The fast-paced nature of lacrosse makes it an exciting sport, but the specialized vocabulary can sometimes make understanding the game’s terminology difficult for new fans or players. Lacrosse has developed its own language for describing actions, positions, and strategies. Terms like “ward” often surface, causing confusion because they are not easily found as a formal, standalone rule. This term represents a blend of an official foul and a modern coaching strategy, creating a disconnect between what is heard on the field and what is written in the rulebook. Understanding this distinction is the necessary first step to decoding the term’s true meaning.
Clarifying the Terminology
The term “ward” is not designated as a formal rule, penalty, or position in major official rulebooks, such as those governing the NCAA or the Premier Lacrosse League. Instead, the word is most commonly a shortened, phonetic reference to the official technical foul known as “warding off.” This infraction occurs when an offensive player, while in possession of the ball, illegally uses their free hand or arm to create space against a defender. The foul centers on the illegal use of the non-cradling arm to push, hold, or control the direction of the opponent’s stick or body. When heard in commentary or on the sideline, “ward” is typically an informal way of calling attention to this specific rule violation.
The term’s popularity may also stem from phonetically similar concepts, such as “guarding.” However, the connection to an acronym is a strong possibility, as coaches frequently use easily remembered letter combinations to teach complex concepts. This strategic use allows coaches to quickly communicate a series of defensive principles. The search for a definition of “ward” often leads to the strategic defensive acronym “W.A.R.D.,” which helps structure a defender’s approach to playing the ball.
Decoding the W.A.R.D. Acronym
The acronym W.A.R.D. is a coaching tool designed to consolidate fundamental defensive principles into a single, memorable concept used primarily for one-on-one defense and clearing situations.
Width
The W stands for Width, which refers to a defender’s proper positioning relative to the ball carrier and the goal. Maintaining good width prevents the offensive player from driving directly toward the goal’s center, forcing them instead to a less dangerous angle on the perimeter. This positioning is often referred to as “forcing the opponent to a side.”
Awareness
The A represents Awareness, which emphasizes the need for the defender to monitor more than just the ball carrier. Awareness involves continually surveying the field for potential threats, such as cutters or off-ball screens. This principle ensures the player is ready to communicate and react to a developing play rather than just the immediate threat.
Responsibility
The R mandates that the defender must be accountable for their assigned player or area of the field. This includes the commitment to stay goal-side of their man, always placing their body between the offensive player and the goal cage to maintain a positional advantage.
Depth/Direction
The D stands for Depth or Direction, relating to the distance and angle a defender maintains from the ball carrier. Depth refers to the controlled cushion of space a defender allows, which prevents the offensive player from easily blowing past them while still allowing the defender to apply pressure. Direction is the tactical choice of forcing the ball carrier toward the sideline or a specific defensive help area.
Related Defensive Actions
Beyond the W.A.R.D. concept, there are two rule-based actions frequently confused with the informal term “ward.” The most direct link is to the official foul, the “warding off” penalty, which is a technical foul called against the offensive player. The infraction is specifically penalized when a player with possession uses their free arm to physically push away or obstruct the defender’s stick or body, creating illegal separation. This action results in a turnover and possession awarded to the non-offending team.
Another concept sometimes confused with the term is guarding, which is the general defensive action of covering an opponent. Guarding involves using a combination of footwork, stick positioning, and body angle to neutralize an offensive player. Unlike the illegal “warding off” foul, guarding is a legal and fundamental defensive strategy focused on positioning and preventing the opponent from catching a pass, shooting, or driving to the goal. Mastering legal defensive maneuvers like body shielding is how players avoid being called for the “warding off” foul.