How can children start learning lacrosse. What are the key features of beginner lacrosse programs. How does the NSC Lacrosse Development Program work. What equipment is needed for introductory lacrosse classes. What skills do children learn in beginner lacrosse programs.
NSC Lacrosse Development Program: An Introduction to America’s Fastest Growing Sport
The National Sports Center (NSC) Lacrosse Development Program offers a progressive system for young athletes interested in learning lacrosse. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this program introduces participants to the fundamentals of America’s fastest-growing sport through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum.
Program Structure and Levels
The Intro to Lacrosse Program is divided into two levels:
- Intro I: Intended for first-time players with no experience, recommended for ages 3-5
- Intro II: Designed for players with little experience or those who have completed Intro I, recommended for ages 6-9
This tiered approach allows young athletes to build essential skills progressively, preparing them for more advanced play as they grow.
Key Features of the NSC Lacrosse Development Program
The NSC program stands out with several unique features that make it ideal for beginners:
- Each participant receives a lacrosse t-shirt
- Low participant-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention
- No equipment required – lacrosse sticks are provided for use during sessions
- Soft tennis balls are used instead of hard lacrosse balls
- Helmets, goggles, and pads are not used, reducing barriers to entry
- Outdoor non-metal cleats, tennis shoes, or similar athletic footwear is recommended
These features create a safe, accessible environment for children to explore the sport without the need for significant investment in equipment.
Curriculum Overview: Building Strong Foundations
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program follows a carefully crafted curriculum based on the US Lacrosse Athlete Development Model. This ensures that participants receive age-appropriate instruction and guidance throughout their lacrosse journey.
Intro I Skills Development
In the Intro I level, young players focus on basic skills and movements:
- Running with the ball
- Scooping the ball
- Throwing and catching
- Exposure to all fundamental skills
- Learning lacrosse terminology
Intro II Skills Development
As players progress to Intro II, they build upon their foundational skills and begin to explore more advanced concepts:
- Introduction to dodge variations
- Exploration of cradling techniques
- Basic defensive concepts
- Target shooting
- Introduction to small-sided game play (1v1, 2v1, etc.)
Athletic Development: Beyond Lacrosse-Specific Skills
The NSC program recognizes the importance of overall athletic development in young players. Alongside lacrosse-specific skills, participants engage in activities that enhance their general physical abilities:
- Running, jumping, hopping, twisting, and turning
- Stopping, starting, and changing pace
- Learning to run to open space
These fundamental movement skills contribute to a well-rounded athletic foundation that benefits players in lacrosse and other sports.
Program Logistics: Sessions, Locations, and Registration
The NSC Lacrosse Development Program offers multiple sessions throughout the year to accommodate various schedules and preferences:
Upcoming Sessions
- Summer I 2023 (Registration Open):
- Thursdays, July 27 – September 14, 2023
- Intro I & II: 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Outdoor Field #51
- Fall 2023 (Registration Coming Soon):
- Thursdays, September 21 – November 16, 2023 (No class on 10.26.23)
- Intro I & II: 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Sports Hall
To register for the program, participants must create an NSC Event HQ Household Account. This streamlined system allows for easy enrollment and account management.
Frequently Asked Questions for Beginner Lacrosse Players and Parents
To help new participants and their families prepare for the program, here are answers to some common questions:
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, you can 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 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, you can contact the program director for guidance.
How are weather cancellations handled?
Indoor practices will not be cancelled due to inclement weather. For outdoor practices, participants will be notified 2-3 hours prior to the start of practice if weather conditions force a cancellation.
The Benefits of Starting Lacrosse at a Young Age
Introducing children to lacrosse through programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program offers numerous benefits:
- Physical development: Lacrosse helps improve coordination, agility, and overall fitness
- Cognitive skills: The sport enhances decision-making abilities and strategic thinking
- Social skills: Team-based activities foster cooperation and communication
- Confidence building: Mastering new skills boosts self-esteem
- Fun and engagement: The fast-paced nature of lacrosse keeps children excited and motivated
By starting early, children can develop a strong foundation in the sport, potentially leading to long-term participation and success.
The Growth of Lacrosse: Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Lacrosse has been experiencing rapid growth in the United States, particularly at the youth level. Several factors contribute to its increasing popularity:
- Exciting gameplay: The fast-paced, high-scoring nature of lacrosse appeals to many young athletes
- Combination of skills: Lacrosse incorporates elements from various sports, making it accessible to athletes with diverse backgrounds
- Scholarship opportunities: As the sport grows, more colleges are offering lacrosse scholarships
- Inclusivity: Programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program make it easy for children to try the sport without a significant financial investment
- Community building: Lacrosse often fosters strong team and community bonds
As more children are introduced to lacrosse through beginner programs, the sport’s popularity is likely to continue its upward trajectory.
Preparing for Success: Tips for New Lacrosse Players and Parents
If you’re considering enrolling your child in a beginner lacrosse program, here are some tips to help ensure a positive experience:
- Encourage a growth mindset: Emphasize the importance of effort and learning from mistakes
- Practice at home: Simple exercises like wall ball can help reinforce skills learned in class
- Watch lacrosse games: Exposing children to higher-level play can increase their understanding and enthusiasm for the sport
- Stay hydrated: Ensure your child brings a water bottle to each session
- Communicate with coaches: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback on your child’s progress
- Emphasize fun: At this stage, enjoying the sport should be the primary focus
By following these tips, you can help your child make the most of their beginner lacrosse experience and set the stage for long-term enjoyment of the sport.
The Role of Parents in Supporting Young Lacrosse Players
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s lacrosse journey, especially at the beginner level. Here are some ways parents can support their young lacrosse players:
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrate effort and improvement, not just results
- Respect for coaches and officials: Model good sportsmanship and respect for authority figures
- Encouraging practice: Help create opportunities for skill development outside of structured sessions
- Balancing commitment: Ensure lacrosse remains enjoyable and doesn’t become overly pressurized
- Learning the game: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules and strategies of lacrosse
- Volunteering: Consider helping out with team activities or local lacrosse organizations
By actively supporting their children’s lacrosse endeavors, parents can help foster a lifelong love for the sport and contribute to their child’s overall development.
From Beginner to Advanced: The Lacrosse Development Pathway
While the NSC Lacrosse Development Program focuses on introducing young players to the sport, it’s just the beginning of a potentially long and rewarding lacrosse journey. As players progress, they can look forward to:
- Youth leagues: Organized team play with more structured rules and competition
- School teams: Representing their school at the middle and high school levels
- Club teams: Competing in travel leagues and tournaments for higher-level play
- Specialized training: Focusing on specific positions or skills (e.g., face-off specialists, goalies)
- College recruitment: Potentially playing at the collegiate level, with scholarship opportunities
- Professional leagues: For the most dedicated and skilled players, professional opportunities exist in leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL)
The skills and passion developed in beginner programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program can serve as a strong foundation for players who choose to pursue lacrosse at higher levels.
Lacrosse Equipment: What to Expect as Players Advance
While the NSC beginner program provides all necessary equipment, players who continue with the sport will eventually need to invest in their own gear. As players advance, they can expect to need:
- Lacrosse stick: Including the shaft and head, customized to the player’s position and preferences
- Helmet: A crucial piece of protective equipment for all field players
- Gloves: To protect hands and improve grip
- Shoulder pads and arm guards: For upper body protection
- Cleats: Specialized footwear for better traction on the field
- Mouthguard: To protect teeth and reduce the risk of concussion
- Goalie-specific equipment: For those who choose to play this specialized position
Understanding the equipment requirements can help families plan for future investments as their child progresses in the sport.
The Global Reach of Lacrosse: Beyond the United States
While lacrosse is often associated with North America, the sport has a growing international presence. Understanding the global context of lacrosse can inspire young players and broaden their perspectives on the sport:
- International competitions: The World Lacrosse Championship features national teams from around the globe
- Olympic aspirations: Efforts are underway to include lacrosse in future Olympic Games
- Cultural significance: Lacrosse has deep roots in Native American culture and is the national summer sport of Canada
- Growing markets: Countries like England, Australia, and Japan have established lacrosse programs and are seeing increased participation
- Variations of the game: Box lacrosse (indoor) and intercrosse (soft stick lacrosse) offer different ways to experience the sport
By introducing children to lacrosse through programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program, parents are not just enrolling them in a local activity, but potentially connecting them to a global community of lacrosse enthusiasts.
The Future of Lacrosse: Innovations and Trends
As lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, young players entering the sport can look forward to exciting developments:
- Technology integration: Smart sticks and wearable tech for performance tracking
- Rule modifications: Ongoing adjustments to improve game flow and safety
- Diversity initiatives: Efforts to make lacrosse more inclusive and accessible to all communities
- Sustainable equipment: Eco-friendly gear options becoming more prevalent
- Media coverage: Increased visibility through streaming platforms and television deals
- Youth-specific formats: Adapted versions of the game tailored for younger players
By starting with a strong foundation in programs like the NSC Lacrosse Development Program, young players will be well-positioned to adapt to and benefit from these future innovations in the sport.
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.
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