Goalkeeper (field lacrosse)

In field lacrosse, the goaltender (goalie, goalkeeper, or the keeper) is the last line of defense between the opposing offense and the goal. The goaltender's primary roles are to defend the opposing team's shots on goal and to direct the defense.

Goaltenders are the only ones on the field who can touch the ball with their hands. However they are not allowed to pick up or control the ball with their hands. Hand touches are legal only when in the crease. Each team has a goaltender on the field at all times.

A goaltender is required to wear certain protective gear. Every goaltender must wear gloves, a chest protector, a helmet and a throat guard. They optionally wear padded undergarments and a mouth guard, although mouth guards are required in youth levels through high school, as to minimize the amount of concussions and head-related injuries. In women's lacrosse, thigh pads, shin guards and elbow pads are common. Women's lacrosse prohibits jewelry, except for religious purposes. In men's lacrosse, a protective groin cup is required for all players. Goaltenders also have a larger crosse (the head of a lacrosse stick) than the other players. This makes it easier to save shots. The downside is that it can be harder to cradle and pass the ball to another player/teammate.

The goaltender's role is to prevent the ball from going into the goal. Primarily, goalies use their stick to block shots. However, it is certainly not uncommon to see a goaltender use his/her body to block the ball as well, such as a chest or leg.

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