The Ultimate Lacrosse Pitch Guide
Everything you need to know about lacrosse fields
Lacrosse is a sport that is often described as “the fastest game on two feet” and in recent years it has gained a lot of traction across the UK. Starting in North America, the game offers a blend of athleticism, tactical depth and excitement, which is what makes it a favourite for sport enthusiasts.
Combining a mix of hockey, rugby and netball, lacrosse is played with a stick and a small hard ball. Much like the sports mentioned, lacrosse involves strategic passing and catching, the ability to use a stick to handle passes and shots, as well as the intense physical interactions.
One of the key contributors to the game is the pitch which differs from other sports. This comprehensive guide aims to tell you everything you need to know about lacrosse pitches. Whether you’re a player or a coach, it is important that you're familiar with lacrosse ptich lines, zones and markers to further enhance your knowledge of the game.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LACROSSE PITCHES
Lacrosse pitches have had a drastic transformation from the pitches used in the early days. It originated in North America, and was played in many different terrains with makeshift goals. The games typically had many players as it was deeply connected to cultural and spiritual practices during those times.
This changed in the 19th century as European settlers like Dr William George Beers began to modify the game, which lead to the introduction of rules and pitch dimensions. This would change lacrosse from what was once a very chaotic sport to one that was regulated, with certain pitch and equipment specifications.
LACROSSE PITCH DIMENSIONS
Lacrosse pitches in the UK generally align with World Lacrosse standards, meaning that pitches are typically 110 yards in length and 60 yards in width. This can accommodate both the men’s and women’s game, however, in some cases these dimensions can differ due to the rules of the game.
Lacrosse Men's Pitch Dimensions
World Lacrosse state that for Men’s Lacrosse, the pitch dimensions are 110 x 60 yards. The field is made smaller to allow for greater physicality during games, with checks and other contact allowed withing the laws of the men's game.
Lacrosse Women’s Pitch Dimensions
World Lacrosse specify that the regulation size of a women’s pitch is 110-140 yards in length and then 60-70 yards in width. The women’s game can feature larger pitches than men’s lacrosse to reduce the physical contact within the women’s game.
LACROSSE PITCH MARKINGS & ZONES
The markings found on lacrosse pitches play a key role in lacrosse matches. The goal lines are marked at each end of the field, with goals placed 100 yards apart. Goal creases are the circular areas around each goal with a 6-yard diameter. The shortest sides of the field are the end lines, and the longer sides of the pitch are side lines. The centre line is a bold line marked through the centre of the field. Below we have covered these positions in more detail:
Restraining Lines - While both men and women’s lacrosse have restraining lines, their placement can differ. These lines dictate player positioning for faceoffs, draws and during normal play and can affect how the field is divided during gameplay.
Goal Crease – The goal crease is marked by a circle which has a 9ft radius circle. The goal is positioned along the centre of the goal crease. Only the goalkeepers are allowed within the goal crease, and the attacking players cannot contact the goal crease or the goalkeeper when attempting to shoot.
Goal Lines – These lines run between the goal posts, they are 2 inches wide, and they help to establish whether a goal has been scored. If the ball fully crosses the line, then a goal is awarded. The line should be parallel with the end line and will sit on the front edge of the goal mouth (for men’s lacrosse). In women’s lacrosse, the goal line is in the centre of the goal crease which measures 10 – 20 yards from the end line.
Women’s Lacrosse Pitch Markings
The difference between lacrosse pitch markings in men’s and women’s games come from rules and styles of play that characterise the version of the sport.
- Centre Circle & Line – In women’s lacrosse the centre of the pitch features a centre circle, where the “draw” takes place to being play. Which is different from men’s lacrosse which uses a faceoff at the centre marked by an X.
- Scoring Area - Women’s lacrosse has a specific marking around the goal known as the 8-metre arc and 12 metre fans. These markings define the scoring area where fouls will result in free position plays. These markings are only present for women’s lacrosse.
Men's Lacrosse Pitch Markings
There are also unique markings for men’s lacrosse pitches. Men’s lacrosse games are typically a lot more physical than women’s which is partially down to the pitch being smaller.
- Centre Line and X - The midfield line is what divides the field into two equal halves. This is known as the offensive half and defensive half. In the men’s game, the centred line is used to call fouls such as offsides. At the centre of the midfield line, an X is painted where players take part in a face off to start or restart games after a goal is scored.
- Wing Area – This is only present on the men’s lacrosse pitch; the wing area is outlined by hash marks which are positioned 10 yards infield on each side of the centre line (midfield line).
Marking out a lacrosse field
Once you know all the markings for lacrosse fields you're much better placed to mark one out. It is important to begin by measuring and marking the outer boundaries using tape, string, stakes and field marking paint or chalk.
Begin by measuring and marking the rectangular field with sidelines and endlines. It is good to then start marking the midfield and centre lines, goal areas and specific zones like the centre X or circle. Once that's done you can then mark zones like the 8-metre arc and 12 metre fans depending on the type of game. Finally, once the rest have been completed you can mark the restraining lines and substitution areas. It's important to make sure all lines are straight and measurements are correct.
Tools & Materials
It is important to have all the necessary materials available to complete this process. We recommend having the following:
- Tape Measure - For accurate measurements
- Field Marking Paint - For drawing the lines
- Line Marking Machine – To make the job easier and faster
- A 3, 4, 5 Line marking triangle - To help create the perfect corners
You can find further information on how to do this here
We hope that after reading this guide, you have a broader understanding of lacrosse pitch dimensions and markings. If you would like to learn more about lacrosse, we also have a lacrosse ball guide and a lacrosse goal guide. Our FORZA range of lacrosse equipment ranges from goals, balls and training equipment.
