Women's lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players:a goalie, 5 attackers and 6 defenders. A difference from the men's game is that there are no restrictions as to the movement of the players on the field. Therefore, players may play in both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.

Women's lacrosse game begins with a "draw". The ball is placed between to horizontally held crosses of two opposing players standing at center-field. At the official's whistle the ball is flung into the air as the crosses are pulled up and away. A draw is used to start play at the beginning of each half and after each goal.

Rough checks, and body contact with either a crosse or body, are not allowed. A player may dislodge a ball from an opponent's crosse with a check. A check is a controlled tap of a crosse to an opponent's crosse. A player may not reach across an opponent's body to check a crosse when she is even with or behind that opponent. All legal checks must be in a direction away from a 7-inch sphere, or "bubble" around a player's head.

Fouls are categorized as major or minor and the penalty for an infraction is called a "free position." For major fouls, the offending player is placed 4 meters behind the player taking the free position. For a minor foul, the offending player is placed 4 meters off, in the direction from which she approached her opponent and committed the foul. At the official's whistle, play is resumed.