In lacrosse, the term "pushing" refers to an illegal contact where a player pushes their opponent, typically from behind, in a way that unbalances or places them in a vulnerable position. This rule is crucial for protecting the safety of players and ensuring fair play.
"Pushing" in lacrosse occurs when a player pushes their opponent without being directly involved in the ball play or without being within a legal context. Specifically, the "push from behind" occurs when a player uses their body or stick to push an opponent who is either facing away or partially facing away, causing them to lose possession of the ball, lose their balance, or be forced out of a play abruptly.
This infraction is considered dangerous because players who are in vulnerable positions (such as being turned away or not prepared for contact) run the risk of falls or injury.