Field dimensions in lacrosse shape every part of the game, from player strategy to coaching decisions and event logistics. A few yards can change how teams move, defend, and score — making precise field knowledge essential for players, coaches, and organizers alike.
Lacrosse fields aren’t one-size-fits-all. Size and layout shift depending on gender, age group, and league regulations, meaning that what’s standard for an NCAA men’s game looks quite different from a youth or women’s match.
This guide breaks down the official dimensions, core measurements, and key field variations, giving you a clear, reliable resource to navigate lacrosse field setups confidently.
A standard outdoor lacrosse field forms a rectangle measuring 110 yards in length and 60 yards in width. These measurements create a balanced space that supports fast-paced play, precise passing, and tactical positioning across all positions.
Goal Area (Crease): A circle with an 18-foot diameter surrounding each goal, marking the area where only the goalkeeper and specific defensive plays can operate.
Attack and Defensive Areas: Each end of the field contains a 35-yard-deep zone dedicated to offensive and defensive play.
Midfield Line: Running through the center, this line splits the field into two equal halves, serving as a reference point for transitions and faceoffs.
Restraining Line: Positioned 20 yards from each goal line, it limits how many players can engage near the goal during certain plays, maintaining game balance.
Sidelines and End Lines: These define the outer boundaries of the field. Any ball crossing these lines is out of play.
Goal Line Extended (GLE): An imaginary line running from each goal across the width of the field, critical for setting up offensive plays and defensive positioning.
Lacrosse fields are typically surfaced with natural grass or synthetic turf. Regardless of material, field markings must be highly visible and durable to withstand weather, foot traffic, and repeated game action.
A men’s lacrosse field sticks closely to official standards, measuring 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. This layout creates enough space for fast breaks, defensive setups, and strategic play.
The goal stands 6 feet wide and 6 feet high, framed within a circular crease measuring 18 feet in diameter. Only the goalkeeper and defenders under strict rules can enter this crease, making it a critical control zone.
Each end of the field holds a 35-yard-deep zone, allowing teams to set up offensive plays and defensive formations. The size of these zones shapes everything from shot angles to slide packages.
At the heart of the field sits the Faceoff X, marked dead center for faceoffs that kick off each quarter and follow every goal. Flanking this are the wing areas, positioned 10 yards from the center line, where players line up during faceoffs to contest loose balls and set up transition plays.
The substitution box, measuring 20 yards wide by 35 yards long, is positioned along the sideline near midfield. This area handles on-the-fly substitutions, keeping the pace high and adding a layer of tactical depth to the game.
Men’s lacrosse places heavy emphasis on the midfield line and wing areas, which are central to faceoff strategy. Quick, clean wins at the X can flip possession and momentum, making midfield one of the most contested parts of the field.
Women’s lacrosse fields stretch slightly larger, measuring 120 yards long and 70 yards wide. The extra space allows for more fluid, free-flowing movement, with less physical contact compared to the men’s game.
Goals remain the same as in men’s lacrosse — 6 feet wide by 6 feet high — but the goal circle (or crease) surrounding them is larger, measuring 8.5 meters (about 28 feet) in diameter. This wider crease changes shooting angles and goalie coverage, shifting how attackers approach the cage.
The shooting space is a key safety rule in women’s lacrosse, extending 11 meters (36 feet) from the goal. Defenders must avoid obstructing this area unless actively marking an opponent, which reduces dangerous collisions during shots.
At midfield, the draw circle takes the place of the men’s faceoff X. Measuring 9 meters (30 feet) in diameter, it’s where players contest possession after goals and at the start of each half.
Restraining lines sit 30 yards from each goal, helping regulate how many players can occupy the offensive and defensive ends. This keeps spacing organized and reduces crowding around the crease.
Women’s lacrosse fields not only run larger but also feature additional restraining lines and no faceoff circle at midfield. The draw replaces faceoffs, shaping the flow of possession and making midfield play less physical but no less strategic.
Youth lacrosse fields adjust in size to match the age and skill level of young players. They usually measure between 60 and 80 yards long and 30 to 50 yards wide, giving kids enough space to learn the game without feeling overwhelmed.
For younger age groups, goals shrink to 4 feet wide by 4 feet high. Smaller goals help kids focus on accuracy and improve their shooting skills while keeping scoring balanced.
The goal crease is often reduced to a 9-foot diameter, which simplifies defensive play around the net and gives younger players a more manageable area to navigate.
Youth fields feature a reduced number of lines and markings. Fewer boundaries and zones help kids stay focused on core skills instead of getting lost in complex field layouts.
Smaller fields aren’t just about convenience, they’re about safety and development. Scaling down the dimensions ensures players stay engaged, reduces the risk of injury, and helps coaches introduce tactics in a controlled, supportive environment.
Box lacrosse, played indoors, brings a completely different setup from its outdoor cousin. The field, or more accurately, the arena, measures 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. It’s a fast-paced, high-contact game designed for tight spaces.
Goals are trimmed down to 4 feet wide and 4 feet high, which demands sharp shooting and quick reactions from attackers and goalies alike.
Each crease spans 9 feet in diameter, offering goalies a compact area to control while limiting opponents’ ability to crowd the net.
Attack Zone: Extends 30 feet deep, where offensive plays are set up.
Defensive Zone: Also 30 feet deep, where defenders hold their ground and goalies protect the crease.
Games are usually played on turf or concrete floors covered with synthetic padding. That setup reduces injuries from falls and keeps play fast and smooth.
The box lacrosse arena is fully enclosed, with boards running around the perimeter—think of it like a hockey rink. The smaller size creates nonstop action, tighter formations, and more physical play, making it a favorite for fans who love a high-energy game.
Lacrosse field dimensions can shift depending on the league, level, or country. While the basics stay the same, small differences often matter when planning games or tournaments.
The NCAA follows strict field dimension guidelines for both men’s and women’s games. Fields must meet the official measurements without exception. This consistency helps keep play fair across schools and conferences.
High school lacrosse fields generally stick to NCAA standards, but some variations show up. You might find minor adjustments to fit the available space, especially at older facilities. Despite these tweaks, the core layout stays recognizable.
Club and rec leagues offer the most flexibility. Fields often shrink to fit into local parks or multi-sport facilities. While the goal and crease sizes usually remain standard, field length and width may be reduced. That flexibility makes it easier for programs to reach more players, regardless of location.
Outside the U.S., leagues like World Lacrosse (formerly FIL) introduce additional variations. Field dimensions under international rules sometimes differ from NCAA standards, especially in width and line markings. Teams competing internationally need to understand these differences to adjust strategy and preparation.
A clear, annotated diagram can help make sense of the numbers and measurements. Here’s what should appear on a lacrosse field diagram:
Goals: Labeled with official width and height.
Creases: Shown as circles around each goal, marked by diameter.
Midfield: Including the faceoff X or draw circle, midfield line, and wing areas.
Key Areas: Attack zones, defensive zones, and restraining lines marked for context.
|
Field Type |
Length |
Width |
Goal Size |
Crease Diameter |
|
Men’s Lacrosse |
110 yards |
60 yards |
6 ft x 6 ft |
18 ft |
|
Women’s Lacrosse |
120 yards |
70 yards |
6 ft x 6 ft |
28 ft (8.5 meters) |
|
Youth Lacrosse |
60–80 yards |
30–50 yards |
4 ft x 4 ft |
9 ft |
|
Box Lacrosse |
200 ft |
85 ft |
4 ft x 4 ft |
9 ft |
