I have been devoted to the lacrosse world for more than a decade, and recently I came across a question from a little lacrosse fan asking about the difference between box lacrosse vs field lacrosse.
Lacrosse has been gaining popularity all over the world. It has become the fastest-growing sport in America, but lacrosse has been divided into box lacrosse and field lacrosse.
Field lacrosse is popular in America, while box lacrosse, also a derivative of field lacrosse, is known widely in the Canadian land where it snows most of the year.
Stats show that box lacrosse has over 60,000 players in Canada, while field lacrosse has a strong presence in the US with over 400,000 players.
Let me give you a detailed comparison between box vs field lacrosse. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of both formats and a clearer idea of which version appeals to you most.
What is Box Lacrosse?
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse, originated in Canada in the 1930s. It was developed as a variation of the traditional field game in indoor facilities such as hockey rinks.
The result? A faster, more physical version of the sport, perfect for the smaller, enclosed areas.
Although box lacrosse is still most popular in Canada, where it’s the leading version of the sport, it has also become the talk of the town in other countries, including the United States.
The unique spin on the game and its fast-paced nature have attracted a growing fan base worldwide.
What is Field Lacrosse?
Field lacrosse is the original and most traditional game form, featuring a style of play quite different from its indoor version.
Field lacrosse is played outdoors on a much larger field, resembling a football or soccer pitch.
This format allows for more running and strategic plays over longer distances. The gameplay is generally more open compared to box lacrosse.
It is quite popular in the United States, where it’s played at both amateur and professional levels.
Differences Between Box Lacrosse Vs Field Lacrosse
Let me tell you some differences between field lacrosse vs box lacrosse.
Gameplay Environment
The most obvious difference between box lacrosse and field lacrosse is the playing environment. Box lacrosse’s confined space creates an intense and high-paced game, while field lacrosse provides more room for elaborate plays and strategies.
Because of the nature of both lacrosse types, field lacrosse is often described as a “war of tactics” compared to the “battle of speed and power” in box lacrosse.
| Aspect | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
| Playing Surface | Indoor (Covered hockey rink) | Outdoor (Large grass field) |
| Field Dimensions | 200 ft x 85 ft | 110 x 60 yards |
| Goal Size | Smaller ( 4 x 4 feet) | Larger (6 x 6 feet) |
| Game Atmosphere | Enclosed, Fast-paced | Open, Strategic |
Team Size and Positions
In box lacrosse, teams are smaller, with six players (including the goalie) on the floor at any given time. On the other hand, in field lacrosse, each team has 10 players allowed on the field at once.
Box lacrosse positions are more fluid, while field lacrosse features specialized positions like attackmen, midfielders, and defensemen.
| Aspect | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
| Number of Players | 6 per team | 10 per team |
| Specialized Positions | Less defined | Highly specialized |
The reduced number of players in box lacrosse means players must often perform multiple roles, switching between offense and defense.
Game Duration and Structure
Another significant difference between box vs. field lacrosse is the game length. Box lacrosse games typically consist of three 20-minute periods, while field lacrosse is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each.
I have written a detailed guide on how long are lacrosse games here.
Scoring Systems
In box lacrosse, there are typically more goals per game because of the smaller field and faster gameplay, leading to quicker scoring.
On the other hand, field lacrosse has a more deliberate scoring system with fewer, but more intricate goals.
| Aspect | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
| Game Duration | 3 periods of 20 minutes | 4 quarters of 15 minutes |
| Typical Scores | High scoring | Lower scoring |
| Goal Point | 1 Point for each goal | 1 Point for each goal2 point goal from outside a designated arc |
Equipment Differences
While the basic equipment for lacrosse is similar across both versions, there are notable differences.
Box lacrosse players wear more protective gear due to the physical nature of the game. The sticks used in each format also differ, with shorter sticks in box lacrosse.
| Equipment | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
| Stick Length | Shorter sticks (40-46 inches) | Longer sticks (40-72 inches) |
| Protective Gear | More protective padding | Less padding |
Tactical and Rule Differences
There are slight rule differences between field lacrosse vs box lacrosse.
| Aspect | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
| Protective Gear | Heavier padding, including shoulder and elbow pads, due to more frequent contact. | Lighter gear, focusing on helmets, gloves, and mouthguards. |
| Shot Clock | 30-second shot clock, requiring teams to take a shot within 30 seconds of gaining possession. | No shot clock in traditional rules, though some leagues use a 60-second shot clock. |
| Goalie Protection | Larger protective equipment with more coverage. | Smaller, more flexible goalie equipment. |
| Penalty Times | Penalties last 2 or 5 minutes, with potential 10-minute misconducts. | Penalties usually last 1 or 3 minutes, with some leagues allowing substitutions. |
| Physical Contact | More physical, body checking, and stick checking allowed | Less physical, stick checking, and body contact are more restricted |
| Crease Violation | Players cannot enter or contact the crease when shooting | Players can enter the crease but cannot make contact with the goalie |
Major Leagues and Competitions
Both formats have their major leagues:
- The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is the official professional league for box lacrosse.
- MLL and the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) are leading organizations showcasing field lacrosse.
These leagues host exciting competitions that attract fans globally.
Which One’s Better? Box Vs Field Lacrosse
All the differences that I have explained to you in detail about box lacrosse vs. field lacrosse fail me to give one answer to this question because both of the types are exciting in a way.
While field lacrosse is more fast-paced and played in an open space with special playing positions, box lacrosse is bundled with strategic playing. The rules are different, setting a unique vibe for box and field lacrosse.
As a lacrosse fan, I equally enjoy the essence of both types.
People Also Ask
What Is The Difference Between Box Lacrosse And Regular Lacrosse?
Box lacrosse is played indoors on a smaller surface and is faster and more physical than field lacrosse, which is played outdoors on a larger field with a more strategic approach.
Is Box Lacrosse Or Field Lacrosse More Popular?
Field lacrosse is more popular in the United States, boasting over 400,000 players, while box lacrosse is widely played in Canada, with around 60,000 players.
What Are The 4 Different Types Of Lacrosse?
The four types of lacrosse include men’s field lacrosse, women’s field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and collegiate lacrosse, each with unique rules and formats.
What Is The Box In Field Lacrosse?
In field lacrosse, the “box” refers to the area where substitutions occur, specifically the substitution box on the sideline for players entering and exiting the field during gameplay.
What Are The Major Leagues For Box And Field Lacrosse?
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is the top league for box lacrosse, while Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) showcase field lacrosse.
Box lacrosse vs field lacrosse offers two unique experiences. Box lacrosse brings fast-paced, physical play indoors, while field lacrosse emphasizes strategy and teamwork on larger fields. Both formats have passionate followings, with box lacrosse thriving in Canada and field lacrosse leading in the U.S.
