Intercrosse – Student Handout
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Intercrosse is played by 2 teams (5 players on the court from each team).
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Each team’s objective is to score the most goals against their opponents. As a team, you also want to stop
your opponents from gaining control of the ball.
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The game of intercrosse can be played on a basketball court. On the court, there is an offensive zone and
a defensive zone, for each team. The “central line” separates these two zones.
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The sidelines are called “lateral lines” and the line where the goals are put on is called the “end line.”
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The defensive zone: Where a team is defending its goal.
The offensive zone: Where a team is attacking the opponent’s goal.
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Physical contact is not allowed.
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An intercrosse game is composed of 4 quarters. Each quarter is 12 minutes each.
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After each quarter, the teams change sides on the court.
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If the score is tied after the 4th quarter, there will be an overtime period of 10 minutes.
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If the score remains tied at the end of the overtime period, another period of 10 minutes will begin. This
will go on until a goal is scored.
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At the start of each quarter, each player will position themselves in their defensive zone.
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The ball is put into play from the goaltender’s territory either by the goaltender or by a player on that
team. Players are allowed to cross the central line as soon as the head referee whistles.
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After a goal, the ball is put back into play from the goaltender’s territory either by the goaltender or by a
player on the team who has been scored against.
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A player is not allowed to purposely touch the ball with his/her hands or any other part of his/her body.
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The team in possession of the ball will have 30 seconds to shoot on the opponent’s goal. If the team does
not shoot the ball on the opponent’s goal within 30 seconds, the opposing team gains possession of the
ball.
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A player or goaltender cannot keep the ball in his possession for more than 5 seconds. If he does so, the
ball will go to the opposing team.
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A player with possession of the ball should always be running or staying still.
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A player is not allowed to walk with the ball. If a player with the ball walks, the ball will be given to the
other team.
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Under no circumstances can an offensive player touch or cross the goaltender’s crease (The white line in
the picture below). For example, when you are shooting the ball on net, you are not allowed to touch or
cross this white line.
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In defense "zone-defense" is not allowed, which means that two players are not allowed to defend the
same opponent.
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Man-to-man defense only. Players must guard one opponent each.
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5 kinds of fouls:
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Personal fouls: Illegal contact with an opposing player.
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Team fouls: A team foul is not given to a particular player. Team fouls are fouls that are given to
a team. For example, a team delaying the game will receive a team foul.
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Unsportsmanlike conduct fouls: An unsportsmanlike foul is a personal foul that is made by a
player who does not play fairly or who does not follow rules (E.g. A player pushes or hits an
opponent with his/her stick). A player who is given 2 unsportsmanlike conduct fouls during a
game will be disqualified from the game.
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Technical fouls: Technical fouls are fouls that do not involve physical contact with an opposing
player (E.g. uses language or gestures, disrespects, verbally provokes).
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Disqualifying fouls: Acts of violence going against sportsmanlike spirit and fair-play happening
before, during or after the game.
Holding the Stick
• High grip: Upper hand is just below the basket and the lower hand is in the middle of the stick.
This grip is used for short and quick passes.
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Medium grip: Upper hand is in the middle of the stick and the lower hand is at the bottom of the
stick. This grip is used during movement (E.g. When you are running down the court). This grip
is also used for mid-range passing.
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Low grip: Both hands are placed around the lower part of the stick. This grip is used for long
passes.
Picking up the Ball
• Scooping
Ø Dominant foot is placed ahead and the non-dominant foot is placed behind
Ø Dominant hand is roughly in the middle of the stick with the non-dominant hand at the
bottom of the stick
Ø Bend the knees and put the back of the basket on the ground
Ø Drag the basket towards the ball (Shovelling movement)
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Rolling and Scooping
Ø You would use this to stop a rolling ball
Ø The tip of the basket is placed on the ball
Ø Next, move the basket backwards making the ball roll towards the body
Ø The ball is then picked up using the scooping technique described above
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After picking up the ball, you want to quickly bring the stick upwards and above your shoulder.
From this position, you can either pass, shoot, or run.
Passing (underhand)
Ø Dominant foot ahead and non-dominant foot behind
Ø Medium grip
Ø Swinging motion
Ø Aim for the target
Passing (overarm)
Ø Hold your stick (choose your grip)
Ø Aim for the target
Ø Step forward with your opposite foot
Ø Follow through after releasing the ball
Catching
Ø Give a target
Ø Eye on the ball
Ø Hold your stick
Ø Bend your knees
Ø Absorb the ball
Shooting (This technique is similar to passing the ball overarm)
Ø Hold your stick (choose your grip)
Ø Aim at your target
Ø All your weight is on the back foot when you begin your shooting motion
Ø Then, step forward with your opposite foot and shift your weight forward into the shot
Ø Follow through after releasing the ball