NLL vs. Box

[MartyD27]

I've seen quite a few people mention that the NLL game is different than box lacrosse. I've only been watching lacrosse for a couple years and I've never seen box lacrosse - just field lacrosse and two plus seasons worth of Colorado Mammoth games.

What are some of the differences between the two versions of the game? Anything real obvious?

[Stonewall35]

I've seen quite a few people mention that the NLL game is different than box lacrosse. I've only been watching lacrosse for a couple years and I've never seen box lacrosse - just field lacrosse and two plus seasons worth of Colorado Mammoth games.

What are some of the differences between the two versions of the game? Anything real obvious?

The nets in the NLL are 4' high by 4'9" wide. Most box leagues in Canada use the 4' by 4' nets. In the WLA and OLA Major Series (Senior A box), their nets are 4' by 4'6".

Traditional wood sticks are allowed in Canadian box. You will see some defensive players and more goalies use the wood over plastic.

Most rinks in box use the concrete floor as opposed to the artificial turf. One exception being Queen's Park Arena in New Westminster, which to this day continues to use the wood floor.

Canadian box tends to be a bit rougher than the NLL. Cross-checking happens more often in box than in the NLL.

[RockStar]

Few other differences:

-No over and back and no 10 second violations, unless you're killing a penalty.

-30 second shot clock does not run when you're killing a penalty (which means that you have to double the ball carrier and beat the hell out of him to get the ball back.....not like the NLL where they just wait for 30 seconds!).

-Faceoffs are quicker and cleaner draws.....no clamping, have to just pull straight back. Also, the restraining lines are only about 5 feet away from the faceoff dot.

-Other than that and a few others, it's very similar to NLL. Games are a little slower and more deliberate. There's a little more hitting and roughness, and scores are a little lower (instead of 14-12, think like 9-8...mostly due to smaller nets and bigger wooden goalsticks)

[Stonewall35]

Few other differences:

-No over and back and no 10 second violations, unless you're killing a penalty.

-30 second shot clock does not run when you're killing a penalty (which means that you have to double the ball carrier and beat the hell out of him to get the ball back.....not like the NLL where they just wait for 30 seconds!).

-Faceoffs are quicker and cleaner draws.....no clamping, have to just pull straight back. Also, the restraining lines are only about 5 feet away from the faceoff dot.

-Other than that and a few others, it's very similar to NLL. Games are a little slower and more deliberate. There's a little more hitting and roughness, and scores are a little lower (instead of 14-12, think like 9-8...mostly due to smaller nets and bigger wooden goalsticks)

As of the 2003 season, the 30 second shot clock DOES run in all instances, including the penalty kill. I do realize that this also takes away the art of penalty killing, but it is intended to speed up the game in that respect.

In regards to face-offs, it seems to me that the procedure for them varies from one province to another. This coming from other people attending CLA meetings.

[RockStar]

As of the 2003 season, the 30 second shot clock DOES run in all instances, including the penalty kill......

All leagues except for OLA Major, and maybe WLA.....God Bless Commissioner Jim Brady for keeping this rule alive in Major!

[MartyD27]

Thanks for the info everyone!

[titans 43]

ya some guy in my area used to play in new west and he said guys would pull out slivers like over 6inches long from the wooden floor, and there are still some oif the original floor boards from the early 1900's, crazy eh?

[bird]

Boards at Queens Park are replaced as needed. The best about the floor is that it is easier on the knees. Talk to players that have played out of New West for years and they will tell you they are better off then everyone else.

Sure gives a different bounce and feel to the game.

[ravens_4life]

the whole floor at queens park is being replaced next season with all new hardwood.

[DaveatNLLLax]

think that's crazy? you should have been a player during the run of the Tomahawks in Long Island in 1975. The wood floor they had was completely white, with red in the crease areas and for the faceoff circles and lines. Made it hard to see the white ball. You'll see what I mean by the end of the week.

Dave

[fitzy_nb_11]

don't u mean MLL not NLL,NLL is boxla and MLL is field lax.....

[goalieskcickay]

No, NLL is a different than box lacrosse, they are talking about the difference bettween traditional box lacrosse and NLL style lacrosse.

[slinkyspine]

how did the whole queens floor boards get involved lol