Lacrosse Goal Dimensions: Official Size, Height, and Measurements Explained

Lacrosse goals might all look similar at first glance, but size, shape, and depth vary significantly across formats, and the wrong setup can derail gameplay fast. According to USA Lacrosse, over 825,000 players were registered in organized programs across the United States in 2023, spanning youth leagues, NCAA, professional, and box lacrosse formats. Each level comes with its own set of regulations, and each demands the correct goal size to ensure fair, safe, and compliant play.

Whether you're buying for a school team, outfitting an indoor league, or setting up drills in your backyard, knowing the official lacrosse goal dimensions is non-negotiable. Field lacrosse follows a universal 6x6x7 foot frame for both men’s and women’s play. Box lacrosse shrinks the window to a tight 4x4 foot square, completely changing how goalies and attackers approach the game. And in youth formats, the size of the goal is often scaled down to support development, safety, and skill progression.

This guide breaks down every major lacrosse goal size, by league, age group, and setting, so you can select the right frame with confidence. We’ll also cover how depth and frame shape impact performance, what standards apply to each format, and how to avoid buying goals that aren’t regulation-approved.

Let’s start with a quick-reference table that lays out all the key lacrosse goal dimensions at a glance.

Standard Lacrosse Goal Dimensions (At a Glance)

Before diving into league-specific regulations and field setups, it helps to have a clear reference for the most common lacrosse goal sizes. While the standard 6 ft x 6 ft x 7 ft frame is the norm for most competitive field play, variations exist for youth levels and box lacrosse. Use the table below as a quick guide to the official height, width, and depth of lacrosse goals across formats.

Lacrosse Goal Dimensions by Format

• 6x6x7 feet is the universal regulation size for men’s and women’s field lacrosse at the high school, college, and professional level.
• Youth programs often use smaller goals (3x3 or 4x4 feet) to scale the game to player ability and field size.
• Box lacrosse goals follow a distinct square frame format, smaller in height and width, but often deeper to suit the indoor environment.

Next, we’ll break down each of these formats in detail, starting with the official dimensions and setup for men’s lacrosse goals.

Men’s Lacrosse Goal Dimensions (NCAA & NFHS)

For men’s field lacrosse, both the NCAA (college) and NFHS (high school) set identical standards for goal dimensions, ensuring consistency across competitive play. The 6x6x7 foot frame isn’t just a rulebook formality, it directly shapes how offense, defense, and goalkeeping unfold during the game.

Width, Height, and Depth

The official goal measurements are:

• Width: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Depth: Approximately 7 feet (2.13 meters), measured from the front of the posts to the furthest back point of the frame

The frame forms a triangular structure, with vertical front posts connected by a square crossbar and angled base pipes extending backward to the ground. This triangular depth design is intentional, it keeps the net stable during high-impact shots while allowing for proper net tension and ball containment.

Netting must be firmly secured to all frame edges, including the back supports. Loose or sagging mesh won’t pass inspection and can interfere with goal calls. Official games typically require a tightly woven, regulation-grade nylon mesh (minimum 6mm), attached using lacing rods, hooks, or ties that allow for even tensioning.

The shape of the frame, square corners, vertical uprights, and deep base, also affects shooting angles, rebounding patterns, and goalie positioning. It’s a structural detail with gameplay implications.

Placement on the Field

Goal size means little without proper placement. According to both NCAA and NFHS rules, men’s field lacrosse goals must be:

• Positioned 15 yards (45 feet) from the end line
• Centered on the width of the field
• Surrounded by a crease with a 9-foot radius, clearly marked on the turf or grass

This 15-yard setback creates space for behind-the-goal play, an essential element in men’s lacrosse strategy. Attackmen frequently operate from behind the cage, using the goal as a pivot point. The crease limits defensive engagement, requiring defenders to navigate the arc carefully, while goalies defend not only the posts but also wraparound attempts.

Proper spacing also supports safe movement and allows for effective use of goalie arcs and clears. When placing or purchasing a goal, always measure from the end line, not the back of the net, to stay compliant with league expectations.

Women’s Lacrosse Goal Dimensions

Although women’s lacrosse differs significantly in field layout and gameplay, the goal dimensions remain identical to the men’s game. That consistency across formats helps streamline equipment use and ensures goals can serve both leagues without modification.

Consistency with Men’s Dimensions

According to World Lacrosse and NCAA regulations, women’s lacrosse goals must measure:

• Width: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Depth: Approximately 7 feet (2.13 meters) from front pipe to back base

The structure mirrors the men’s setup exactly, square front frame, sloped rear pipes forming a triangular base, and fully netted coverage across all planes. There's no variation in shape or dimension between men’s and women’s regulation goals.

Where the setup differs is in field placement and how the goal interacts with rules on player movement. In women’s lacrosse, goals sit inside an 8.5-meter arc, with shooting space and defensive positioning governed by different contact rules. Despite these variations in how the crease is used, the physical goal itself remains unchanged.

Equipment and Net Considerations

While the size remains fixed, preferences for net materials or construction details sometimes vary slightly at the team level. In both women’s and men’s games, regulations typically require:

• Nylon netting with a minimum thickness of 6mm
• Tight, evenly-laced mesh across the back frame
• Secure tensioning to prevent ball passthrough or loose rebounds

Some programs opt for lighter-weight frame materials like aluminum when prioritizing ease of transport, especially for youth or practice setups. But for official high school and collegiate women’s play, the goal must meet the same construction and performance standards as in men’s leagues.

Youth Lacrosse Goal Dimensions

Youth lacrosse is designed to meet players where they are, physically, cognitively, and technically. Goal sizes scale down in younger divisions not just for safety, but to help build proper form and decision-making. According to USA Lacrosse, over 400,000 youth players were registered across U.S. leagues in 2023, most of them competing under modified field and equipment standards.

Let’s break down how lacrosse goal dimensions vary by age and why those adjustments matter during development.

Common Sizes for Youth Levels

Lacrosse goal sizes in youth leagues typically fall into one of three categories:

While 6x6 ft is standard in regulation youth tournaments for older age groups, many rec programs and beginner leagues adopt smaller options like 4x4 ft goals to promote early success and safer gameplay.

US Lacrosse provides flexibility in its guidelines, allowing local leagues to choose dimensions that match their format and coaching priorities. Most coaches opt for smaller goals in younger brackets to encourage accurate passing and controlled shooting rather than high-speed power shots.

Why Smaller Goals Are Used

Scaling the goal size down for younger players isn’t just about equipment, it shapes how the game is taught and learned.

• Safer play: Smaller nets mean less hard shooting from close range, which protects goalies and reduces injuries.
• Skill development: Tight angles force attackers to focus on precision rather than force.
• Realistic positioning: Goalies learn correct footwork and stance without being overwhelmed by a full-size net.
• Size-relative challenge: A 6x6 goal can feel enormous or unguardable for small players. Smaller goals keep things proportional to their size and ability.

Coaches often use smaller nets for drills, even at the high school level, to improve accuracy and decision-making under pressure. For parents and league organizers, choosing the right goal size based on player age and skill level sets the foundation for long-term growth.

Box Lacrosse Goal Dimensions

Indoor lacrosse compresses the entire game, field, pace, and goal size, into a tighter, faster format. And nowhere is that shift more apparent than in the dimensions of the net. According to the National Lacrosse League (NLL), all professional box lacrosse games use goals measuring 4 feet wide by 4 feet high, a full two feet shorter in both height and width than field lacrosse standards. That smaller frame changes everything about how offense and defense operate indoors.

Let’s break down how box lacrosse goals are built and why they require a completely different strategic approach.

Official Size and Shape

Standard box lacrosse goal dimensions:

• Width: 4 feet (1.22 meters)
• Height: 4 feet (1.22 meters)
• Depth: 3.5 to 4 feet (1.07 to 1.22 meters), depending on league and manufacturer

Unlike field goals that use a triangular base, box lacrosse goals feature a square or rectangular box-style frame. The pipes run straight back, parallel to each other, forming a more compact but deeper structure.

These dimensions are enforced by both the NLL and Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA), which govern most indoor lacrosse programs in North America. Even at the youth and junior levels, box lacrosse leagues stick closely to the 4x4 foot format to help players transition to higher levels seamlessly.

The frame is usually built with thick, powder-coated steel tubing for durability. The netting must be tightly secured across the rear and bottom to contain high-velocity rebounds, which happen more frequently in tight spaces.

How It Affects Scoring and Goalie Play

The size of a box lacrosse goal doesn’t just reduce scoring angles, it redefines them. In such a confined area, goalies wear more protective gear, including upper body padding that fills most of the net. That’s by design, at the pro level, a goaltender’s body can cover up to 85–90% of the visible goal when squared to the shooter.

This forces shooters to rely on:

• Quick release shots
• Off-ball movement
• Deceptive passes and picks

Rather than winding up from long range, most scoring chances happen within a few feet of the crease. Accuracy matters far more than power, and even a half-step of open space can be the difference between a goal and a blocked shot.

From a goalie’s perspective, the smaller frame rewards lateral movement, positioning, and rebound control. They’re taught to cut off angles aggressively, using body coverage rather than stick saves as the first line of defense.

Because of this fundamental difference in net size and shape, box lacrosse feels more like hockey than its field-based counterpart. The game is built around tight windows, constant pressure, and fast decisions. And it all starts with that 4x4 frame.

Lacrosse Goal Frame and Shape

Goal dimensions are only part of the equation. The geometry of the frame, how it's built and supported, affects everything from how the net holds tension to how the ball rebounds after a shot. While most players recognize the standard 6x6 opening, the frame's depth and shape are what truly define how a goal performs during play.

There are two primary design styles: triangular and square. Each serves a specific purpose depending on the format, field or box lacrosse, and understanding those differences helps players, coaches, and buyers choose the right setup for their level of play.

Triangular Frame Design (Field Goals)

Field lacrosse goals use a triangular base. The pipes extend straight back from the corners of the front frame and meet at a single rear point, forming a pyramid-like structure. It’s a design you’ll see at every regulation outdoor game from youth leagues to NCAA tournaments.

Why the triangle matters:

• Stability on grass or turf: The wide base reduces wobble during impact.

• Tighter net tension: Angled sides help the net stay taut and prevent sagging.

• Better ball control: Shots that hit the net tend to drop straight down rather than rebounding unpredictably.

With a standard depth of around 7 feet, triangular goals offer a generous area behind the net, known as “X”, where offensive players can dodge, pass, or reset the play. That extra space changes how offenses are built, especially at higher levels where behind-the-cage movement is common.

Many buyers overlook this feature when purchasing for practice setups. But without that back angle, nets can feel loose and unstable, something that matters during high-rep shooting drills or competitive scrimmages.

Square Frame Design (Box Goals)

In contrast, box lacrosse goals use a square or rectangular frame. All four vertical bars connect at right angles, creating a box-like depth that usually runs 3.5 to 4 feet from front to back.

This structural shift isn’t just visual, it supports a completely different style of play:

• Compact rebound control: The flat rear and tighter angles keep rebounds close.
• Minimal backdoor space: No “X” area means all movement happens in front of the crease.
• Flush floor contact: Square bases rest fully on turf or concrete for added weight distribution.

Box lacrosse goals often rely on heavier tubing and reinforced corners, since indoor environments produce harder impacts and less give than natural grass. The square frame also holds netting differently, it’s tighter across the back and doesn’t require the same angular tensioning system used in field designs.

While both frame types share the same goal, literally, they support vastly different gameplay mechanics. Next, we’ll look at which organizations regulate those specifications and what to double-check before buying a goal for official use.

Regulation Compliance and League Standards

Not all lacrosse goals are built for official play. If a goal doesn’t meet the standards set by governing bodies, it can be disqualified from use in sanctioned games. That’s why understanding which organizations define lacrosse goal measurements, and how to match those specs, is essential for schools, clubs, and individual buyers.

Each format of the game, men’s, women’s, youth, and box, follows strict guidelines issued by specific leagues and associations. These standards go beyond size, covering frame shape, net tension, and even placement on the field.

Let’s break down where the specifications come from and how to stay compliant when selecting equipment.

NCAA, NFHS, and World Lacrosse Guidelines

Lacrosse goal dimensions are regulated by a handful of key organizations:

All three major field lacrosse bodies, NCAA, NFHS, and World Lacrosse, use identical goal specifications for both men’s and women’s formats: 6 feet wide, 6 feet tall, and 7 feet deep, with a triangular base. Meanwhile, box lacrosse follows a separate rulebook, with the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) and National Lacrosse League (NLL) defining the 4x4-foot box-style goal used indoors.

Even youth leagues often follow downsized versions of these specs, with modifications allowed based on skill level and local regulations.

Important: Always check your league’s rulebook before purchasing a goal for competitive use. Some tournaments and high school conferences may have specific rules regarding goal anchoring, net thickness, or frame material that go beyond national standards.

Buying Tips for Regulation-Sized Goals

To avoid costly mistakes, make sure the goal you’re buying lists official compliance clearly in the product description. If you’re shopping online, look for specs that mention the relevant organization, such as “NCAA-compliant” or “Meets NFHS standards.”

Here’s a quick checklist for compliant purchases:

• Confirm dimensions match your league (e.g., 6x6x7 for field, 4x4 for box)
• Verify triangular vs. square base based on game format
• Check for sturdy steel or aluminum construction (required in most leagues)
• Make sure netting meets strength and thickness requirements

For buyers looking to outfit school teams or tournament venues, Predator Sports offers a range of regulation-ready lacrosse goals that meet NCAA, NFHS, and box lacrosse standards. Specs are listed clearly on each product page, so there’s no guesswork.

Summary: What Size Lacrosse Goal Do You Need?

Choosing the right lacrosse goal starts with knowing who’s playing, where they're playing, and whether the goal needs to meet regulation standards. While the 6 ft x 6 ft x 7 ft triangular frame is the most widely used for field lacrosse, it's far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Indoor leagues, youth divisions, and backyard setups each call for different dimensions, and buying the wrong size can lead to gameplay issues or disqualification from league use.

Use the quick-reference chart below to match goal size to player type, playing environment, and compliance requirements.

Lacrosse Goal Size by Use Case

Final Takeaways

• 6x6x7 ft triangular goals remain the most common for official field play, covering nearly every competitive level from middle school through college.
• For indoor play, 4x4 ft square goals are the standard, with minimal variation across leagues like the NLL and CLA.
• Youth players benefit from scaled-down sizes early on, especially when developing basic skills. Most recreational youth leagues don’t require strict regulation compliance.
• When buying, always factor in league rules, age group, and space constraints. A goal that’s too large or non-compliant can limit use, or worse, go unused altogether.

Predator Sports offers a wide range of regulation-compliant and practice-friendly goals, all built to meet the needs of serious players and developing athletes. Whether you're coaching a youth team, outfitting a school, or upgrading your backyard setup, matching the goal to your use case is the first step toward better gameplay.