| Factor | Box Lacrosse | Field Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 10 per side | 6 per side |
| Venue | Large outdoor field | Indoor arena (the box) |
| Boards | No | Yes (in play) |
| Pace | Fast, end-to-end | Very fast, confined |
| Dominant in | USA | Canada |
| Stick skills | Important | Exceptional (tight space) |
Choose Box Lacrosse when…
You want the wider, more spread-out tactical game, are aiming for college or Olympic (Sixes) lacrosse, prefer outdoor play, or enjoy the end-to-end running game.
Choose Field Lacrosse when…
You want to develop elite stick skills in tight spaces, prefer a fast, physical, high-scoring indoor game, play in Canada where box dominates, or want to play year-round indoors.
Gear for both
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FAQ
Does box lacrosse make you better at field lacrosse?
Many coaches believe so — box lacrosse's confined space and physical play force players to develop superior stick skills, quick decision-making and toughness under pressure. A large proportion of elite field players, particularly from Canada, developed their skills playing box lacrosse.
Which lacrosse format is more popular in the UK?
Field lacrosse has significantly more participation in the UK. The English Lacrosse Association (ELA) runs leagues and national competitions primarily in the field format. Box lacrosse is played in the UK but is far less common — it requires indoor arena facilities with boards, which are fewer. University lacrosse in the UK is almost exclusively field format.
What is the difference in stick length between box and field lacrosse?
Field lacrosse allows long poles (up to 183cm including head) used by defenders, alongside standard attack poles (around 102cm). Box lacrosse uses shorter sticks for all players (typically 100–116cm) because the enclosed space rewards quick stick work over the long-pole reach strategies used in field defence. The pocket depth and stringing are also regulated differently.