Comparing the development of lacrosse players, box lacrosse has constantly proven itself as a better training ground to that of field lacrosse. The disparities in the two playing styles go a lot further than just the size of the playing surface; it builds a mold that shapes how the players think, react, and develop. Box lacrosse naturally makes for a much exciting, fast-paced environment that requires quicker decisions, a lot more contact, and finer skills that are too often neglected in the field game. Box lacrosse is far superior at building well-rounded, smarter, more adaptable lacrosse players for multiple reasons.
First among these benefits, the close confines and the tiny windows that box lacrosse players are lucky to find is potentially the most apparent advantage to box lacrosse players. The game requires quick thinking, and quicker reactions. Unlike field lacrosse, where much more often one may have time to predetermine what is going to be done next, box lacrosse is relentless. The windows for passes or shots open and shut in less than an instant. One cannot go through the motions, nor can one pre-set decisions in one’s mind and act upon them. A player needs to adapt, read the play, and react to it without any lag. This constant pressure increases lacrosse IQ by teaching players to recognize these small windows of opportunities and how to take them. As confidence builds in decision-making, it gives them the keen ability to read the game, which then translates seamlessly when they step onto the field.
Structured plays and set pieces run rampant in youth and high school field lacrosse, to the detriments in developing players. While it can help a team get organized, it is sure in the way when overused for the players to understand the game. Box lacrosse, on the other hand, is quick decisions that flow into continuity of the game. There can be some guidelines or preferred options to take through the coach, but very little relies on set plays. Instead, players must understand the principles of why things work; that is, be able to cut at the right time or create space through off-ball movement. This will help to equate your understanding of game mechanics into an important foundation in the development of lacrosse IQ. Players coming out of box lacrosse into the field game have a deeper sense of how to create and exploit advantages, a skill that gives them a leg up in field lacrosse, where freedom of movement and creativity so often dictate success.
Another major factor, besides physicality, is in player development for box lacrosse. Smaller playing area means more physical contact, more frequency and with greater intensity, maybe initially intimidating, but eventually it builds toughness. This aspect of physicality early on builds a level of confidence in them to come out much better in taking charge of pressure situations as they go ahead in their careers of lacrosse. It also teaches players how to use their bodies to shield the ball, navigate tight spaces, and absorb contact without losing focus. This level of physicalness is not as brought to the fore in the field game. But once a player gets accustomed to this in box lacrosse, then going onto the field is an absolute bonus.
One other notable characteristic of box lacrosse is how it tends to enhance one’s stick work. Playing box lacrosse requires every player on the floor to be skilled in ball handling, even the players who may be playing defense. On the field, most of the defensive players have fewer developed stick skills simply because they barely touch the ball. In box, however, all players are active in moving the ball and creating opportunities; every player, therefore, must learn to handle a stick well from an early age. This makes them an all-around player in terms of skills, especially defensive players may suddenly become an asset to transition or clears as they really have been forced to work on their stickhandling. Box lacrosse lends itself to transition games, so a player’s transition game will automatically get better. With continuous action, players learn to move the ball in fast break situations quickly while constantly moving from defense to offense.
This not only improves their conditioning but forces them to let the game come to them, developing the ability to see the field and make the right decision on the fly. It is a skill that directly enhances lacrosse IQ since players learn to read and react under pressure-a trait that separates the great players from the good ones. Deception is another crucial skill honed into box lacrosse. Whether it is a pass fake by the offense or a defender baiting a pass, the confined space demands players be deceptive to create openings. This usually enables the most successful players-the best liars, so to say-to control things on offense or defense. Box lacrosse lends itself, almost by nature, to the ability to cant the other team’s expectations with subtle fakes or misdirections. These are among those skills to which such a player can adaptively apply a great deal to his field game.
The challenge of shooting on box lacrosse goalies is another significant developmental advantage in speaking of scoring. Box lacrosse goalies are heavily armored, and their smaller nets make scoring a lot more difficult. Players are forced to be much more cognizant with their shot selection and much more deceptive in their finishes. Early-developed precision and creativity then translate into shooting skills in field lacrosse, where large nets feel more forgiving and goalies less heavily armored.
Finally, box lacrosse drills are not as structured as field lacrosse, which allows for creativity and development. The open parameters of the drills in the box force players to think outside the box, if you will. This type of training develops versatility and adaptability-very much-needed attributes for any player who wants to advance further in the game. In the end, box proved to be a better training ground for developing lacrosse players.
The game is more well-rounded for player development, from better stick skills and lacrosse IQ to better physicality and decision-making under pressure. If athletes truly want to take their game to the next level, embracing box lacrosse is a necessity.
