Why Box Lacrosse is the Perfect Off-Season Sport for Your Field Lacrosse Player
As a parent of a field lacrosse player, you might be hearing more about box lacrosse lately—and for good reason. The popularity of box lacrosse is skyrocketing across the United States, with an increasing number of boys and girls at both youth and high school levels picking up the game. This surge hasn’t gone unnoticed by top-tier coaches who are now championing the benefits of this fast-paced sport.
Bill Tierney, a seven-time NCAA champion coach at Princeton and Denver, has emphatically stated, “Box is a better game than field. It just is.”
Tierney isn’t alone in this belief. Many coaches attribute their enthusiasm to the quick pace and continuous flow of the game, urging young players to incorporate box lacrosse into their athletic regimen.
Regy Thorpe, head coach of the U.S. National Indoor Team, highlights the transferable skills box lacrosse offers to field players. “There are so many skills in the box game that can carry over to the field game to help young players develop,” he says.
“One of the things I like about box, which I think all young kids should play, is that the ball never goes out of bounds.”
John Desko, Former Syracuse head coach and 2020 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee
Former Syracuse head coach John Desko, a 2020 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee, also supports the game for its relentless action. “One of the things I like about box, which I think all young kids should play, is that the ball never goes out of bounds,” he said.
Coaches who advocate for box lacrosse often emphasize three key areas where it benefits youth and high school players:
1. Player Development
Box lacrosse’s smaller goals and larger goalie pads demand pinpoint accuracy in shooting. With everyone using short sticks and playing both offense and defense, players enhance their skills in ground ball scooping, dodging, and passing in traffic.
“Players learn a lot about shooting angles and timing in box lacrosse,” says Tony Resch, former coach of the U.S. Indoor Team. “And it’s not just about scooping groundballs, but getting groundballs in tight spaces because there’s not a lot of room.”
The shorter shot clock in box lacrosse forces players to make quick decisions and recognize game situations instantly, fostering both offensive and defensive skills.
“The transition opportunities and unsettled situations help kids learn how to contribute in a different way,” Resch explains. “Decision making is incredibly important in transition. It grows their knowledge of the game.”
2. Pace of the Game
With a short shot clock and no out-of-bounds, box lacrosse keeps the ball in constant play. The rapid pace and fewer players per side ensure everyone gets frequent touches. More touches mean more opportunities for skill development.
“Because there are walls, the ball is always in play. That leads to a lot more touches and a lot more reps,” Resch says. “It’s a faster game. Players are constantly moving and always in the action.”
3. The Balance Between Physical and Creative
The confined space of box lacrosse demands players operate in tight quarters, enhancing their ability to handle physical contact and develop creative offensive strategies.
“There’s a lot of creativity involved on offense,” Resch says. “Players learn the art of faking and moving the goalie with their hands and eyes to create space.”
Defensively, without the leverage of a six-foot pole, players must rely on footwork and proper positioning.
“The physicality of the game takes some adjusting, but it’s all based on age-appropriate contact,” Resch adds. “Learning to deal with contact improves a player’s balance and anticipation.”
Matt Brown, Denver’s associate head coach, notes the physical benefits of the game. “It’s a great workout and a great physical activity. Kids are exhausted.”
All these factors contribute to the most crucial aspect—fun.
“Not only is box going to develop your game, but it’s a ton of fun,” Brown says. “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 winter 2024/25 season, consider joining Riot Lacrosse Club’s Kingsmen Box Lacrosse Program. It’s an excellent opportunity for your child to improve their skills, stay active, and have a blast while preparing for the field season.