Push From Behind in Boys’ Lacrosse: A Common Youth Infraction

• Definition: A push from behind occurs when a player pushes an opponent with enough force to cause them to lose balance or fall, and it happens from behind, making it illegal.

• Penalty: A 30-second technical foul is assessed. If the push causes a loss of possession, the opposing team is awarded the ball.

Detailed Explanation:

In lacrosse, legal pushes must come from the front or side, not from behind, because players can’t defend themselves properly when pushed from that angle. At the younger levels, this infraction is common due to inexperience, especially during ground ball scrambles. Young players may unintentionally push opponents while trying to gain possession, often causing the opponent to fall, which easily draws the penalty.

Why It’s Common Among Youth Players:

Inexperience and lack of refined body control make this infraction more frequent among youth players. They’re still learning positioning, and in their eagerness to gain possession, they sometimes forget proper defensive technique. Coaches can address this by teaching proper body positioning and ground ball techniques, emphasizing approaching from the side rather than pushing from behind.

By teaching proper technique and body control, players can reduce the occurrence of this penalty and play a cleaner, more strategic game as they progress.