Lacrosse Field (Diagram, Dimensions, & Rules)
There’s nothing better than playing lacrosse on a beautiful grass or turf field. Other than the lacrosse stick and ball, the key components of a lacrosse field make this sport the “the fastest game on two feet.” If you’re new to the sport of lacrosse, it’s important to learn about the lacrosse rules and lacrosse field. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the men’s lacrosse field and women’s lacrosse field.
Men’s Lacrosse Field Diagram & Dimensions
The standard men’s lacrosse field is 110 yard long and 60 yards wide. On most outdoor fields you’ll wear lacrosse cleats, but on artificial turf surfaces you can wear lacrosse turf shoes. The lacrosse field has midfield line that runs through the middle of the field, and a restraining line on both the offensive side and defensive side of the field.
Goal Area
The goal area consists of a 6’x6′ regulation goal within a 9ft. radius crease. The goalie stands on the goal line within the crease to make saves and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Only goalies and defensive players can step within their team’s crease. A goal is scored when a loose ball passes completely over the goal line.
Unlike many other sports, lacrosse allows players to operate from behind the goal. The area directly behind the goal is often referred to as “X”. It is not uncommon to have one attack player, guarded by a defender, playing behind the goal at all times.
Sidelines & Substitution Area
Behind the sideline there are two team bench areas, separated by the substitution area. The substitution area (also known as “the box”) is where each team substitutes their players. All substituting players from each team must run through the box. All other players not on the field must remain in their team area behind the sideline. Unlike many other sports, lacrosse allows you to substitute players on the fly, without having to wait for a stoppage in play.
The line behind the goal is called the end line. When a shot goes out of bounds, possession is awarded to the team of the in-bounds player closest to the location of the ball when it went out. A shot or deflected shot remains a shot until the ball comes to rest on the field of play. When the ball goes out of bounds for any other reason other than a shot, the team that last touched the ball loses possession
Midfield Line & Wing Area
A midfield line runs through the middle of the field. The center of the midfield line is often referred to as the faceoff stripe. This is where faceoffs take place after every quarter and goal scored. At each end of the midfield line is a wing area. During a faceoff, each team has a player line up behind the wing area. After the faceoff whistle is blown, players can leave the wing area and attempt to gain possession of the lacrosse ball.
Players on attack or defense may not cross over the midfield line onto the opposing side of the field. Unless a midfielder stays back in their place, they will be called for an offsides penalty.. Each team must have three players on their offensivee side and four players on the defensive side at all times.
Restraining Line
Each side of the field has a restraining line that sits between the goal and midfield line, and runs parallel to the end line. During a faceoff, offensive players (attack) and defensive players (defense) must remain behind the restraining line until possession is won.
Women’s Lacrosse Field Diagram & Dimensions
A women’s lacrosse field is is 110-140 yards in length and 60-70 yards wide. On most outdoor fields you’ll wear women’s lacrosse cleats, but on artificial turf surfaces you can wear lacrosse turf shoes.
Goal Area
The goal area consists of a 6’x6′ regulation goal within a 8.5 ft. radius crease. No player other than the goalkeeper may enter the goal circle at any time. Additionally a player may not follow through into the goal circle on a shot.
Sidelines & Substitution Area
Behind the sideline there are two team bench areas, separated by the substitution area. The substitution area (also known as “the box”) is where each team substitutes their players. All substituting players from each team must run through the box. All other players not on the field must remain in their team area behind the sideline. Unlike many other sports, lacrosse allows you to substitute players on the fly, without having to wait for a stoppage in play.
Play shall be stopped when the ball goes out of bounds. The last team to touch the ball will lose possession of the ball and play will be restarted closest to the location the ball went out of bounds. The opponent will place the ball in her stick, and will self-start from out of bounds.
Draw Circle & Restraining Line
3 field players from each team will be positioned around the draw circle for the draw. The players behind the restraining lines must hold until the official has signaled that possession has been attained.
FAQ
How big is a lacrosse field?
The standard men’s lacrosse field is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. The standard women’s lacrosse field is is 110-140 yards in length and 60-70 yards wide.
How long is a lacrosse field?
The standard men’s lacrosse field is 110 yards long. The standard women’s lacrosse field is 110-140 yards in length.
How many players on a lacrosse field at once?
In boy’s lacrosse, each team has 9 field players and a goalkeeper on the field at once. In girl’s lacrosse, each team has 11 field players and a goalkeeper on the field at once.
