How does the NSC Lacrosse Development Program work. What are the key features of the Intro to Lacrosse Program. Who can participate in the beginner lacrosse programs. What skills do children learn in Intro I and Intro II lacrosse levels.
NSC Lacrosse Development Program: Nurturing Young Talent
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program offers a progressive system designed to introduce and develop young athletes in the sport of lacrosse. This program caters to boys and girls aged 3 and up, making it an excellent starting point for children interested in exploring this fast-growing sport.
The program is structured into two main levels: Intro I and Intro II. Each level is carefully crafted to align with the US Lacrosse Athlete Development Model, ensuring that participants receive age-appropriate instruction and guidance.
Key Program Features
- Each participant receives a Lacrosse t-shirt
- Low participant to instructor ratio
- No equipment required; lacrosse sticks provided for use
- Soft tennis balls used; no need for helmets, goggles, or pads
- Outdoor non-metal cleats, tennis shoes, or similar athletic footwear recommended
Intro to Lacrosse: Breaking Down the Levels
The Intro to Lacrosse Program is divided into two distinct levels, each tailored to specific age groups and experience levels.
Intro I
Intro I is designed for first-time lacrosse players with no prior experience. This level is recommended for children aged 3-5 years old. The focus is on introducing basic concepts and fostering a love for the sport in a fun, engaging environment.
Intro II
Intro II is intended for players with little experience or those who have completed Intro I. This level is recommended for children aged 6-9 years old. It builds upon the foundation laid in Intro I and introduces more advanced concepts and techniques.
Skill Development: From Basics to Intermediate Techniques
Both Intro I and Intro II focus on developing essential lacrosse skills while also promoting overall athletic development. Here’s a breakdown of the skills covered in each level:
Intro I Skills Development
- Running with the ball
- Scooping the ball
- Throwing and catching
- Exposure to all basic skills
- Lacrosse terminology
Intro II Skills Development
- Introduction to dodge variations
- Exploration of cradling techniques
- Basic defensive concepts
- Target shooting
- Introduction to small-sided game play (1v1, 2v1)
Athletic Development: Building Well-Rounded Players
In addition to lacrosse-specific skills, the program places a strong emphasis on overall athletic development. This approach helps create well-rounded athletes who can excel in lacrosse and other sports.
The athletic development focus includes:
- Running, jumping, hopping, twisting, and turning
- Stopping, starting, and changing pace
- Running to open space
Program Objectives: Fun, Learning, and Growth
The primary objective of the Intro to Lacrosse Program is to create a positive and enjoyable learning environment for young athletes. This is achieved through a variety of methods:
- Stations: Focused skill development areas
- Games: Fun activities that reinforce lacrosse concepts
- Activities: Engaging exercises that promote learning and teamwork
By combining these elements, the program ensures that children develop a love for lacrosse while building essential skills and athleticism.
Registration and Session Information
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program offers sessions throughout the year, with varying dates and locations. Here’s an overview of the upcoming sessions:
Summer I 2023 (Registration OPEN)
Dates: Thursdays, July 27 – Sept. 14, 2023
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Outdoor Field #51
Fall 2023 (Registration Coming Soon)
Dates: Thursdays, September 21 – November 16, 2023 (No class on 10.26.23)
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Sports Hall
To register for the program, parents need to create an NSC Event HQ Household Account. This streamlined system allows for easy enrollment and account management.
Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
Parents and participants often have questions about the program. Here are some of the most common inquiries:
When will I receive session updates?
Participants will receive an email one week prior to the first day of the program with all necessary information. For any questions before then, feel free to reach out to the program director.
Do I need to bring equipment?
No equipment is required. All necessary equipment, including lacrosse sticks, will be provided for use during the sessions.
Are there prerequisites for each level?
The levels are designed based on age more than experience. However, if you have questions about which level to register for, please contact the program director for guidance.
Will I be notified of weather cancellations?
For indoor practices, cancellations due to inclement weather are not applicable. For outdoor practices, participants will be notified 2-3 hours prior to the start of practice if inclement weather forces a cancellation.
The Impact of Lacrosse on Youth Development
Lacrosse offers numerous benefits for young athletes, extending beyond the physical aspects of the sport. Let’s explore some of the ways lacrosse can positively impact youth development:
Physical Benefits
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Enhanced hand-eye coordination
- Increased agility and speed
- Better overall fitness and endurance
Mental Benefits
- Improved focus and concentration
- Enhanced decision-making skills
- Increased self-confidence
- Better stress management
Social Benefits
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Communication skills
- Sportsmanship and fair play
- Building lasting friendships
By participating in the NSC Lacrosse Development Program, young athletes not only learn the fundamentals of lacrosse but also develop essential life skills that will benefit them both on and off the field.
The Growing Popularity of Lacrosse in the United States
Lacrosse has been experiencing rapid growth in popularity across the United States in recent years. This surge in interest has led to increased participation at all levels, from youth programs to professional leagues. But what factors are driving this growth?
Factors Contributing to Lacrosse’s Popularity
- Accessibility: Programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program make it easy for children to try the sport
- Fast-paced action: The game’s quick tempo appeals to both players and spectators
- Skill development: Lacrosse combines elements from various sports, making it attractive to athletes with diverse backgrounds
- College opportunities: The growth of collegiate lacrosse programs has created more scholarship opportunities
- Professional leagues: The expansion of professional lacrosse leagues has increased the sport’s visibility
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program play a crucial role in introducing the sport to new generations of players and fostering a love for the game.
Preparing for Success: Tips for New Lacrosse Players and Parents
For children and parents new to lacrosse, getting started can seem daunting. Here are some tips to help ensure a positive experience with the sport:
For Young Players
- Stay open-minded and willing to learn
- Practice basic skills at home, such as cradling with a stick
- Watch lacrosse games to familiarize yourself with the sport
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions during practice
- Focus on having fun and making new friends
For Parents
- Encourage your child’s interest in the sport
- Attend practices and games to show support
- Help your child practice at home if they show interest
- Communicate with coaches about your child’s progress
- Emphasize the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship
By following these tips, both players and parents can help ensure a smooth introduction to the world of lacrosse and set the stage for long-term enjoyment of the sport.
Beyond the Basics: Future Opportunities in Lacrosse
While the NSC Lacrosse Development Program focuses on introducing young athletes to the sport, it’s worth considering the potential long-term opportunities that lacrosse can offer. As players progress and develop their skills, they may find various avenues to pursue their passion for the game:
Youth Leagues and Clubs
After completing the Intro to Lacrosse Program, many players choose to join local youth leagues or clubs. These organizations offer more competitive play and continued skill development.
School Teams
As players reach middle school and high school age, they may have the opportunity to play for their school teams. This can provide valuable experience in a more structured and competitive environment.
Travel Teams
For those seeking higher levels of competition, travel teams offer the chance to play against top talent from other regions. These teams often participate in tournaments and showcases, providing exposure to college recruiters.
College Lacrosse
Lacrosse is an NCAA sport, with opportunities to play at the Division I, II, and III levels. Many colleges also offer club lacrosse programs for those who want to continue playing at a less competitive level.
Professional Leagues
While professional opportunities in lacrosse are more limited compared to some other sports, there are professional leagues for both men and women. These include Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), and the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL).
Coaching and Officiating
For those who want to stay involved in the sport beyond their playing days, coaching and officiating offer excellent opportunities to give back to the lacrosse community and help develop the next generation of players.
While these advanced opportunities may seem far off for beginners, they demonstrate the potential for long-term engagement with the sport. The NSC Lacrosse Development Program provides the fundamental skills and love for the game that can serve as a springboard to these future possibilities.
The Role of Parents in Supporting Young Lacrosse Players
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s lacrosse journey, especially during the early stages of learning the sport. Here are some ways parents can support their young lacrosse players:
Emotional Support
- Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement
- Help children cope with challenges and setbacks
- Celebrate achievements, both big and small
- Foster a love for the game, regardless of skill level
Physical Support
- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration
- Help with stretching and cool-down exercises
- Assist in maintaining equipment
- Provide transportation to practices and games
Educational Support
- Learn about the rules and strategies of lacrosse
- Watch games together and discuss various aspects of play
- Encourage reading about the sport and its history
- Help research future opportunities in lacrosse
By providing comprehensive support, parents can help their children make the most of their lacrosse experience and develop a lifelong appreciation for the sport.
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program offers an excellent foundation for young athletes to begin their lacrosse journey. With its focus on skill development, athletic growth, and creating a positive learning environment, the program sets the stage for long-term success and enjoyment of the sport. Whether a child’s lacrosse path leads to recreational play, competitive teams, or simply a lifelong appreciation for the game, the skills and experiences gained through this program will prove invaluable.
Intro to Lacrosse
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Intro to Lacrosse
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Introducing the fastest growing sport in the U.S. to boys and girls ages 3 and up!
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Program Description & Features
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program is a progressive development system for young athletes who are interested in the sport of lacrosse. There are 2 levels within the Intro to Lacrosse Program; Intro I and Intro II. The primary objective is to allow each athlete to build important fundamental skills throughout each level in order to propel them into the sport of lacrosse.
This program is specifically designed to incorporate material from the US Lacrosse Athlete Development Model to match the standard for youth lacrosse development. Each level contains curriculum that coincides with this model to ensure the athletes are obtaining the right guidance and instruction at each age level.
Coaches will focus on increasing fundamental skills of lacrosse in conjunction with working on the coordination and overall athletic development of each participant.
Features:
- Each participant receives a Lacrosse t-shirt
- Low participant to instructor ratio
- No equipment required, lacrosse sticks are provided for use
- Soft tennis balls used; helmet, goggles, and pads are not used
- Outdoor non-metal cleats, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes recommended
Session Dates & Location
Click Here to Register
Winter 2023 (Registration Closed)
- Thursdays, Jan. 12 – Mar. 2, 2023
- Intro I & II: 5:00 – 6:00PM – Sports Hall
Spring 2023
- No Spring Session
Summer I 2023
(Registration OPEN)
- Thursdays, July 27 – Sept.
14, 2023 - Intro I & II: 5:00 – 6:00PM – Outdoor Field #51
- Intro I:
Intended for first time lacrosse players with no experience; recommended for ages 3-5. - Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and recommended for ages 6-9.
- Intro I:
14, 2023
Fall 2023
(Registration Coming Soon)
- Thursdays, September 21 – November 16, 2023
- No Class on 10.26.23
- Intro I & II: 5:00 – 6:00PM – Sports Hall
- Intro I:
Intended for first time lacrosse players with no experience; recommended for ages 3-5. - Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and recommended for ages 6-9.
REGISTRATION SYSTEM
NSC Event HQ. This system will streamline your enrollment process and give you more access to your customer account. Use this system to register for Intro to Lacrosse I or II.
If this is your first time using the system, you will need to create a NSC Event HQ Household Account. The account owner must be 18 years of age or older.
After you have created your account, verify your email and set up your password. You can then add your spouse and/or children as “participants”. Click here to get started.
If you already have an account then login here.
Click on the sections below to learn more.
FAQ for Beginners
When will I receive session updates?
- Participants will receive an email one week prior to the first day of the program with all the information needed. If you have any questions prior to then, please feel free to reach out to the program director.
Do I need to bring equipment?
- ALL equipment provided. There is NO equipment requirement.
Are there pre-requisites for each level?
- The levels are designed based on age more than experience.
- For any questions regarding which level to register for, please feel free to reach out the to program director.
Will I be notified for weather cancellations?
- Indoor Sports/Practices: Indoor Practices will not be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Outdoor Practices: Participants will be notified 2-3 prior to the start of practice if inclement weather cancels practice for that day.
Intro to Lacrosse Curriculum
Overview
- Intro I:
Intended for first time lacrosse players with no experience; recommended for ages 3-5. - Intro II:
Intended for players with little experience, players who have completed Intro I, and recommended for ages 6-9.
Intro I
Skills Development:
- Running with the ball
- Scooping the ball
- Throwing and Catching
- Exposure to all skills
- Terminology
Athletic Development:
- Running, Jumping, Hopping, Twisting, Turning
- Stopping, Starting, Changing Pace, Running to open space
Primary Objective:
- Learning about lacrosse in a positive and fun environment with stations, games, and activities.
Intro II
Skills Development:
- Introduce dodge variations
- Explore cradling techniques
- Defensive concepts
- Target Shooting
- Start small sided game play
- 1v1, 2v1, & 2v2’s
Athletic Development:
- Agility & Footwork
- Balance, Coordination, & Flexibility
Primary Objective:
- Developing a confident athlete within the sport of lacrosse. Understanding of basic game play and strategy.
Understanding of basic game play and strategy.
Program Fee
- $100 per session
- Fee balance must be paid with registration
Program Fee includes: Program T-shirt, 8 practice lessons on indoor turf or outdoor field space, equipment provided for use, a fun and inviting atmosphere to learn the sport of lacrosse.
Program Cancelation Policy: The following policy will be enacted IF a program hosted by the National Sports Center MUST be canceled by the directives of the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota Department of Health. Please know that our top priority on making decisions moving forward will be the safety and health of our participants, coaches, employees, and spectators.
Participants will receive a refund for your program entry. Participant registration refunds will be processed at 100% of the registration total.
*Please note that if a participant elects to drop prior to the program, the above voucher policy will be in effect.
This includes participants making their own decision to withdraw prior to the potential cancellation.
If a customer (club, *team, individual) is required to quarantine due to illness or exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and are unable to participate for this reason, a refund will be not be issued unless done within the parameters of the existing policy. The event director will reschedule, if possible. Reschedules are not guaranteed to be on the same day or time as originally scheduled.
*Roster adjustments maybe allowed per event directors discretion.
Surcharge Fee
- The National Sports Center has instituted a 2% surcharge on all submitted card payments to help cover a portion of the processing fees assessed to the NSC by the card processing companies. Customers can avoid the fee by paying with an e-check with an online registration.
*Financial Scholarships available.
Please contact the program director for more information and to request the financial scholarship application form.
NSC Fund for Play
The NSC Fund For Play is the contribution and donation arm of the National Sports Center Foundation. We are dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesota residents by creating programs and initiatives that support a diverse and engaged community. If you would like to make a donation to improve the health, well-being, and outlook of participants through access to sports and healthy, safe environments, please click HERE.
Thank you for considering!
Competitive & Rec Lacrosse within the Community
Blaine Youth Lacrosse Association
Web – https://www.blaineyouthlacrosse.com/
Spring Lake Park Lacrosse Association
Web – https://www.springlakeparklacrosse.org/
Centennial Lacrosse Association
Web – https://centenniallax.org/
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
All customers are asked to review the National Sports Center’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prior to participating in Intro to Lacrosse.
Please click here. The indoor facilities specific plan is linked to the top of the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan page.
Program Contact
Ellen Jones
Director
Phone: 763.785.5634
5 Lessons Young Athletes Learn From Lacrosse – TeamSnap Blog
Lacrosse, the fastest sport on two feet, is growing even faster across the USA than the pace of play. As a former player and current coach, it’s easy for me to see why. Scores are usually in the 8-15 range, making it exciting and action-packed, there’s very little stopping time during games, you can play in almost any weather, and best of all, it’s incredibly fun.
Lacrosse is an awesome combination of soccer-style continuous play, basketball strategy and stick skills like hockey. In addition to all of those reasons to play, here are some life skills that young boys and girls can learn from the sport, too.
Discipline
A lacrosse player is only as good as his or her stick skills.
You’ll have a hard time being successful if passing, catching and cradling aren’t as natural as chewing gum and walking. Lacrosse rewards dedicated athletes who love stickwork and put in the time to hone their skills. I used to bring my stick to school and practice cradling as I walked across campus. Any spare time I had was spent playing wall ball to practice passing and catching.
As a coach, it’s immediately obvious on Monday which players put in the time over the weekend and which ones are just now bringing their stick out of their bag.
Teamwork
Lacrosse isn’t a sport you can play as a one-person army. Why? Because it’s too easy for the defense to defend a single threat. You must rely on your teammates to create off-ball offense, pass the ball, communicate to clear the ball, scrap hard for ground balls and support each other on defense. The best players make other players around them better.
Leadership
Lacrosse teams have three units: attack (offense), defense and midfield (both offense and defense).
Because lacrosse is a fluid and dynamic sport with few in-game stoppages, players must be trusted to make good on-field decisions and communicate between units. This requires leaders on each unit to carry out the mission of the team as the ball moves from defense to offense and back again.
Perseverance
Lacrosse is one of the only sports that has a faceoff after every goal. This means that teams have a 50/50 shot at possession and can go on runs of consecutive goals. This can put the other team in a very pressured situation to win the next faceoff and stop the run. Players need to stay cool and keep persevering through difficult situations.
Communication
Lacrosse requires intense communication both within and between units. Famed Johns Hopkins coach Dave Pietremala says, “a quiet defense is a dead defense.” Players should be constantly chattering about who is guarding the ball, who is that player’s backup and how they’re countering the offense. It is the offense’s responsibility to control the tempo of the game by recognizing when the defense needs to rest and when to push for a quick-strike goal.
All ten players must be on the same page for the team strategy to be accomplished.
Lacrosse practice rarely ever felt like real practice to me, because it was always so much fun to get out and play. Even most drills involve some element of playing. Lacrosse’s main season is spring, and you can find opportunities to play with club and clinic organizations every fall and summer. Check out US-Lacrosse for some great starting resources and look for a program near you to start playing!
Will Ruth coaches high school lacrosse and men’s collegiate rowing. He holds certifications in strength and conditioning, a BS in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport psychology, and is pursuing an MA in Sport Coaching degree from the University of Denver. Will is a former rower and lacrosse player and currently competes in the sport of strongman. More of Will’s written work, podcasts, and strength and conditioning resources can be found on his website, www.strengthcoachwill.com.
Junior Hockey League – “I don’t see the point in banning lacrosse, it’s spectacular.” Sergey Murashov on the title of the best goaltender, debut in the KHL and readiness to score
During the past regular season, Sergei “dried” 11 games, and he was only two games “at 0” short of the league record. In the playoffs, Murashov also showed an impressive result, having passed the Mikhailov Academy and the Spartak MHC together with the team, and lost in the semifinals to the future champion, the Nizhny Novgorod Chaika. The successes of the Yaroslavl goalkeeper were duly appreciated by the league – Sergey was nominated for two awards at once: the best goalkeeper of the season and the MVP of the championship.
In an exclusive interview with the official website of the MHL, Sergei Murashov spoke about the closing ceremony of the MHL season, the bronze playoffs, the broken breadcrumbs and psychology.
“Watching the play-in, we were looking forward to the start of the “cutting” and the real “steam room” in the playoffs
– Summarize the season.
– The season, like all the previous ones, was not easy and very eventful. If we take the team result, then, of course, we wanted more, Loko had only one goal – the Kharlamov Cup. However, I think bronze is also a good result. We had a decent season, won the regular season, got a good experience in the playoffs. As for the personal goals that I set before the season, I won’t hide it, I didn’t manage to achieve everything. In general, I consider the season productive and I can add it to the asset, because I managed to play in the KHL and become the best goalkeeper in the MHL. I played many games for Loko, but there was a little understatement due to the fact that we did not take the cup.
– How did you react when you were chosen as the best goalkeeper of the JHL?
– It’s very nice! There are many good goalkeepers with great prospects in the League, so I perceive the prize as a motivation to work further. Any personal nomination in the JHL is work for the future, because it will turn out ugly if the player is the leader in the JHL, and then gets lost at the adult level and everyone forgets about him.
I’m glad that I was noted. I think I’m moving in the right direction. I have something to strive for.
– What can you say about your competitors for this award – Artemy Pleshkov and Ilya Nabokov?
– These are very good and trained goalkeepers, each of them is great at reading the game. I personally know Ilya Nabokov, he is a cool guy. Artemy is a fast goalkeeper who moves well in the net despite his size. I think that the release of the “Captain” in the “Golden” division is, to a large extent, his merit. Each of us had our own team goals, I did not think that it was necessary to become the best and beat the competition. In addition to them, there are many more goalkeepers in the MHL who could claim the title of the best.
– You were also nominated for the MVP of the JHL Championship, didn’t you expect to see yourself in two categories at once?
– Yes, it was unexpected. If I was still thinking about the title of the best goalkeeper, then with MVP it was completely unexpected.
I found out about this when I saw a notification from the MHL social networks, where I was marked. It was nice to see myself in another nomination, as the title of the most valuable player is also very honorable. This is the award that celebrates not just personal merits, but the contribution to team success.
– How would you rate the JHL Season Closing Ceremony?
– It was cool! It’s a really good event, a lot of familiar faces, it was nice to meet the guys who were also nominated for other awards. Most of all I remember the way we talked and discussed the season. It was fun because everyone told their own stories and jokes. It was great to listen to stories about matches when we played against each other, to see everything from the other side. Off the ice everyone is friends and communicates well. I myself am familiar with many of the League, so the rivalry is only present on the ice, off it is always interesting communication, jokes and a pleasant vibe.
– The best MHL sniper Alexander Morozov never scored against you this season, did you discuss this with him?
– By the way, we didn’t talk to him about it.
Discussed the match on Sakhalin, when he did not score us a bullet, laughed at it. Only then Danya Kolyshev reminded me that Morozov really didn’t score against me, we didn’t focus on this.
– Seagull goalkeeper Lawrence Zinaddin was not among the contenders for the title of the best goalkeeper of the season, what can you say about his game?
– Of course, Lawrence made a huge contribution to the Chaika championship. The team will not win the cup with a bad goalkeeper – this is a well-known truth. We got to know him closely just recently – at the Future Cup in Minsk. He is a very nice guy, he told me a lot of useful things, I hope that I told him too. First of all, I was fascinated by the fact that for most of the season he was the second goalkeeper, he didn’t play so much, but at the right moment he came out and showed his best game, he was able to help the team win. Lawrence is a good goalkeeper with quick reactions who reads the game well. I hope he succeeds in big hockey.
– The first playoff round against Mikhailov Academy was very tense for Loko, did you expect this?
– To be honest, yes, we expected it. The fact that we entered the playoffs from the first place, and they from the eighth, these are just dry numbers. It’s no secret that the playoffs are already completely different games, everyone goes out and fights to the last, giving all his strength. Not everyone in our team had experience in cup matches, which is why the first round was difficult for us. Watching the play-in, we were looking forward to the start of the “cutting” and the real “steam room” in the playoffs, as we later said in the locker room (smiles). Mikhailov Academy is a good opponent who plays well on defense. It was not easy, but a victory is a victory. If we passed, then we did everything right.
– After “Spartak” passed the “Red Army”, many experts bet on Muscovites. What helped you get past the red-and-whites so confidently in the quarter-finals?
– After the first round, we got into the rhythm of the game and felt for ourselves what the playoffs are, we started off first of all from our game.
Spartak is a good team, where there are a lot of skilful guys, but we were absolutely not afraid of them. Open hockey “Spartak” played into our hands, we felt comfortable in such a game. There were many chances at both gates, we converted ours. Closer to the second round, I already found my game, it was easier, plus regular throws left me in good shape.
– Did the experienced players from Torpedo join Chaika play a key role in Nizhny Novgorod’s victory over Loko?
– They rather gave a boost to their team. The same Vasya Atanasov – he always smiles, he really enjoys playing hockey. Experienced players helped Chaika, not hindered us. I’m not going to speak for them, Loko had their own difficulties, which, based on the result, we could not cope with. It was interesting to play against the guys from the KHL, on the ice it was felt that they have skill, they make decisions a little faster and see the court better, but just these “slightly”, “a little” and “quite a drop” play a key role in elimination matches.
– What difficulties did Loko have in the semi-finals?
– We could not let go of the responsibility that we took on. Loko could have played more relaxed, we needed to perceive the playoffs a little easier. Perhaps we were prevented by pressure against the background of the fact that we were the first team in the regular season and therefore had to take the cup. In any case, this is a good experience for the future: you need to be able to let go of unnecessary responsibility and just play to win, giving all your strength.
– Did you blame yourself for Loko’s departure, or did you realize that you had done your best?
– Right after the game, of course, it was very disappointing. I sat in the locker room and realized that I could play better. I did not undertake to analyze the matches and the playoffs in general, during the week I tried not to think about it at all. Standing on the ice after the final siren of the third match with Chaika, while no one had arrived yet, I said to myself: “Grey, remember this moment and these feelings, remember them when it will be hard for you to train.
” This has become an additional motivation to work further, to strive for those goals that are really important and that you want to achieve. When the emotions from the defeat subsided, I began to analyze the playoffs and the season as a whole, I now speak some points from this analysis in an interview, for example, about responsibility. He calmly survived this, if you take any failure as an experience, you can achieve a lot in the future.
– You said that in the MHL in the West, hockey is more systemic and mature, while in the East it is more combinational. Judging by the eastern final, did combination hockey prove to be more effective?
– For the first time in many years, we saw the eastern final in the MHL. It is necessary to build on what will happen next: if the eastern finals take place more often, then combination gambling hockey will really prove its effectiveness. If this does not happen, then it is too early to judge that the combinational game of the East is better than the Western systems.
In fact, the styles in conferences are not so different as to make loud conclusions that one system works, while the other is outdated and needs to be abandoned.
– You have already spent three seasons in the JHL, during which the Kharlamov Cup has changed three owners. Why do you think Loko’s dominance ended?
– It’s hard to say, because I was not in the championship team, I can’t say that they had something that we don’t have. The level of the league has grown, there are more teams that play great and cling to the cup. Also, Loko periodically changes, some ages are stronger, some are a little weaker, the coaching staff is changing. The last time the Kharlamov Cup with Loko was won by Dmitry Ivanovich Krasotkin, who now works in the first team. In no case do I detract from the dignity of the cups that the guys from Loko took before us – they really brought sincere joy to Yaroslavl, it was a great event for everyone. I don’t know what is missing now. Perhaps next year the Kharlamov Cup will be in Yaroslavl, we will work and give all our strength to make it a reality.
“If I get an opportunity to score a goal, I’ll be ready for it”
– You shut down 11 games in the regular season, only two games “at 0” were missing from the MHL record. Upset?
– Before the season there was a goal: to play ten matches “at 0”, it was more important. In general, I didn’t chase the record, I reasoned like this: “It would be cool to beat him, but if it doesn’t work out, it’s okay. The main thing is team victories. In principle, I didn’t have time to get upset – I had to prepare for the playoffs, think about the cup and elimination games. Maybe it will be possible to break the record next season, maybe someone else will break it. I am absolutely not worried about this, I have my own goals, which I adhere to in the first place.
– Do you remember the matches in which you had a shameful “crackers”?
– In any case, I try to forget such things, because goals conceded are rubbish that needs to be thrown out of my head, but I still remember such matches.
We were leading about 6:0 after the second period in the home game against the “Captain”. Moreover, I had a series of three matches “at 0”, and we scored a goal – it was unpleasant. I remember playing at home before the New Year with Wings of the Soviets. We led 1-0 and we were scored in the last minute – a “cracker” broke and the victory in regular time, even though we later won in a series of shots. I also remember the away game with Spartak, in which we led 2-0, but at the last minute we were thrown by a rebound from our player. No one is to blame, such a combination of circumstances, but there is no “rusk” anymore. There were such matches, but they are all victorious – this is the main thing. It would be much more offensive to miss the puck in the last minutes with the score 0:0.
– Can you say something to the fielder if the puck ricochets off him into the net?
– No, I never have any complaints about the players on the ice. We all do the same thing, if we start yelling and swearing at each other, there will be a circus.
If at the moment of a missed puck you can feel some kind of annoyance, then then everyone goes to the face-off, and you switch, the next throw is the most important one. I can only suggest something in the locker room so as not to repeat my mistakes in the future, but in no case do I swear. We are all civilized people, we know how to negotiate, and this is one of the most important skills in a team.
– Did you mention that you want to score a goal, do you practice shooting to the opponent’s goal?
– To be honest, it happens. I can go out five minutes early in front of the goalkeeper’s ice, put 10-15 pucks behind the net and imagine that there is a throw on the board, I stop the puck, turn around and shoot quickly. You need to understand that you have little time in the game, especially since you need to calculate the height at which the puck should fly. I sometimes train shots to the goal, it takes a little time and does not interfere with the training process. If the opportunity presents itself, I will be ready for it.
– What matches of the season do you consider your most successful and unsuccessful?
– In fact, there were quite a few successful games (smiles). I will single out the home matches against Spartak, which we won with a clean sheet, despite a large number of chances at our gates. I will also note the “dry” victories over the “Red Army” and “Dynamo”, these were interesting, principled and very emotional games. I can’t help but note the away victory in a series of shots over SKA-1946, it was a very tense match: we couldn’t win back for a long time, in the end we equalized, went through a chaotic overtime, in which I received a suspension, and won. If we take unsuccessful matches, I will name the defeat in overtime from Dynamo-Shinnik with a score of 5:6. It turned out to be a very fervent meeting, there were many moments in both directions. Then I missed the most goals in one game of the season. Moreover, there is such an atmosphere in Bobruisk that the stands drive their team and this plays into their hands.
I will also name the first playoff match against Mikhailov Academy. I can’t say that it was unsuccessful, but it could have been better. I perceive such meetings primarily as an experience, everything happens for the first time, it’s okay. The main thing is to go to the end no matter what.
– Before the start of the season, you set yourself the goal of working on switching and moving in the goal, how would you rate the work done?
– I did what I wanted, and it gave the result – the brain began to switch to rebounds and finishing moves faster. I think all the current elements will also need to be improved next season, it would also be useful to work on strengthening the core muscles, add to athleticism and overall strength. I would also like to work on decision-making, to conduct so-called brain training, because it is involved in the game the most – you need to be able to control your body and make the right decisions, while spending a minimum amount of time.
– You have already played more than a hundred matches in the JHL, do you still have something to learn here?
– Of course, I would like to go further and take a step forward, to play in adult hockey.
I think the result that I show in the JHL will only add to my confidence in this. Nevertheless, in this league there are a lot of good and skillful guys with non-standard solutions, who are not so experienced due to their age, but very playful and interesting with them too. I think that in the MHL I still have a lot to learn. The main thing that I can still learn here is to follow the cup to the end. The past season showed those weaknesses that prevented us from reaching the main goal.
“The body is an athlete’s tool. How you use it directly affects the result.”
– You made your debut in the KHL playing against Sochi and conceding one goal. Satisfied with yourself?
– I’m not completely satisfied with myself in that match, but not because of the missed goal. It was simple, I do not argue, but this is not the indicator by which to judge. Even if I played “at 0”, it’s not a fact that this match would be indicative. After leaving the match, I experienced mixed emotions: I was glad that I had finally played in the KHL, because I had been following the games of the adult team since childhood.
But I also understood that there are still a lot of subtle points that I need to improve.
– What are your specific moments?
– The same switches, you need to make decisions faster. The most important thing is psychology, that match was tense, it was psychologically difficult, in this regard, you can also improve. And I repeat about athleticism, because the body is an athlete’s tool. How you know how to use it directly affects the result.
– Did you expect a new call to the first team?
– In fact, there was a plan according to which I was supposed to play Kunlun in January, but Lokomotiv had a difficult period then, so it didn’t work out. In February, there was no longer any talk about being called up to the KHL, I had matches for Loko, so we didn’t discuss these moments. At that time I didn’t think much about the first team, in the MHL I had my own tasks, we went from game to game.
– Does the lack of playing practice at the senior level affect the goalkeeper’s loss of optimal condition?
– Yes, in any case, you need to be able to rebuild and switch from one hockey to another, but this is a routine and not particularly difficult process that you can prepare for.
Moreover, Rashid Davydov, a goalkeeping coach with vast experience, works for Lokomotiv, he helps a lot and suggests nuances that are worth paying attention to. They just help to move from youth hockey to an adult. This is not an insurmountable obstacle, just a working moment – a matter of practice, time and diligence.
– Did you discuss the possibility of joining the VHL to play at the senior level?
– No, I didn’t consider the VHL this season, because I had a lot of games for Loko. I spent the first full season in a team that plays for the result, because Loko-76 is a younger team, it has less responsibility. Plus, before the season, Rashid Davydov indicated that I would be connected to the first team, so the KHL was not considered.
“Each athlete must first of all develop as a person”
– Igor Shesterkin recently proposed to remove the field for attempting lacrosse, as this is disrespectful to the goalkeeper and his work.
– I don’t know where the disrespect comes from.
In hockey, all means are good, if it does not cause any injuries, why not? I don’t see the point in banning lacrosse, it’s spectacular.
– In the past few years, there have been trends in lacrosse and goalkeeper shots. Have you noticed any trends in goalkeepers?
– The goalkeeper zone is limited to a zone of two by two meters, there are a lot of movements in a small space, you need to understand goalkeeper work in order to mark some bright moments. Now there is no obvious trend, there are just certain nuances in how goalkeepers play when attacking from an angle: someone plays with a skate for the post, someone goes into reverse. The same Igor Shesterkin is great with a stick and plays a lot on exits, everything is individual for everyone, who is more comfortable.
– You said that you are calm about hate. Can you explain why they hate the best goalkeeper of the MHL?
– (laughs) For letting me through. In the season, by the way, there was less negativity, maybe I just spent less time on social networks.
It happens that they write after not the most successful matches, insult, ask why I miss so much. I take everything with a smile, it’s funny to read, such messages do not cause me negative emotions. A hate is rather worse for the hater himself than for the one who is being hated.
– You like to delve into psychology, you know non-verbal language, how did you become interested in this area?
– I became interested in this at the age of 14. I remember I took a book on this topic from my sister, read it and I really liked it. Since then, step by step, book by book, I still read a lot in this area. This is individual for everyone, in addition to hockey in this world there is a lot more. I believe that every athlete should first of all develop as a person, because all top-level people are in sight, regardless of the sport. They have their own face and know how to show themselves in public. It is important to propagate this image of a developed and civilized person. I’m just interested in psychology, it helps to find a common language and understand another person.
Even in a team, misunderstandings or conflicts sometimes occur, from which you also need to be able to get out correctly so that everyone is satisfied and gets what they want. Psychology is useful and interesting, I recommend it to everyone.
– You are the owner of the gold medals of the Youth Olympic Games and the Glinka / Gretzky Cup, which gold is more valuable to you?
– Any call to the national team is important and pleasant, no matter what tournament. When you put on the jersey of the Russian national team with your last name, it’s very nice. The Olympiad and Glinka are the most significant tournaments, which were especially pleasant to win. But even the victory at the recent Future Cup was important in the current conditions. It was great to spend time with the national team, work with coaches and talk to guys from different teams.
– Do you think that the squad that won the YOG and the Glinka/Gretzky Cup could make a fuss at the World Youth Championships?
– I think so.
I don’t know if we will have the opportunity to check it, but if we take the 2004 team, they have not lost a single match from U16 to U18. This also applies to friendly matches, we won absolutely everything. This is a very strong team, there are a lot of skilful guys in it, I think we would 100% claim gold.
– Name the strongest young goalkeeper right now, not counting you.
– Actually there are a lot of them, I don’t even know who to choose. The same Artemy Pleshkov and Ilya Nabokov, Seryoga Ivanov and Gleb Saranchuk from SKA, Yegor Korzin from Spartak, Pyotr Kochetkov, Ivan Prosvetov, Dmitry Kulikov, who became the best goalkeeper in the VHL. I won’t list them all.
– How do you spend your holidays?
– We finished the national team tournament on May 31, so after the season I didn’t have much rest. Now I am in Turkey, here the sea, mountains, beach, sand, everything is as calm as possible. Sports only in the form of games such as football, volleyball and so on.
Then I plan to return to Yaroslavl, most likely I will go to the village to visit my grandparents, it is very pleasant to visit them every year. After that, I will start preparing for the season, I have goalkeeping training in Yaroslavl. I plan to work on those nuances that I mentioned earlier, to recharge my emotions for a new, even more intense and interesting season.
– Who would you like to meet and what would you ask?
– I believe that the first thought is the most correct. I would like to get acquainted with Mikhail Nikolayevich Zadornov and ask the only question: “What is happiness?”
Dossier
Murashov Sergey Olegovich
Born on April 1, 2004 in Yaroslavl
Career
Since 2012 – Lokomotiv Yaro Slavl
Achievements
Gold of the Youth Olympic Games 2019/2020
Winner of the Cup of Regions 2020/2021
Winner of the Glinka/Gretzky Cup 2021/2022
Best goalkeeper of the MHL 2022/2023
Bronze medalist of the MHL 2022/2023
Tags:
- Big Interview
Ovechkin Matchball – Hockey News
Yesterday, Washington Capitals captain and leader of the Russian national team Alexander Ovechkin returned to action with brilliance after an injury: he scored a masterpiece tennis puck against Montreal (5:0) and interrupted his team’s seven-game losing streak
But in America, they dispensed with the tennis metaphor and called Ovechkin’s goal “lacrosse.
” It really turned out to be more like not tennis, where you still can’t juggle the ball during the game, but exactly the folk game of the Indians, in which the club has a special pocket for catching, transporting and shooting the ball at the goal. Let there be lacrosse! Let Ovechkin be our main Russian mohawk. He is our Faithful Hand, and Hawkeye, and in-o-from such a Big Serpent … At times, Bone Leg too.
But for Russia, which is not familiar with the cultural and sports heritage of the indigenous peoples of America, tennis will do. Moreover, Alexander created his circus number actually on the birthday of his tennis bride Maria Kirilenko and, as we all hope, immediately dedicated the miracle goal to his future life partner.
Semin switched from goals to passes, Datsyuk is being treated,
Emelin plays through pain //
Sidney Crosby:
“I’m flying to Russia with my family” //
Vladimir Tarasenko:
“I’ll be glad to play in Sochi
with Kovalchuk and Tikhonov “
So, we learn lacrosse and tennis at the same time.
We stand at the bar and wait for the rebound. The puck bounces off the goalkeeper and jumps over the goal. You, of course, stop it in the air with a stick, throw it up a couple of times on the hook – well, as you know how – and then calmly stuff it into the net with a ricochet off the back of Montreal goaltender Carey Price. It’s a match point, Chingachgook. Now you’re a real warrior.0006
Well, or let’s give the opportunity to describe the moment to the master of artistic goal.
– I saw Chimera getting ready to throw, and I said to myself: “Please let there be a rebound to my side!” Ovechkin wrote after the match. – The corner was rather difficult, but I went in.
I propose from now on to oblige Ovechkin to give interviews only to himself and exclusively through Twitter. In this case, a much more colorful description would have awaited us. Alexander would have arranged the mise-en-scene like this: “Ahahahaha! Wow!” Then he would throw up epithets: “Krasava! Best!” And I would finish with the last artistic stroke: “))))))”.
His goals are probably best described that way.
However, the entire “Washington”, who scored eight goals in the last seven games (all defeats), was probably ready to speak in the same Ovechkin style after the most important victory for the team over Montreal. And the Russian team, which has been experiencing the death of the Olympic Dynamo players in recent days, was glad to receive just such a summary of Alexander’s health. He himself after the match officially stated that he feels “not bad”, although he “a little hurts”, but this is a “normal thing”. Arrange emoticons and ha-ha at your own discretion.
Healthy, cheerful and learning new sports, Ovechkin was really not bad and even normal. By his standards. In addition to the insane winning goal, which demoralized the opponent, he also gave, for example, only his fourth assist this season in equal compositions. To a man named Casey Wellman who hasn’t scored since 2012. For the time being, the city of Sochi can be given the command “freely.
