Hong Kong launches first indoor lacrosse league as it pursues world top 20 dream

To survive in the supersonic-paced city that is Hong Kong, one must be able to identify the most efficient points of entry and manoeuvre through the smallest of spaces.

Lacrosse is no different, according to the Hong Kong Lacrosse Association, who launched the city’s first indoor – or box – lacrosse league last Thursday in an attempt to penetrate the world’s top 20.

“I told the association that we needed to play box lacrosse in order to help us with stick-skill development, working in confined spaces and learn the subtleties of movement and screening,” said national team coach Scott Browning post-launch at the YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre.

“The countries that compete at the top level [of field lacrosse] play box. Canada’s success originates from the indoor game, and many countries are adding it to their agenda. If we don’t – and we’re climbing – we’re going to fall.”

Box lacrosse is played between two teams of five and the rules draw from conventional lacrosse, ice hockey and basketball. Browning explained that the goaltender’s padding is much heavier in box, meaning they regularly block with their body rather than the stick.

Unlike field lacrosse, there is no offside and there is a centre or back-over line that the team in possession cannot cross once entering into the opposing half. The attacking team has 30 seconds to shoot the ball before it is turned over, allowing for a much fast-flowing affair.