* Video Source: The Lacrosse Network | TLN
Box Lacrosse is played on a standard sized arena floor and features 6 players (goaltender and five runners) of an 18-20 player team on the floor at one time.
The strategy of Lacrosse is similar to that of basketball, with all five runners involved in the offense and the defense. Added to the appeal are the speed and excitement created by a 30 second shot clock. The combination of action and reaction makes Box as much fun to play as it is to watch.
Box Lacrosse is played almost exclusively in Canada, with annual National Championships occurring at seven levels. The award of the premiere junior (17-21) championship is the Minto Cup, while the best senior players in Canada (over 21) play for the Mann Cup.
There are currently over 47,000 Box players in Canada. Both males and females play this version of Lacrosse and the ages of competition range from 6-65 years.
Men's Field Lacrosse
Men's Field Lacrosse is played outdoors on a 100m x 55m filed. Teams consist of 10 players of a team roster of 20-23 players. The team on the field consists of goaltender, attack, midfielders and defense. Men's Field is very similar to Box in the fundamental skills of passing and catching, and the physical nature of the play. The games differ in the style of play and strategy. There is no controlling shot clock in Men's Field and the game is more strategic and relies more heavily on possession and control of the ball.
Every four years the International Lacrosse Federation holds a World Championships at the Junior and Senior levels. Canada is traditionally locked in a battle of supremacy with the United States and Australia. Recent years have seen the emergence of Asian participants and the exPansion of the game in Europe. There is a large cross over between the Men's Field game and the Box players. Over the last three years we have seen a tremendous growth of the high school base of competition and the initiation of minor field lacrosse (10 -16 years old).
Women's Field Lacrosse
Women's Field Lacrosse is a quick, free-flowing game which is easy to understand and watch. The game is played on a 100m x 55m field with 12 players aside on the field. The full roster of a Women's Field team is 16-20 players.Unlike Men's Field or Box Lacrosse, Women's Field is a non-contact sport. There is no aggressive checking with either the stick or the body. This results in a game which has added emphasis on a fast-paced, polished game centred on ball movement.
The International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations sanctions international championships at the junior and senior level on a four year cycle. Canada consistently places in the top four positions and performances at the last two championships have clearly shown the promise of great things to come. The Women's Field program is the youngest of our competitive programs. The future of the growth has been clearly demonstrated to lie in the secondary and university clubs. The scholastic development program sets the ground work for the success to come.
Field Rules, Dimensions and Useful Links
*Source: Federation of International Lacrosse