The Origins and History of True Box Lacrosse in Canada
True box lacrosse, sometimes referred to as indoor lacrosse, has its origins in Canada where the sport was invented. Lacrosse itself was created by indigenous peoples and was known by the Iroquois as “The Creator’s Game.” In the 1930s, lacrosse moved indoors to hockey arenas in order to allow for play during the harsh Canadian winters. These indoor arenas were much smaller than traditional field lacrosse playing surfaces, similar to the size of an ice hockey rink. This confined space led to a faster paced, higher scoring version of lacrosse with action that was up close for spectators. The dimensions of the playing surface, about 200 feet by 85 feet, led to the nickname “box lacrosse.”
In 1932, the first box lacrosse league was formed in Ontario. This six team league codified the rules for indoor lacrosse and launched its popularity across Canada. The sport quickly took hold and additional professional and amateur leagues began popping up across the provinces. In the 1936 Summer Olympics, Canada’s national box lacrosse team defeated the United States for the gold medal in one of the sport’s premier international matches.
This uniquely Canadian version of lacrosse continued to grow in popularity through the mid-20th century. By the 1970s, major leagues were operating with teams based primarily in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Today, the National Lacrosse League and Canadian-American Box Lacrosse League represent the highest levels of professional indoor lacrosse in North America. Players utilize a combination of skill, speed, and physical toughness to succeed on the confined playing surface. True box lacrosse remains an important part of Canada’s sporting culture and national identity. The origins of the game in hockey arenas gave rise to a distinctive brand of lacrosse cherished by players and fans across the Great White North.
The Major Professional Leagues for True Box Lacrosse
There are two major professional leagues that represent the highest levels of competition for true box lacrosse in North America: the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Canadian-American Box Lacrosse League (Can-Am).
The National Lacrosse League was founded in 1986 with teams primarily based in U.S. cities. Originally starting with 4 teams, the NLL has expanded over time and now consists of 14 franchises across major metropolitan areas. Teams are located in cities like Buffalo, New York, San Diego, Philadelphia, and Vancouver. The NLL plays a 20-week regular season stretching from December to June. The playoffs culminate in the NLL Cup awarded to the league champions.
Some of the historic and contemporary stars of professional box lacrosse have plied their trade in the NLL. Legendary players like Gary Gait, John Tavares, and Shawn Evans have left their mark on the league. Today’s top NLL players include stalwarts like Dhane Smith, Mark Matthews, and Tom Schreiber. The NLL has helped grow the sport significantly in the U.S.
The Canadian-American Box Lacrosse League (Can-Am) was established in 2020 as a professional circuit in direct competition with the NLL. The Can-Am League consists of 5 teams all based in Ontario. Franchises include the Toronto Monarchs, St. Catharines Shockwave, Oshawa Outlaws, Hamilton Steelhawks, and Barrie Bombers. In contrast to the NLL, the Can-Am season takes place in the summer months.
The Can-Am League allows many of Canada’s top box lacrosse talents to play professionally close to home in the hotbed of Ontario. Players like Jordan Hall, Jake Withers, and Tyler Digby are current Can-Am stars continuing the strong Canadian tradition in box lacrosse. Rivalry between the NLL and Can-Am attracts attention while further strengthening the professional ranks of the sport.
For both leagues, the pace of play, high scoring, and tough physicality make the professional box lacrosse product exciting for fans. Expansion into new markets and competition for top players promise continued growth and exposure for true box lacrosse at its highest level.
The Arena Settings for Professional True Box Lacrosse
One of the unique and defining features of true box lacrosse is the small, confined arena settings where the games are played. Unlike the wide open fields used in traditional outdoor lacrosse, professional box lacrosse takes place inside ice hockey arenas.
The dimensions of a standard North American ice hockey rink are about 200 feet by 85 feet. This is significantly smaller than a field lacrosse playing area which can be up to 330 feet by 160 feet. By adopting ice hockey arenas, box lacrosse creates a much tighter and more restrictive space for play.
The result of playing true box lacrosse in these “shoebox” arenas is an uptempo, high intensity game. Players are always close to the action with limited room to operate. The pace is extremely fast with players constantly engaged with opponents as they battle for loose balls and scoring chances.
The lack of space also leads to increased physical play as defenders look to slow down attacking players with hard hits along the boards. For box lacrosse goaltenders, the confined area leads to facing a high volume of shots and non-stop pressure from opposing offenses.
For fans, the arena settings provide an intimate viewing experience compared to larger stadiums and fields. Spectators are right on top of the action and the play happens fast and continuously from end-to-end. The hockey-style box lacrosse arenas create the perfect environment for the thrilling pace of play that characterizes the professional game.
While outdoor field lacrosse still retains its traditional prominence, true box lacrosse has carved out its niche by moving the game indoors. The combination of exceptional skill and athleticism required from players with the up close and personal arenas has allowed box lacrosse to thrive as a professional sport in North America.
The arena settings provide players with close encounters and demanding physical confrontations on every shift. For fans, the result is non-stop action and an unrivaled atmosphere right on top of fast-paced lacrosse excitement.
The Unique Player Positions in True Box Lacrosse
True box lacrosse features some specialized player positions that have evolved to suit the fast pace and confined spaces of the indoor game.
In field lacrosse, players take on traditional positions like attack, midfield, defense, and goalie. Box lacrosse uses these same basic roles, but also incorporates unique positions designed specifically for the indoor game.
One of the most important box lacrosse positions is the transition player. These players specialize in changing the direction of play from offense to defense or vice versa. Because of the speed of box lacrosse in the compact arena, quickly transitioning from defense to offense is crucial.
Transition players have excellent stick skills to corral loose balls and pass effectively up the floor. They also need speed and conditioning to sprint back and forth without substitutions. Smooth transition players give their team an advantage in the fast break attack.
Another specialized role is the crease attackman who sets up directly beside the opposition’s goalie. Acting as screens and picking up rebounds, crease attackmen look to capitalize on any weakness from the goalie up close.
The General is a versatile lacrosse utility player capable of excelling at both offense and defense. Generals may play both attack and defensive positions within a single game depending on team needs. Their flexibility across positions is valuable in the no-substitution flow of box lacrosse.
Goalies in box lacrosse are perhaps the most unique position of all. Facing almost constant pressure in tight quarters, they wear extensive padding and must be incredibly quick reacting to shots. Box lacrosse goalies are often the heroes or goats at the center of the action.
Developing players with the specific skills to excel in these box lacrosse positions is crucial. The success of teams relies heavily on players tailoring their abilities to suit the unique strategic needs indoor lacrosse.
The confined spaces and non-stop end-to-end play of the box lacrosse arena has driven the evolution of these specialized roles. As the fastest game on two feet, box lacrosse demands that players adapt with a specific set of skills and strengths.
The Essential Gear and Equipment for True Box Lacrosse
To withstand the physical toll of professional indoor lacrosse, players require specialized gear and equipment.
Unlike field lacrosse where minimal padding is worn, box lacrosse players gear up with helmets, gloves, and shoulder pads similar to ice hockey equipment. This extra protective padding allows players to endure the constant body checks and crashes along the boards.
Box lacrosse gloves have extra padding across the back of the hands and fingers to protect from slash and poke checks. They allow players to grip their sticks firmly when exchanging two-handed checks with opponents.
Shoulder pads worn under the jersey have thick plastic caps and rib protection to absorb the impact from cross-checks. Foam or plastic chest protectors are also worn by offensive runners to resist checks. Defensive players often wear rib pads for additional protection when playing the boards.
Helmets must be worn by all players and include a full facemask. Goaltenders wear a specialized mask with the addition of a chin cup for extra coverage. Most goalies also don shoulder pads, chest protectors and specialized shin guards.
The lacrosse stick, known as a crosse, used in box lacrosse is slightly shorter on average than field sticks. Box lacrosse players prefer sticks between 40-46 inches in length for better ball handling and passing in tight spaces. The head of the crosse is strung tighter to allow for more accurate shots and passes.
The rubber lacrosse ball used in box lacrosse is slightly softer compared to outdoor lacrosse balls. But at about the same weight, they can still inflict pain at the high shooting speeds of pro players.
The indoor court is also equipped differently than an outdoor field. Dasher boards and glass surround the perimeter to keep action inside the playing area. The ice hockey-style surface provides true ball bounce compared to grass.
The combination of essential gear and a specialized playing area allows elite athletes to perform at their highest level within the demanding arena confines and physical play of professional box lacrosse.
The Rules and Regulations Governing True Box Lacrosse
Professional box lacrosse operates under a specific set of rules and regulations optimized for the indoor game.
One of the key differences from field lacrosse is that there is no offside rule in box lacrosse. This allows players much more freedom of movement across the full 200 foot length of the floor. Defensive players can linger in the offensive zone, adding pressure. Forwards can also drop back to help defenders.
Box lacrosse also incorporates a shot clock, much like basketball. Teams have 30 seconds to put a shot on goal once gaining possession. If they fail to do so, the ball turns over to the opposing team. This shot clock ensures a higher pace of play as teams can’t just kill the clock once they have a lead.
The 3-pass rule is another unique box lacrosse regulation intended to promote ball movement. Prior to being able to shoot on goal, a team must complete 3 passes. This prevents ball dominance by a single player and encourages team passing plays.
Checking rules are also much more lenient compared to field lacrosse. Cross-checking with both hands on the stick is legal and common as defenders look to slow down attackers. The physicality extends to after the whistle as scrums and pushing matches frequently break out between heated rivals.
Fighting and roughing penalties do exist in box lacrosse to prevent play from getting out of hand. Common infractions include illegal stick checks, holding, interference and dangerous contact to a player’s head or neck.
The combination of rules tailored for indoor lacrosse combined with lax penalties on physical contact make professional box lacrosse an extremely demanding and exhausting game for the players.
Understanding how to leverage the unique indoor lacrosse regulations can give teams an edge. Coaches are constantly adapting strategies and roster personnel to excel under the guidelines of North America’s fastest growing style of lacrosse.
The Focus on Quick Strikes and Scoring in True Box Lacrosse
The offensive objective in box lacrosse is to generate goals through quick strike opportunities and fast break speed.
With the shot clock forcing teams to shoot rapidly, offenses are structured around quick ball movement, screens, and cutting to create high percentage chances. Box lacrosse goals often come from snap shots taken within 5-10 seconds of gaining possession.
Transition speed is crucial after turnovers or saves. Outlet passes look for streaking forwards bursting up the floor. Defenses must recover quickly or risk giving up easy fast break goals in odd-man rushes.
On set offenses, screen and rolls allow players to free up their sticks for catch-and-shoot chances. Loose ball scrambles in front of the net also lead to close-range rebound goals. Popping out from behind the net for a quick wraparound shot is another effective short-range scoring tactic.
Box lacrosse goaltenders are peppered with 50+ shots a game from all angles. Keeping their save percentage high requires incredible reaction time and the ability to track the ball through heavy traffic.
High-scoring games with plenty of goals are common. Teams push transition speed and take any offensive opportunity that presents itself. Shot selection is often fast and instinctual rather than trying to over-pass or set up the perfect look.
Defensive teams looking to slow down the goal scoring need to control possession and use the shot clock. Body checking is essential to disrupt offensive flow and passes. Forcing turnovers leads to much-needed transition chances going the other way.
The confined space of box lacrosse combined with the regulations leads to a wide open style of play focused on generating goals. Teams live and die by their ability to create and convert scoring opportunities through both set plays and transition speed.
The Physical Play and Toughness of True Box Lacrosse
The legal body checking and physical confrontations allowed in box lacrosse set it apart as one of the toughest indoor sports.
With cross checking, holding, and poke checking permitted within certain guidelines, defenders actively engage ball carriers with hard hits. Forwards crash into the slot area looking for rebounds and deflections, leading to violent collisions.
The frequency of body checks means players must be mentally and physically tough to take the pounding. Size and strength are assets to box lacrosse players as they battle for position in front of the net and along the boards.
Post-whistle scrums and the occasional fight break out due to escalating temperaments and the close proximity of opponents. Officials are lenient with penalties as long as players mostly refrain from actions like spearing, head shots, and dragging down opponents.
The hard-nosed nature of box lacrosse is part of its appeal for players and fans. Raised in the blue-collar hockey towns of Canada, elite box lacrosse players embrace the physical sacrifice needed to excel.
Running straight at a 230-pound defender and absorbing the ensuing collision takes incredible grit and determination. Goalies stand tall under heavy barrage despite the inevitable bruises and welts.
Fans are drawn to the toughness displayed as opponents battle relentlessly for every contested ball and inch of space. The combination of skill and sheer physical will on display is a sight to behold.
While advancements in conditioning and training aim to reduce injury risk, the intense clashes and body-on-body exchanges remain integral to box lacrosse. From youth leagues to the professional ranks, box lacrosse culture continues to celebrate and encourage the toughness embodied by its players.
The Strategies and Game Plans in True Box Lacrosse
Success in box lacrosse relies on executing effective offensive and defensive strategies tailored to the indoor game.
On offense, many teams implement a motion system with players constantly moving and setting picks. Screens and cuts allow players to get open for scoring chances. Off-ball players make curved cuts toward the goal looking for passes.
The pick and roll is a common offensive set where a player sets a screen on a defender, allowing the ball carrier isolation to dodge and shoot. Offenses look to quickly create mismatches to exploit in tight spaces.
On power plays, teams often set up an umbrella formation with four players around the outside and one dodger in the middle. Quick passing stretches the penalty kill box before finding openings.
Defensively, teams focus on applying constant pressure to the ball carrier while locking down off-ball cutters. Forcing opponents into low percentage perimeter shots is the goal.
Team defense requires communication and positioning to prevent giving up layups right on the doorstep. Defensemen try to angle forwards away from the middle and pin along the boards if beaten.
In transition, getting back quickly and matching up in your defensive zone is crucial to preventing fast break goals. Goalies act as directors pointing out late arrivals and missed assignments.
Faceoffs are an important tactical battle to gain initial possession off the draw. Having an ace faceoff specialist gives teams a huge advantage.
Coaches are constantly scouting opponents, looking for weaknesses to exploit. In-game adjustments are needed to counter surprise defensive looks or offensive wrinkles.
Mastering both set offensive plays and reactive defense is essential to box lacrosse success. Mental preparation combined with skill execution allows teams to implement successful gameplans.
The Exceptional Hand-Eye Coordination Required for True Box Lacrosse
The speed and confines of box lacrosse demand that players possess top-tier hand-eye coordination skills.
In a sport where players wield sticks with small heads to catch, cradle, and pass a solid rubber ball, exceptional hand-eye coordination is a prerequisite. Players exhibit cat-like reflexes to snag passes coming from odd angles at high velocity.
Dodging through traffic at full speed while keeping the ball in the pocket requires deft stick handling abilities. Even the most accurate passes get blown astray, demanding quick reaction skills to corral errant throws.
Quick sticks in tight quarters allow players to unleash accurate shots on goal before defenders can react. One-time shots off slick feeds necessitate instantly tracking and firing in one motion.
Next level passing involves no-look, behind-the-back, or between-the-legs setups to catch defenders off guard. Pulling off these risky throw relies entirely on instincts and feel rather than sight.
Goalies face blistering shots from all angles, forcing them to track the ball reflexively as they move into position. Kick saves with the pads or blocker require coordination between hands, feet, and eyes.
During line changes, players must keep their heads up to receive crisp off-the-boards passes allowing them to transition smoothly between offense and defense.
The very best box lacrosse players make the exceptionally difficult look routine. Their hand-eye skills were developed from thousands of hours of stick time on pavement and against brick walls.
Fans witness unbelievable displays of coordination on a nightly basis. The combination of skill and instincts places box lacrosse players in an elite class of all-around athletes.
The Off-ice Training Regimen for True Box Lacrosse Players
Box lacrosse players follow rigorous off-ice workout programs to build the strength and stamina demanded by the indoor game.
Elite players train year-round both in and out of season. Off-season training focuses on building a strong athletic base with weightlifting, speedwork, and conditioning.
Power exercises like squats, deadlifts, and cleans increase lower body strength for battling in the trenches. Upper body pressing and pulling build sturdy shoulders and back muscles to absorb checks.
On-field sprinting routines improve first-step explosiveness and top-end speed. Suicide runs build mental toughness grinding through discomfort. Interval training boosts lacrosse-specific stamina with short sprint sessions.
In-season training shifts focus to maintaining strength gains and accelerating recovery between games. Mobility work like stretching and foam rolling reduces injury risk from overuse.
Proper nutrition fuels training and performance. Lacrosse players follow calculated diets to get enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats structured around practices and games.
Sleep and rest allow taxed muscles and joints to adapt and regenerate after intense training stimulus. Active recovery like light jogging or swimming aids soreness without more strain.
Modern box lacrosse players treat training as an indispensable aspect of the game. A strong athletic body engineered in the weight room gives players the physical edge needed to excel on the floor.
The Growth of Youth True Box Lacrosse Programs
Participation in box lacrosse is growing rapidly at the youth and amateur levels across North America.
Regional youth leagues are popping up across traditional hotbeds like British Columbia, Ontario, New York, and Maryland. High schools are sponsoring teams especially in native Canadian box lacrosse cities.
The emergence of box lacrosse into the college ranks has driven participation. NCAA varsity and club programs provide motivation for youth athletes aspiring to play at the next level.
Colleges are recruiting more box lacrosse players specifically due to their elite stick skills and comfort in tight quarters typical of indoor play.
Development camps run by pro teams allow youth players to learn directly from current stars of the NLL and Can-Am leagues. This inspires young athletes to emulate the professionals.
National governing bodies are investing resources into box lacrosse as a complement to field lacrosse. Clinics provide coaching education on how to effectively teach box lacrosse.
Social media exposure gives box lacrosse more visibility. Youth athletes see the excitement and passion on display and become attracted to this fast-paced style.
Greater awareness and access to box lacrosse is capturing the imagination of the next generation. Proper development will strengthen both the elite and grassroots levels in the years ahead.
The Emergence of College Box Lacrosse Teams
The last decade has seen major growth in box lacrosse at the college level through both varsity and club teams.
NCAA Division 1 lacrosse powerhouses like Syracuse, North Carolina, and Notre Dame have added varsity box lacrosse teams to their athletic departments. Playing in the NCLL (National College Lacrosse League), these programs provide a new opportunity for recruits.
The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds were pioneers, winning the first two NCLL national championships in 2008 and 2009. California schools like Chapman University, Arizona State, and UC Santa Barbara have become west coast box lacrosse powers.
Established MCLA club teams like Colorado State, Oregon, and Michigan add box lacrosse seasons for their athletes. Competing in the CCLL (College Club Lacrosse League), these developing programs continue to improve.
Box lacrosse scholarships entice Canadian recruits to commit their athletic skills to US-based college teams. Top box lacrosse prospects have their choice of NCAA varsity or MCLA club options.
College box lacrosse showcases high-level competition and skill development. The team atmosphere teaches lessons in hard work, resiliency, and chemistry.
Varsity and club box lacrosse teams provide motivation through the opportunity to compete while representing one’s school. College box lacrosse promises continued expansion going forward.
The International Growth of True Box Lacrosse
Lacrosse participation and interest in box lacrosse is expanding rapidly in non-traditional countries and regions across the globe.
Established box lacrosse hotbeds like Canada, the United States, the Iroquois Nation, and Australia/New Zealand continue to drive development. Emerging areas like Hong Kong, Japan, Israel, and parts of Europe are also seeing growth.
International lacrosse federations are promoting box lacrosse as a complementary discipline to field lacrosse. The World Indoor Lacrosse Championship serves as the premier global box lacrosse event.
Native North American coaches and players are exported to help establish club and national teams. This transfers knowledge and accelerates competitive progress abroad.
Pro leagues host annual games in places like Vancouver, Georgia, and Saskatchewan to promote box lacrosse. Exhibition matches bring the excitement of pro box lacrosse worldwide.
Social media allows fans across the world to easily follow box lacrosse leagues and players. This availability generates interest in new potential fans.
Governing bodies offer equipment grants and development camps to help new programs get started. Native nations like the Iroquois take active roles growing participation.
The unique arena version of lacrosse exported from North America has captured the imagination of athletes worldwide. With continued investment, box lacrosse can become a truly global game.