Differences between Boys and Girls Lacrosse

Boys’ vs. Girls’ Lacrosse: What’s the Big Difference?

If you’re getting into lacrosse, you’ve probably noticed that boys’ and girls’ lacrosse don’t look exactly the same. In fact, they have some big differences, even though they’re technically the same sport. So, what gives? Whether you’re thinking about picking up a stick for the first time or just want to understand why the games are different, here’s a breakdown of what makes boys’ and girls’ lacrosse unique—and why both versions are so much fun.

1. Contact or No Contact?

Let’s start with the obvious: boys’ lacrosse is a full-contact sport, meaning players are allowed to body check their opponents. You’ll see a lot more hitting, so boys wear helmets, shoulder pads, arm guards, and gloves to stay protected.

Girls’ lacrosse, on the other hand, is a non-contact sport. That means no body checking, though stick checks are still allowed. Because of this, girls wear a lot less protective gear—just goggles, a mouthguard, and gloves. Goalies wear more padding, but that’s pretty much it.

If you want to dive deeper into the rules on body contact and protection, check out the USA Lacrosse Boys’ Rules and the Girls’ Rules to see how they break it all down!

2. Field Size: Bigger is Better?

Okay, field size isn’t the most thrilling topic, but it’s important! Boys’ lacrosse fields are 110 yards long and 60 yards wide, while girls’ fields are slightly bigger at 120 yards long and 70 yards wide. That extra space in girls’ lacrosse allows for more movement and passing, giving the game a more spread-out, strategic vibe. For boys, the field feels a bit tighter, which means fast, aggressive plays are key.

To get a sense of the layout, this US Lacrosse Field Diagram shows exactly how everything is set up for both boys and girls.

3. How Many Players?

Boys’ lacrosse has 10 players on the field at a time: three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen, and one goalie. Girls’ lacrosse has 12 players—four attackers, three midfielders, four defenders, and one goalie. More players on the field in girls’ lacrosse = more passing, more teamwork, and more strategy.

4. Sticks: Deep Pockets vs. Shallow Pockets

Here’s where things get really interesting. In boys’ lacrosse, the sticks have deep pockets, which means it’s easier to cradle the ball and take powerful shots. Girls’ sticks, on the other hand, have shallower pockets, which means you need some serious stick skills to control the ball (no wobbling allowed!). This makes girls’ lacrosse all about finesse—passing quickly, catching smoothly, and shooting with precision.

For the exact specs on boys’ vs. girls’ sticks, check out this guide from US Lacrosse.

5. Fast-Paced or Strategic?

Because boys’ lacrosse is more physical, the game often moves super fast, with a lot of dodging and quick shooting. Boys’ lacrosse is also more segmented, with clear offensive and defensive zones separated by a restraining line. It’s fast and intense, with a lot of “in-your-face” moments. Girls’ lacrosse, with its extra space and focus on stick skills, tends to be more strategic. Instead of rushing up the field, girls focus on smart passing, positioning, and creating open shots. The teamwork and strategy in girls’ lacrosse can be pretty awesome when you get into the flow of the game.

6. Game Duration: Quarters or Halves?

Another difference: boys’ lacrosse games are split into four 12-minute quarters, making the game feel a bit like football or basketball. Girls’ lacrosse is played in two 25-minute halves (like soccer!). If you’re more into fast bursts of action, boys’ lacrosse might be your thing. But if you like the flow of the game to build over time, girls’ lacrosse can give you that big-picture strategy vibe.

7. Face-offs vs. Draws

Boys’ lacrosse starts with a face-off, where two players battle it out by clamping down on the ball and trying to gain possession. Girls’ lacrosse starts with a draw—kind of like a jump ball in basketball—where two players stand in the center and try to flick the ball into the air and catch it. The draw feels a bit more balanced, while the face-off can get intense pretty quickly!

Want to know more about how face-offs and draws work? Check out the Boys’ Lacrosse Rules and Girls’ Lacrosse Rules for the play-by-play.

Why It’s All Awesome?!

Even though boys’ and girls’ lacrosse are played a little differently, both versions are insanely fun and challenging in their own way. Whether you love the fast-paced, physical nature of boys’ lacrosse or the strategy and finesse of girls’ lacrosse, there’s something for everyone.