Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
FOGO stands for 'Faceoff, Get Off' — a specialist whose role is to win the faceoff and then immediately substitute off for a regular field player. As faceoffs determine possession at every restart, a dominant FOGO can give their team a significant possession advantage over a match. The role became increasingly specialised as teams recognised the value of winning the possession battle; top FOGOs win 60-70%+ of their faceoffs. Some rule changes in various leagues have aimed to limit FOGO dominance and keep the game flowing.
- ‘Faceoff, Get Off’ specialist
- Wins faceoff then substitutes off
- Controls possession battle
- Top FOGOs win 60-70%+ of faceoffs
In practice
The FOGO (Face-Off, Get Off) role in lacrosse is a highly specialized sub-position — a player whose primary job is winning the faceoff and then immediately substituting off the field, requiring explosive hand speed and faceoff technique that's almost entirely separate from the general offensive or defensive skills needed elsewhere on the field.
FAQ
What does FOGO stand for in lacrosse?
Face-Off, Get Off — describing a specialist player whose role is to win the faceoff and then come off the field immediately, replaced by a position player suited to offense or defense.
Why do teams use a dedicated FOGO specialist?
Faceoff technique is a distinct, highly trainable skill set separate from general field play, so many teams find more value in a dedicated specialist than asking a regular midfielder to also win faceoffs.