Sixes features an incredibly fast-paced, compact version of lacrosse, combining the most exciting elements of the more traditional disciplines of box and field.
Sixes Summary
- 6 v 6, 12 players per team
- 30-second shot clock
- 8-minute running-time quarters
- ~45-minute games
- Competitively played outside on 70x36m grass or turf field
- No specialist positions, just runners and goalies
- Draws only at the start of each quarter
It was created in 2018 and has since been featured in men’s and women’s international competitions at The World Games 2022, numerous Super Sixes events and multiple continental competitions.
The 2028 Olympic Games will feature men’s and women’s sixes in contention for medals. Sixes will be on display in the coming years at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, and a World Lacrosse Sixes Championship, as well as other international competitions.
Sixes naturally features six players on each team and a roster limit of 12 players. Game play is paced with a 30 second shot clock, eight minute running-time quarters, and fits on a smaller field sized at 70 by 36 meters.
There are no specialist positions, just goalkeepers and field players, and draws only happen at the start of each quarter. After each goal, the goalkeeper can immediately begin play in the other direction. With this feature, attackers can also double up on goals quickly if they can win the ball back.
The sixes framework promotes fast, physical, athletic play with thrilling results, featuring more comebacks, highlight-reel plays and competitive balance.
In the past few years, some outstanding sixes matches have included:
The men’s bronze medal match between Japan and Great Britain at The World Games 2022, a 19-8 overtime win for Japan.
The women’s gold medal match between Canada and the United States at The World Games 2022, a 14-12 nail-biter for Canada
The semifinal at the 2025 Women’s European Sixes Qualifier for The World Games 2025 between Ireland and Israel, an 11-10 winner for Ireland that directly secured a berth in Chengdu.
Eight teams will compete in women’s sixes at The World Games 2025, beginning on August 7.
