what sports are in lacrosse? The main versions are field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and sixes lacrosse. They share a stick-and-ball foundation but differ in playing area, team size, rules, and pace.
This guide explains what makes each version distinct, how men’s and women’s field lacrosse compare, and which format may suit you. You’ll also find practical notes on equipment, beginner access, and how the Olympic sixes format fits into the sport. The key takeaway: you do not need to know every rule to choose a version. Start with where it is played and how many players are on the field.
what sports are in lacrosse? The main versions
Lacrosse is one sport with several organized versions, not a collection of unrelated sports. The main formats are field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and sixes. Each keeps the central idea: use a stick with a netted pocket to carry, pass, and shoot a ball into a goal.
The format changes the experience. Field lacrosse takes place outdoors on a large field. Box lacrosse is played indoors on a smaller rink-like surface. Sixes is a faster, compact version designed for short games and fewer players.
There are also youth, recreational, and adaptive versions. These can adjust equipment, field size, contact, or rules to make participation safer and more accessible. Their details vary by league, so check the local program’s rules before assuming it uses a particular format.
How the three main formats differ
The quickest way to tell the formats apart is to look at the playing area and number of players. Those differences affect how often you handle the ball, how much space you cover, and how the game flows.
| Format | Playing area | Typical team size | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field lacrosse | Large outdoor field | Usually 10 players per side in men’s field; women’s rules vary | More open space and longer transitions | Players who enjoy outdoor team play and open-field movement |
| Box lacrosse | Indoor rink or court enclosed by boards | Six players on the floor per side, including the goalie | Compact, physical, and quick-moving | Players who like close-range action and frequent changes of possession |
| Sixes lacrosse | Shorter field | Six players per side | Fast, with fewer stoppages and a short game clock | New players, spectators, and tournaments seeking a compact format |
Team counts and specific rules can differ between leagues and age groups. The table gives a practical overview, not a substitute for the rulebook used in a particular competition.
Field lacrosse: the traditional outdoor game
Field lacrosse is played outdoors on a large rectangular field. Teams move the ball by running with it in the stick pocket, passing to teammates, and shooting at the opponent’s goal. Players also defend by marking opponents, contesting possession, and protecting the area near their own goal.
Men’s field lacrosse commonly has 10 players on the field per team, including a goalkeeper. Positions are generally grouped as attackers, midfielders, and defenders. Attackers focus on creating scoring chances, midfielders work at both ends, and defenders try to stop shots and recover the ball.
Women’s field lacrosse uses its own rules and equipment standards. The number of players on the field depends on the competition: traditional domestic rules commonly use 12 per side, while some international rules use 10. Contact rules and permitted stick checks also differ from men’s field rules. Always learn the rules for the specific league rather than assuming one version applies everywhere.
What field play feels like
The larger space makes positioning and communication important. A team may carry the ball from defense to attack through several passes, and players often have to run into open space to create a useful option. Midfielders cover substantial ground because they support both offense and defense.
Field lacrosse can be a good fit if you enjoy outdoor play, running, and tactics that develop across a wider area. It can also be played at school, club, and community levels. Local access depends on the area, season, and age group.
Box lacrosse: indoor play in a tight space
Box lacrosse is played indoors on a surface commonly set up inside a hockey rink, with boards around the playing area. A team usually has five runners and one goalkeeper on the floor. Substitutions happen frequently, so players can rotate in and out as play continues.
The enclosed space changes the pace. The ball stays in play more often after it reaches a boundary, and players have less room to build an attack. That makes quick passing, close control, and fast decisions especially useful. Contact is part of many box rulesets, but the rules define what is legal; it is not permission to hit without limits.
Box lacrosse is popular in Canada and is also played in other countries. It is sometimes called indoor lacrosse, although the exact facility and rules depend on the league. A rink setup does not mean it is simply hockey with lacrosse sticks: the ball, goals, equipment, and scoring remain part of lacrosse.
Who might prefer box lacrosse?
Choose box if you like a compact game with close-range chances and frequent shifts. The smaller area means players often have to release the ball quickly or protect it under pressure. That can make stick skills and awareness feel important from the start.
New players should ask a club whether it provides loaner equipment and how it handles contact for beginners. Protective gear requirements can differ from field lacrosse, and a helmet or pads designed for another sport may not meet the rules for a particular league.
Sixes lacrosse: a faster, compact format
Sixes is a shortened version of field lacrosse, played with six players per side on a reduced-size field. It combines features of field play with a quicker pace and fewer players. Shorter games and a compact setup can make it easier to stage tournaments and give spectators a clear view of the action.
Because each side has fewer players, everyone has more space to cover and may be involved in both attack and defense. Possession can shift quickly. Teams still use sticks, a ball, goals, passing, and shooting, but the rules are adapted to keep the game moving.
Sixes is the lacrosse format scheduled for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with men’s and women’s tournaments. That gives the format a high-profile place in the sport, but it does not replace field or box lacrosse. Those versions continue to have their own leagues and competitions.
For a beginner, sixes can be a straightforward introduction if a local program offers it. The smaller teams may mean more touches on the ball, though the actual experience depends on the players, coaching, and competition rules.
How to choose a version of lacrosse
The right format depends on what is available and what kind of play you enjoy. You do not have to choose based on which version is considered most traditional. Try the format that fits your schedule, location, and comfort with contact.
- Check local options. Search for school, community, club, or recreational programs. A convenient program with beginner support is usually a better first step than choosing a format you cannot access.
- Ask about age and experience levels. Youth leagues often modify rules, equipment, and field dimensions. Confirm that a session accepts beginners before registering.
- Consider the setting. Field lacrosse is outdoors, box is indoors, and sixes uses a smaller field. Weather, travel, and available facilities can make one option more practical.
- Ask how contact is handled. Rules differ by format, age, and league. Find out what contact is allowed, what protective equipment is required, and how coaches teach safe play.
- Try a practice before buying gear. Some teams lend equipment or recommend specific items. Confirm the required stick and protective gear with the coach or league first.
If you are unsure, attend an introductory session or watch a local game. Seeing the speed, space, and equipment in person can make the differences clearer than a list of rules.
Equipment and basic skills shared across formats
Every version centers on a lacrosse stick, often called a crosse, and a small solid ball. Players use the stick pocket to cradle the ball, meaning they move the stick in a controlled motion to keep the ball from falling out while running. They pass and shoot by directing the stick and releasing the ball toward a teammate or goal.
Protective equipment depends on the format and the league. Helmets, gloves, shoulder protection, arm protection, mouthguards, and other items may be required or recommended in particular competitions. Women’s field lacrosse, men’s field lacrosse, and box lacrosse do not necessarily have the same equipment rules. Use the local rulebook and a qualified coach’s guidance to choose gear that fits.
Beginners benefit from practicing a few fundamentals before worrying about advanced tactics:
- Cradling: Keep the ball in the pocket while moving at a controlled pace.
- Passing and catching: Practice sending the ball accurately and receiving it with a soft, steady stick.
- Footwork: Learn to change direction, find space, and stay balanced while carrying the ball.
- Communication: Call for a pass and let teammates know when you are covered or need support.
- Safe play: Learn which checks and physical contact are permitted in your specific format.
A common mistake is buying a stick based only on a product description or a player’s position. Stick rules, pocket restrictions, sizing, and equipment standards can differ by age, league, and format. Ask the program what is legal before spending money; a suitable loaner stick is often enough for an introductory practice.
Is lacrosse a contact sport?
Some versions allow legal body contact, but the rules vary. Men’s field lacrosse and box lacrosse commonly include more body contact than women’s field lacrosse, where the rules restrict contact and stick checking differently. Youth leagues may further limit contact to match players’ ages and experience.
Contact rules are specific. They define what actions are legal, where they may occur, and what protective equipment players must wear. A sport being physical does not make every collision or stick check acceptable. Learn the rules from the league, and ask the coach how safety is taught and enforced.
For a first session, tell the coach that you are new and ask what contact to expect. That gives the coach a chance to explain the practice format and recommend the right protective gear before play begins.
Common questions about lacrosse formats
Are field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and sixes separate sports?
They are organized versions of lacrosse. They share the stick, ball, goals, and basic aim of scoring, but use different playing areas, team sizes, and rules. A player may compete in more than one format, though the skills and equipment requirements are not identical.
Which version of lacrosse is played in the Olympics?
Sixes lacrosse is scheduled for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It will feature men’s and women’s competitions. Field and box lacrosse have their own competitions outside the Olympic program.
Is women’s lacrosse always played with 12 players?
No. Traditional domestic women’s field rules commonly use 12 players per team, while some international rules use 10. Check the competition’s rules for the exact number and other playing conditions.
Can you start playing lacrosse as an adult?
Yes. Adult recreational leagues and beginner programs exist in some communities, although availability varies. Contact local clubs and ask whether they offer introductory sessions, loaner equipment, or recreational divisions.
Which type is easiest for a beginner?
There is no single answer. A beginner-friendly program, clear coaching, and a suitable age or experience group matter more than the format’s name. Sixes has fewer players, while field and box offer different settings and styles. Try an introductory practice if you can.
what sports are in lacrosse? The main versions are field, box, and sixes lacrosse. They share the same basic stick-and-ball game but differ in space, team size, pace, and rules.
Your best next step is to find a local beginner session and ask what format it uses, what contact is allowed, and whether equipment is available to borrow. That helps you choose a good fit before buying gear.