Mini Box Lacrosse

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mini Box Lacrosse?

Mini Box is Sagebrush’s recreational version of indoor box lacrosse. Games are played on a smaller floor with fewer players and a tennis ball. The focus is on fast play, lots of touches, creativity, and having fun.

How many players are on the field?

Games are played 4v4 — 3 field players and 1 goalie per team. Each team has 6 total players, leaving 2 substitutes on the bench.

How many players are on each team?

Each team has 6 players total. Mini Box uses intentionally small rosters to maximize playing time and give everyone plenty of opportunities with the ball.

Why do you use a tennis ball?

The tennis ball helps make Mini Box more approachable for a recreational indoor environment while still allowing players to pass, shoot, dodge, and play quickly. It also takes some of the sting out of shots and keeps the game fun.

How long are the games?

Each game is 30 minutes and consists of two 13-minute running-time halves with a 4-minute halftime.

How many games do we play?

Each team is scheduled for 18 games during the Mini Box season.

Does everyone have to play goalie?

Yes! One of the unique parts of Mini Box is that every player must play goalie for at least 3 games during the 18-game season.

With 6 players on each team, every player can take exactly three turns in goal.

What if I’ve never played goalie before?

That’s completely fine! Mini Box is recreational, and nobody is expected to be an experienced goalie. Part of the fun is giving everyone an opportunity to try a different position.

Do I need my own goalie equipment?

No need for every player to own goalie equipment. Sagebrush will establish the necessary goalie equipment requirements and availability for the league.

What happens when I score?

You celebrate — and then you come off!

Any field player who scores a goal must immediately substitute out. Another teammate enters the game before play restarts.

The player who scored can return to the game during a later substitution.

Why does the scorer have to substitute?

It keeps players rotating, gives everyone more opportunities, and prevents one player from staying on the floor and dominating the game.

It also adds a fun strategic element to Mini Box — scoring a goal automatically changes your team’s lineup.

What if the goalie scores?

Goalies are exempt from the mandatory scoring substitution rule.

If your goalie manages to score, they can stay in the game!

Are there faceoffs after goals?

No. Faceoffs are used to start each half.

After a goal, the team that was scored on receives possession and its goalie quickly restarts play. This keeps games moving and gives players more actual playing time.

Are there offsides?

There are no offsides for field players. All three field players can play anywhere on the floor.

Goalies are the exception. Goalies must remain on their defensive half of the floor and may not cross the midline.

Can goalies leave the crease?

Yes. Goalies may leave their crease and play the ball anywhere on their defensive half of the floor. They simply cannot cross the midline.

Can we substitute during play?

Yes. Mini Box uses on-the-fly substitutions, similar to box lacrosse or hockey. Players do not need to wait for a whistle to change.

Is body checking allowed?

Mini Box allows normal lacrosse contact, stick checking, and physical positioning, but it is not designed to be a heavy-contact box league.

Dangerous hits, boarding, checking from behind, head contact, fighting, and excessive cross-checking are not allowed.

Can players use long poles?

No. All field players use standard short sticks. No long poles are allowed.

Is there a shot clock?

There is no formal shot clock. Teams are expected to attack and keep the game moving.

If a team is intentionally holding the ball or stalling, the official may give a verbal warning or countdown requiring the team to attack.

Is Mini Box competitive?

Absolutely — we’re still keeping score!

However, Mini Box is designed to be recreational first. The league is about getting more reps, playing with friends, trying different positions, competing, and enjoying a different version of lacrosse.

What happens if I miss a game?

Because teams only have 6 players, players should make every reasonable effort to attend their scheduled games.

If you know you’ll miss a game, please communicate with your team or Sagebrush staff as early as possible.

What equipment do I need?

Players should bring their normal lacrosse stick and required protective equipment. Specific equipment requirements may vary by age or division and will be communicated before the season.

Do I need box lacrosse experience?

No! Players do not need any previous box lacrosse experience.

If you know how to play lacrosse, you’ll pick up Mini Box very quickly.

Where can I find the complete rules?

The complete Sagebrush Mini Box League Rules are available on the registration page and include additional information about gameplay, substitutions, penalties, goalie rotation, possession, contact, and other league rules.