Looking to Become a Youth Lacrosse Coach This Year. Learn the 15 Keys to Getting Certified and Landing Your Dream Job
Looking to Become a Youth Lacrosse Coach This Year. Learn the 15 Keys to Getting Certified and Landing Your Dream Job
Research US Lacrosse Coach Certification Requirements
So you want to become a youth lacrosse coach? That’s awesome! Shaping young athletes and teaching them the fundamentals of this exciting sport can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But before you step onto the field, it’s important to understand the certification process required by US Lacrosse, the national governing body for the sport.
US Lacrosse offers several levels of coaching credentials, each with their own education and experience requirements. For youth coaches, a key certification is the Level 1 Online Course. This interactive course provides an introduction to coaching philosophy, principles of effective coaching, and age-appropriate lacrosse instruction. You’ll learn essential drills, skills, and strategies for teaching kids aged 12 and under.
The Level 1 certification is a prerequisite for the Level 2 certification, which involves more advanced classroom and field work. Level 2 focuses on leading safe, effective practices and analyzing technical skills. It’s designed for coaches working with athletes aged 13 and up.
Beyond the foundational Level 1 and 2 courses, US Lacrosse offers position-specific certifications for coaches who want to specialize in skills like goalkeeping, defense, or face-offs. There are also certifications in strength training and college recruiting.
In addition to US Lacrosse credentials, many youth lacrosse leagues require background checks, CPR/First Aid training, and concussion education for their coaches. Be sure to check with your local program for any additional requirements.
Find the Right Online Training Programs

With classroom sessions temporarily on hold due to COVID-19, online training makes getting certified more accessible than ever. US Lacrosse offers their Level 1 and 2 courses in a self-paced online format, so you can work through the material on your own schedule.
There are also some great supplemental resources available online. For example, the Positive Coaching Alliance offers workshops on positive motivation, conflict resolution, and helping athletes develop life skills. And free video tutorials on YouTube can help refine your understanding of lacrosse strategies and techniques.
Get Hands-On Experience as an Assistant
While online training will teach you a ton, nothing beats hands-on experience. See if a local youth program needs an assistant coach this season. Working under a veteran head coach, you’ll gain invaluable in-game perspective on running drills, motivating players, and making real-time strategic decisions.
Don’t be shy about asking questions during practices and on the sidelines during games. The more you can learn about the ins and outs of coaching, the better prepared you’ll be to lead your own team someday.
Network with Other Local Coaches

In addition to shadowing coaches on the field, take time to connect with the youth lacrosse community in your area. Reach out to other coaches to learn their philosophies and exchange ideas. Some may even be willing to mentor you as you work toward certification.
You can also attend local US Lacrosse chapter meetings and coaching clinics to meet fellow coaches. Having a network of colleagues you can turn to for advice will be invaluable as a new coach.
Brush Up on Your Lacrosse Skills and Drills
It’s hard to teach lacrosse fundamentals if you’re rusty yourself. Spend time sharpening your own passing, catching, shooting, and dodging skills. Work on lacrosse-specific conditioning. Master basic drills like two-line rides, zig-zag passes, and give-and-goes.
The more comfortable you are demonstrating proper technique, the easier it will be to coach beginners. Don’t just explain drills – show your players correct form by doing each drill alongside them.