How can lacrosse players enhance their stick skills. What are the most effective drills for improving stick work. Which techniques are crucial for mastering lacrosse stick handling. Why is consistent practice important for developing advanced lacrosse skills.
The Fundamentals of Lacrosse Stick Work
Lacrosse stick work forms the foundation of every player’s skill set. Mastering the art of handling the stick with precision and fluidity is crucial for success on the field. But what exactly constitutes effective stick work in lacrosse?
Stick work in lacrosse encompasses a range of skills, including:
- Cradling
- Catching
- Throwing
- Shooting
- Ground ball pickup
- Dodging
These fundamental skills require constant practice and refinement to achieve mastery. Players who excel in stick work often find themselves at a significant advantage during games, as they can maintain possession, make accurate passes, and create scoring opportunities with ease.
Essential Drills to Improve Lacrosse Stick Work
To enhance lacrosse stick work, players must engage in regular, focused practice. Here are some essential drills that can help improve various aspects of stick handling:
Wall Ball Drills
Wall ball is a cornerstone of lacrosse practice. It involves repeatedly throwing a ball against a wall and catching it, helping players improve their throwing accuracy, catching ability, and hand-eye coordination. How can players maximize the benefits of wall ball practice?
- Vary the distance from the wall
- Practice both strong and weak hand throws
- Incorporate different types of catches (e.g., over-the-shoulder, behind-the-back)
- Focus on quick stick work by minimizing cradle time
Chaos Drills
Chaos drills simulate the unpredictable nature of game situations. These drills typically involve multiple players passing and moving in a confined space, forcing participants to react quickly and maintain control of the ball under pressure. Why are chaos drills effective for improving stick work?
Chaos drills enhance:
- Quick decision-making
- Soft hands for catching in traffic
- Accurate passing under pressure
- Field awareness and communication
Advanced Stick Work Techniques for Lacrosse Players
As players progress, they can incorporate more advanced stick work techniques into their repertoire. These skills not only improve overall performance but also add an element of unpredictability to a player’s game.
Behind-the-Back (BTB) Passes and Shots
BTB passes and shots are challenging techniques that can catch defenders off guard. To execute a BTB move:
- Cradle the ball in your dominant hand
- Rotate your upper body, bringing the stick behind your back
- Release the ball with a quick flick of the wrist
Regular practice of BTB techniques can significantly enhance a player’s overall stick skills and creativity on the field.
Twizzlers and Around the World
“Twizzlers” involve rapidly rotating the stick around the body while maintaining control of the ball. “Around the World” is a similar technique where the player passes the stick from hand to hand around their body. These drills improve:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Stick control
- Ambidexterity
- Confidence in handling the ball
The Role of Strength Training in Improving Stick Work
While technique is crucial, physical strength also plays a significant role in effective stick work. How does strength training contribute to better lacrosse performance?
Wrist Strength Exercises
Strong wrists are essential for powerful shots, accurate passes, and maintaining control during checks. Some effective wrist-strengthening exercises include:
- Wrist curls with dumbbells
- Reverse wrist curls
- Farmer’s walks
- Plate pinches
Core and Upper Body Workouts
A strong core and upper body provide the foundation for all lacrosse movements. Incorporating exercises such as planks, Russian twists, push-ups, and pull-ups can significantly improve a player’s ability to control the stick and generate power in their shots and passes.
Integrating Stick Work into Team Practice Sessions
While individual practice is crucial, integrating stick work drills into team sessions can enhance overall team performance. Coaches can implement various drills that focus on stick skills while also promoting teamwork and communication.
Full-Speed Repetition Drills
Full-speed repetition drills simulate game-like conditions and help players develop muscle memory for executing stick skills under pressure. These drills typically involve:
- Rapid passing sequences
- Quick shooting drills
- Transition play scenarios
By practicing at game speed, players can better translate their stick skills to actual match situations.
Competitive Stick Work Games
Introducing a competitive element to stick work practice can increase engagement and intensity. Some popular competitive drills include:
- Stick work relay races
- Target practice competitions
- Keep-away games
These games not only improve individual skills but also foster a sense of teamwork and healthy competition among players.
The Impact of Proper Equipment on Stick Work
The quality and suitability of a player’s equipment can significantly affect their stick work performance. What factors should players consider when selecting their lacrosse stick and related gear?
Choosing the Right Stick
Selecting an appropriate lacrosse stick is crucial for optimal performance. Factors to consider include:
- Stick length (based on player position and league regulations)
- Head shape and width
- Pocket depth and string tension
- Shaft material (wood, metal, or composite)
Players should experiment with different stick configurations to find what works best for their playing style and position.
Maintaining Equipment for Optimal Performance
Regular maintenance of lacrosse equipment is essential for consistent performance. This includes:
- Cleaning and drying the stick after use
- Adjusting pocket depth and string tension as needed
- Replacing worn-out parts (e.g., end caps, mesh)
- Checking for any cracks or damage to the shaft
Proper care of equipment ensures that players can focus on improving their skills without being hindered by faulty gear.
Mental Aspects of Improving Lacrosse Stick Work
While physical practice is crucial, the mental aspect of stick work should not be overlooked. How can players develop the right mindset for mastering lacrosse stick skills?
Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool for improving stick work. Players can:
- Mentally rehearse successful executions of various stick skills
- Visualize themselves performing well in game situations
- Use guided imagery to reinforce proper technique and muscle memory
Regular visualization practice can enhance confidence and performance on the field.
Goal Setting and Progress Tracking
Setting specific, measurable goals for stick work improvement can help players stay motivated and focused. This might include:
- Tracking wall ball repetitions
- Setting accuracy targets for shooting drills
- Monitoring progress in mastering new techniques
Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals can provide a clear path for skill development and boost motivation.
In conclusion, mastering lacrosse stick work requires a combination of consistent practice, proper technique, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. By focusing on these aspects and incorporating a variety of drills and exercises, players can significantly enhance their stick skills and overall performance on the lacrosse field. Remember, the key to improvement lies in regular, focused practice and a commitment to continuous learning and refinement of techniques.
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laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
Lot of great stick work ideas in here! 👏🔥@kristenkjellmanlax ..#girlslacrosse #l axislife #l acrosselife #l acrosseislife #l acrossegirls #l acrossegirl #l axgame #l acrossestick #l acrosseplayer #l acrossedrills #l axtraining #w allball #l acrossehighlights #w omenslacrosse #l acrossepractice #l axdrills # stickwork #s tickworkout #l acrosse #l axgirl #l axgirls #l acrossetraining
438 Likes, TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “Lot of great stick work ideas in here! 👏🔥@kristenkjellmanlax . .#girlslacrosse #laxislife #lacrosselife #lacrosseislife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #laxgame #lacrossestick #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse #lacrossepractice #laxdrills #stickwork #stickworkout #lacrosse #laxgirl #laxgirls #lacrossetraining”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
Practice tough stick work!! #repost @elite_lax_drills on insta #girlslacrosse #lacrosselife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse
8. 2K Likes, 128 Comments. TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “Practice tough stick work!! #repost @elite_lax_drills on insta #girlslacrosse #lacrosselife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
Always love a good stick work chaos drill! @kutztownwlax #lacrosse #girlslacrosse #lacrosselife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse
547 Likes, TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “Always love a good stick work chaos drill! @kutztownwlax #lacrosse #girlslacrosse #lacrosselife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
BTBs, Twizzlers, Around the World, practice it all! 👏🔥 @brownwlax #lacrosse #lacrossehighlights #lacrosselife #lacrossedrills #girlslacrosse
379 Likes, TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “BTBs, Twizzlers, Around the World, practice it all! 👏🔥 @brownwlax #lacrosse #lacrossehighlights #lacrosselife #lacrossedrills #girlslacrosse”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
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Spending the last bit of our days outdoors working ‼️💪🏼🥍
#lacrosse #lax #girlslax #girlslacrosse #lacrossetraining #lacrosseguru #laxdrills #lacrossegrind #offseason
825 Likes, TikTok video from Trey (@luko_lacrosse): “Spending the last bit of our days outdoors working ‼️💪🏼🥍 #lacrosse #lax #girlslax #girlslacrosse #lacrossetraining #lacrosseguru #laxdrills #lacrossegrind #offseason”. A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay.
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Caroline
#laxdrills #laxtok #lacrossegirls #lacrossetok #sports #foryoupage #fypシ #advice
6K Likes, 36 Comments. TikTok video from Caroline (@allstar.lax): “#laxdrills #laxtok #lacrossegirls #lacrossetok #sports #foryoupage #fypシ #advice”. all you need is a ball & stick!! | 3 SIMPLE drills for wrist strength
| 1. roasting the hot dog | … original sound – Caroline.
laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
Get after it 💯🔥 #lacrosse #lacrossedrills #girlslacrosse #wallball #laxgirl #laxgirls #lacrossegirl #laxordie #lacrossehighlights #lacrossegirlcheck
16K Likes, 219 Comments. TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “Get after it 💯🔥 #lacrosse #lacrossedrills #girlslacrosse #wallball #laxgirl #laxgirls #lacrossegirl #laxordie #lacrossehighlights #lacrossegirlcheck”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
laxinthe305
Lax in the 305
Full speed reps 🔥 @Dez Hinds ..#girlslacrosse # laxislife # lacrosselife # lacrosseislife # lacrossegirls # lacrossegirl # laxgame # lacrossestick # lacrosseplayer # lacrossedrills # laxtraining # wallball # lacrossehighlights # womenslacrosse # lacrossepractice # laxdrills #stickwork # stickworkout # lacrosse # laxgirl # laxgirls # lacrossetraining # laxtraining # laxlife # laxlifestyle # ncaalacrosse # ncaawlax # stickwork # stickworkdrills # shootingdrills # lacrosseshooting
857 Likes, TikTok video from Lax in the 305 (@laxinthe305): “Full speed reps 🔥 @Dez Hinds . .#girlslacrosse #laxislife #lacrosselife #lacrosseislife #lacrossegirls #lacrossegirl #laxgame #lacrossestick #lacrosseplayer #lacrossedrills #laxtraining #wallball #lacrossehighlights #womenslacrosse #lacrossepractice #laxdrills #stickwork #stickworkout #lacrosse #laxgirl #laxgirls #lacrossetraining #laxtraining #laxlife #laxlifestyle #ncaalacrosse #ncaawlax #stickwork #stickworkdrills #shootingdrills #lacrosseshooting”. original sound – Lax in the 305.
Wall Ball – The Mooser Experience
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To become one with you stick you need to put the time in on the wall. Passing and catching is the most important skill in lacrosse. Beginners almost always start out by “pushing” the ball. “Pushing” will cause the ball to leave the stick in a low trajectory with very little control. Proper way to throw the ball is to snap your wrist. An excellent way to develop snapping your wrist is to utilize the wall. Go to a cinderblock, brick wall, wooden wall, or rebounder and stand approximately 5-7 yards away. Any wall will work (no windows), but a smooth concrete surface at least 10 feet tall is the best.
By setting up a wall ball routine and setting aside time you will start to see improvements over time. Increasing the reps will make your wrist become stronger. In the beginning start off with a range of 15-20 reps for each throw. Over the course of the time, aim for as many reps as possible. The goal is to strength your wrist, create soft hands, snap your wrist, gain hand speed, and develop a quick release
Hand Placement
When performing wall ball you always want to make sure your hands are in the ready position at all time and the head of your stick is in your box area. Your “box area” is having the head of your stick up by your ear. Your hands should be in the ready position the entire time. Have your top hand in the middle of the stick and your bottom hand near the butt-end. Do not snatch for the ball. Make sure to accept the ball, “Soft Hands” (think Mighty Ducks). When throwing you want to snap your top hand wrist. While practicing on the wall make sure to to protect your stick with you body. Have your body turned and your outside shoulder pointing to your target.
Few Reminders
- Find a flat brick or concrete wall at least 10 feet high, the longer the better
- Use both hands with every drill that you perform
- Wearing gloves is always a good idea when practicing. You want a practice/game feel.
- Stand 5-7 yards away from the wall
- You routine goal should be at least 20 minutes in length
- It is okay to make mistakes. You are going to have bad throw and miss some balls. Just move on to the next rep.
- Most importantly have fun with wall ball. The more time you put into this the better/more confident you will become as a player.
Wall ball drills
1 Hand Drills (Only your top hand on your stick. This will help with understand how to snap your wrist)
- Catch and 1 cradle
- Spilt dodge (no cradle)
- Roll dodge (no cradle)
- Face dodge (no cradle)
- Quick stick (no cradle)
- Throw left/catch right then throw right/catch left. (Switch hands while ball is in the air)
2 Hand Drills (Both hands on the stick. Hands are in the ready (attack) position. Head of stick in your box area.) Make sure to perform drills both with your strong hand and weak hand.
- Catch and Release (Overhand)
- Catch and 1 cradle (Overhand)
- Catch, Fake, Release (Overhand)
- Catch and 1 cradle ( third quarters/side arm)
- Catch and 1 cradle (underhand)
- Quick Stick (Overhand. No cradle)
- Quick Stick (Overhand. No cradle. change hands each time you throw the ball while the ball is in the air)
- Spilt Dodge (Overhand. No cradle) (Throw right – Catch right – Split dodge – Throw Left) (Throw Left- Catch Left- Split dodge – Throw Right)
- Face Dodge (Overhand. No cradle) (Catch – Face dodge – Throw)
- Cross Body Throws (“cross handed” means stick in right hand on the left side of body, or stick in left hand on right side of body (one quick cradle each time
- Bad Pass (For this drill you want to practicing catching the ball across your body. Start by throwing the ball with your right hand. Aim for the left side of your body. Catch the ball by moving your stick across your body. After catching, bring your stick back into your box area. )
- Back Hand Pass
- Behind the Back
- Around the World
- Switch hands (Throw Right – Catch Left – Throw Left – Catch Right) (Switch hands in the air)
- Be creative
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lacrosse. President of the Lacrosse Federation 6×6
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LAcrosse
up
Dmitry Khamin
President of the 6×6 Lacrosse Federation
Player of the Russian national team at the World Cup 2014, 2018 and
European Championship 2016
Certified coach (US Lacrosse,
World Lacrosse) 9002 5 Tsukanov Evgeniy
Head of the Moscow Region
departments
Player of the Russian national team at the 2018 World Cup and
European Championship 2016
Alexander Zarubin
Head of the Moscow branch
Player of the Russian national team at the 2014 World Cup and
assistant coach at the 2016 European Championship,
World Cup 2018
International Referee
HISTORY
SUMMARY
Lacrosse is a
contact sport between two teams using
a small rubber ball and a
special stick. The goal of the game
is to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal
with a stick
.
TIME AND PLACE OF START
The game was invented by the American Indians, who used it
to train warriors and peacefully resolve conflicts
between tribes. According to archaeological research
, the prototype of lacrosse was known in
territory of modern Canada already at the beginning of the 15th century.
Teams at that time often consisted of several hundred
people, and the length of the field for the game ranged from
several hundred meters to several kilometers.
European settlers got acquainted with this game in the
17th century, and by the beginning of the 19th century it began to gain popularity among the
French population of Canada.
The first official lacrosse match took place in Canada in
1867.
Lacrosse was twice included in the program of the
Summer Olympic Games – in 1904 and 1908, and also
was a demonstration sport at the 1928,
1932 and 1948 Olympics.
VARIETY
GAMES
LACROSSE
BOX LACROSSE
6×6 LACROSSE
LACROSSE
WORLDWIDE
Members of the International
Lacrosse Federation (WL)
are 73 countries,
European federation
lacrosse (ELF) – 33 countries
World Cups
and European lacros
World Cups
on Box-Cossus
Youth Championships of
Mira and Europe
Membership of Russia in WL C
2011, in EFL since 2015
One of the fastest
developing
sports in the world
LACROSSE
IN THE WORLD
LACROSSE
AT OI
8 REGIONAL REGIONS
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
LACROSS
BALTIC
LEAGUE
NATIONAL TEAM 9 0025 RUSSIA
The Russian team took part in
world championships
2014 and 2018, in the European Championship
2016
Teams from Russia
regularly take
prizes in club tournaments
in Europe
The Russian team will participate in
qualifying games for the World Championship
2023
CHILDREN
Lacrosse
3 sections in Moscow and
Odintsovo
2 sections in Yaroslavl
15 competitions in the EKP
Moscow
Participation in
international tournaments
Annual sports lacrosse camp
More than 40 master classes in schools,
colleges, universities and
sports clubs
Participation in more than 10
sports festivals
and exhibitions
20 teams took part
in the league final
“ROSPROFZHEL” in lacrosse
OUR GOALS
Organization of the 900 series 25 master classes at
your university
Organization
intercollegiate tournament
in lacrosse 6×6
Organization
sports section for
lacrosse in your university
Inclusion of lacrosse in the
MSCI program
WE PROVIDE:
All necessary
sports equipment for playing lacrosse
(Sticks,
helmets, protection, goals)
Teaching methods
for playing lacrosse and working
coaches
FOR WHOM:
Anthropometric
parameters are not important
Lacrosse is suitable for everyone
Most easy lacrosse
is given to athletes of
game types: hockey,
basketball, football
English
Russian
Rules
90,000 Svechnikov in Kazan: met with a children’s coach, showed a lacrosse goal, shared a dream to bring the Stanley Cup to Kazan
The Karolina star held a master class for the Ak Bars academy.
This week the pupils of the Ak Bars Hockey Academy, born in 2010, had a chance to train with the NHL star and, no less important, the pupil of Ak Bars Andrey Svechnikov . The forward spends the off-season in Kazan and responded to the request of his children’s coach to work with the guys.
Svechnikov tried to teach his trademark goal and shared the main formula for success: 10% talent and 90% work.
Andrey Svechnikov / photo (here and below): Ak Bars press service
“At the age of 12 he was tall, ungainly…
Last season was the best in his career for Svechnikov. In the regular season, the striker scored 69 (30 + 39) points in 78 games, becoming the second top scorer for the Carolinas. The team took second place in the Eastern Conference, but was again eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup, losing in seven games to the Rangers Artemy Panarin and Igor Shesterkin . Andrei does not have to worry about his future and contract. The agreement with the club was extended a year ago, and for a period of eight years.
Soon Svechnikov will have to prepare for the new season and go back to the USA. And he traditionally spends the rest of his vacation in Kazan. The idea to hold a master class for the pupils of Ak Bars arose by itself. Kazan is not a foreign city for Andrey. After all, he himself is a pupil of the Kazan club, for which he played from 10 to 16 years old. And his youth coach Airat Mirkhanov still works at Ak Bars and is now raising guys born in 2010.
“At the age of 12, he was tall and ungainly. But you can’t take one away from him – the thirst for victory. For him it was very important. In training, it somehow turned out that during a two-way match his five lost. He was upset and even a little freaked out. I said that it doesn’t happen that you win everything. And he said he only wants to win. This says a lot about his attitude,” Mirkhanov said.
Andrey Svechnikov (left) and Airat Mirkhanov
“The Ak Bars School had a great influence on me. I came here when I was 10, there was a very good team. Airat Talgatovich gave us a lot in these five years, taught us a lot. I always, like a sponge, absorbed his words, always listened. This is one of the best schools in Russia. We went to the coolest tournaments. After all, this is a strong rivalry – you have to play with CSKA, Dynamo. Some do not have such a chance, but we had all the conditions to develop in hockey, ”Svechnikov told BUSINESS Online.
So it turned out that the usual everyday practice the day before the start of the school year became a real holiday for young hockey players. Although the appearance of a star hockey player in front of them was not a surprise either. It was known that Svechnikov was in Kazan. A few days earlier, the forward took part in the Golden Puck hockey festival, where he played on the same site with the Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin , the mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin , as well as famous hockey players Danis Zaripov , Alexey Morozov and others.
“I always had the idea in my head to come and make children happy, to pass on experience, to teach something. Of course, you can’t learn much in one session. But still, the most important thing is that you motivate the guys with your participation, cheer them up. Taking a photo or just driving around is still nice,” Svechnikov told BUSINESS Online.
“We need to make more use of our NHLers when they come to Russia. Show the boys that there are no unattainable goals. If you have a dream, then you can achieve it. Here’s a living example, you don’t have to go anywhere. It’s good that he agreed to this. This says a lot about him. Today’s training can give the boys a serious boost. The boys are delighted, ”Mirkhanov shared his opinion.
Entering the ice, the 2nd pick of the 2018 NHL Draft greeted the boys, hitting them with fists. Svechnikov was dressed in the Carolina tracksuit. After training, one of the youngsters literally begged Andrey to exchange caps with him. But the star hockey player politely refused, explaining that he himself had only one at the moment, and would need more in the near future.
The joy of a lacrosse goal
The training itself was divided into several blocks. First, the guys warmed up, having trained the dribble and beat the defender. This was followed by a passing, opening and throwing exercise. After that, the guys circled the racks with a snake, making a circle for each one. Svechnikov demonstrated everything by his own example. He practiced each element, showing the children his perfected technique. While waiting for his turn, Andrei drove up to the boys and showed how to pick up and then mint the puck with a stick.
“I arrived an hour before the start, we discussed the lesson program. Airat Talgatovich gave a couple of exercises, then I showed them. They were on the tech. There is a new game – showed to the left, removed to the right for sharpness. Because it doesn’t matter when you enter the zone, you don’t have enough space, and you need to make a small U-turn, remove it on the snail, ”said Svechnikov, who constantly exchanges opinions with Mirkhanov on various issues during training.
“We discussed which exercise is better to do. He asked why I do something. I explained how I lay the body to the left, put my shoulder a little and turn to the right. There is a small moment that when you enter the zone, you lay it half aboard to the left. The defender is still next to you, and you turned around, shook him a little, ”added Andrey.
The training ended with a real art – the boys practiced the lacrosse goal. This element is already a real feature of Svechnikov. After all, he was the first in the history of the NHL to score a goal in this style, picking up the puck on the hook behind the gate and bringing it over the ribbon. And he did it at the age of 19. Mirkhanov himself asked Andrey to teach the children some hockey magic. Of course, during training, when the goalkeeper knows exactly what the striker will do, it is more difficult to score, the element of surprise disappears. But, when one of the guys still managed to get the puck into the goal, he was so happy that, throwing up his hands, he lay down on the ice.
Svechnikov explained a couple of details and then watched, periodically assessing and encouraging the children. After all, the star forward himself began to learn lacrosse from a young age, and thanks to his older brother Evgeny Svechnikov – , also a pupil of Ak Bars and an NHL club player. “Always coached. We skated somehow in the summer, then my brother was in training. He got out and threw it that way. I drove up and said, they say, come on, bro, teach me. Since then I have been practicing,” Andrey said.
“Talent is ten percent of success, and work is ninety percent”
It was no less interesting after the ice. Svechnikov with Mirkhanov, as well as with another coach of the team, Roman Vildanov , gathered the children in the locker room and arranged something like a press conference. Andrei started the conversation with the importance of hard work: “I got into Ak Bars at the age of 10, I trained, tried, tried to be the best.