What Does FOGO Mean in Lacrosse?
The faceoff specialist explained: what a FOGO does, why the faceoff matters, the best in the game and how the position got here.
A faceoff specialist who wins possession at the X, then subs off.
Takes the faceoff and keeps playing the rest of the possession.
Every game has its MVP, the one who can flip the script and leave the crowd cheering or groaning. In lacrosse, that game-changer is often the FOGO. But what does FOGO mean in lacrosse? It sounds like a Gen Z term, right? It's actually lacrosse shorthand for "Face Off, Get Off."
Lacrosse is a fast, strategic sport with a lot of specialized positions, and the FOGO might be the most specialized of all. If you're a fan or just learning the game, understanding this role will help you appreciate what's happening at the X.
In this article, I'll explain what FOGO means, the role a FOGO plays, some of the best faceoff specialists in the game and how the position has evolved.
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What is FOGO in lacrosse?
FOGO stands for "Face Off, Get Off." It refers to a player who specializes in faceoffs. The FOGO's main job is to win possession at the start of each quarter and after every goal, which sets the tone for the whole game.
Once they win the draw, the FOGO usually heads to the sideline so the offense or defense can take over. It takes more than strength to be a great FOGO. Hand speed, technique, strategy and the ability to handle pressure all matter just as much.
The role of a FOGO in the game
A faceoff lasts only a few seconds, but its impact on a game is huge. In lacrosse, possession is everything, and a clean faceoff win can swing momentum and lead to a quick goal.
Let me tell you, playing FOGO comes with a lot of pressure. When your faceoff guy is on, it takes the heat off your defense and goalie and lets your team dominate possession. When he's off, that pressure shifts and the whole team feels it.
In lacrosse, possession is everything. Win the X, and you control the game.
A FOGO's quick pass to a middie after winning the draw can set up a fast break before the defense gets set. That split-second decision-making is what makes a good FOGO so valuable.
The importance of FOGO in modern lacrosse
As the game has evolved, the FOGO role has become more and more specialized. At the high school, college and pro levels, teams often have dedicated FOGOs who train relentlessly to master the faceoff.
FOGOs study their opponents' tendencies, drill different moves like clamps, rakes and plunges, and work with their wing players to make sure the ball gets out clean after the draw.
Coach's note: The faceoff guys who last aren't the strongest kids on the team. They're the ones with the quickest hands and the best wing play. From box in Ontario to summer ball in Virginia Beach, I tell every young FOGO the same thing: your wings win half your faceoffs, so get them on the same page.
If you're curious about the gear FOGOs use, I've reviewed the best faceoff heads for lacrosse players.
Faceoff headMaverik Logik Force$109.99 at BattleLax
Faceoff headGait Faceoff Stiff$119.99 at BattleLax
Faceoff headECD Weapon X 2.0$99.99 at BattleLax
Faceoff headWarrior Burn FO$89.99 at BattleLaxNow that you know what FOGO means, let's look at some of the best FOGOs in the game.
Notable FOGO players and their achievements
In recent years, a few outstanding faceoff men have redefined what it means to dominate at the X. Jake Withers and Trevor Baptiste aren't just names in lacrosse. They're legends of the position.
Jake Withers
The NLL ranked Jake Withers as its top faceoff man after he won 78.6% of his draws in the 2022-23 season, nearly 10 percentage points more than the next closest player. That makes him close to unstoppable at the dot.
He won 90% of his draws in five games that season, including a perfect 15-for-15 night against the Rochester Knighthawks. He's also a ground ball machine, with 238 loose balls that season, the fourth-most in NLL history.
Trevor Baptiste
Trevor Baptiste is one of the most decorated faceoff men ever. He holds NCAA career records for faceoff wins and winning percentage from his days at Denver, won PLL MVP in 2022 and has two world championship gold medals with Team USA.
Indoors, he's just as dangerous. He has a career faceoff win rate just under 70% in the NLL and set the league record with 362 faceoff wins as a rookie.
Comparing FOGO across different levels of lacrosse
The FOGO role looks a little different depending on the level you're playing.
The evolution of the FOGO position
The FOGO position has come a long way. Faceoffs used to be taken by any middie or attackman, and they stayed on the field to play the rest of the possession.
As the game got more competitive, teams needed a specialist. The FOGO grew out of that need, with players dedicating themselves completely to winning faceoffs.
Today, FOGOs are true specialists. Shot clocks in college and the pros have made every possession more valuable, which makes winning the faceoff even more important.
Challenges and limitations of playing FOGO
Playing FOGO comes with its share of glory, but it has its challenges too.
Read more: Best faceoff shafts. Ready to buy? BattleLax carries the StringKing Composite 3 Pro Faceoff Shaft ($159.99).
People also ask
What is the FOGO position in lacrosse?
A FOGO is a faceoff specialist. They take the draw, try to win possession, and then usually sub off so the offense or defense can take over.
What does FOGO mean in lacrosse?
FOGO stands for "Face Off, Get Off." It describes players who specialize in winning faceoffs and then head straight to the sideline.
What is a FOSO in lacrosse?
FOSO stands for "Face Off, Stay On." It describes a player who takes the faceoff and keeps playing, usually a middie who can run the field after the draw.
What is a FOGO?
A FOGO is a lacrosse player who specializes in faceoffs. Their job is to win possession at the X, which gives their team momentum and more chances to score.
How has the FOGO position evolved in lacrosse?
It went from a job any middie could do to a true specialist role. Today, FOGOs train year-round on technique, hand speed and strength, and shot clocks have made every faceoff win even more valuable.
So now you know what FOGO means in lacrosse. FOGOs use skill, speed and strategy to win the faceoff, give their team the ball and then get off the field, unlike a FOSO, who stays on to keep playing.