How can you perfect your throwing and catching skills in lacrosse. What are the best drills for mastering quick stick handles and fakes. How to develop lightning-fast footwork for lacrosse. What techniques can improve your shooting accuracy and power.
Perfecting Your Throwing and Catching Skills
Mastering the fundamentals of throwing and catching is crucial for any lacrosse player, especially when facing the challenges of Mile High Lacrosse. Improving these skills can drastically enhance your performance on the field.
Essential Drills for Throwing and Catching
- Wall ball: This repetitive drill strengthens passing, catching, and cradling
- Two-man passing: Emphasizes quick sticks and accuracy
- Agility ladder drills: Hones footwork, coordination, and stick skills
- Waterfall drill: Develops quick reaction times and passing accuracy
- Over-the-shoulder passing: Improves behind-the-back passing abilities and awareness
Consistent practice with these drills can transform your game. For instance, a player who initially struggled with 10-yard passes could progress to confidently executing 30-yard throws with precision after dedicated training.
Mastering Quick Stick Handles and Fakes
In the fast-paced environment of Mile High Lacrosse, creativity and agility with stick handling are essential. Developing these skills can help you maintain possession under pressure and create opportunities for your team.
Innovative Stick Handling Techniques
- Behind-the-back mirrors: Practice seamless stick movement around your back
- Situational drills: React to coach-called dodges to improve adaptability
- Elbow passing: Work on quick feeds and hand transfers
- Juking footwork: Practice head fakes and jab steps against a defender
- One-handed cradling: Strengthen top hand dexterity
Can quick stick moves really make a difference in your game? Absolutely. Players who master these techniques can effectively evade even the most aggressive defenders, creating crucial opportunities for their team.
Developing Lightning Fast Footwork
Speed and agility are paramount in lacrosse, particularly in high-intensity programs like Mile High. Enhancing your footwork can significantly improve your overall performance on the field.
Footwork and Agility Drills
- Ladder drills: Improve coordination and foot speed
- Cone drills: Practice weaves, shuffles, and backpedaling
- Dot drills: Enhance sprint speed between set points
- Box drills: Work on evasion techniques against a defender
- Resistance sprinting: Build strength and explosiveness
How can improved footwork impact your game? Enhanced speed and agility can give you the edge in ground ball situations, transition plays, and one-on-one matchups, making you a more versatile and valuable player.
Strengthening Your Shooting Techniques
For attackmen and midfielders in Mile High Lacrosse, having a reliable and powerful shot is crucial. Developing your shooting skills can turn you into a consistent scoring threat.
Advanced Shooting Drills
- Target practice: Improve accuracy by aiming at specific points on the goal
- Quick release drills: Enhance shot speed from various positions
- On-the-run shooting: Practice shooting while moving to simulate game situations
- Bounce shot practice: Master the technique of using the ground to your advantage
- Weak hand shooting: Develop ambidexterity for unpredictable shots
How can focused shooting practice transform your game? By honing your technique and power, you can become a reliable scorer, capable of finding the back of the net even under pressure.
Enhancing Your Defensive Prowess
A strong defense is the backbone of any successful lacrosse team. For Mile High players, mastering defensive techniques is essential for shutting down opponents and creating transition opportunities.
Key Defensive Skills to Master
- Footwork and positioning: Learn to stay between your man and the goal
- Stick checks: Practice poke checks, slap checks, and lift checks
- Communication: Develop clear and effective on-field communication
- Sliding and recovery: Master the art of helping teammates and recovering quickly
- Off-ball defense: Improve your awareness and positioning when not guarding the ball carrier
How can improving your defensive skills impact the game? Strong defenders not only prevent goals but also create turnovers and spark fast breaks, turning defense into offense in an instant.
Mastering Face-Offs and Ground Balls
In Mile High Lacrosse, winning face-offs and securing ground balls can significantly influence the game’s outcome. These skills require a combination of technique, strength, and mental acuity.
Face-Off and Ground Ball Techniques
- Clamp technique: Master the quick clamp motion for face-offs
- Exit strategies: Practice different ways to win possession after a face-off
- Reaction drills: Improve your reflexes for quicker ground ball pickups
- Box-out drills: Learn to use your body to shield opponents from ground balls
- Scoop-and-run exercises: Practice transitioning quickly after securing a ground ball
Why are face-offs and ground balls so crucial? Dominating these aspects of the game can provide your team with more possession time, leading to increased scoring opportunities and momentum shifts.
Enhancing Your Lacrosse IQ and Game Awareness
Playing for Mile High Lacrosse requires more than just physical skills. Developing your lacrosse IQ and game awareness can elevate your performance to new heights.
Strategies for Improving Lacrosse IQ
- Film study: Analyze game footage to understand strategies and player movements
- Situational scrimmages: Practice decision-making in various game scenarios
- Position cross-training: Learn the responsibilities of different positions
- Strategy sessions: Engage in team discussions about tactics and game plans
- Mental visualization: Use imagery to prepare for game situations
How does a high lacrosse IQ benefit your game? Players with strong game awareness make better decisions on the field, anticipate plays, and contribute more effectively to their team’s success.
By focusing on these aspects of your game, you can rise to the challenge of Mile High Lacrosse and become a more complete, impactful player. Remember, consistent practice and dedication are key to seeing improvements in your skills and overall performance.
Developing Mental Toughness and Resilience
The demanding nature of Mile High Lacrosse requires not just physical prowess, but also mental fortitude. Developing mental toughness and resilience can be the difference between good and great players.
Strategies for Building Mental Strength
- Mindfulness practices: Incorporate meditation or yoga to improve focus
- Goal-setting exercises: Set achievable short-term and long-term goals
- Positive self-talk: Develop a repertoire of motivational phrases
- Visualization techniques: Mentally rehearse successful plays and outcomes
- Pressure situation drills: Practice performing under simulated game pressure
How does mental toughness translate to on-field performance? Players with strong mental resilience can maintain composure under pressure, bounce back from mistakes quickly, and consistently perform at their best, even in challenging situations.
Maximizing Your Conditioning and Endurance
The high-altitude environment of Mile High Lacrosse demands exceptional physical conditioning. Improving your endurance can help you maintain peak performance throughout the game.
Effective Conditioning Exercises
- Interval training: Alternate between high-intensity bursts and recovery periods
- Fartlek runs: Incorporate varied speeds and terrains in your running routine
- Plyometric exercises: Enhance explosive power with jump training
- Sport-specific circuits: Combine lacrosse movements with cardio exercises
- Hill sprints: Build leg strength and cardiovascular endurance
Why is superior conditioning crucial in lacrosse? Well-conditioned players can maintain their speed, agility, and decision-making abilities even in the late stages of a game, giving them a significant advantage over fatigued opponents.
Enhancing Team Chemistry and Communication
Success in Mile High Lacrosse isn’t just about individual skills; it’s about how well you work with your teammates. Developing strong team chemistry and effective communication can elevate your entire team’s performance.
Team-Building Activities
- Off-field bonding sessions: Organize team outings or social events
- On-field communication drills: Practice clear and concise on-field communication
- Role-playing exercises: Understand and appreciate each team member’s role
- Team strategy sessions: Collaborate on developing and understanding team tactics
- Trust-building activities: Engage in exercises that foster trust among teammates
How does strong team chemistry impact game performance? Teams with excellent chemistry often anticipate each other’s moves, communicate more effectively, and play more cohesively, leading to improved overall performance.
Utilizing Technology and Analytics in Training
In the modern era of lacrosse, incorporating technology and analytics into your training regimen can provide valuable insights and accelerate skill development.
Innovative Training Tools
- Video analysis software: Break down your technique and game performance
- Wearable tech: Track your speed, distance covered, and other metrics
- Virtual reality training: Practice decision-making in simulated game scenarios
- Shot tracking devices: Analyze your shooting speed and accuracy
- Performance analytics platforms: Identify trends and areas for improvement in your game
How can technology enhance your lacrosse training? By providing objective data and detailed analysis, these tools can help you identify specific areas for improvement and track your progress over time, leading to more targeted and effective training.
Customizing Your Equipment for Optimal Performance
In Mile High Lacrosse, having properly fitted and customized equipment can significantly impact your performance and comfort on the field.
Equipment Optimization Tips
- Stick customization: Experiment with different pocket depths and string tensions
- Head selection: Choose a head shape that complements your playing style
- Shaft material: Consider the trade-offs between weight, durability, and feel
- Glove fit: Ensure your gloves provide the right balance of protection and dexterity
- Cleat selection: Pick cleats that offer optimal traction for your playing surface
Why is equipment customization important? Properly fitted and customized equipment can enhance your control, power, and overall comfort, allowing you to focus on your game without distractions.
Embracing Leadership and Sportsmanship
As a Mile High Lacrosse player, developing leadership skills and exemplifying good sportsmanship can elevate both your individual game and your team’s performance.
Leadership and Sportsmanship Practices
- Lead by example: Demonstrate work ethic and positive attitude in practice and games
- Encourage teammates: Offer support and constructive feedback to fellow players
- Respect officials: Maintain composure and respect towards referees and opponents
- Take initiative: Be proactive in team activities and problem-solving
- Practice humility: Celebrate victories graciously and learn from defeats
How do leadership and sportsmanship impact team dynamics? Strong leaders and good sports inspire their teammates, foster a positive team culture, and earn the respect of coaches, opponents, and officials, contributing to a more successful and enjoyable lacrosse experience.
By focusing on these 15 aspects of your game, you can truly elevate your performance in Mile High Lacrosse. Remember, improvement comes with consistent effort and a willingness to push your boundaries. Embrace the challenge, stay dedicated to your craft, and watch as your lacrosse skills soar to new heights this season.
Perfect Your Throwing and Catching Skills
As a lacrosse player, having solid fundamentals in throwing and catching is essential. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way during my first season playing for Mile High Lacrosse. There I was, a scrawny freshman, getting absolutely smoked by defenders when I tried to cradle or pass. My throws would constantly sail out of bounds or get picked off. It was embarrassing!
But with some focused practice and coaching, my skills improved dramatically. Here are some throwing and catching drills I did to become a better lacrosse player:
- Wall ball – this repetitive drill strengthens your passing, catching, and cradling. Start close to the wall and work your way back as your skills improve.
- Two-man passing – simply passing back and forth with a teammate or coach emphasizes quick sticks and accuracy.
- Agility ladder drills – great for honing footwork, coordination, and stick skills. Try incorporating side-to-side shuffling or crossovers.
- Waterfall drill – one player starts by passing to the next player in line who catches and passes to the next. Keep the tempo fast!
- Over-the-shoulder passing – develops crucial behind-the-back passing abilities and awareness.
When I first joined Mile High, I could barely throw a clean pass 10 yards. But after a summer of wall ball and drills, I gained the confidence to rip 30-yard hammers right on target. My hands became like magnets, snagging feeds out of the air. And dodging defenders became much easier with precise cradling and ball protection.
So don’t get discouraged if your throwing and catching is shaky right now. With consistent practice and coaching, you’ll be zipping crisp passes and hauling in feeds in no time. Then you’ll really feel like part of the high-flying Mile High Lacrosse squad!
Master Quick Stick Handles and Fakes
Playing lacrosse for Mile High Customs demands creativity and guile with your stick handling. Defenders in Colorado are aggressive and love to pressure the ball. If you can’t handle their heat, you’ll be turning it over constantly.
That’s why mastering quick stick moves like face dodge fakes, rolls, splits, and twists are so critical. They allow you to maintain possession and buy time for the next pass or shot when a defender is draped all over you. Here are some ways I learned to sharpen my stick skills:
- Behind-the-back mirrors – face a mirror and practice slipping the stick around your back seamlessly.
- Situational drills – coaches call out dodges and you react. Keeps you on your toes!
- Elbow passing – quick feeds working on transferring hands fast.
- Juking footwork – have a partner defend while you practice head fakes, jab steps, and redirecting on a dime.
- One-handed cradling – strengthens all-important top hand dexterity.
During my early practices with Mile High, I’d get demolished whenever a defender pressed me. My stick handling was too predictable and slow. But through dedicated work on quick stick moves, I learned to keep defenders guessing. Now I can face dodge past even the most aggressive junkyard dogs! By sharpening your ball handling, you’ll gain that extra split-second to drive or dish – and leave those defenders in the dust.
Develop Lightning Fast Footwork
Lacrosse is ultimately a game of speed and quickness. Especially when playing for a high-octane program like Mile High, you need to be fleet of foot. Long gone are my early days of lumbering up and down the field like a dinosaur!
Improving your lateral speed, change of direction, and first step explosiveness is critical. Here are some footwork and agility drills I began incorporating:
- Ladder drills – hone coordination and foot speed with various in-and-out patterns.
- Cone drills – set up cones for weaves, shuffles, and backpedaling.
- Dot drills – sprint between dots laying 10-15 yards apart.
- Box drills – face a defender in a box hitting angles to elude them.
- Resistance sprinting – use bands, sleds or a parachute for added resistance.
When I first stepped on the field for the Mile High tryouts, I got roasted in every sprint and agility drill. But slowly and surely, my footwork got quicker thanks to dedicated speed training. Now I feel light and fast on my feet, beating defenders to ground balls and racing down the alley for transition goals. Put in the work on your foot speed, and soon you’ll be leaving the competition in the dust!
Strengthen Your Shooting Techniques
When the opportunity comes to bury the rock for Mile High Customs, you better be ready to seize the moment! As an attackman, my shooting needed some serious work during my early lacrosse days. I had no consistency or power on my shots.
But through rigorous time spent dialing in my shooting mechanics and accuracy, I transformed into a feared sniper. Here are some of the shooting drills that helped me improve:
- Rapid fire – quick stick shots from close range emphasizing release.
- Shooting on the run – sprinting downfield into shots tests off-ball speed.
- Shooting line drills – rotate through different spots ripping shots.
- Quick stick redirects – one-timers off passes to work on snapping release.
- Shooting over shoulders – develop awkward angle shot abilities.
I used to just fling weak panic shots at the goal and pray. But now after relentless shooting practice, I have a lethal sidearm rocket and pinpoint placement. Defenders and goalies quake in their cleats as I cock my stick back ready to unload. Don’t settle for lame duck shots – put in the work and watch your shot power and accuracy take flight!
Practice Dodging Past Defenders
If you want to be a playmaker for Mile High, you need to be able to beat your man and break down defenses. Especially as the competition ramps up, dodging abilities become crucial. Early on in my lacrosse career, anytime I tried to dodge defenders they’d flatten me.
But through live practice against experienced defenders, I developed a fearsome dodge. Here are some of the drills that helped me:
- 3 vs 3 dodging – attackmen work on breaking down defenders in the box.
- Gauntlet drill – dodge down an alley surrounded by defending long poles.
- Roll back dodges – emphasizes maintaining balance while rolling off checks.
- Split dodges – sell one direction before sharply splitting the other way.
- Swim moves – learn to slip checks and maintain leverage.
At first during Mile High tryouts, I’d just lower my shoulder and bounce off defenders like a pinball. But after months spent sharpening my dodging techniques, I learned to use quick footwork, head fakes, and precise stick handling to beat defenders. Now when I unleash a wicked split-dodge, there’s not a defender in Colorado that can keep up! Put in the work on breaking down defenders, and soon you’ll be dancing past the opposition.
[Article continues with additional sections and details…]
Master Quick Stick Handles and Fakes
Playing lacrosse for Mile High Customs demands creativity and guile with your stick handling. Defenders in Colorado are aggressive and love to pressure the ball. If you can’t handle their heat, you’ll be turning it over constantly.
That’s why mastering quick stick moves like face dodge fakes, rolls, splits, and twists are so critical. They allow you to maintain possession and buy time for the next pass or shot when a defender is draped all over you. Here are some ways I learned to sharpen my stick skills:
- Behind-the-back mirrors – face a mirror and practice slipping the stick around your back seamlessly.
- Situational drills – coaches call out dodges and you react. Keeps you on your toes!
- Elbow passing – quick feeds working on transferring hands fast.
- Juking footwork – have a partner defend while you practice head fakes, jab steps, and redirecting on a dime.
- One-handed cradling – strengthens all-important top hand dexterity.
During my early practices with Mile High, I’d get demolished whenever a defender pressed me. My stick handling was too predictable and slow. But through dedicated work on quick stick moves, I learned to keep defenders guessing. Now I can face dodge past even the most aggressive junkyard dogs! By sharpening your ball handling, you’ll gain that extra split-second to drive or dish – and leave those defenders in the dust.
Develop Lightning Fast Footwork
Lacrosse is ultimately a game of speed and quickness. Especially when playing for a high-octane program like Mile High, you need to be fleet of foot. Long gone are my early days of lumbering up and down the field like a dinosaur!
Improving your lateral speed, change of direction, and first step explosiveness is critical. Here are some footwork and agility drills I began incorporating:
- Ladder drills – hone coordination and foot speed with various in-and-out patterns.
- Cone drills – set up cones for weaves, shuffles, and backpedaling.
- Dot drills – sprint between dots laying 10-15 yards apart.
- Box drills – face a defender in a box hitting angles to elude them.
- Resistance sprinting – use bands, sleds or a parachute for added resistance.
When I first stepped on the field for the Mile High tryouts, I got roasted in every sprint and agility drill. But slowly and surely, my footwork got quicker thanks to dedicated speed training. Now I feel light and fast on my feet, beating defenders to ground balls and racing down the alley for transition goals. Put in the work on your foot speed, and soon you’ll be leaving the competition in the dust!
Strengthen Your Shooting Techniques
When the opportunity comes to bury the rock for Mile High Customs, you better be ready to seize the moment! As an attackman, my shooting needed some serious work during my early lacrosse days. I had no consistency or power on my shots.
But through rigorous time spent dialing in my shooting mechanics and accuracy, I transformed into a feared sniper. Here are some of the shooting drills that helped me improve:
- Rapid fire – quick stick shots from close range emphasizing release.
- Shooting on the run – sprinting downfield into shots tests off-ball speed.
- Shooting line drills – rotate through different spots ripping shots.
- Quick stick redirects – one-timers off passes to work on snapping release.
- Shooting over shoulders – develop awkward angle shot abilities.
I used to just fling weak panic shots at the goal and pray. But now after relentless shooting practice, I have a lethal sidearm rocket and pinpoint placement. Defenders and goalies quake in their cleats as I cock my stick back ready to unload. Don’t settle for lame duck shots – put in the work and watch your shot power and accuracy take flight!
Practice Dodging Past Defenders
If you want to be a playmaker for Mile High, you need to be able to beat your man and break down defenses. Especially as the competition ramps up, dodging abilities become crucial. Early on in my lacrosse career, anytime I tried to dodge defenders they’d flatten me.
But through live practice against experienced defenders, I developed a fearsome dodge. Here are some of the drills that helped me:
- 3 vs 3 dodging – attackmen work on breaking down defenders in the box.
- Gauntlet drill – dodge down an alley surrounded by defending long poles.
- Roll back dodges – emphasizes maintaining balance while rolling off checks.
- Split dodges – sell one direction before sharply splitting the other way.
- Swim moves – learn to slip checks and maintain leverage.
At first during Mile High tryouts, I’d just lower my shoulder and bounce off defenders like a pinball. But after months spent sharpening my dodging techniques, I learned to use quick footwork, head fakes, and precise stick handling to beat defenders. Now when I unleash a wicked split-dodge, there’s not a defender in Colorado that can keep up! Put in the work on breaking down defenders, and soon you’ll be dancing past the opposition.
[Article continues with additional sections and details…]
Develop Lightning Fast Footwork
Lacrosse is ultimately a game of speed and quickness. Especially when playing for a high-octane program like Mile High, you need to be fleet of foot. Long gone are my early days of lumbering up and down the field like a dinosaur!
Improving your lateral speed, change of direction, and first step explosiveness is critical. Here are some footwork and agility drills I began incorporating:
- Ladder drills – hone coordination and foot speed with various in-and-out patterns.
- Cone drills – set up cones for weaves, shuffles, and backpedaling.
- Dot drills – sprint between dots laying 10-15 yards apart.
- Box drills – face a defender in a box hitting angles to elude them.
- Resistance sprinting – use bands, sleds or a parachute for added resistance.
When I first stepped on the field for the Mile High tryouts, I got roasted in every sprint and agility drill. But slowly and surely, my footwork got quicker thanks to dedicated speed training. Now I feel light and fast on my feet, beating defenders to ground balls and racing down the alley for transition goals. Put in the work on your foot speed, and soon you’ll be leaving the competition in the dust!
Having speed and agility is crucial for succeeding in the fast-paced Mile High Lacrosse system. On offense, you need to be able to lose your defender with change of direction moves. Whether it’s juking to get open for a feed or dodging to create your own shot, quick feet are essential.
On defense, exceptional footwork allows you to stay glued to offensive players as they cut and weave. You can’t afford to get caught flat-footed as speedy attackmen try to blow by you. And when a turnover happens, you need to sprint to outlet passes and push transition.
There were many early mornings spent dragging my tired legs through brutal speed drills. But the hard work paid off – I transformed from a slow-footed player into one of the fastest athletes on the team. My footwork allowed me to create tons of offense. And defensively I could blanket even the quickest attackmen.
So commit yourself to plyometric, ladder, and agility training. Do extra conditioning after practice. Work on your first step bursts. The sweat equity will make you an indispensable two-way player for Mile High. Your footwork can become the difference-maker towards a championship season!
Strengthen Your Shooting Techniques
When the opportunity comes to bury the rock for Mile High Customs, you better be ready to seize the moment! As an attackman, my shooting needed some serious work during my early lacrosse days. I had no consistency or power on my shots.
But through rigorous time spent dialing in my shooting mechanics and accuracy, I transformed into a feared sniper. Here are some of the shooting drills that helped me improve:
- Rapid fire – quick stick shots from close range emphasizing release.
- Shooting on the run – sprinting downfield into shots tests off-ball speed.
- Shooting line drills – rotate through different spots ripping shots.
- Quick stick redirects – one-timers off passes to work on snapping release.
- Shooting over shoulders – develop awkward angle shot abilities.
[Article continues…]
Strengthen Your Shooting Techniques
When the opportunity comes to bury the rock for Mile High Customs, you better be ready to seize the moment! As an attackman, my shooting needed some serious work during my early lacrosse days. I had no consistency or power on my shots.
But through rigorous time spent dialing in my shooting mechanics and accuracy, I transformed into a feared sniper. Here are some of the shooting drills that helped me improve:
- Rapid fire – quick stick shots from close range emphasizing release.
- Shooting on the run – sprinting downfield into shots tests off-ball speed.
- Shooting line drills – rotate through different spots ripping shots.
- Quick stick redirects – one-timers off passes to work on snapping release.
- Shooting over shoulders – develop awkward angle shot abilities.
I used to just fling weak panic shots at the goal and pray. But now after relentless shooting practice, I have a lethal sidearm rocket and pinpoint placement. Defenders and goalies quake in their cleats as I cock my stick back ready to unload.
Having an accurate and overpowering shot is a must for Mile High. In our fast-paced system, you need to be a threat to score anytime you have possession in the offensive end. Defenses can’t afford to give you space, because one clean look could be a blistering goal.
As an attackman, I took hundreds of extra shots after practice, slowly honing my mechanics. I’d focus on form – gripping low on the stick, stepping towards the target, transferring energy from my legs to my arms, and snapping my wrists on release. Repetition built muscle memory until shooting became second nature.
The extra work showed results quickly. I went from bobbling catches and forcing weak shots, to confidently ripping cannons far corner. Goalies couldn’t react in time as my shots hissed into twine. Don’t settle for stand-still shots – put in the hours and unleash your inner sniper!
Practice Dodging Past Defenders
If you want to be a playmaker for Mile High, you need to be able to beat your man and break down defenses. Especially as the competition ramps up, dodging abilities become crucial. Early on in my lacrosse career, anytime I tried to dodge defenders they’d flatten me.
But through live practice against experienced defenders, I developed a fearsome dodge. Here are some of the drills that helped me:
- 3 vs 3 dodging – attackmen work on breaking down defenders in the box.
- Gauntlet drill – dodge down an alley surrounded by defending long poles.
- Roll back dodges – emphasizes maintaining balance while rolling off checks.
- Split dodges – sell one direction before sharply splitting the other way.
- Swim moves – learn to slip checks and maintain leverage.
[Article continues…]
Practice Dodging Past Defenders
If you want to be a playmaker for Mile High, you need to be able to beat your man and break down defenses. Especially as the competition ramps up, dodging abilities become crucial. Early on in my lacrosse career, anytime I tried to dodge defenders they’d flatten me.
But through live practice against experienced defenders, I developed a fearsome dodge. Here are some of the drills that helped me:
- 3 vs 3 dodging – attackmen work on breaking down defenders in the box.
- Gauntlet drill – dodge down an alley surrounded by defending long poles.
- Roll back dodges – emphasizes maintaining balance while rolling off checks.
- Split dodges – sell one direction before sharply splitting the other way.
- Swim moves – learn to slip checks and maintain leverage.
At first during Mile High tryouts, I’d just lower my shoulder and bounce off defenders like a pinball. But after months spent sharpening my dodging techniques, I learned to use quick footwork, head fakes, and precise stick handling to beat defenders.
In Mile High’s fast-break offense, dodging skills are invaluable. As soon as you catch a pass, expect defenders to be swarming you. Whether it’s an isolation dodge from behind the cage or a dodge from up top to feed a cutter, you need moves.
I spent hours facing off against long poles, absorbing checks while maintaining composure and balance. I studied film on how the best players used fluid footwork and deception to maneuver past defenders. Then I mimicked those techniques through game-speed repetition.
Soon I had an arsenal of dodges – swim moves, roll dodges, hesitations, and blistering splits. Now when I unleash a wicked split-dodge off an invert, there’s not a defender in Colorado that can keep up! Put in the work on breaking down defenders, and soon you’ll be dancing past the opposition.
Improve on Faceoffs and Ground Balls
Gaining possession off faceoffs is crucial for Mile High’s success.Whether you take the faceoffs or line up in the wings, you need to be obsessed with ground balls…
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Improve on Faceoffs and Ground Balls
Gaining possession off faceoffs is crucial for Mile High’s success. Whether you take the faceoffs or line up in the wings, you need to be obsessed with ground balls.
I’ll never forget my first day of faceoff drills at Mile High tryouts. Despite my best efforts, our veteran faceoff middie mopped the floor with me, time after time. I was always a split second late to the ball.
But through focused repetition, my faceoff skills improved dramatically. Here are some of the drills I did:
- Quick whistle draws – face off against a partner and react to the coach’s whistle.
- Situational faceoffs – practice different faceoff scenarios like man up/man down.
- Wing line drills – simulate going live off the whistle.
- Scramble drills – face off then battle for the ground ball.
- Boxing out – get low and use body position to gain leverage.
After running through these drills religiously after practice, my faceoff game transformed. My clamp and rake technique became lightning quick. I learned to gain inside hand position and box out like a pro. Soon I could go toe-to-toe with even state champion faceoff middies.
Faceoffs are the first battle for possession, but ground balls decide every loose ball situation. Mile High’s up-tempo style means there are lots of 50/50 grounders.
I worked tirelessly on scooping technique, emphasizing getting my dominant hand down early to sweep through the ball. I got comfortable taking hits while picking up ground balls. Soon I was vacuuming up any loose ball that came near me!
Put in the extra reps, and you’ll become a faceoff and ground ball machine. You’ll give Mile High those vital extra possessions that make all the difference.
Work on Riding Skills to Create Turnovers
Forcing turnovers is critical to fueling Mile High’s bone-rattling transition offense. That means perfecting your riding skills to harass clearing opponents…
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Work on Riding Skills to Create Turnovers
Forcing turnovers is critical to fueling Mile High’s bone-rattling transition offense. That means perfecting your riding skills to harass clearing opponents.
During my early lacrosse days, I was a liability on the ride. My technique was sloppy – I’d take poor angles or get sucked in too deep. Smart teams picked me apart in the clearing game.
But Mile High’s coaching staff drilled the fundamentals of disruptive riding. Here are some of the key drills we worked on:
- 2 vs 2 slide ride – double team ball carrier and look to jump passes.
- Monkey ride – swarm as a team to deny outlets and pressure ball.
- Topside ride – seal off the clearing lane and funnel to sideline.
- Split ride – divide the field in half and isolate ball side.
- Relentless pursuits – chase every clear attempt like a dog after a bone.
After repping riding drills endlessly, my skills sharpened. I learned to take smart pursuit angles to funnel dodgers where we wanted. My active stick created havoc. And improved communication with teammates allowed us to spring lethal double-teams.
Forcing just 1-2 extra turnovers per game can be the difference between winning and losing. A ride that doesn’t quit leads directly to transition chances and demoralized opponents.
So commit to playing ride or die defense in the clearing game. Perfect your pursuit angles, active stick checks, and double-team slides. Let loose and enjoy wild ride chaos. Your extra possessions will become the catalyst for Mile High’s success.
Focus on Fast Breaks in Transition
When Mile High gains possession, we want to push transition at warp speed. This means sharpening your fast break skills to capitalize on odd-man chances…
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Focus on Fast Breaks in Transition
When Mile High gains possession, we want to push transition at warp speed. This means sharpening your fast break skills to capitalize on odd-man chances.
During my early lacrosse days, I’d bumble fast breaks constantly. I’d miss outlet passes, bobble catches, or take terrible shots.
But Mile High’s transition scheme demands precision teamwork. Here are some fast break drills we repped endlessly:
- 3 vs 2 fast breaks – work on proper outlet passes and odd-man attacks.
- Cavalry charge – grab ball off ground ball, push transition en masse.
- Transition rotations – rotate groups to sharpen outlet passing stamina.
- Finishing sprints – attack with speed, sell shot fake, and finish inside.
- Communication – yell out cuts and keep the ball moving upfield.
After tons of live transition reps, our fast breaking clicked. My outlet passing sharpened, hitting leading receivers in stride. And I learned to time my cuts, seal defenders and finish feeds.
Pushing transition chances leads to easy goals before defenses can recover. Mile High’s tempo is designed to create hectic odd-man breaks. Are you prepared to push pace and make plays in the open field?
Work tirelessly on making precise outlets, calling cuts, and finishing inside. Transition rewards the team that flows together as a fast-moving pack. Unleash your speed, make smart unselfish plays, and soon you’ll be blitzing defenses up and down the field.
Drill Clearing Skills Under Pressure
When Mile High needs to kill penalties or protect a lead, strong clearing is essential. Rep your clearing game to handle swarms of ride pressure…
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Drill Clearing Skills Under Pressure
The whistle blows and you scoop up the ball with your stick, scanning the field intensely as you cradle it and start your drive down the midfield. Two defenders are barreling towards you and your teammates call out for the pass. Do you clear and feed the ball upfield or will you crack under the pressure and turn it over? Clearing the ball successfully under intense pressure is a critical skill every lacrosse player needs to master.
Mile High Lacrosse knows how vital clearing fundamentals are to a player’s development. That’s why we emphasize high-pressure clearing drills in all our training programs. Our experienced coaches will prepare you to make smart split-second decisions just like the scenario described above. You’ll gain the confidence to clear through multiple defenders, pass accurately, and drive your transition game. We’ll also teach you how to sell fakes, roll away from pressure, and use proper footwork to escape trouble. Mastering these techniques requires repetition under stressful game-like conditions. Are you up for the challenge?
Here are 15 exciting drills we use to improve clearing skills under pressure:
- Full Field Clears – Start at one endline and clear it to the other through an army of defenders.
- Half Field Clears – Same concept but only from midfield to your offensive end.
- 3 Man Clears – Clear from one end to the other against three defenders.
- Standing Tall Clears – Emphasizes fakes and footwork to evade multiple defenders who can only shuffle their feet.
- Box Clears – Clear the ball out of a confined 10×10 yard box with defenders on all sides.
- Timeout Clears – Clear right after the coach calls a random timeout to simulate the intensity after a timeout clears during a game.
- Scramble Clears – Ground balls are rolled rapidly at you and you have to clear live against defenders immediately after picking it up.
- Zone Pressure Clears – Clears against specific zone riding defenses like the 1-2-2 and 2-2-1.
- Sideline Clears – Clears up the sideline against a defender who tries to ride you out of bounds.
- Split Dodge Clears – Incorporate split dodges and change of direction against defenders.
- Alley Dodge Clears – Emphasize alley dodges to clear across the field away from pressure.
- Over and Back Clears – Coach yells “OVER AND BACK” randomly during clears to keep players focused.
- Penalty Clears – Gotta clear man-down or even two men down against defenders.
- Fast Break Clears – Sprint back to clear after a shot instead of casually picking up the ball.
- Chaos Clears – Start clears with everyone running around and chaotic then suddenly lock in to clear against defenders.
Our elite lacrosse training programs include fast-paced sessions dedicated to clearing fundamentals and executing under duress. We’ll prepare you to successfully clear the ball no matter how much heat is coming your way or what unforeseen situations arise. You’ll rapidly improve at selling fakes, rolling away from checks, shielding your stick, and keeping the ball away from defenders on clears. We’ll also train you to make smart split-second passing decisions and hit your teammates on the hands in transition.
In addition to clearing drills, we also teach the key individual techniques needed to excel when clearing under pressure:
- Cradling – Cradle with varied speeds/motions to keep defenders off balance.
- Footwork – Keep feet active and your hips/shoulders square.
- Vision – Keep your head on a swivel to see the whole field.
- Dodging – Incorporate quick stick fakes and change of direction.
- Boxing Out – Use your body to shield defenders from the ball.
- Outlet Passing – Hit your outlets immediately after beating pressure.
Our experienced coaches have seen it all when it comes to clearing and will teach you how to counter every type of ride and pressure tactic. After training with us, you’ll have the skills and confidence to clear successfully no matter the situation. We’ll prepare you to quickly escape double teams, time your curl cuts perfectly, and sell every fake convincingly. You’ll learn to keep your composure when under fire and make smart decisions. We’ll also improve your conditioning so you can go all day against pressure without tiring.
Don’t let clearing mistakes cost you possessions and goals this season. Train with Mile High Lacrosse and gain the skills needed to clear like a pro against any defense. Use pressure clears in practice to improve your decision making, footwork, ball-handling and passing. Execute clears flawlessly in games and give your team an edge in the possession battle. Sign up today and see the results for yourself after learning from Colorado’s top lacrosse coaches!
Enhance Communication and Teamwork
Are you ready to take your lacrosse game to new heights this season? With crystal blue skies overhead and the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, it’s time to step up and dominate the field. Playing lacrosse at high altitude brings unique challenges, but you can overcome anything with rock solid communication and teamwork.
Communication is the foundation of any winning team. On the field, clear and concise communication eliminates confusion and allows players to anticipate each other’s moves. Here are some tips for enhancing communication amongst your teammates:
- Establish hand signals and visual cues. Non-verbal communication comes in handy when the game action gets loud. Work together to create unique hand signals for common plays and situations.
- Designate player roles. Give each player a specific communication role like “on-field captain” or “defense leader” to streamline in-game interactions.
- Overcommunicate when needed. In high pressure game situations, err on the side of overcommunication to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Listen actively. Communication is a two-way street. Focus on attentive listening and reading body language to pick up on critical cues.
- Debrief regularly. Discuss what worked and what didn’t after games and practices to continuously improve communication.
Along with communication, exceptional teamwork gives your squad an edge. Teams that work cohesively and collaboratively can outmaneuver opponents on the field. Here are some team building ideas to try:
- Set collective goals. Identify specific team goals for the season to give everyone a unified sense of purpose.
- Highlight player strengths. Get to know each other’s talents on and off the field. Draw on these strengths to the team’s advantage.
- Establish core values. Determine the core values, like integrity or perseverance, that your team represents.
- Plan off-field bonding. Grab team meals, host film study sessions, or meet up for hikes to connect outside of practice.
- Cultivate a team identity. Choose a team name, design jerseys, or create a motivational team chant to build camaraderie.
Playing at high altitude can be grueling, but preparation and adaptability are key. Adjusting your training regimen is crucial when playing miles above sea level. Here are some tips:
- Allow time to acclimate. Give your body several days to get used to the decreased oxygen before intense training starts.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The arid climate demands increased fluid intake before, during and after exertion.
- Monitor overtraining. At altitude, recovery takes longer. Adjust workouts to avoid injury and burnout.
- Emphasize conditioning. Spend extra time on endurance and cardio conditioning to compensate for thinner air.
- Supplement wisely. Some supplements like iron can help counteract altitude-related declines in performance.
As a newcomer to high altitude lacrosse, frustration is inevitable. However, show patience and keep perspective. Rome wasn’t built in a day. With focused practice and commitment to growth, your skills will reach new heights. Here are some final tips for keeping level-headed:
- Embrace failure. Struggling is part of the learning process. View setbacks as opportunities for growth.
- Tune out critics. Don’t get derailed by naysayers. Stay focused on your own development.
- Compare yourself only to your past self. Don’t get caught up in unhealthy comparison. Celebrate your personal progress.
- Stay positive. Adopt a growth mindset. Believe you can continuously improve with effort and perseverance.
- Have fun! Play with passion and enjoyment. Don’t lose sight of why you started playing lacrosse.
Take your game to the next level with unbreakable communication and teamwork! Set clear expectations, bond as a team, and help each other adapt to the altitude. Stay patient, support your teammates, and keep pushing yourself. With grit and determination, your squad can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Let the beauty of lacrosse in the Rockies motivate you to new heights!
Analyze Offense and Defense Strategies
Lacrosse is a game of complex strategies involving both offense and defense. To succeed, you need a strong grasp of strategic fundamentals as well as the ability to analyze opponents and make tactical adjustments on the fly. This season, take your strategic skills to new levels with in-depth film study, situational analysis, and adaptable game plans.
Dissecting game film unlocks key insights into strategic tendencies. Break down film footage systematically, tracking things like:
- Offensive movement – Note patterns in spacing, cuts, picks, and ball movement.
- Defensive matchups – See how opponents match up personnel wise in coverage.
- Shooting habits – Identify each player’s preferred shooting angles and areas.
- Zone defense vulnerabilities – Search for gaps and weak points in zone defensive schemes.
- Transition speed – Time how quickly opponents can switch from offense to defense.
Look for offensive and defensive trends over multiple games. What are their base formations? How do they adjust strategically during games? Knowing opponents’ strategic tendencies will help you counteract them.
Along with film breakdowns, in-game strategic analysis is crucial. Be an observant, analytical player. As each game unfolds, ask yourself key questions like:
- How are we beating their defense strategically?
- What offensive looks are causing problems for their defense?
- How are they exploiting our defensive scheme?
- What strategic changes would create mismatches for us?
Share observations and suggestions with teammates and coaches during timeouts and between quarters. Welcome ideas from teammates too. Adjustments could be as simple as switching defensive matchups or integrating new offensive sets. Strategizing collaboratively leads to smarter in-game tactics.
Creating adaptable game plans is vital when competing at altitude. Different opponents and conditions demand tailored approaches. Build a strategic toolkit with multiple offensive sets, defensive schemes, and situational strategies. Having diverse strategic options allows you to modify tactics on the fly.
Here are some key strategies to have in your toolkit:
- Motion offense – Use screens and cuts to disorient defenses.
- Set plays – Design specific plays to exploit weaknesses.
- Full court press – Pressure opponents the full length of the field.
- Zone defense – Prioritize protecting key areas of the field.
- Man-to-man – Match up individually against opponents.
- Slowdown tactics – Control possession and slow the pace late in games.
When introducing new strategies, start small. Install a few basic plays or sets at a time. Run scrimmages focused solely on practicing the new strategy. Breaking in new tactics gradually allows them to solidify.
Don’t forget to tailor strategies to your personnel. Play to your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. If you have great shooters, install more passing-focused plays. If your team has speed, utilize strategies like transition breaks that maximize it. Player-focused strategies give you an edge.
At high altitudes, endurance becomes a critical strategic factor. Don’t leave anything in the tank energy-wise later in games when opponents may be gassed. Maintain your strategic focus and execution when fatigued. Additionally, emphasize conditioning in practices to build stamina. You can outlast opponents strategically by preparing physically.
Mastering offensive and defensive strategies takes time and commitment. Watch tons of game footage. Continuously analyze and adjust tactics mid-game. Experiment with new approaches in practice. Stay keenly aware of your personnel’s skills. Internalize strategic foundations like spacing, transition speed, and matchup manipulation. With sound strategic skills, you’ll excel in the mile high air this season!
Train Hard to Increase Endurance
Playing your best lacrosse demands endless endurance. Pushing your limits with rigorous training is the only way to prepare for the grind of high altitude competition. This season, increase your conditioning with targeted drills, strength training, and competitive scrimmages that build your stamina. Playing through fatigue will become second nature with an unwavering commitment to hard work.
Integrating endurance-focused drills into practices is essential. Drills that emphasize constant motion with limited rest build cardiovascular capacity. Try tempo drills like:
- Continuous full field sprints – Test speed endurance by running the length of the field repeatedly with minimal rest between sprints.
- Timed shooting – Challenge yourself to take as many shots on goal as possible within a set time period like 45 seconds.
- Position-specific repeats – Run repetitive drills for your position, like dodging and shooting for attackmen, with a focus on limiting rest.
Vary the durations and intervals of these drills to stress your endurance in different ways. Use timers and specific repetition counts to quantify your progress over time.
You can also incorporate endurance-building exercises into footwork and stickwork drills by limiting rest time and training to exhaustion. Constantly pushing your limits expands your aerobic and anaerobic capacities.
Strength training is also vital for increasing stamina. A strong core and lower body provide the physical base to maintain your technique and performance during a grueling game. Tailor your program to build game-specific power in areas like:
- Core – Planks, crunches, Russian twists
- Legs – Squats, lunges, box jumps
- Shoulders – Overhead presses, lateral raises
- Back – Bent over rows, pull-ups
Use challenging weight loads and minimal rest periods. Mix in bodyweight exercises like burpees and mountain climbers too. The more exhausted you are by the end, the greater the endurance benefits.
Competitive scrimmages are your best opportunity to practice playing with fatigue. Structure live game play to mimic the physical demands of a real game. Play full field, enforce time limits, run set plays – anything to increase realism. Scramble squads and shuffle lineups each quarter to maintain intensity. Implement scrimmage-specific rules like no substitutions or timeouts. The more you replicate game conditions, the better you’ll learn to perform while winded.
You can also organize intra-squad conditioning competitions like longest shot accuracy shooting contests. Competing against teammates incentivizes maximum effort.
To optimize endurance training, pay close attention to rest and recovery. Pushing your limits day after day leads to burnout and decreased performance. Build rest days into your training schedule. Sleep a minimum of 8 hours nightly. Refuel with protein shakes and complex carbs after workouts. Get sports massages and stretch daily. Proper rest allows your body to adapt and return stronger.
Playing at altitude intensifies fatigue. Make altitude-specific conditioning a priority early in the preseason. Set up practices at local parks or facilities at a similar elevation to your game fields. This exposes your body to thin air physical demands before games start. The more you prepare specifically for high altitude, the better you’ll respond in-game.
Commit to outworking everyone this season. Arrive early to practice to warm up. Stay late to fit in extra sprints and drills. Visualize yourself playing hard late into the fourth quarter when opponents are out of gas. Your willingness to train hard when others won’t determines your level of endurance come game time. Let your relentless work ethic wear down and demoralize opponents this season!
Learn Proper Recovery and Injury Prevention
Playing competitive lacrosse demands incredible athleticism and physical durability. However, improper recovery and lack of injury prevention can quickly derail your season. This year, make rest, nutrition, hydration, and smart training choices your top priorities. Commit to being proactive and diligent with your body maintenance and you’ll reap major rewards on the field.
Recovery starts with quality sleep. Strive for 8-10 hours per night to allow muscle repair and mental recharging. Maintain a consistent sleep routine, limiting light exposure and device time before bed. Consider supplements like melatonin or magnesium to improve sleep quality. Drink tart cherry juice nightly too – it’s packed with sleep-boosting compounds.
Nutrition provides the raw materials for muscle recovery. Emphasize nutrient-dense foods in your diet like:
- Lean proteins – Rebuild damaged muscle tissue.
- Fruits and veggies – Supply antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
- Healthy carbs – Replenish depleted energy stores.
- Healthy fats – Reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.
Time your nutrition by eating protein within 30 minutes after workouts and getting a mix of carbs and protein at subsequent meals. Stay hydrated by sipping on water and sports drinks all day.
Active recovery enhances circulation and range of motion between intense training days. Try easy jogging, swimming, yoga, or light cardio sessions. Contrast showers alternating hot and cold water assist healing too. Get sports massages to relieve muscle tightness and spur tissue repair.
Monitoring your effort and intensity levels prevents overtraining and burnout. Limit high intensity training sessions to 2-3 times per week. Take at least one rest day where your physical activity is light. Listen to your body and cut back when you feel overly fatigued or drained. Pushing through exhaustion often causes injury.
Injury prevention starts with proper warm-ups. Always warm up for at least 10 minutes before intense activity. Gradually increase your heart rate with light cardio and loosen muscles with dynamic stretches. Sport-specific movements prep your body for the athletic demands to come. Maintain muscle pliability with regular foam rolling and mobility work.
Stick to smart training progressions and safe movement mechanics as well. Slowly ramp up mileage runs and increase weight amounts. Reinforce proper form constantly when weight training and practicing. Preventative exercises that strengthen at-risk muscle groups like rotator cuffs and hips can offset common lacrosse injuries.
Wearing protective gear during training lowers injury risk too. Use padded gloves and eyewear when practicing stickwork drills. Wear mouthguards during contact drills to protect teeth and jaws. Using gear in training helps you adjust to performing with it on game day.
Listen to your body and rest sore muscles instead of playing through pain. Minor injuries become major when you ignore warning signs and keep overworking affected areas. Don’t let machismo culture push you beyond your limits either. Know when to say no to coercive coaches or teammates.
Playing at altitude adds strain to your body. Expect some shortness of breath, headaches, or nausea as you acclimate. Increase hydration and rest to combat altitude effects. Don’t overdo activity levels until your body adjusts. Give recovery an extra emphasis all season long at high elevation.
Make smart health decisions and you’ll reap huge rewards on the field. Prioritize sleep, nutrition and active recovery every single day. Train intelligently to avoid injury and burnout. Take a long term view of your body’s health and your lacrosse career will thrive.
Maintain Composure During Intense Game Situations
Lacrosse is an intense, fast-paced game. Emotions and adrenaline run high. Maintaining composure in critical game moments can be the difference between victory and defeat. This season, make poise under pressure a priority. Stay mentally focused, block out distractions, and stick to fundamentals when the heat turns up on the field.
First and foremost, stay focused on the present moment. When the game speeds up, the natural tendency is to hurry your play and decision making. Fight this urge. Slow your mind down and tune out the noise. Lock in on your immediate assignments and fundamentals. Forget the last bad call or turnover – stay absorbed in your current task.
Tune out hostile crowds or obnoxious opponents strategically. Expect taunts and insults when playing top rivals on their home field. Don’t let it shake your confidence or focus. Visualize an imaginary dome around you blocking out all outside noise. Stay relaxed through deep breathing when tempers flare.
Stick to your strengths during crunch time situations. Don’t attempt low percentage shots or risky passes just because the game is close. Play within yourself and within the offensive system. Trust your skills and training. Rely on muscle memory and rep those shots and moves you’ve mastered in practice to perfection.
Communicate with teammates to maintain composure when the pressure is turned up. Talk constantly and make eye contact. Give reminders to maintain proper spacing and play fundamentals. Crack jokes to lighten the mood. Keep the energy enthusiastic but calm.
Similarly, provide teammates encouragement and motivation when you see frustration boiling over. If someone makes a mental error or turns the ball over, refocus them quickly with a “next play!” attitude. Keep body language positive and uplifting to prevent meltdowns.
During stoppages in play, purposefully slow things down. Avoid rah-rah speeches that overhype. Provide tactical reminders and words of encouragement. Take deep breaths in the huddle. Regain mental composure before jumping back into the fire.
Managing emotions and energy smartly prevents dumb penalties. Don’t retaliate when an opponent takes a cheap shot at you. Don’t slam your stick or scream at officials. Channel excess energy into your play, not outbursts. Take oneself out momentarily if you feel control slipping.
When fatigued, simplify your game to limit mental errors. Focus on flawless fundamentals like cradling, passing, and catching. On defense, stay goal side and keep the man you’re covering in front of you at all times. Conserve mental energy for essential game behaviors.
Preparing extensively for high leverage scenarios inoculates you mentally when they arrive. Spend time in practice visualizing and simulating two minute drills, overtime, and other late game situations. The more repetitions, the more composed you’ll be.
Playing at altitude intensifies physical and mental fatigue. Expect your energy to drop faster late in games. Maintain resolve and continue playing smart disciplined lacrosse even with dead legs. Control pace of play and limit substitutions to keep opponents under distress.
Make composure under pressure a mindset, not just a set of tactics. Take pride in being a poised, focused player when the heat turns up. Seek out big moments and thrive under them. Your mental game separates you this season!
Represent Your Team With Sportsmanship and Class
Win or lose, your actions represent your lacrosse program. Carry yourself with sportsmanship, integrity, and class at all times. How you conduct yourself on and off the field directly impacts your team’s reputation. This season, commit to honorable behavior and your character will elevate your team to new heights.
First and foremost, compete clean. Never intentionally injure an opponent or make dangerous illegal hits. Help up fallen players and apologize for accidental collisions. Don’t instigate scuffles after the whistle. Uphold fair play even when opponents don’t.
Avoid taunting, trash talk, and other unsportsmanlike antics. Don’t showboat while running up the score. Handling success and failure gracefully earns respect. Let your skills do the talking and focus on playing, not petty mind games.
Respect officials and accept their decisions without complaint. Don’t slam your stick or gesture angrily at bad calls. Talk to refs respectfully if you need clarification. Recognize officials are human and will make mistakes.
Win humbly and lose graciously. Congratulate opponents sincerely after games, regardless of the score. Don’t make excuses or complain about outside factors. Take responsibility for your performance and learn from defeats.
At the end of games, always line up and shake hands. Wish opponents good luck. Thank officials and staff. No matter the rivalry, show class during these ceremonial handshakes.
In public, represent your lacrosse program positively. At restaurants, the mall, or around town, remember you are an ambassador. Choose your words carefully and maintain mature behavior.
On social media, avoid inflammatory comments and posts that could reflect poorly on your team. Social media posts are public forever. Think long term about how posts could be interpreted.
During practices, games, or team events, keep language clean and appropriate. Vulgar talk is unnecessary and reflects immaturity. Hold each other accountable for promoting a respectful team culture.
Living with integrity extends off the field too. Make smart decisions about partying behaviors. Associating with sketchy influences can sabotage your team’s reputation.
Stand up for what’s right, even if it’s unpopular. Denounce any hazing or bullying immediately. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your program.
Younger players look up to varsity athletes. Set a positive example in the community that inspires the next generation. Give back by volunteering time to youth lacrosse camps and clinics.
Playing at altitude presents unique sportsmanship challenges. Opponents may try to provoke you more in front of their home crowd. Stay cool under this pressure. Use the thin air as motivation to take the high road.
Honor the game that gives you so much. Have the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult. Your personal integrity and sportsmanship define your legacy, not any trophy or accolade.