Lacrosse returns to the Olympics in 2028. Here's how Sixes works, how it's different, and why backyard players are ready for it.
Train with the Skill StickUpdated: April 2026
Lacrosse Sixes is a modified 6v6 format designed for accessibility and spectator appeal. The International Olympic Committee chose it for the 2028 Los Angeles Games — selecting it over traditional 10v10 lacrosse for its faster pace, smaller field requirements, and suitability for non-traditional venues. The result is a game that demands individual skill, explosive decision-making, and relentless hustle. If you've been training in your backyard, you're already thinking like an Olympian.
| Rule | Traditional 10v10 | Sixes 6v6 |
|---|---|---|
| Players per side | 10 | 6 (5 field + 1 GK) |
| Field size | 110 × 60 yards | 70m × 36m (~77 × 39 yards) |
| Shot clock | None (men's) | 30 seconds |
| Offsides | Complex zone rules | Over and Back rule only |
| Advance rule | None | 10 seconds to advance |
| Substitutions | Restricted | On-the-fly through box |
| Out-of-bounds | Possession to non-toucher | Possession to non-toucher |
| Overtime | Varies | Sudden victory |
Why Sixes instead of traditional 10v10 lacrosse for the Olympics?
The IOC selected Sixes because it requires fewer players, a smaller field, and is faster and more TV-friendly. It also opens lacrosse to more nations — you need 6 players and a smaller patch of turf, not 20+ players and a regulation-size field.
Is this the same format the PLL plays?
Yes — the 2026 PLL & WLL Lexus Championship Series (Feb 27–Mar 8, 2026) was played in Sixes format at The St. James in Washington D.C. The PLL's adoption proves the format works at the elite level.
Updated: April 2026
These rules govern all World Lacrosse sanctioned Sixes events, including Olympic qualifying. All rules are sourced directly from the World Lacrosse 2024-2025 Sixes Rule Book.
Full rulebook: World Lacrosse 2024-2025 Sixes Rules (PDF) ↗
Updated: April 2026
The 30-second shot clock and smaller field create a specific skill profile for Sixes success. Here are the five skills that matter most — and how to train all of them in your backyard.
The 30-second shot clock rewards players who can shoot the moment they have an opening. You don't always get a perfect setup — often it's a catch-and-shoot with one step. Practice single-step shooting from 3 angles: top center, right wing, left wing. Catch, plant, release. No extra cradles. No wind-up.
Key Focus
Time between catch and release — shorten it every session
Teaching Cues
With 6 players per side and a smaller field, every possession involves 1v1 confrontations. Practice the three core Sixes dodges from multiple field positions: Roll dodge (plant, spin away from defender's stick), Split dodge (fake one way, go the other), Bull dodge (straight through contact). Use a cone or trash can as your defender stand-in. Add a finish — throw at the wall or low shot — to complete every rep.
Key Focus
Decisive footwork — commit to the dodge direction, no hesitation
Teaching Cues
In a 6v6 game with nowhere to hide, defenders shade your dominant hand constantly. If you can't go left (or right, for lefties), you're predictable. Dedicate the first 10 minutes of every session to non-dominant hand only: wall ball, cradling while walking, catching self-tossed balls off a wall.
Key Focus
Comfort, not speed — consistency builds over weeks
Teaching Cues
The shorter shot clock means teams can't reset and walk the ball down. Train your decision speed during wall ball by deciding before the ball hits your pocket: shoot or feed? Hold or release? This mental rep builds decision speed just like physical reps build muscle memory. Most players only train physical skills — the player also training decision speed has a hidden edge.
Key Focus
Decision made BEFORE catch, not after
Teaching Cues
With fewer players on the field, every loose ball is a possession shift. In Sixes, ground balls often come down to one player's hustle versus another's. Scatter 5 tennis balls around your yard, sprint to each one, scoop clean, and cradle out. Zero equipment beyond the balls.
Key Focus
Eyes on the ball through the scoop — don't look up early
Teaching Cues
Updated: April 2026
The path to the 2028 Olympics runs through 2026. National teams are training in Sixes format right now. Here's the qualifying calendar.
First major pro adoption of Sixes format. Round-robin six-on-six tournament modeled on Olympic Sixes. Proved format works at elite level.
Olympic qualifying event — results determine which nations compete at LA 2028. National teams training in Sixes format now.
Key indicator of women's lacrosse global strength heading into Olympics. Not Sixes format, but critical for Olympic momentum.
Lacrosse's return to the Olympics for the first time in over a century.
🔔 This section updates after each qualifying event. Next update: 2026 World Sixes Championships results.
Updated: April 2026
All drills in this plan work with the Skill Stick and common backyard balls — tennis, wiffle, and foam. The Skill Stick is engineered specifically for these balls, so the same drills work whether you're in a full backyard or a narrow driveway. (Mini sticks and fiddle sticks use balls smaller than tennis balls; wiffle, tennis, and foam balls are too large for their pockets. The Skill Stick is designed for exactly these balls by design.)
Monday
20 min
Quick-Release Shooting
Tuesday
15 min
Off-Hand Only
Wednesday
20 min
Dodge + Finish
Thursday
15 min
Ground Balls
Friday
20 min
Mix
Monday
20 min
Shooting (Beat Week 1)
Tuesday
20 min
Off-Hand + Decision
Wednesday
20 min
Dodge + Second Cone
Thursday
15 min
Ground Ball Timed
Friday
25 min
Full Drill Circuit
Monday
20 min
30-Second Shooting
Tuesday
20 min
Pressure Off-Hand
Wednesday
20 min
Game-Speed Dodges
Thursday
15 min
Ground Ball Chaos
Friday
30 min
Full Simulation
Updated: April 2026
This section grows as the Olympics approach. Most recent first.
Lacrosse Sixes confirmed for LA 2028. 2026 World Sixes Championships announced as Olympic qualifying event. PLL adopted Sixes for 2026 Championship Series — format proven at pro level. Shot clock confirmed at 30 seconds (World Lacrosse Rule Book, Rule 1.5.2).
Next: After 2026 World Sixes Championships — qualifying results and team rosters.
🔔 Bookmark this guide. We update it after every major qualifying event through LA 2028.
The Sixes format was built for spaces like yours — no full field, no backstop required. The Skill Stick is engineered for the balls you already have: tennis, wiffle, and foam. Start building Sixes skills today.
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