Every position in lacrosse has some unique responsibilities and skills.
But which is the most skilled? I’ve discussed this in some depth with a lot of experienced players at several clubs.
Each position had strong proponents. This article runs through the arguments for all of them.
My final conclusion is that midfielders require the highest set of diverse skills in the sport. Read on for a comparison across the positions and why the middies come out on top.
Defensemen: Least Skilled
I’m starting with defensemen because the general opinion is that the least skilled players can do a good job in defense.
That is because strength and attitude go a long way to make up for being a little less talented.
However, that doesn’t mean that defensemen can lack skill in their primary duties.
There is a lot of skill in using their bodies to maintain optimal positioning and protect their goal against aggressive offensive players.
Defensemen also have to be particularly skilled in dealing with ground balls and clearing.
They must be adept at picking up loose balls and initiating the clearing process to transition from defense to offense.
This requires excellent ground ball skills, quick decision-making, and accurate passing under pressure.
Goalies – Restricted Set Of Skills
Goalies have the crucial task of stopping the opponent’s shots.
They must possess exceptional reflexes and hand-eye coordination to make saves against fast and unpredictable shots from various angles and distances.
If they don’t execute well, the result will be a goal for the opponents.
That means they execute their skills under the highest pressure of all positions.
While other positions in lacrosse require more extensive skills, the unique demands of the goalie position arguably make it the most skill-intensive role on the field.
However, I still think that the more restricted set of skills means that it’s not the most skilled position.
Attackmen – Highly Skilled
Attackers shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals, the primary objective of the game.
To excel in this role, they must have an exceptional shooting skill set, which includes accuracy, power, and versatility in shot types.
Attackmen need to possess advanced stick skills (cradling, passing, and catching) to maintain control of the ball while under pressure from defenders.
They must be able to execute quick and precise passes, often in tight spaces or while on the move.
Attackers must be adept at evading defenders by utilizing various dodging techniques, quick changes in direction, and deceptive moves. This requires agility, balance, and exceptional footwork.
Attackers must also be skilled at off-ball movement, positioning themselves effectively to receive passes, set picks, or draw defenders away from their teammates.
This skill requires excellent spatial awareness and anticipation.
Finally, attackmen are primarily responsible for riding i.e. applying pressure on the opposing team during their clearing attempts. This involves anticipation and skill in cutting off passing lanes.
Most players I talked to agreed that attackmen had to be more skilled than defenders.
But are they the most skilled players on the field? No, we come to that position last.
Midfielders As The Most Skilled Position
Midfielders are required to play both offense and defense, covering the entire field.
This demands a versatile skill set, including ball handling and shooting and dodging. On the defensive side, they need high skill in stick checks and body positioning.
Excelling as a midfielder requires mastering multiple aspects of the game. One of the key roles is to initiate and execute transitions between offense and defense quickly and effectively.
This requires excellent decision-making, spatial awareness, and passing skills, often under pressure from opponents.
Some midfielders specialize in taking faceoffs and fighting for possession of the ball. This requires quick reflexes, strength, and advanced faceoff techniques.
Additionally, midfielders need to be adept at winning ground balls, a crucial skill for maintaining possession and initiating offensive plays.
Given this diverse set of skills, I conclude that the midfielder position is the most skilled in lacrosse.
Other Traits
Interested in other traits in the sport? Check these out:
