How to Become a Strong Middie in Lacrosse

The mid-fielder or "middie," as the position is referred to in lacrosse-speak, plays both offense and defensive aspects of the game. A middie is responsible for transitioning the game and pitching in the occasion goal. Middies use either a regulation sized lacrosse stick or a long pole, earning them the distinction of being long-pole middies, or LPMs. Either choice determines how the position is played and the player's use in the field during a game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pay close attention to the passing lanes during practices or scrimmages to gain a better understanding of what's being asked of the mid-field position. Ask a coach if needed, but generally the role of the middie is to disrupt the opposition. This is done by holding the long pole almost parallel to the ground, which turns the player into a larger obstacle who is difficult for opposing attackers to run around.

    • 2

      Hold the long pole vertically and high in the air once you're in possession of the ball. One benefit to using the long pole is that it's difficult for the opposition to stick check the ball at that height. Hold the stick firmly with your hands, spaced about two feet apart. If your hands are too close together and the stick is imbalanced, that makes it easier for an opponent to hit and score a loose ball.

    • 3

      Make overhand passes whenever the opportunity presents itself when transitioning to offense. Due to the longer reach of the longer shaft, passes travel at a higher arc, making picking off the offensive pass rather difficult unless the opposition's LPM is close by. If that is the case, then you'll have to time your pass. Use short passes when needed by placing your hands closer to the throat on the head, which improves accuracy.