Box lacrosse participation is booming in the U.S. It’s a trend that has not escaped the attention of many high-profile coaches who wholeheartedly support this version of the game. No less an authority than Bill Tierney, seven-time NCAA champion coach at Princeton and Denver, has often said, “Box is a better game than field. It just is.” 

Coaches who espouse the values of playing box lacrosse generally gravitate to three principles. 

1. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Smaller goals (typically 4x4) and larger goalie pads force players to develop pinpoint accuracy with their shots. Additionally, since everyone uses short sticks and plays both ends of the field, players must become adept at scooping ground balls, dodging defenders and passing and catching in traffic. “Players learn a lot about shooting angles and timing in box lacrosse,” said Tony Resch, former U.S. indoor coach and a 2021 inductee to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. “And it’s not just scooping ground balls, but getting ground balls in tight spaces.”

Since box also employs a shorter shot clock, players must make quick decisions with the ball and instantly recognize game situations. There’s constant transition from offense to defense and defense to offense, forcing players to develop the skills to play both ends of the field.

2. PACE OF THE GAME

With a short shot clock and no out-of-bounds, the ball is constantly in play. The action does not stop nearly as often as it does in the field game. That faster pace, combined with fewer players per side, means more touches.

3. PHYSICAL AND CREATIVE

Players operate in tight quarters with more contact. They learn how to protect their stick, understand spacing and fire shots around nearby defenders. “There’s a lot of creativity on offense,” Resch said. “Players learn the art of faking and moving the goalie with their hands and eyes to create space.”

Defensively, with no long poles, footwork and proper positioning become critical. “The physicality of the game takes some adjusting, but it’s all based on age-appropriate contact,” Resch said. “Learning to deal with contact improves a player’s balance and anticipation.”

Then there’s the most important factor.

“Not only is box going to develop your game, but it’s a ton of fun,” said Denver’s associate head coach Matt Brown, who has worked alongside Tierney since 2010. “I’ve coached youth box for a long time, and I haven’t seen a kid come off the floor without a smile on his face.”

This article appears in the Championship Edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.