So, how long is a lacrosse game? The answer is both simple and kind of messy. Simple, because the official rules say one thing. Messy, because not every league follows the same script. College has its setup. High school trims it down. Pro leagues like the PLL rewrite the rule book for TV. And youth games? That’s a whole different vibe, more about making sure kids don’t gas out in the first half.
If you’re expecting one fixed number, you’ll be disappointed. Lacrosse has layers.
Lacrosse Game Duration: The Short Version
Alright, quick rundown.
- Men’s college games: 60 minutes of game clock (plus breaks).
- Women’s college: same now, after years of halves instead of quarters.
- Pro leagues: 48 minutes of game clock—shorter, faster.
- High school: 48 minutes too, just broken up differently.
- Youth: anywhere from 32 to 40 minutes of play.
The thing is, the real-world time is always longer. You’ve got halftimes, quarter breaks, stoppages, maybe overtime. So “an hour of lacrosse” really means sitting around for about an hour and a half. Sometimes closer to two if the whistle keeps blowing. To make the most of this downtime and improve your skills during breaks, check out soccer shooting drills that sharpen first touch and aim—they’re a great way to stay sharp even when the game slows down.
Lacrosse Quarters Length
The clock’s split into quarters. But not all quarters are equal.
| Level of Play | Quarters Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Men’s Lacrosse | 15 minutes each | 4 quarters |
| NCAA Women’s Lacrosse | 15 minutes each | Used to be halves |
| PLL (Pro Lacrosse) | 12 minutes each | TV-friendly |
| High School | 12 minutes each | Federation rules |
| Youth | 8–10 minutes | Running clock usually |
That’s the backbone of the game. Shorter for kids. Trimmed down for pros. Stretched for college.
How Many Periods in Lacrosse?
People ask this a lot. The answer: four periods (quarters). Always four at the higher levels. Women’s lacrosse used to be two halves, but not anymore. Overtime doesn’t count as a “real” period—it’s sudden victory, so it ends when it ends. To better understand all the rules, check out our guide on top lacrosse rules beginners often forget.
College Lacrosse Game Length
College lacrosse feels like the standard.
- Four 15-minute quarters
- 10-minute halftime
- 2-minute breaks between quarters
- Overtime if needed (sudden victory, 4-minute segments)
So the official number is 60 minutes. But on the clock in your life? Closer to 90 or 100 minutes before you’re walking out of the stadium.
High School Lacrosse Game Length
High school lacrosse doesn’t go full distance.
- 12-minute quarters (boys’ rules)
- Girls often play halves (25 minutes each), though some states are shifting toward quarters
- 10-minute halftime
Game time ends up being around 80–90 minutes real time. Enough to feel legit but not too heavy for student athletes.
Professional Lacrosse Game Time
Pros play fast. They have to. TV deals don’t like three-hour games.
- 12-minute quarters
- 8-minute halftime
- Shot clock keeps possessions tight (52 seconds in PLL)
- Overtime: sudden victory, 12-minute extra if needed
The professional lacrosse game time is around 75 minutes start to finish. Easy to digest, more action, less downtime.
Average Lacrosse Game Time
Add it all up, and the average lacrosse game time is somewhere between 75 and 100 minutes. College games take the longest. Youth is shortest. Pros fall in between. Unlike baseball, you don’t get dragged into four-hour marathons. Unlike soccer, it’s not a clean 90 either.
It floats in that “hour-and-a-half-ish” pocket.
Men’s vs Women’s Lacrosse Game Length
This has changed.
- Men’s: 4 x 15 minutes. More stops, more whistles.
- Women’s: also 4 x 15 minutes now. Used to be halves, which confused casual fans.
- Pro women’s leagues usually mirror men’s timing but adjust a bit.
So in 2025, the difference isn’t the length so much as the style of play.
Youth Lacrosse Game Duration
Little kids don’t need full-length matches.
- U12: 8-minute quarters, running clock.
- U14: 10-minute quarters, sometimes stop clock.
- Halftime: 5 minutes tops.
- Whole thing ends in under an hour.
Parents like it. Coaches like it. Nobody wants exhausted kids dragging sticks around in the 4th quarter.
Overtime in Lacrosse Games
Overtime is always fun. And stressful.
- College & pro: 4-minute sudden victory. First goal wins.
- If still tied? Reset. Another 4 minutes.
- High school: same idea, though youth leagues sometimes just call it a tie.
No drawn-out shootouts like hockey. No endless extra innings like baseball. Just quick bursts until someone scores.
Side-by-Side Table
| Level | Quarters | Clock Time | Real Time | Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | 8–10 min | 32–40 min | 45–60 min | Rare/limited |
| High School | 12 min | 48 min | 80–90 min | Sudden victory |
| College Men | 15 min | 60 min | 90–100 min | 4-min sudden victory |
| College Women | 15 min | 60 min | 90–100 min | 4-min sudden victory |
| Pro (PLL) | 12 min | 48 min | 70–75 min | Sudden victory, 12-min |
So… How Long Is a Lacrosse Game?
If you’re packing a cooler for a Saturday afternoon? Budget an hour and a half. Maybe longer if it goes to overtime. Maybe shorter if you’re watching U12s run around. It’s not rigid. And that’s kind of what makes lacrosse feel alive.
FAQs (from Google People Also Ask)
Q1: How long does a lacrosse game usually last?
Usually 75–100 minutes in real time, depending on the level.
Q2: How many periods are there in lacrosse?
Four quarters in most leagues.
Q3: How long are women’s lacrosse games?
Four 15-minute quarters at college level, about 90 minutes total with breaks.
Q4: How long do youth lacrosse games last?
Between 45 minutes and an hour.
Q5: Does lacrosse have overtime?
Yes. Sudden victory overtime until one team scores.
I’m Daniel Moore, and I live for the thrill of the game. Get energetic live commentary, detailed match analysis, data-backed betting predictions, and official team rankings right here.
