Thanks to some crack Google-based research (and a delayed flight) I was able to find some information about the term 'small area quickness'.
It turns out that it is a term used often in Lacrosse. Thanks to the fine folks with the Minnesota Swarm I was able to get this response to an inquiry about small area quickness:
Hi Nate,Yes, "small area quickness" is a term used in Lacrosse, but definetly not just lacrosse. good for picking up "loose balls"
There you have it.
On a quick side note, if you are looking for an entertaining sports night out, I can't suggest a Minnesota Swarm game enough. I don't really know a lot about Lacrosse, but I did get the chance to catch a game earlier this year and it was a lot of fun. The Swarm plays its games from late December to April. Go check them out next season.