Two Versions of One Sport
Field lacrosse is played outdoors on grass or turf, 10 players per side, open field. It's the primary version in the US and is played at most schools and colleges.
Box lacrosse (indoor/arena lacrosse) is played in a smaller enclosed arena (originally a hockey rink), 6 players per side, significantly faster pace and more physical contact. Dominant in Canada (National Lacrosse League) and growing in the US through the Premier Lacrosse League's box events.
The gear differences matter significantly — bringing field gear to a box game (or vice versa) can be dangerous or ineffective.
Helmets
Field lacrosse: NOCSAE-certified field helmets (Cascade, STX, Warrior). Designed for outdoor play, good ventilation, face mask for open-field vision.
Box lacrosse: Requires a full-cage hockey-style helmet (not a standard field helmet). Hockey helmets are mandatory in most box programs because of the enclosed space, faster ball velocity, and higher contact level. Cascade box-specific helmets and Bauer hockey helmets are common choices.
Gloves
Field lacrosse: Standard lacrosse gloves with back-of-hand protection, open palm, laced cuffs.
Box lacrosse: Many players use hockey gloves for additional hand/wrist protection from the shorter sticks and higher contact. Some leagues require full hockey gloves; others allow field lacrosse gloves.
Sticks
This is the largest difference. Box lacrosse uses shorter shafts (typically 28-40") with tighter pocket configurations optimized for the smaller playing space and higher body contact. Field attack shafts (30") can work in box with a re-string, but dedicated box heads (Maverik Lacrosse Max Box, STX Backwall) provide significant performance advantages.
Box heads are typically narrower, shorter, and strung with a tighter, more controlled pocket that works better at close range in tight spaces.
Footwear
Field lacrosse: Molded or detachable cleat turf shoes, depending on field surface.
Box lacrosse: Non-marking court shoes or indoor turf shoes. Cleats are prohibited in indoor facilities. Court shoes with excellent lateral stability are preferred — basketball or volleyball shoes work well.
What Transfers Between Sports
Box lacrosse is widely credited with improving field lacrosse stick skills — the smaller, faster, more physical game forces players to develop tighter ball control, better dodging ability, and quicker release. Many elite field lacrosse programs now encourage players to play box in the offseason.
Field shooting and passing mechanics transfer to box but require adjustment for tighter spaces. Field goalie equipment does NOT transfer to box — box goalies use significantly more protective equipment (throat guard, additional padding).