Can Lacrosse Goalies Use Their Hands? Goalies are allowed to use their hands, arms, and sticks to block shots, catch and redirect the ball away, to pass the ball, however, they must be prohibited from holding the ball outside the crease for more than four seconds. Interfering with an opponent’s stick during a shot or pass is also not allowed.
How goalies can use their hands in lacrosse:
Blocking Shots: The primary role of a lacrosse goalie is to protect the goal and stop the opposing team from scoring. Goalies can use their hands, and arms, and stick to block shots. They can move their hands and arms to make saves and redirect the ball away from the goal.
Catching and Holding the Ball: Goalies can catch the ball with their hands when it is within the crease, which is the marked area around the goal. Once they catch the ball, they can securely hold it in their stick or hand to gain control.
Passing and Clearing: Goalies can use their hands to pass the ball to their teammates or clear it from their defensive end. They can throw the ball overhand or underhand to initiate an offensive play or get the ball out of their defensive zone.
Limitations and rules that goalies must follow:
Illegal Procedure: Goalies cannot intentionally hold the ball in their hands outside the crease for more than four seconds. If they do so, it results in a violation called “illegal procedure,” and the opposing team is awarded possession.
Crease Violation: Goalies are not allowed to step outside the crease with the ball in their hands. If they do, it results in a crease violation, and the opposing team is awarded possession.
Interference: Goalies cannot use their hands or body to interfere with an opponent’s stick while they are shooting or passing the ball. This would result in a penalty and potentially a man-down situation for their team.
FAQ’s
Are lacrosse goalies the only players allowed to use their hands?
No, all players in lacrosse can use their hands to catch, pass, and carry the ball, but goalies have certain additional privileges and restrictions.
What happens if a lacrosse goalie steps outside the crease with the ball in their hands?
Stepping outside the crease with the ball is considered a crease violation, resulting in a turnover and possession awarded to the opposing team.
Can a lacrosse goalie throw the ball downfield using only their hands?
Yes, goalies can use their hands to pass the ball downfield to initiate an offensive play or clear it from their defensive zone.
How long can a lacrosse goalie hold the ball in their hands outside the crease?
Lacrosse goalies cannot intentionally hold the ball in their hands outside the crease for more than four seconds, as it results in an “illegal procedure” violation.
Can a lacrosse goalie intercept a pass using their hands?
Yes, a goalie can intercept a pass using their hands if the ball is within the crease or if they are able to legally reach it while inside the crease.
Can a lacrosse goalie use their hands to stop shots taken from any distance?
Yes, goalies can use their hands to stop shots from any distance, as long as they are within the rules and regulations of the game.
Are there any penalties specific to the use of hands by lacrosse goalies?
Yes, if a goalie interferes with an opponent’s stick during a shot or pass, it is considered a penalty and may result in a man-down situation for their team.