In boy's lacrosse, a game begins with a faceoff between 2 opponents (as seen in the photo to the left). The ball sits on the ground between the two players who prepare themselves for the whistle to blow. This signals that both players/teams can attempt to go for the ball, and whoever catches it gains possession, which is determined by the referee.
Unlike the rest of the team, only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands. Players must use their sticks to catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball. There's an area located around the goal called "the crease." No player can physically enter the crease but can reach their stick within the area to retrieve the ball or to shoot it.