Box Lacrosse in Boulder County
Box lacrosse is the indoor version of the game — fast, physical, and played in an enclosed arena. It's the same sport the Colorado Mammoth play in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). If you've been to a Mammoth game at Ball Arena in Denver, you've seen box lacrosse at its highest level.
How Box Lacrosse Differs from Field Lacrosse
Box lacrosse is played on a smaller surface (typically a converted hockey rink with turf laid over the ice, or a dedicated box) with boards along the sides. Key differences:
- 6 players per side (1 goalie, 5 runners) vs. 10 in field lacrosse
- Smaller, enclosed playing surface — the boards keep the ball in play constantly
- Shot clock — teams must shoot within 30 seconds, keeping pace high
- More physical — body contact off the boards is part of the game
- Different sticks — box sticks have a shorter, deeper pocket than field sticks
- Year-round play — box is often the go-to game in the off-season
Why Box Lacrosse Makes Better Players
Many coaches consider box lacrosse the fastest way to develop stick skills. The confined space forces players to handle pressure, make quick decisions, and finish in tight. Canadian players, who grow up playing box, are widely regarded as the most skilled in the world — and they credit the box game.
Box Lacrosse in Boulder County
Boulder County has a growing box lacrosse community. Indoor facilities and converted hockey rinks in the area host youth and adult box lacrosse programs, especially in the winter months when outdoor play is limited.
- Youth box leagues — check with local lacrosse clubs for winter indoor sessions
- Adult recreational box — several facilities in the Denver/Boulder metro area run adult box leagues year-round
- Clinics and training — box lacrosse clinics are often offered by local clubs and visiting coaches
The Colorado Mammoth Connection
The Colorado Mammoth are Boulder County's home pro team — based in Denver, just 30 miles away. The Mammoth play in the NLL (National Lacrosse League), the top professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. Attending a Mammoth game is one of the best ways to experience box lacrosse and get players excited about the indoor game.
See the Pro Lacrosse page for more on the Mammoth and other professional leagues.
Getting Started
If you're new to box lacrosse, a field lacrosse stick will work to start — you don't need a box-specific stick right away. Check with local clubs about indoor winter programming, or head to a Colorado Mammoth game to see the game at its best.