How does box lacrosse differ from field lacrosse. What are the benefits of playing box lacrosse. Why do coaches recommend box lacrosse for skill development. How can box lacrosse improve a player’s performance in field lacrosse.
Understanding Box Lacrosse: A Comprehensive Overview
Box lacrosse, an indoor variant of the traditional field game, has gained significant traction in recent years. Played on a smaller, enclosed surface typically within ice hockey rinks, this fast-paced version of lacrosse offers unique challenges and opportunities for skill development. With its origins in Canada, box lacrosse has become increasingly popular among players and coaches alike, recognized for its ability to enhance overall lacrosse performance.
Key Differences Between Box and Field Lacrosse
- Smaller playing area
- Fewer players on the field
- Smaller goals
- Increased physical contact
- Faster pace of play
- Shot clock implementation
These distinctive features create an environment that demands quick decision-making, precise ball control, and heightened awareness – all crucial skills that translate effectively to the outdoor game.
The Impact of Box Lacrosse on Skill Development
Many top coaches and players advocate for the integration of box lacrosse into training regimens. The confined space and rapid nature of the game foster accelerated skill development in several key areas:
Stick Skills and Ball Control
Can box lacrosse improve stick handling? Absolutely. The smaller playing area necessitates quicker, more accurate passing and catching in tight spaces. Players must develop soft hands and exceptional control to maintain possession under pressure, leading to improved overall stick skills.
Shooting Accuracy
With smaller goals and less time to set up shots, box lacrosse demands pinpoint accuracy. Players learn to release the ball quickly and precisely, often from unconventional angles, enhancing their shooting repertoire for field play.
Field Vision and Spatial Awareness
The fast-paced, close-quarters nature of box lacrosse requires players to constantly scan their surroundings. This heightened awareness translates to improved field vision and decision-making in the outdoor game.
Expert Opinions: Why Coaches Recommend Box Lacrosse
Renowned coaches across North America have expressed strong support for box lacrosse as a developmental tool. Their insights provide valuable perspective on the game’s benefits:
“If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of 12 play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse far surpasses what happens on a field.” – Bill Tierney, 6X NCAA Championship Coach, University of Denver
Tierney’s statement underscores the intensive skill development facilitated by box lacrosse, particularly for younger players. The increased number of ball touches and the necessity for quick, accurate passing and catching in tight spaces accelerate the learning curve for essential lacrosse skills.
“When you watch Canadian kids score, when you see their skill level around the cage, you wonder to yourself, ‘Jeez, are we teaching kids [in the U.S.] the wrong things?'” – Dom Starsia, 4X NCAA Championship Coach, University of Virginia
Starsia’s observation highlights the advanced scoring abilities and creativity often displayed by players with box lacrosse experience. The confined space and smaller goals in box lacrosse force players to develop a diverse array of shooting techniques and deceptive moves.
Box Lacrosse Equipment: Gearing Up for Success
Proper equipment is crucial for safe and effective box lacrosse play. While similar to field lacrosse gear, there are some key differences:
Essential Box Lacrosse Equipment
- Box-specific stick (shorter shaft, wider head)
- Helmet with full face mask
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Gloves
- Protective cup
- Indoor shoes or cleats
Is specialized box lacrosse equipment necessary? While not always required, box-specific gear can enhance performance and safety in the indoor environment. The shorter stick allows for better control in tight spaces, while the increased padding provides protection during physical play.
Incorporating Box Lacrosse into Training Programs
Many lacrosse programs are recognizing the value of box lacrosse and integrating it into their training regimens. Here’s how some organizations are leveraging box lacrosse for player development:
Year-Round Training Opportunities
Box lacrosse provides an excellent off-season training option, allowing players to maintain and improve their skills during winter months when outdoor play may be limited.
Specialized Clinics and Camps
Dedicated box lacrosse clinics and camps offer focused training on indoor-specific skills and strategies, complementing traditional field lacrosse instruction.
Hybrid Training Models
Some programs are adopting hybrid models that combine elements of both box and field lacrosse, providing a comprehensive skill development approach.
How can players balance box and field lacrosse training? A well-rounded approach that incorporates both variants can yield optimal results. Players can focus on box lacrosse during the off-season or dedicate specific training sessions to indoor play, ensuring they reap the benefits of both disciplines.
The Global Influence of Box Lacrosse
While box lacrosse has long been popular in Canada, its influence is spreading globally, impacting player development and gameplay styles worldwide.
Box Lacrosse in International Competition
The inclusion of box lacrosse in international tournaments has raised its profile and encouraged more countries to develop indoor programs.
Influence on Professional Leagues
The success of box-trained players in professional field lacrosse leagues has led to increased interest in box lacrosse techniques and strategies at all levels of play.
Is box lacrosse becoming more prevalent in the United States? Indeed, the growth of box lacrosse programs in the U.S. has been significant in recent years, with more clubs and schools offering indoor options to complement traditional field play.
The Future of Box Lacrosse: Trends and Innovations
As box lacrosse continues to gain popularity, several trends and innovations are shaping its future:
Technological Advancements
New technologies in stick design, protective gear, and training aids are enhancing player performance and safety in the box game.
Expanded Youth Programs
More youth lacrosse organizations are introducing box lacrosse at earlier ages, recognizing its value in fundamental skill development.
Integration with Field Lacrosse
There’s a growing trend towards seamless integration of box and field lacrosse skills in comprehensive player development programs.
How will box lacrosse evolve in the coming years? As the sport continues to grow, we can expect to see further refinements in rules, equipment, and training methodologies, all aimed at enhancing the player experience and skill development opportunities.
Maximizing the Benefits of Box Lacrosse Training
To fully leverage the advantages of box lacrosse, players and coaches should consider the following strategies:
Focus on Fundamentals
Use the confined space of box lacrosse to hone fundamental skills like passing, catching, and shooting under pressure.
Embrace Physical Play
The increased physical contact in box lacrosse can help players develop toughness and body control that translates well to field play.
Experiment with Positions
The fluid nature of box lacrosse allows players to experience different positions, enhancing overall game understanding.
Emphasize Quick Decision-Making
Encourage players to make rapid decisions with the ball, improving their ability to read and react in game situations.
How can coaches effectively incorporate box lacrosse principles into field training? Integrating box-style drills that emphasize quick passes, tight space maneuvering, and rapid shot release can help players transfer indoor skills to the outdoor game.
Box lacrosse offers a unique and valuable complement to traditional field lacrosse training. Its fast-paced, skill-intensive nature provides players with opportunities to develop crucial abilities that enhance overall lacrosse performance. As the sport continues to evolve, the integration of box lacrosse principles into comprehensive player development programs is likely to become increasingly prevalent, shaping the future of lacrosse at all levels of play.
The growing popularity of box lacrosse reflects its effectiveness in skill development and its exciting, high-energy gameplay. As more players and coaches recognize its benefits, we can expect to see continued growth and innovation in this dynamic variant of the sport. Whether as a standalone discipline or as part of a holistic approach to lacrosse training, box lacrosse has firmly established itself as a valuable tool for players seeking to elevate their game to the next level.
Girls Box Lacrosse
ALL MN ELITE 7-12th GRADE TEAMS – BOX LACROSSE TRAINING & GAMES INCLUDED
In our quest to develop top national players, we are offering box lacrosse training again for all MN Elite 7-12th grade teams! Different than other clubs we provide full, authentic box equipment as we suit up to get better, faster through fall/winter clinics and games. This year, we plan to offer the option to purchase your own box gear. Also unique, you train with your MN Elite field team in box and not a different roster. Box lacrosse promotes precision passing, tighter stick skills, faster thinking with maximum ball reps on an indoor, smaller field. Instruction is provided by our Director of Box Lacrosse Ryan Ward, a former Professional NLL player and renowned lacrosse expert. There are no additional costs to MN Elite players, box lacrosse is included in your training.
WHY BOX LACROSSE?
MN Elite Box Lacrosse Video
Danita Stroup – Canadian U19 World Cup Champion and Northwestern University field player: “Playing box lacrosse, playing in such a tight space with so few players has really helped my game and my vision going into field lacrosse.
Seeing how open everything is and handling the ball in box lacrosse in such a tight space and then being able to handle it in such an open space has really helped and increased my stick skills even more.”
6X NCAA Championship Coach Bill Tierney, University of Denver “If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of 12 play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse far surpasses what happens on a field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.”
4X NCAA Championship Coach Dom Starsia, University of Virginia: “When you watch Canadian kids score, when you see their skill level around the cage, you wonder to yourself, ‘Jeez, are we teaching kids [in the U.
S.] the wrong things?”
Andy Shay, Yale Head Coach: “Box lacrosse (played normally in Canada) is played in thawed ice rinks over the summer. The smaller spaces and smaller goals lend to hyper advancement of skills and scoring ability. The results in our college game are not only undeniable, they are borderline astounding.”
View Box Lacrosse Video
Full Equipment Provided – Option to Purchase Guildelines
We are thrilled to offer full box lacrosse gear for all our 7-12th grade players! You will practice with your teams and be provided head-to-toe authentic box lacrosse gear/equipment. This gear is wiped down after each group/session. Due to the pandemic however, we want to be sensitive to your desire to buy your own gear. Below are guidelines to follow if you wish to purchase you own equipment (versus using ours during your box sessions )
Box Gear Diagram Guidelines
DIRECTOR OF BOX LACROSSE – RYAN WARD BIO
Growing up in British Columbia, Canada – Ryan Ward has been playing lacrosse since the age of three.
For the last 30 years, Ryan has played in top indoor and outdoor leagues across North America. He spends most of his free time coaching youth lacrosse camps / clinics throughout the Twin Cities.
Career Highlights:
- Member of 2006 Gold medal winning Team Canada in the World Lacrosse Championships.
- Former member of the Philadelphia Wings (NLL).
- Edmonton Rush Franchise Points Leader
- Two-time National Lacrosse League All-Star selection.
- Western Lacrosse Association MVP, First Team All-Star and two-time Mann Cup Champion with the Victoria Shamrocks (2003 & 2005).
- Member of the 2004 NLL All-Rookie Team.
- Drafted second overall in 2004 draft by the MLL’s Rochester Rattlers.
- Drafted third overall in 2004 by NLL’s Philadelphia Wings.
- Preseason Honorable Mention All-American (2003).
- Butler University Team Captain & assist leader.
- Three-time GWLL All-Conference selection.
- Graduate Assistant Coach at Butler University.
Coaching Highlights:
* 2x MSHSL State Champion Coach – Eden Prairie boys varsity lacrosse
* Most Coaching wins in Minnesota History
* TC Select Owner/Director
* TC Stars USBOXLA Owner/Director
LOCATION
All MN Elite box lacrosse training is indoors at:
1st Athlete – 7101 Amundson Ave, Edina, MN 55439
“MN Elite Box Lacrosse made me more confident in playing a faster pace and helped me improve my skills on both ends of the field”, MN Elite Player
whats a good box lacrosse stick｜TikTok Search
TikTok
Upload
laxguyscotty
Scotty Royster
Got to check out this 5lax lacrosse stick🔥 Check out my review and check them out at 5lax.com #lax #lacrosse #laxboys #lacrosseboys
626 Likes, TikTok video from Scotty Royster (@laxguyscotty): “Got to check out this 5lax lacrosse stick🔥 Check out my review and check them out at 5lax.
com #lax #lacrosse #laxboys #lacrosseboys”. Believe Me – Navos.
yosefongo
Yosef Ngowe
Offensive Carbon Pro is valid 🤝 #fyp #signaturelacrosse #lacrosse #trending #viral
3.2K Likes, 31 Comments. TikTok video from Yosef Ngowe (@yosefongo): “Offensive Carbon Pro is valid 🤝 #fyp #signaturelacrosse #lacrosse #trending #viral”. original sound – Yosef Ngowe.
smokinstringz
Taylor Aronhiake Smo
Big frame box lacrosse goalie sticks. Which do you prefer? Modern mesh? Or vintage trad? @vintagelaxbrand #smokinstringz
293 Likes, TikTok video from Taylor Aronhiake Smo (@smokinstringz): “Big frame box lacrosse goalie sticks.
Which do you prefer? Modern mesh? Or vintage trad? @vintagelaxbrand #smokinstringz”. Own brand freestyle transition – Beautee.
lax4everr
LACROSSE 🥍
@aaronkid17 Some of the best lacrosse sticks for attack #fypシ #fypage #sports #lax #lacrosse #olympics #attack #lacrosse sticks
590 Likes, 43 Comments. TikTok video from LACROSSE 🥍 (@lax4everr): “@aaronkid17 Some of the best lacrosse sticks for attack #fypシ #fypage #sports #lax #lacrosse #olympics #attack #lacrosse sticks”. Heyyy – S Ξ L I.
thedripkingg
Drip King
Reply to @beers_in_gymclass Trust me boys, this thing is by far the best face off head👑🥍 #faceoff #lacrosse #lax #sports #athlete #viral #fyp
10.5K Likes, 82 Comments. TikTok video from Drip King (@thedripkingg): “Reply to @beers_in_gymclass Trust me boys, this thing is by far the best face off head👑🥍 #faceoff #lacrosse #lax #sports #athlete #viral #fyp”. 1band1sound remix – Patrick Kim.
How and where did the game of lacrosse originate?
Lacrosse is a sport played by two teams using a long stick with a handle, known as a lacrosse or cross stick, and a small rubber ball, usually weighing about 0.
31 ounces. Lacrosse is played by both men’s and women’s teams.
Lacrosse stick has a loose net on the end to catch and hold the ball in place. There are several different ways of attaching the net to a stick, which are known as stick stringing.
How is lacrosse played?
The main goal of the game is to throw the ball into the net of the opposing team’s goal past the goalkeeper. Players use a lacrosse stick to catch, hold and pass the ball in order to score a goal. Defensively, the opposing team tries to prevent the other team from getting the ball past the goaltender with lacrosse stick, positioning, and body contact. There are four types of lacrosse: women’s lacrosse, men’s field lacrosse, intercross, and boxing lacrosse.
Positioning in lacrosse
Lacrosse consists of four basic positions known as defense, attack, midfield and goalkeeper. While on the field, offensive lacrosse players play exclusively on offense, except when the opposing team is trying to get the ball onto the field.
Defensive players in lacrosse play entirely defensively, except when the ball is being carried into the field. The lacrosse goaltender is the last player on the defensive line to directly protect the goal post and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Linebackers do not have a defined position on the field, as they can play both offensively and defensively anywhere on the field except at higher levels of lacrosse play, where linebackers specialize in specific roles.
The History of Lacrosse
The origins of lacrosse go back to the cultural traditions of the Iroquois people of Ontario, Quebec in Canada, Pennsylvania and New York. Due to its roots, lacrosse is a traditional sport in the Northeastern United States, commonly known as the East Coast. However, in recent years, lacrosse has grown into a popular sport in the Western, Southern, and Middle United States.
Lacrosse is believed to have originated in 1100 AD among the indigenous peoples of the North American continent.
In the 17th century ago, lacrosse was well developed and documented in present-day Canadian territory by Jesuit missionary priests. Since the game was developed, it has evolved and undergone various modifications. The name of the game comes from the name of Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary who, after seeing the Iroquois playing the game in 1637 in present-day New York, became the first European to write about the sport, calling it “la crosse”. It is believed that the name “la crosse” comes from the French word for field hockey.
Founding of the lacrosse club
After the continued success of the sport, William George Beers founded the lacrosse club in 1855. Beers, who was a Canadian dentist, founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club and later codified the game in 1867, shortening the length of each game and reducing the number of players to 12 on each team. In the early 19th century, lacrosse was one of the medal-winning sports in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.
