Washington Stealth

Goaltender
The goaltenders responsibility is to prevent the opposition from scoring goals by directly defending the net. Box lacrosse goaltenders equipment includes massive upper body gear, large shin guards known as "irons", and ice hockey-style helmets.

The 9 feet 3 inches (2.8 m) diameter area surrounding the net is called the "crease." Players, except for the goaltender. may not enter the crease while playing the ball. Punishments for crease infractions include a change of possession, resetting of the time-clock, or a possible two minute penalty depending on the infraction. Opposing players may not make contact with the goalie while he is in the crease. Once he leaves the crease, however, he loses all goaltender privileges.

Even as box lacrosse grows in the United States, the American goalie is a rarity. The skills required to be a successful field or box lacrosse goaltenderare very distinct. Some say the position is more akin to an ice hockey goaltender than a field lacrosse goaltender.

Defensemen
A defenseman is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Unlike in field lacrosse where some defensive players carry "long poles" (a lacrosse stick with a 6 feet (1.8 m) shaft or handle), all box lacrosse defensemen play with a maximum 42 inches long stick.

Transition
There are two types of transition players, offensive transition players and defensive transition players. An offensive transition player has better offensive skills than the defensive transition player and will play a solid role in the offense while playing five on five. The offensive transition player will also stay on the transition from offense to defense to cut off the opposing team’s transition. The defensive transition player is a solid defenseman who will run the floor, creating odd man situations and will tend to leave the floor for a forward during five on five situations.

Forwards
A forward is a player position on the field whose responsibility is primarily offensive. Typically, a forward is dominant throwing with one hand and will primarily play on that side of the floor. Generally, a right handed player plays on the left side of the floor and the left handed player plays on the right side. Some players, known as crease men, will focus near the crease area in front of the goaltender. The forwards will play on the powerplay and six on five play situations.