In lacrosse, tackling, also known as checking, involves dispossessing an opponent by hitting their stick with your stick to knock the ball loose.
Legal Checking in Lacrosse
The key element of a legal check is that it targets the opponent's stick, not their body or head. Here's a breakdown of the rules, drawing from provided information:
- Stick-on-Stick Contact: You must hit the opponent's stick with your own stick.
- Possession Required: The player you are checking must have the ball in their stick.
- Target Area: The motion of your stick cannot be towards the opponent's body or near their head.
- This means no slashing at the arms, body, or head.
Illegal Checking and Penalties
Illegal checks result in penalties and can include:
- Slashing: Hitting an opponent with your stick in an uncontrolled or dangerous manner.
- Cross-Checking: Using the shaft of your stick between your hands to make contact with an opponent.
- High-Sticking: Hitting an opponent above the shoulders with your stick.
- Illegal Body Check: In some leagues and for certain age groups, body checking is either restricted or entirely illegal.
Checking Techniques
Here are a few points on how to tackle legally and effectively:
- Stay Low: Maintain a balanced stance to control your movements.
- Controlled Motion: Ensure your check is controlled and doesn't endanger the opponent.
- Aim for the Center of the Stick: This gives you the best chance of dislodging the ball.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Ball: This helps you time your check effectively and avoid penalties.
Summary
To summarize, tackling in lacrosse involves legally checking an opponent's stick to dispossess them of the ball, while avoiding contact with their body or head. It's crucial to understand and follow the rules to avoid penalties and ensure player safety.
