Boys vs Girls Lacrosse: Understanding the Key Differences

Lacrosse is often called “the fastest game on two feet,” but did you know there are big differences between boys’ and girls’ versions of the sport? Whether you’re a parent with children interested in both games or a player curious about how the other half plays, understanding these distinctions helps appreciate the unique challenges and skills each version demands.

Here’s your straightforward guide to the main differences between these two variations of lacrosse.

Boys vs Girls Lacrosse: The Key Differences 

Equipment Differences

The most visible difference between boys’ and girls’ lacrosse is the protective gear:

Boys’ Equipment:

• Helmets with full face masks
• Shoulder pads and arm pads
• Padded gloves
• Deeper stick pockets
• Shorter stick length (40-42″ for field players)

Girls’ Equipment:

• Eye goggles (no full helmets except goalies)
• Minimal padding
• Shallower stick pockets with stricter stringing rules
• Longer stick length (35.5-43.25″)

These equipment variations directly influence playing style and rules, with boys’ gear allowing for more physical contact while girls’ equipment emphasizes finesse and stick skills.

Rules and Contact Levels

The level of permitted physical contact creates fundamental differences in gameplay:

Boys’ Rules:

• Full body checking permitted (with proper technique)
• Stick checking with greater force allowed
• More physical play around ground balls
• Fewer whistle stoppages for minor infractions
• 10 players on the field (3 attack, 3 midfield, 3 defense, 1 goalie)

Girls’ Rules:

• No body checking (positioning and footwork emphasized)
• Limited stick checking (only controlled checks away from the head)
• Emphasis on positioning rather than physical displacement
• More frequent whistle stoppages to maintain controlled play
• 12 players on the field (typically 7 attack/midfield, 4 defense, 1 goalie)

These contact distinctions create entirely different strategic approaches to gaining possession and defending space.

Playing Style and Strategy

Equipment and rules naturally lead to contrasting styles of play:

Boys’ Game Characteristics:

• Faster overall pace with rapid transitions
• More emphasis on physical dominance in key areas
• Higher-velocity shots from various positions
• Zone and man-to-man defensive schemes
• Set plays are often executed in smaller spaces

Girls’ Game Characteristics:

• Greater emphasis on precision passing and cutting
• More structured offensive patterns
• Strategic space creation through movement
• Sophisticated stick skills to maintain possession
• Wider field utilization with more lateral movement

Both versions require a lot of skill and athleticism, but they reward different types of athletic abilities and game awareness.

Field Dimensions and Boundaries

Even the playing surface differs:

Boys’ Field:

• 110 yards long x 60 yards wide
• The crease area is 9′ radius around the goal
• Rectangular substitution box area

Girls’ Field:

• 120 yards long x 70 yards wide (traditionally)
• Larger 8-meter “fan” area for free positions
• Arc-shaped critical scoring area

Understanding these fundamental differences helps players and parents appreciate the unique challenges each version presents. Both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse offer incredible opportunities for athletic development, teamwork, and competitive excellence.

Ready to experience either version firsthand? Our expert coaches are ready to help you improve your lax game at one of our 2025 GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps this summer. Find a location near you and sign up today!