About

What is Lacrosse?

Originally a native American game, and often called the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse is an intense, fast-paced (and in the some versions, full-contact) sport played with a stick and a ball.

A Brief History of Lacrosse

The origins of Lacrosse, often referred to as the Creator’s Game, can be traced back to the Indigenous peoples of North America, who played variations of the game as early as the 12th century. These early iterations often served as rituals and training for war, and held significant cultural and spiritual importance, for instance, the Haudenosaunee Five Nations would bury a man with his lacrosse stick so that he could play in the next life.

In the 17th century, European settlers observed and adopted lacrosse, leading to its widespread recognition, and it’s modern name (the sticks carried by players resembled the curved tip 'crosse’ of a shepherd's staff or the top of a bishop's staff in the Catholic Church).

In the late 19th/early 20th centuries, lacrosse gained popularity in educational institutions, leading to the establishment of various lacrosse leagues in schools and colleges. The sport continued to spread across Canada and the United States, as well as the United Kingdom and Australia.

With its rich heritage and continuous global expansion, lacrosse remains a symbol of tradition, athleticism and cultural unity, reflecting both its origins and the diverse communities that have embraced it.

The Modern Game

Today, lacrosse is played in nearly 100 nations around the world across multiple disciplines: field lacrosse (men’s and women’s), box lacrosse and sixes. Here’s a breakdown of Box, Field & 6’s Lacrosse:

Box

  • Usually played indoors on a rectangular floor, typically a converted hockey rink

  • Smaller playing area (about 55m x 26m) with walls

  • Higher level of physical contact, similar to ice hockey

  • Goal dimensions: 1.2m x 1.2m (compared to 1.8m x 1.8m in Field Lacrosse)

  • Goalies wear more protective gear, similar to ice hockey goalies.

  • Played with 6 players per team (5 runners, 1 goalie)

Field

  • Played outdoors on a larger field (100m x 55m)

  • Lower level of physical contact compared to Box Lacrosse

  • Goal dimensions: 1.8m x 1.8m

  • Goalies wear less protective gear, similar to traditional field hockey goalies

  • Played with 10 players per team (3 attack, 3 midfield, 3 defense, 1 goalie)

6’s

  • A variant of Field Lacrosse played with 6 players per team (5 runners, 1 goalie)

  • Smaller field size compared to traditional Field Lacrosse (70m x 35m)

  • Emphasises speed, agility, and ball control

  • Rules are similar to Field Lacrosse, but with some modifications to accommodate the smaller field and reduced number of players

In summary, Box Lacrosse is a high-intensity, indoor version with a smaller playing area and increased physical contact, while Field Lacrosse is an outdoor version with a larger playing area and medium physical contact. 6’s Lacrosse is a version of Field Lacrosse played with 6 players per team on a smaller field, emphasising speed and agility and less physical contact.

In October 2023, lacrosse (sixes) received approval from the International Olympic Committee for inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.