[Latest] Best Lacrosse: Rules, Dimensions, How To Play

What is Lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exhilarating team sport. It’s often referred to as “the fastest sport on two feet” because of its high-energy nature.

In this game, two teams compete to score goals by shooting a small rubber ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled stick called a lacrosse stick or crosse. Each team typically consists of ten players: three attackers, three midfielders, three defensemen, and a goalkeeper.

The game begins with a face-off at the centre of the field, where two players from each team use their sticks to try and gain possession of the ball. From there, it’s a constant battle of passing, dodging, and shooting as teams try to outmaneuver their opponents and score goals.

It is known for its physicality, with players wearing protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and pads, to stay safe while engaging in body checks and stick-checks. It requires a unique combination of skills, including speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork.

Today, this game has grown in popularity worldwide, with college and professional leagues, making it an exciting and dynamic sport enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

History of Lacrosse

This game is believed to have originated with the Native Americans of North America and is one of the oldest team sports in the world.

The earliest evidence of this game dates back to the 11th century when it was played by the Iroquois people in what is now New York state. The game was called “baggataway” by the Iroquois, and it was a major part of their culture. It was played for recreation, but it was also used to train warriors and to settle disputes between tribes.

Lacrosse games could be very large, with hundreds of players on each side. The goals were often miles apart, and the games could last for days. The sticks were made of wood, and they had a net or pouch attached to the end. The ball was made of deerskin, and it was often wrapped in bear grease to make it slippery.

The French first encountered this game in the 1600s, and they called it “lacrosse” because the sticks resembled the bishop’s crosier. The French missionaries were impressed by the game, and they introduced it to other European settlers.

It became popular in Canada in the 19th century, and it was played by both men and women. The first clubs were formed in Montreal and Toronto, and the first organized lacrosse games were played in the 1860s.

It was also introduced to the United States in the 19th century, and it quickly became popular in the Mid-Atlantic region. The first intercollegiate was played in 1877, and the first national tournament was held in 1884.

It continued to grow in popularity in the 20th century, and it is now played by millions of people around the world. It is an Olympic sport, and it is also played in the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games.

This is a physically demanding sport, but it is also a very strategic game. It requires a lot of teamwork and communication, and it is a great way to stay in shape and have fun.

Also Read: Padel Tennis Rules, Dimensions, History, Events

Versions

Field lacrosse: 

This is the most common version of this game and is played outdoors on a large field. The game is played between two teams of 10 players each, with 9 field players and a goalkeeper. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net.

It is the oldest version and is believed to have originated in North America over 1,000 years ago. The game was played by Native American tribes and was used for both recreation and warfare. 

This was introduced to the United States in the early 1800s and quickly became a popular sport. Today, this game is played by men and women at all levels, from youth to professional.

Box lacrosse: 

This version is played indoors on a smaller field. The game is played between two teams of 5 players each, with 4 field players and a goalkeeper.

It originated in Canada in the early 1900s. The game is played in an indoor arena and is faster-paced. 

This game is also more physical, as body checking is allowed. It is a popular sport in Canada and is also played in the United States and other countries.

Women’s lacrosse: 

This version is played by women. The main difference is that it does not allow body checking.

Women’s lacrosse: This game was first played in the United States in the early 1900s. The game is almost similar, but there are some differences, such as the size of the ball and the rules regarding body checking. It is a growing sport and is now played at all levels, from youth to college.

Intercrosse: 

This is a newer version, that is designed to be less physical than traditional lacrosse. It is played with a smaller ball and a shorter stick, and there is nobody checking.

Intercrosse was developed in the 1990s. The game is designed to be less physical than traditional and is therefore a good option for players of all ages and skill levels. Intercrosse is played with a smaller ball and a shorter stick, and there is nobody checking.

Dimensions of Lacrosse

Dimensions of Field Lacrosse Court:

• Length: 110 yards (91.44 meters)
• Width: 60 yards (54.86 meters)
• Goals: 6 feet (1.83 meters) high and 6 feet (1.83 meters) wide
• Goal crease: 18 feet (5.5 meters) in diameter
• Goal area: 35 yards (31.75 meters) by 40 yards (36.58 meters)
• Centre line: A line that divides the field in half
• Wing lines: Lines that run parallel to the sidelines and are 30 yards (27.43 meters) from the goal lines
• Substitution areas: Areas on each side of the field where players can substitute
• The field is marked with white lines that are 2 inches (5.1 centimetres) wide. The goal crease and goal area are marked with a different colour, such as yellow.

Dimensions of Box lacrosse

• Length: 180 to 200 feet (55 to 61 meters)
• Width: 80 to 90 feet (24 to 27 meters)
• The goal crease is 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide by 8 feet (2.4 meters) deep.
• The goal is 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide by 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.

The length-to-width ratio of this court is 2 to 1 or 2.5 to 1. This means that the court is twice as long as it is wide. The dimensions of the court can vary depending on the level of competition. For example, the National Lacrosse League (NLL) plays on a court that is 200 feet long by 84 feet wide.

The court is surrounded by boards that are typically 4 feet high. The boards help to keep the ball in play and protect the players from injury. The boards are also used to mark the boundaries of the court.

This court is a fast-paced and exciting game. The smaller dimensions of the court create a more intense and physical game. The smaller goals also require players to have more accuracy and skill.

Dimensions of Women’s Lacrosse

• Length: 100 yards (91.44 meters)
• Width: 60 yards (54.86 meters)
• Goal crease: 8 feet (2.44 meters) wide and 6 feet (1.83 meters) deep
• Crease line: A line 4 feet (1.22 meters) in front of the goal crease
• Shooting arc: An arc with a radius of 8 yards (7.32 meters) that is centerd on the goal

This court is slightly smaller, which is 110 yards (100.6 meters) long and 60 yards (54.86 meters) wide. The goal crease and shooting arc are also smaller on the women’s court.

The dimensions of the court are designed to create a more fast-paced and exciting game. The smaller size of the court makes it more difficult for players to dodge and score, which leads to more turnovers and opportunities for both teams.

Dimensions of Intercrosse

• Length: 40 meters
• Width: 20 meters
• Goal crease: 9 feet (2.75 meters) in radius
• Ceiling height: 7 meters minimum
• The sidelines are called “lateral lines” and the goal lines are called “end lines”.
• The playing surface is divided into two zones, an offensive zone and a defensive zone, for each team.
• The goaltender’s territory is delimited by a half-circle with a radius of 9 feet.

The Intercrosse court is a rectangular, flat, and skid-free hard surface. It is typically made of wood or artificial turf. The goal crease is located in front of each goal and is marked by a half-circle with a radius of 9 feet. The ceiling height must be at least 7 meters to allow for overhead passes.

The dimensions of the Intercrosse court are designed to create a fast-paced and exciting game. The smaller size of the court makes it more difficult for players to dodge and score, which leads to more turnovers and opportunities for both teams.

Rules of All Four Versions

Rules of Field Lacrosse

It is the most popular version and is played outdoors on a field that is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. 

There are 10 players on each team: three attackmen, three midfielders, three defenders, and a goalie. The game is played in four quarters of 12 minutes each.

• The objective of the game is to score more goals than the other team by throwing the ball into their goal using a stick.
• Players can carry the ball in their stick, but they cannot run with it. They must pass it to another player or cradle it in their stick.
• Body checking is allowed, but only from the front. Players cannot hit other players in the back of the head.
• Players must wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and elbow pads.

Rules of Box Lacrosse

It is a faster-paced version, that is played indoors on a rink that is 200 feet long and 100 feet wide. There are 5 players on each team: three forwards, a defenseman, and a goalie. The game is played in four quarters of 15 minutes each.

• The objective of the game is the same, but the rules are slightly different. For example, body checking is allowed from all directions.
• Players must also wear more protective gear, including a helmet with a facemask, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and a rib protector.

Rules of Women’s Lacrosse

This game is played outdoors on a field that is the same size as a men’s field. However, there are 12 players on each team: three attackmen, five midfielders, three defenders, and a goalie. The game is played in four quarters of 12 minutes each.

• The rules are similar to field lacrosse, but there are some key differences. For example, body checking is not allowed in women’s lacrosse.
• Players must also wear different protective gear, including a helmet with a facemask, shoulder pads, and elbow pads.

Rules of Intercrosse

Intercrosse is a newer version, that is played with a smaller ball and a shorter stick. There are 5 players on each team: three forwards, a defenseman, and a goalie. The game is played in four quarters of 10 minutes each.

• The objective of the game is the same, but the rules are simplified to make the game more accessible to beginners. For example, there is nobody checking in intercrosse.
• Players must also wear less protective gear in intercrosse, typically just a helmet and gloves.

Equipment

Lacrosse stick:

The lacrosse stick is the most important piece of equipment. It is used to catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball. The stick has a long shaft and a head. The head is made of a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and composite materials. The head has a pocket, which is where the ball is held.

Ball: The Lacrosse ball is a small, hard rubber ball. It is about 2.5 inches in diameter and weighs about 5 ounces.

Clothing: Players wear shorts, a T-shirt, and shoes. Some players also wear knee pads and elbow pads.

Protective gear: Protective gear is required for all players in men’s field lacrosse and box lacrosse. The gear typically includes a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and elbow pads. Goalies also wear a chest protector and leg pads.

Eyewear: Eyewear is required for all players in all versions. It is important to protect your eyes from the ball and from other players’ sticks.

Protective Gears Required For All Versions

Field lacrosse: All protective gears are required for field lacrosse

Women’s lacrosse: The only protective gear required for women’s lacrosse players is eyewear. Goalies wear helmets and protective pads.

Box lacrosse: The protective gear required for this is more extensive. It typically includes a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, chest protector, and leg pads. Goalies wear a full face mask and more extensive protective pads.

Intercrosse: The equipment required for intercrosse is the same, except that protective gear is not required.

Governing Body 

In August 2008, the worldwide governing body known as the International Lacrosse Federation, joined up with the women’s lacrosse group, the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations. Together, they made a new group called the Federation of International Lacrosse, which later changed its name to World Lacrosse in May 2019. 

• Membership: 86
• Founded: 2008; 15 years ago
• Affiliation: ARISF, IWGA, GAISF
• Headquarters: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
• President: Sue Redfern

International Championships

1. The World Lacrosse Men’s Championship: It was formerly known as The World Lacrosse Championship. Founded in 1967. It is the international men’s field championship that occurs every four years. Most recent champion(s) title won by the United States (11th title).

2. The World Lacrosse Women’s Championship (WLWC): It was formerly known as the Women’s Lacrosse World Cup (WLWC), held every four years. From its inception in 1982. Most recent champion(s) title won by the United States (9th title)

3. The World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship: It was formerly known as the World Lacrosse Men’s U19 Championship. It is held every four years to award world championships for the under-20 age group. This tournament was founded in 1989, and most recent champion(s) title won by the United States (9th title)

4. The World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship: It was formerly known as the World Lacrosse Women’s U19 Championship. It is held every four years to award world championships for the under-20 age group in women. This tournament was founded in 1995, and most recent champion(s) title won by the United States (5 titles)

5. The World Lacrosse Box Championships (WLBC): It was formerly known as the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship (WILC). It is an international box lacrosse tournament sponsored by World Lacrosse. It is held every four years. Since the first tournament in 2003, Canada has won all five golds (5 titles)

Frequently Asked Questions