Box Lacrosse is played on a standard sized arena floor and features 6 players (goaltender and five runners) of an 18-20 player team on the floor at one time.
The strategy of Lacrosse is similar to that of basketball, with all five runners involved in the offense and the defense. Added to the appeal are the speed and excitement created by a 30 second shot clock. The combination of action and reaction makes Box as much fun to play as it is to watch.
The game begins with a face-off. Players battle for possession of the ball. Box players use their sticks to pass, catch, and run with the ball. A player may dislodge the ball from an opponent’s stick by the controlled poking and slapping of the stick of the ball carrier. A stick may also be checked if the ball is loose or the ball is in the air.
To stop the opposing team from scoring, defensive players use good positioning to defend their net. In younger divisions there is limited or no body contact. The emphasis is to play team defense, turn the ball over, and move into offense quickly to create scoring chances.
Box Lacrosse is played almost exclusively in Canada, with annual National Championships occurring at seven levels. The award of the premiere junior (17-21) championship is the Minto Cup, while the best senior players in Canada (over 21) play for the Mann Cup.
Box Lacrosse is Canada's national summer sport. Both males and females play this version of Lacrosse in divisions across all ages.
Information from Canadian Lacrosse Association website www.lacrosse.ca and the Alberta Lacrosse Association