and consider the team’s lineup. They’ve got the strategic overview and can pinpoint gaps you may have yet to notice.

By stepping into a role that bolsters your team, you also develop new skills that make you a more rounded player.

So, let’s stay open to trying different positions.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

Flexibility is key. The positions in lacrosse each have unique demands, and as you develop your skills, you might find that a different position suits you better. Your growth can lead you to adapt to new roles where you can shine even more.

Initially, you could start in one role, thinking it’s your perfect fit. However, your understanding of the game and yourself grows as you play more. For instance, you began as an attacker because you liked scoring goals. Still, you realized your speed and stamina are tremendous assets that make you an excellent fit for midfield, where you can contribute to offense and defense.

Versatility is highly valued in lacrosse. A player who can effortlessly switch positions is a priceless asset to any team. If you look at top lacrosse players, many were not rigid about their roles; they adapted and excelled in multiple positions throughout their careers.

Keep your options open as you learn and play. It would help if you weren’t afraid to explore positions in lacrosse until you find the one that feels right. By staying flexible and willing to adapt, you position yourself for success and enjoyment in this dynamic sport.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct lacrosse position involves reflecting on your strengths and preferences.

You have looked at the offensive dynamism of attackers, the two-way athleticism of midfielders, the strategic importance of defenders, and the reflexive skill of goalies. Each position in lacrosse plays a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.

Here’s what you can do next: