Field Hockey vs Lacrosse: Similarities and Differences
A curved stick on the ground vs a netted stick in the air. Here's how field hockey and lacrosse compare on rules, gear, formats, injuries and the big tournaments.
11 a side, a flat curved stick and a hard ball kept on the ground.
10 a side (12 in women's), a netted stick and a rubber ball that moves through the air.
Today we've got a head-to-head battle between two great sports: field hockey vs lacrosse. Fans have been debating the two online forever. Lacrosse has been one of the fastest-growing team sports in North America, while field hockey is a favorite with athletes all over the world.
So what sets them apart, and which one would you choose if you're picking a sport?
Let me make it easier. I'll walk through the key differences in rules and gameplay, equipment, formats, injuries and the major tournaments.
We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link on this page at no cost to you. This helps us keep this site free & we appreciate your support!
The basics of field hockey vs lacrosse
First things first, here are the basics.
What is field hockey?
Field hockey is a team sport played on grass or artificial turf. Players use sticks with curved ends to hit a small, hard ball into the other team's goal. Stick-and-ball games like it go back thousands of years. The ball stays mostly on the ground, with very little play in the air.
What is lacrosse?
Lacrosse is also played on grass or turf. Players use sticks with mesh pockets to pass, catch and shoot a vulcanized rubber ball into the goal. The field game is mostly played in the spring and summer. The ball spends a lot of time in the air on passes and shots, but ground balls are a huge part of the game too. Win the ground ball battle and you usually win the game.
Key differences in rules and gameplay
The biggest differences between field hockey and lacrosse come down to the rules and how each game is played.
In field hockey, each team has 11 players, including the goalie. Formations vary, but a common setup is forwards, midfielders and defenders in front of the goalie. The field is 100 yards long by 60 yards wide.
Players use a curved stick to move the ball along the ground and try to score in the other team's net. International games are four 15-minute quarters, while U.S. high school games are usually played in halves.
Men's field lacrosse has 10 players per team: three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen and a goalie. The standard field is 110 yards long by 60 yards wide.
Players use a stick with a netted head to catch, carry and pass a rubber ball through the air and shoot it into the other team's goal. College and pro games are usually four 15-minute quarters.
Read more: How long is a lacrosse game (youth, men, women, professional)?
Equipment comparison
The amount of protective gear in each sport is very different.
Field hockey equipment
Field hockey players use a flat, curved stick and a hard ball. Protective gear includes shin guards and mouthguards, and some players also wear eye protection.
Lacrosse equipment
Lacrosse players use a stick with a mesh pocket and a rubber ball. Because the men's game is so physical and the ball moves fast through the air, men wear more protective gear, including helmets, gloves, shoulder pads and arm guards.
Women's lacrosse players usually wear mouthguards and goggles, and body checking isn't allowed in the women's game.
Read more: Rules of lacrosse
Variations and formats
Both sports have evolved over time, making them even more exciting for fans.
Variations of field hockey
- Outdoor field hockey: Played on a full-size field with 11 players per side.
- Indoor field hockey: Played on a smaller court with 6 players per side.
Variations of lacrosse
- Field lacrosse: Played on a full-size field with 10 players per side in the men's game.
- Box lacrosse: An indoor version played in a hockey rink with 6 players per side. It's fast, physical and huge in Canada.
- Sixes: A fast-paced, smaller-sided version that's growing worldwide and heading to the 2028 LA Olympics.
I've put together a detailed comparison of box lacrosse vs field lacrosse here.
Injury rates and scoring differences
One study suggests lacrosse, especially the men's game, has a higher rate of contact injuries than field hockey, while field hockey sees more injuries overall.
The types of injuries are very different, though. Lacrosse has more contact injuries, while field hockey has more non-contact injuries like sprained ankles and muscle strains.
The scoring rates and techniques are different too. Here's more on how scoring works in lacrosse.
Physical demands and skill sets
Field hockey takes quick feet, good hand-eye coordination and precise stickwork. Players stay low for much of the game, which takes a lot of lower-body strength and endurance.
Lacrosse is known for its pace and full-field sprints. You have to be quick and strong, and how you attack the cage strategically is a huge part of the game.
Gender differences in gameplay
There's another side to the field hockey vs lacrosse comparison: gender. Participation, rules and equipment all differ. In the United States, field hockey is mostly played by women and girls, with far fewer male players.
Lacrosse is played by both men and women at every level, but the men's and women's games are very different in rules and physicality.
Men's lacrosse allows body checking and stick checking. Women's lacrosse limits physical contact and only allows controlled stick checks.
The sticks are different too. Men's sticks have deeper pockets, while women's sticks have shallower pockets, which puts more emphasis on stick skills.
Research also suggests that female lacrosse players may be more prone to ACL injuries than field hockey players, likely because of differences in posture and landing mechanics.
Same field, same turf, two completely different games.
Popularity and cultural impact
Field hockey has huge followings in countries like the Netherlands, Australia and India, and it's a staple of high school and college sports in the U.S.
Lacrosse, on the other hand, keeps growing fast across North America, with college programs everywhere and pro leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) drawing bigger crowds every year.
Major tournaments and events
Both sports have a global presence and big-time events.
Major field hockey tournaments
- Hockey World Cup: The biggest event in international field hockey.
- Olympics: Field hockey has been part of the Olympics since 1908.
Major lacrosse tournaments
- World Lacrosse Championship: The pinnacle of international lacrosse.
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): The top pro outdoor league, ending each summer with its championship series.
Switching from field hockey to lacrosse?
Coach's note: Some of the best girls' lacrosse players I've coached, from upstate New York to Virginia Beach to Ontario, came over from field hockey. They already know spacing, cutting and how to defend without fouling. The new part is cradling and catching, so get a stick, find a wall and put in your reps before the first practice.
Women's stickMaverik Aim Women's Complete Stick$199.99 at BattleLax
GogglesBrine Halo Women's Goggles$69.99 at BattleLax
Men's stickWarrior EVO Complete Stick 2026$109.99 at BattleLax
BallsPearl X Greaseless Balls (3-pack)$19.99 at BattleLaxPeople also ask
Is there a difference between field hockey and lacrosse?
Yes. Field hockey players use a curved stick to hit a hard ball along the ground, while lacrosse players use a netted stick to catch, carry and throw a rubber ball through the air.
Is lacrosse faster than field hockey?
Lacrosse usually feels faster, with full-field transition, constant running and lots of scoring chances, while field hockey rewards precise, low ball control along the ground.
What is the difference between a field hockey stick and a lacrosse stick?
A field hockey stick is flat on one side with a curved hook at the end, while a lacrosse stick has a head with a mesh or traditional pocket for catching, passing and shooting.
What gender is field hockey for?
In the United States, field hockey is mostly played by women and girls, but it's popular with both men and women around the world.
Do women and men play lacrosse differently?
Yes. Men's lacrosse allows body checking and requires more protective gear, while women's lacrosse limits contact and players wear lighter equipment like goggles and mouthguards.
As you can see, there are plenty of differences between field hockey and lacrosse. Even so, both sports share a lot: scoring on a goal, similar field sizes, and the need for the right equipment and protection. Whichever one you pick, you're in for a great game.