Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse, is a fast-paced and exciting sport that combines the physicality of hockey with the finesse of traditional lacrosse. It is played in an enclosed rink and features six players on each team, with the objective being to score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net. If you’re interested in learning how to play box lacrosse, read on for an overview of the rules, equipment, and strategies used in this dynamic sport.
What Are The Rules And Regulations Of Box Lacrosse?
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse, has several rules and regulations that are specific to the game. Some of the main rules and regulations include:
- Field of play: Box lacrosse is played on a smaller field than outdoor lacrosse, typically around 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. The field is surrounded by padded walls and a protective netting above the playing area.
- A number of players: Each team consists of six players, including a goaltender, three defensemen, and two forwards.
- Time of play: A box lacrosse game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there may be an overtime period to determine the winner.
- Face-offs: Face-offs occur at the start of each quarter and after each goal. The players line up facing each other at the center of the field, and the official drops the ball between them. The players then try to gain possession of the ball by scooping it up with their sticks.
- Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball is shot into the net. The ball must completely pass through the goal line and the front of the net to count as a goal.
- Penalty shots: Penalty shots are awarded for certain infractions, such as tripping or roughing. The player taking the penalty shot has a one-on-one chance to score against the opposing team’s goaltender.
- Penalties: Players can be penalized for a variety of infractions, such as holding, cross-checking, or unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalties result in the player being sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time, and their team must play a man down until the penalty has been served.
- Substitutions: Teams are allowed to make unlimited substitutions, but the players must enter and exit the field through designated areas.
- Equipment: Players are required to wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and elbow pads. The stick must meet certain size and shape requirements, and the ball must be made of rubber.
What Are The Differences Between Box Lacrosse And Field Lacrosse?
- Goal-tending: Between The Boards
In field lacrosse, the goal-tending area is significantly larger, while in box lacrosse, the goals are fairly little. Each indoor lacrosse team has six players, which is four more than a field lacrosse squad. The physicality of box lacrosse is already understandable when some of the differences between the two games are taken into consideration. The pace and gameplay of this type of lacrosse are significantly altered by the smaller goals, smaller fields, and fewer players.
In a box lacrosse match, the goalie is closely protected. The goaltender dons a helmet, shoulder pads, chest protectors, leg and thigh pads, gloves, and all of the above. This is a lot more equipment than a field lacrosse goaltender needs. In outdoor lacrosse, the goaltender is only required to wear gloves, chest protection, a helmet, and a neck guard. A separate stick was also used in box lacrosse. Due to the variations required for each position, there are two different types of lacrosse sticks used in field lacrosse. Different sticks are needed for defenders and attackers.
The stick used by the attacker must be around 40″ long. The defender stick should be around 52″, although it can go up to 72″. Due to the size of the playing field in box lacrosse, the sticks are much shorter. Other aspects of the game, including as the rules and regulations, differ between the two sports, such as the usage of a shot clock.
- Equipment Variations
The stick netting is different because box lacrosse involves more pinching than field lacrosse. The stringing technique is made to keep the ball firmly in place. The sticks’ shafts are stronger to increase their durability and ability to endure heavy checks. Hockey masks are used in box lacrosse, and they are also a little bit lighter than the typical field lacrosse helmet. Box lacrosse is an indoor sport, thus cleats are not required. They wear uniforms that resemble those of a hockey team.
- All-Year Accessibility
While most US Lacrosse teams are field-style teams, box lacrosse camps and clubs may be found all around the country. Box lacrosse offers a flexible season schedule because it is played inside. The same summer camps that offer field lacrosse can be searched to find one that teaches box lacrosse skills. They might alternate between providing both sports. On a similar alternating schedule, several camps provide both women’s and men’s camps.
What Are Common Strategies And Tactics Used In Box Lacrosse?
Some common strategies and tactics used in box lacrosse include:
- Pick and roll: This strategy involves the ball carrier using a teammate as a pick to help them get around a defender and gain an advantage.
- Man-up offense: This strategy involves taking advantage of a power play situation by using extra players to gain an advantage on the field.
- Zone defense: This strategy involves players playing in a specific area of the field to defend against the opposition’s offense.
- Fast break: This strategy involves quickly transitioning from defense to offense by taking advantage of turnovers and open space on the field.
- Delay game: This strategy involves slowing down the pace of the game by controlling the ball and waiting for the right opportunity to attack.
- Dump and chase: This strategy involves dumping the ball into the offensive zone and then chasing after it to create scoring opportunities.
- Cross-crease pass: This tactic involves making a pass from one side of the field to the other in order to catch the defense off guard and create scoring opportunities.
- Double team: This tactic involves two players working together to defend against an opposing player with the ball.
- Fake shot: This tactic involves the ball carrier faking a shot to deceive the defense and create an opening for a pass or shot.
- Screen: This tactic involves a player positioning themselves in front of the goal to block the view of the goaltender and create scoring opportunities for their team.
How To Play Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse, is a fast-paced and physical sport played on a smaller field compared to outdoor lacrosse. It is played by two teams of six players, including a goalkeeper, two defensemen, two forwards, and one transition player. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net using the lacrosse stick.
The game is played in quarters or halves, depending on the level of play, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner. To start the game, the ball is placed at the center of the field and the two teams line up at their respective end lines. At the sound of the whistle, the game begins and players can begin moving the ball down the field by passing it to their teammates or shooting it towards the goal.
Players can also use their stick to defend against the opposing team’s attacks and try to steal the ball. The game is highly physical, with players able to make contact with each other and use physical tactics to gain possession of the ball. Overall, box lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires skill, strategy, and athleticism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, box lacrosse is a fast-paced, physical sport that is played indoors in a confined space known as a box. It is a hybrid of traditional lacrosse and ice hockey, and is popular in Canada and the United States. The game is played by two teams of six players, who try to score goals by shooting a rubber ball into their opponent’s net. Box lacrosse is known for its high levels of skill, speed, and physicality, and is a popular spectator sport. Overall, box lacrosse is a unique and exciting game that is enjoyed by players and fans alike.
