As a lifelong lacrosse player and coach, I know firsthand that attending the right summer camp can be a game-changer when it comes to developing your skills. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camp is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the sport and accelerate your progress. But to really get the most out of the experience, there are some key things to keep in mind.
Research Lacrosse Camps Carefully – Find Ones with Excellent Coaching and Facilities
Not all camps are created equal, so do your homework to find one that offers top-notch coaching and facilities. Look for camps run by college coaches or pro players – they have the expertise to provide high-level instruction. Ask about the coach-to-player ratio to ensure you’ll get focused attention. Check out the fields, cages, and equipment to confirm everything is top-notch. Read reviews from past campers. Reach out to the directors with any questions. Taking the time to find a well-run camp with knowledgeable coaches and quality gear will pay off tremendously.
For example, camps like Jordan Wolf Lacrosse Camp and ProLacrosse Camps have incredible staff and resources. Jordan Wolf is a pro lacrosse legend who played for Duke and in the MLL. His camps partner with prestigious programs like UPenn to offer access to elite coaches and facilities. Meanwhile, ProLacrosse Camps are focused on positional training, with specialized instruction from pro and college stars at top-tier venues. Do your research to find the right fit for your goals and experience level.
The setting and structure of a camp matters too. Overnight or day camps, large or small groups, varied or focused curriculums – consider what will work best for your needs. If you want total immersion, overnight camps are great for building camaraderie and taking your game to the next level. Or if you have a specific position or skill you want to hone, look for specialized training. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, and objectives to choose the camp that will help you get the most improvement.
Set Goals for What Skills You Want to Develop at Camp – Focus Your Time Strategically
Once you’ve picked the right camp, set clear goals so you can make the most of your time. What specific skills do you want to improve? Shooting accuracy? Dodging moves? Footwork? Position-specific techniques? Write down 2-3 priority areas to focus your training. Track your progress in a journal throughout camp so you can see your growth.
Then be intentional about how you spend your time. Don’t just go through the motions in drills – zero in on your target skills. Ask coaches for help perfecting key techniques. Seek out reps in those areas during scrimmages. Stay after for extra work on your weaknesses. Setting goals and crafting a plan will help you extract the maximum value from each camp day.
For instance, if your top goal is improving shooting mechanics, really concentrate on proper follow-through and accuracy in shooting drills. Ask a coach to fine-tune your form. Challenge yourself to hit milestones like 8 out of 10 shots or a 60% shot percentage. Track your stats to see tangible progress. With focused effort, you’ll be sniping top corners in no time!
Pack Properly – Bring All Your Gear and Label Everything to Avoid Losing Equipment
Make sure you come prepared with all the necessary equipment so you can perform at your best. Bring your own stick, pads, helmet, cleats, gloves, and any other gear you need. Having your own properly strung stick and well-fitted pads makes a big difference in your play. Write your name or initials on absolutely everything – trust me, items will get mixed up in locker rooms and bags, so labeling is a must.
It’s also smart to pack extras of critical items like strings, shoelaces, mouthguards, tape, and socks in case something breaks or gets lost. Keeping a checklist of your gear and doing an inventory every night will help avoid panic if something goes missing. And bring a waterproof bag or extra dry clothes in case the weather doesn’t cooperate – nothing derails a great practice like soaked sneakers or a waterlogged pocket.
Making a packing list, labeling your items, and having backup essentials will allow you to focus on improving your skills instead of worrying about your equipment. And coaching staff notice which campers come prepared to work hard.
[Article continues with more tips on preparing physically, fundamentals to work on, seeking extra coaching, bonding with teammates, learning new skills, taking leadership, proper recovery, staying positive, absorbing knowledge, continuing progress after camp, and planning for next summer’s camps]
[Previous section covers researching camps, setting goals, and packing properly]
Set Goals for What Skills You Want to Develop at Camp – Focus Your Time Strategically
Summer lacrosse camp flies by quickly, so make every moment count by setting clear goals and having a plan of attack. Think critically about 2-3 priority skills you want to develop, and be intentional about focusing your efforts there. This targeted approach will accelerate your growth exponentially compared to just loosely going through the motions.
For instance, if your dodging needs work, tell your coaches so you can get specialized instruction. Spend extra time in dodging drills practicing different moves like rolls, splits, and hanging shots. Refine your footwork and stick handling. Study how the top camp dodgers operate in the midfield and replicate their techniques. Track your progress in executing dodges successfully against defenders. With concentrated effort on this one aspect, your game can reach a whole new level.
Or maybe you want to become a shutdown defender. Inform coaches so they can assess your technique and provide tips for improvement. Really focus on refining your footwork, positioning, and stick checks during drills. Observe elite defenders at camp and try to adopt their strategies. Challenge yourself to stop some of the best offensive players in scrimmages. Chart how often you force turnovers, win groundballs, and lock off cutters. Targeted training will expedite your transformation into a tenacious D-middie.
The options are endless – shooting, clearing, face-offs, off-ball movement, whatever your position and weaknesses may be. Just be sure to strategize so you can attack your problem areas directly. The focused effort will pay massive dividends in your development as a lacrosse athlete.
Prepare Physically – Get in Lacrosse Shape Before Camp Starts to Avoid Injuries
Lacrosse camp involves near constant activity in the heat – grueling practices, intense scrimmages, speed and agility drills, and more. Come prepared physically so you can keep up with the demanding pace and avoid burning out or getting hurt. This means taking the time before camp to get your body conditioned and lacrosse-ready.
For starters, ramp up your regular workout routine. Increase cardio to build stamina – add extra running, biking, swimming, or similar activities. Do agility ladder and footwork drills to enhance your quickness and explosiveness. Strengthen your core and lower body with CrossFit-style moves like box jumps and lunges. These all translate directly to on-field performance.
You should also be playing regular lacrosse in the weeks leading up to camp. Join a summer league, find pickup games, and do individual shooting and skill work. Getting your lacrosse legs back after the school season ends will help avoid pulling a hamstring or winding yourself in that first intense practice. Proper preparation will allow you to hit the ground running at camp.
And don’t forget diet, sleep, and recovery. Hydrate constantly, refuel with protein and complex carbs, and get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Let your body fully recover between workout sessions. Listen to any nagging pains and take days off when needed. Entering camp healthy, conditioned, and lacrosse-ready will allow you to get the most out of every moment on the field.
[Article continues with sections on focusing on fundamentals, seeking extra coaching, bonding with teammates, learning new skills, taking leadership, proper recovery during camp, staying positive, absorbing knowledge, continuing progress after camp, and planning for next summer’s camps]
[Previous sections cover researching camps, setting goals, preparing physically]
Pack Properly – Bring All Your Gear and Label Everything to Avoid Losing Equipment
Any experienced lacrosse camper will tell you – failing to pack properly can totally derail your experience. You need to bring all your own equipment so you can perform at your best. And you must label absolutely everything or you’ll spend half your time scrambling to find lost items.
First and foremost, bring your own stick, pads, helmet, gloves – don’t expect the camp to provide gear that fits you perfectly. Having your customized pocket that you’re used to is a game-changer. Make sure your equipment is in good condition too – no busted sidewall strings or cracked pads. And pack extra laces, tape, batteries, mouthguards, or other essentials in case something needs to be replaced.
Now label, label, label – put your name or initials on every single item, including your sticks, bags, water bottles, socks, shoes, sweatshirts, you name it. Use a sharpie, label maker, stitching – whatever works. This is crucial since equipment gets tossed all over in locker rooms, left on sideline tables, mixed into community bins. Trust me, that time spent labeling will save you endless stress when your stuff gets shuffled around.
Pack extra gear too. Throw in an extra pair of cleats in case one breaks or gets soaked on a rainy day. Bring extra shorts and shirts if you tend to rip them. Keep spare shooting strings, sock tape, gloves, etc on hand for quick repairs. You’ll be glad you had backups when your sidewall blows out or your helmet gets crunched.
And don’t forget casual clothes, toiletries, bedding if overnight, and plenty of snacks to fuel up between sessions. Keeping a ongoing checklist as you pack and unpack will help avoid forgetting essentials. Taking time to pack properly truly enhances the camp experience.
Focus on Fundamentals – Use Camp to Refine Core Skills
It’s easy to get caught up scrimmaging and neglect fundamental skills at camp. But stickhandling, footwork, shooting mechanics, clearing, and other lacrosse basics must come first. Use camp as a time to fine-tune the core techniques that provide a foundation for your game.
For example, really focus on mastering a diverse array of stick tricks – quick sticks, splits, rolls, behind-the-backs, face dodge variations. Nail down proper passing form and hitting different spots on the run. Dial-in your shooting with repetitive accuracy drills. Lock down stick protection and scooping in traffic. Shoring up fundamentals will make you a complete, consistent player.
[Article continues with sections on seeking extra coaching, bonding with teammates, learning new skills, taking leadership, proper recovery during camp, staying positive, absorbing knowledge, continuing progress after camp, and planning for next summer’s camps]
[Previous sections cover researching camps, setting goals, packing properly]
Prepare Physically – Get in Lacrosse Shape Before Camp Starts to Avoid Injuries
Lacrosse camp is a demanding, fast-paced environment. You’ll be pushed hard with an intense schedule packed back-to-back with practices, drills, scrimmages and more. Come prepared physically so you can keep up without getting hurt.
First, add high-intensity cardio like sprints, interval training, and distance running to build stamina. Do ladder drills and quick footwork routines to increase agility and explosiveness. Strengthen your core, hips and legs with lower body exercises – box jumps, lunges, squats. This training directly correlates to performance.
Repetition is also key – your body needs to re-adjust to the constant starting/stopping, cutting, and contact of lacrosse. Join a summer league, do wall ball shooting, play backyard games. Gradually increase your lacrosse activity leading up to camp. This will toughen up your muscles and prevent pulls and strains those first few days.
Proper recovery is crucial too – hydrate, eat right, and get plenty of sleep so muscles repair and refuel. Know the signs of overtraining and take a day off when needed. Entering camp healthy and conditioned will allow you to hit the ground running.
For example, say your top weakness is cardiovascular endurance. Begin adding longer distance runs and high-intensity bike sessions to build stamina. Do suicides, bleachers and sprints to replicate the start-stop nature of lacrosse. Monitor your heart rate recovery time to gauge improvement. Proper training will transform you into a relentless midfielder.
Or if you’re prone to hamstring issues, focus on eccentric exercises, foam rolling and dynamic stretching to increase flexibility while preventing strains. Track your progress in loosening up your hamstrings and hips. Targeted preparation is key to avoiding injuries that could sideline your camp experience.
With the right fitness routine and recovery regimen leading up to camp, you’ll be primed for success on the field. Don’t risk trying to play into shape those first few days – get lacrosse-ready beforehand.
[Article continues with sections on focusing on fundamentals, seeking extra coaching, bonding with teammates, learning new skills, taking leadership, proper recovery during camp, staying positive, absorbing knowledge, continuing progress after camp, and planning for next summer’s camps]
Focus on fundamentals – use camp to refine core skills like cradling, shooting, passing
Summer lacrosse camp provides the perfect opportunity for young players to focus on honing their fundamentals. While the excitement of games and scrimmages is part of what makes camp fun, be sure to maximize time spent refining core lacrosse skills as well. Use drills, demonstrations and coaching feedback to improve cradling, shooting, passing and other building blocks that will serve you well when fall ball starts up again.
Cradling in particular is a fundamental skill at any level, but often overlooked. By keeping the ball secure in your stick with proper cradling technique, you’ll improve ball control, protect against checks and maintain possession longer. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day at camp to focus just on cradling. Start with simple cradling drills like figure 8s around cones while concentrating on keeping your hands equidistant from the shaft. Then incorporate more game-like dodging and evading movements. Your cradling will get noticeably cleaner after just a few focused sessions.
Passing and catching is another elemental skill to never neglect. Set up passing drills with a partner or in a circle formation to nail down mechanics. Focus on delivering accurate passes to your teammate’s stick on the run, then smoothly catching passes from increasing distances. Stress your hands and body by catching passes coming from different angles and at higher velocities. Your field awareness, reaction time and ability to move the ball quickly will improve drastically.
Don’t forget shooting either. Work on your mechanics every day with different types of shots like overhand, sidearm and underhand. Set up repetitions coming from behind the goal, from X and from up top. Vary your approach angle, footwork and release point. Shoot on the run and work in shot fakes. Nothing builds a lethal scorer like hours spent honing proper shooting form and accuracy.
The great thing about summer camp is being able to isolate the most essential individual skills through repetitive drill work. Take advantage of having coaches provide feedback on your technique as you craft the cradling, passing, catching and shooting abilities that are core to lacrosse success.
Get in lacrosse shape – improve conditioning and build muscle memory through repetition
Summer camp also provides the time and focused environment to build your overall lacrosse conditioning. Taking advantage of multiple practices a day and supplemental conditioning activities will get you in the best shape possible before fall ball.
Focus on short burst exercises that mimic the stop-and-go nature of lacrosse like suicides, cone drills and agility ladders. Get your heart rate up with longer cardio intervals like jogging, swimming and using the stationary bike. And don’t neglect strength training with bodyweight exercises, light weights and resistance bands to build power in your legs, core and upper body.
Improving your stamina, speed and strength this summer will give you an edge. You’ll be more explosive and less fatigued during games. Continue training on your own after camp ends to maintain those fitness gains until fall season.
Repetition is also key for honing the muscle memory needed for lacrosse success. Your stick skills and footwork will become more automatic with concentrated time spent repeating drills. Focus on performing each skill properly and fluidly before incorporating speed or defender pressure. Reps also breed consistency, helping you execute fundamentals correctly every time.
So take advantage of the high volume of reps you can get in at practices during camp. The concentrated time spent repeating core drills and skills will lead to increased lacrosse instincts and ability to make split-second decisions during live play.
Learn new tactics and lacrosse IQ from coaches
One of the best ways to boost your lacrosse skills and IQ is by learning directly from experienced coaches. Take advantage of having access to knowledgeable instructors at camp who can teach you new tactics, techniques and perspectives on the game.
Pick the coaches’ brains during downtime, asking questions about defensive positioning, executing set plays or improving your decision-making. Pay close attention to their guidance and feedback during drills. Implement their suggestions right away to develop good habits. Having coaches watch you perform drills is invaluable for correcting little technique mistakes.
Also learn by watching the coaches demonstrate proper form for passing, shooting mechanics and footwork for example. Their expertise can help you master the subtle nuances and details of different techniques. Coaches may also share helpful mental approach tips, workout suggestions and inspirational advice to apply both on and off the field.
Immerse yourself in the chance to gain new lacrosse knowledge and absorb as much wisdom as you can from the coaches. Their experience and teaching will provide skills and insight that stick with you long after camp is over.
Embrace competition – use camp games and tourneys to elevate your play
While honing your skills is important, you also want to test yourself in competitive camp scrimmages and tournaments. Embrace these opportunities to elevate your level of play. Bring out your best effort and see how your enhanced skills translate against live competition.
Focus on sharing the ball quickly, making smart cuts off ball and applying new tactics you’ve learned. Look to push your limits with speed and physicality. Maintain composure in pressure situations.
Learning how to excel when competing against your peers will breed confidence for fall ball season. Keep building chemistry with teammates through camp games. Try playing different positions to expand your versatility. Compete hard every possession.
Playing in camp tournaments is also great preparation for the upcoming season. Treat tourney games like regular season contests in terms of effort and focus. Gain experience adjusting to unfamiliar opponents on short notice. Learn how to rebound from mistakes or early deficits as a team.
The competition at summer lacrosse camp will bring out your best. Use scrimmages and tourneys to make the most of refining your skills against live challengers. Let the competitive environment bolster your confidence heading into fall ball.
Focus on weaknesses & identify areas for growth
A big benefit of summer camp is being able to pinpoint areas of your game that need the most work. Be honest with yourself about your current weaknesses and use camp to improve them.
Maybe your right-handed shot is inconsistent or you struggle defending behind the cage. Watch film of your camp scrimmages to spot flaws. Ask coaches to observe you closely for areas needing improvement. Put in extra reps correcting those weaknesses through solo drills after practice.
Identifying deficiencies gives you a roadmap for growth. Set goals to shore up struggles with footwork, passing accuracy, riding technique or any other aspect by the end of camp. Maintain a growth mindset and stay positive through the improvement process.
Summer camp also presents a fresh perspective for seeing your game more objectively. Be receptive to coaches’ constructive criticism about ways to get better. Their outside viewpoint can illuminate areas for refinement you may have overlooked.
Be willing to work outside your comfort zone this summer. Addressing your vulnerabilities will bring you closer to reaching your full lacrosse potential.
Bond with new teammates & foster team chemistry
One of the great team-building aspects of lacrosse camp is connecting with new teammates. Whether you know some players already or are coming in as a total stranger, look to foster chemistry on and off the field.
Make an effort to learn teammates’ names and get to know them personally during downtime. Ask about where they’re from, their school, position, lacrosse heroes and goals for the season. Build rapport by sharing things about yourself too.
On the field, focus on developing cooperative habits like communicating consistently, celebrating goals together and picking teammates up after mistakes. Eat meals together and hang out during free time. Syncing up your style of play through practice reps creates familiarity.
Positively reinforce one another for good passes, hustle plays and wins in camp tourneys. Establish an encouraging team culture where you have each other’s backs.
Forming bonds with new teammates at summer camp will unite you on the field. Use the time to create friendships and team cohesion that will carry over into fall ball season.
Have fun! Enjoy camaraderie and making lifelong memories
As much as lacrosse camp is about putting in hard work to improve your skills, it’s also important to have fun and enjoy the overall experience. Keep perspective that although you’re there to get better, it’s still summer vacation and a chance to make great memories.
Embrace opportunities to destress and unwind with teammates between practices. Participate in camp-wide games, contests and activities. Attend socials to interact with new friends. Take advantage of any free time to just relax.
Savor the camaraderie with your teammates on and off the field. Lean on one another during challenging moments and share in the payoff of achievements. Foster inside jokes and laugh often. Enjoy nightly hangs recapping the day’s events.
Be present through all the small moments that make camp special. Appreciate the passion you share for lacrosse. Soak it all in and make the most of memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Getting better at lacrosse is the main goal, but having fun and enjoying the overall experience is essential too. Focus on improvement when it’s time to work, then savor the friendships and memories during downtime. Finding that balance will ensure you maximize your time at camp.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone – try new drills and techniques to grow as a player
One of the best ways to improve your lacrosse skills this summer is to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Be open to trying new drills, techniques and training methods at camp that force you to expand your abilities.
Don’t shy away from unfamiliar stickwork drills that may initially feel awkward. Challenge yourself to develop ambidextrous skills like passing and shooting with your non-dominant hand. Experiment with playing different positions during scrimmages to understand new roles.
Seek out coaching on advanced moves like behind-the-back passing, pinpoint shooting and quick stick catches. Ask to face increasingly difficult competition in drills that tests your limits. Step outside what comes naturally to force progression.
Pushing past your comfort zone in safe practice settings eliminates fear. Gain confidence handling higher velocity passes, absorbing bigger checks and attempting riskier plays. You’ll return to school with expanded skills and readiness for new challenges.
Summer camp also provides an opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques and training methods. Take advantage of coaches offering specialized instruction in areas like positional footwork, correct checking form and leveraging your body type.
Immerse yourself in advanced drills using tennis balls, rebounders and weighted sticks to develop quicker hands and reaction time. Try innovative film study methods to improve lacrosse IQ. Adopt new cross-training and nutrition regimens to maximize your athleticism.
Being receptive to novel coaching styles and techniques will provide a competitive edge. Don’t default to the familiar – expand your boundaries and athletic potential at camp.
Listen and learn – be a sponge absorbing knowledge from coaches
To get the most out of summer camp, adopt a learning mindset. Be eager to listen, ask questions and absorb as much wisdom as possible from coaches.
Approach each drill with focus and intention, implementing instructors’ feedback in real time. Pay close attention to details during demonstrations, then replicate techniques precisely in your own reps. Always be attentive even when coaches are addressing the whole group.
Take notes on new terminology, strategies and motivational points coaches make during downtime chats and classroom sessions. Review your notes afterward and write down any lingering questions.
Make coaches aware that you want to improve as much as possible at camp. Ask them to observe and critique your mechanics during drills. Inquire about specific techniques you’re struggling with. Seek their guidance in identifying weaknesses.
The cumulative knowledge you gain from coaches’ years of experience can significantly impact your development. How much you improve at camp depends on having a sponge-like mentality. Absorb all you can from their coaching expertise.
Adopt a growth mindset – view challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities
To maximize your camp experience, embrace a growth mindset. View challenges, mistakes and setbacks as opportunities to learn rather than failures. Strive for constant improvement over perfection.
When struggling to master a new skill, reframe it as a chance to expand your abilities through determined practice. Let mistakes in scrimmages reveal spaces for refinement, not embarrassment. Use defeats as motivation to dig deeper and raise your competitiveness.
Persist through difficulties knowing your abilities are not fixed, but rather can grow incrementally through effort. Stay positive, ignore negative self-talk and don’t get discouraged. Focus on enhancing little elements each rep.
Adopting a growth framework will ensure you maintain motivation on the long journey of skill development. Measure your progress in effort and attitude, not just results. Celebrate small wins and build confidence.
Summer camp provides fertile ground for cultivating a growth state of mind. View every challenge as an opportunity to improve. Progress will follow.
Network and make new connections
Beyond honing your skills, summer camp presents great opportunities to expand your network and make new connections. Be proactive about interacting with both coaches and fellow campers.
Introduce yourself to coaches and inquire about their background. Ask for their best drills for developing certain skills. Exchange contact info so you can follow-up with questions after camp. Position them as mentors.
Get to know campers outside your normal social circles. Discover common ground through lacrosse or other interests. Form group chats to stay in touch after camp ends. Expand your possibilities.
Discuss lacrosse dreams and goals with new friends. Share contact info and make plans to practice together in the future or attend recruiting showcases. Help each other stay motivated.
Making authentic connections at camp can provide lifelong mentorship, future coaching opportunities and lifelong friendships. Be outgoing meeting new people and planting seeds for the future.
Immerse yourself in lacrosse culture & community
Take advantage of the immersive lacrosse environment that camp provides. Fully embrace the lifestyle, culture and community that comes with the sport you love.
Commit to living and breathing lacrosse from morning to night for the duration of camp. Let the game consume your mental focus knowing it will bring future rewards. Build your identity as a lacrosse player.
Feed off the passion and dedication of coaches who devote their lives to the sport and passing on knowledge. Look to emulate their attitudes, work ethic and love for lacrosse.
Savor the camaraderie of sharing this experience with teammates who become like family. Appreciate the bonds that form through common goals and having each other’s backs.
Immersing yourself in the lacrosse community creates solidarity and purpose. Allow the spirit of the game during camp to rejuvenate your inner motivation. Let lacrosse become part of who you are.
Focus on personal growth beyond lacrosse skills
While your technical skills may improve the most at camp, don’t overlook opportunities for personal growth. Expand your thinking beyond lacrosse drills.
Soak up life lessons coaches share for building your character and maximizing potential. Learn about visualizing success, overcoming adversity and staying motivated. Develop growth mindset, grit, leadership and other invaluable traits.
Push your independence by venturing out of hometown comforts. Learn to self-advocate asking coaches to observe your technique. Make new friends and practice social skills. Gain confidence and maturity taking this new step.
Use downtime to reflect on your path in lacrosse so far. Envision future goals and who you want to become in the sport and life. Let lacrosse shape your identity.
Leverage the camp setting to advance personal growth that supplements your athletic development. Focus on becoming your best self on and off the field.
Have fun! Enjoy friendships and making lifelong memories
While honing your lacrosse skills is the priority, summer camp should also be fun. Enjoy immersing yourself in the sport you love while forming lifelong friendships and memories.
Embrace the spirit of competition preparing for scrimmages and tournaments, then celebrate victories with teammates afterward. Lean on teammates during grueling workouts. Bond through shared struggle and achievements.
Savor time spent hanging out and goofing off during meals, breaks, lights out and other downtime. Foster inside jokes and unique bonds forged at camp that last forever.
Appreciate the passion you share for lacrosse with new friends. Stay present through all the memorable moments, big and small. Soak it all in.
Have fun amidst the hard work. Embrace the friendships, laughs and stories that make camp special. Focus on getting better, but take time to create memories as well.
Blending hard work with play ensures you’ll have the best time at camp. Make the most of each day knowing these special moments and bonds don’t come around often. Enjoy the experience.
Seek extra coaching if needed – ask coaches for feedback and one-on-one instruction
If you need extra attention on certain skills at lacrosse camp, don’t be afraid to seek additional coaching. Ask coaches to provide feedback and one-on-one instruction to help take your game to the next level.
Politely approach coaches after large group sessions and inquire if they have time to observe your technique more closely. Identify specific skills like shooting mechanics, footwork or weak hand cradling to focus extra coaching on. Come prepared with a list of questions and areas for improvement.
If coaches provide suggestions or critique after watching you, ask thoughtful follow-up questions until concepts click. See if they can recommend drills tailored to the skills you want to hone. Request to film your technique so you can monitor progress.
During scrimmages, point out to coaches if you are struggling with matchups, riding technique or clear attempts for example. Ask them to pay special attention and provide pointers after. Be proactive seeking guidance.
Supplement normal camp practices by booking private lessons with coaches if possible. Dedicate one-on-one time to fully ingrain proper passing, shooting form or other fundamental techniques with their undivided attention.
Don’t be embarrassed about needing extra help. Coaches are there to develop your potential. Take advantage of their expertise through additional instruction tailored to your needs.
Ask thoughtful questions and listen intently to answers
To maximize your extra coaching time, come prepared with thoughtful questions catered to your learning style. Be an engaged listener concentrating fully on instructors’ advice.
Ask coaches to explain concepts multiple ways like verbally, visually through demonstration and kinetically during hands-on correction. Paraphrase their advice back to check understanding.
Inquire about the purpose behind each coaching point so techniques are executed intentionally, not robotically. Confirm how new skills directly translate into game performance. Request tips on overcoming common struggles.
Listen intently without interrupting during instruction. Maintain eye contact and eliminate distractions. Take notes on key pointers. Immediately integrate feedback into your next reps for optimal retention.
Thoughtful, targeted questions combined with focused listening equals faster development. Make the most of extra coaching by engaging fully in the learning process.
Film yourself to monitor progress and get visual feedback
Utilize video recording at camp to provide visual feedback on skill development. Set up your phone or a camera to film drill reps and scrimmages.
Studying footage after practice allows you to spot subtle technical flaws you may miss in real time like poor follow-through, illegal stick positioning or lazy cuts. Use slow motion to pinpoint areas for refinement. Catalog strengths as well.
Show recent film to coaches and get their expert input on skills to improve. Their trained eye can diagnose issues and offer solutions. Seeing your progress over consecutive practices also keeps you motivated.
You can even film individual coaching sessions to rewatch verbal instructions paired with practical demonstration. Capture drills assigned by coaches for ongoing reference.
Video is a invaluable tool for tangible skill progression. Review daily to observe adjustments being made and areas still needing work. Let the tape reinforce your muscle memory.
Correct one mistake at a time through deliberate practice
When receiving extra coaching on your technique, focus on improving one specific mistake at a time through deliberate practice rather than get overwhelmed trying to overhaul everything simultaneously.
If your shot lacks power for example, dedicate drilling to driving through the ball with your bottom hand only. If your off-hand cradling is weak, perform reps cradling a ball in just your left or right pocket. Isolate the most critical flaw.
Really concentrate on making that individual correction during each repetition, whether it’s footwork, release point or follow-through. Take brief breaks to avoid fatigue leading to regression. Staying focused prevents bad habits from resurfacing.
Once that mistake is eliminated, move on to the next most pressing issue. Checking your lead elbow, maintaining sightline on passes or consistently planting the correct foot when shooting for instance.
Brick by brick, meticulous mistakes elimination through deliberate practice will stack up to greatly improved technique. Prioritize quality over quantity of reps.
Visualize proper technique between sessions
Supplement extra coaching by visualizing proper technique mentally in your down time. Visual rehearsal reinforces new skills when you’re away from the field.
During breaks, meals or before bed, mentally simulate your new shooting mechanics for example. Picture the exact footwork, precise hand placement on the stick, fluid motion through the release point and textbook follow through.
Visualize correcting previous flaws like improper elbow positioning on passes or inconsistent transfer of energy from your bottom hand. See perfect reps in your mind’s eye.
Quiz yourself on technical pointers coaches emphasized so cues stay fresh. Watch film of elite players executing skills you’re focusing on to ingrain proper form.
Studies show visualization activates neural pathways similar to physical practice. Mentally rehearsing skills between sessions helps ingrain proper technique.
Cultivate relationship with mentor coach
To continue accelerating your skills long after camp ends, develop an ongoing mentoring relationship with a coach who connects with your learning style.
Identify a coach you mesh with who provides instruction that just “clicks” for you. Set up phone or video check-ins periodically to continue corrective feedback and design training plans.
Send the coach film of your drills for critique. Update them on successes and struggles in the season to problem-solve together. Check that you’re staying true to their technical pointers.
Cultivating a relationship with a mentor coach provides accountability, motivation and guidance as you continue growing. Their outside expertise helps keep you on track reaching your full potential.
Summer camp offers a priceless opportunity to make meaningful coaching connections. Invest time nurturing that mentorship beyond camp for long-term skill development.
Arrive eager to learn with goals for growth
Ultimately, your camp experience depends heavily on the mindset you bring. Arrive eager to learn with clearly defined goals for growth.
Come prepared to work hard soaking up knowledge from coaches. Seize each rep and coaching tip as an opportunity to raise your game. Maintain laser focus on improvement every minute of practice.
Believe in your potential and trust the process. Stay patient during setbacks and persevere through frustrations. The rewards from extra effort will compound over time.
Stay grateful for the chance to receive specialized instruction from experienced coaches. Their guidance is invaluable – maximize it by matching their effort and committing to goals.
Keep an open and growth-oriented mindset. Extra coaching paired with your dedicated mindset will unlock untapped potential. Have the summer of your lacrosse life!
Bond with new teammates – make connections that will help you at future camps and beyond
One of the best parts of lacrosse camp is forming bonds with new teammates. Make an effort to connect with fellow campers on and off the field – these relationships can enrich your experience now and pay dividends down the road.
Introduce yourself to campmates of all skill levels and backgrounds. Find common ground through shared lacrosse passions. Ask about their home program, favorite drills, goals for the summer and more to get conversation flowing.
Sit with new friends at meals, pair up as partners in drills and hang out during free time. Form group chats to continue bonding once camp ends. Make plans to practice together in the future.
Support each other through challenging moments like rigorous conditioning drills, tough losses or struggles mastering new techniques. Celebrate wins and achievements as a team.
Good chemistry will translate onto the field through unselfish play, hustle and having each other’s backs. Fostering a team bond creates trust so players’ skills flourish.
Continue relationships beyond camp
Solidify the bonds built at camp by laying the foundation to continue relationships afterward. Swap contact info, follow each other on social channels and make concrete plans.
Commit to texting regularly about lacrosse or just to chat. Meet up to workout, practice drills, play wall ball and scout prospective schools or travel teams.
Watch film together or set goals for the season. Brainstorm creative training methods and motivate each other to stick to them. Check in on progress.
If possible, attend future showcases, camps, tournaments and other events together. Having familiar faces in new environments is invaluable.
Maintaining relationships started at camp will enrich your lacrosse network for years to come. Establish genuine connections that motivate you to improve.
Embrace teammates from different backgrounds
Be open to connecting with camp teammates across school, region, play style, skill level and other differences. Diversify your perspective.
Befriend players from parts of the country you rarely interact with. Discover how climate and lacrosse culture influence their approach to the game. Share your own insights.
Link up with campers who play different positions than you. Understand their roles better by practicing basics like faceoffs or communicating on clears.
Push yourself outside comfort zones by buddying up with players far more or less experienced. Veteran mentorship or helping less advanced teammates can catalyze your own growth.
Forming bonds despite differences will make you a more well-rounded player and person. Seek common ground through lacrosse passion while appreciating varied perspectives.
Gain motivation & exchange training ideas
An energizing aspect of camp teammate bonds is gaining motivation and exchanging training ideas that inspire your continued improvement beyond camp.
Discuss your training regimens and swap exercises, drills, equipment tips or workout playlists that have proven successful. Adopt new techniques your peers swear by.
Share favorite motivational quotes, videos, books or other mental performance resources. Exchange goal-setting and visualization tactics that keep you driven.
Check in regularly on progress after camp. Friendly competition and accountability from teammates helps sustain momentum when your discipline wavers.
Bonds formed at camp can provide lifelong motivation as you evolve together. Help each other stay dedicated to reaching your potential.
Build leadership & collaboration skills
Taking initiative to connect with fellow campers also represents a chance to build leadership and collaboration skills that make you a better teammate.
Step outside your comfort zone to be more outgoing introducing yourself to new people. Get more reps engaging teammates like you will captains or coaches.
Practice patience and compassion mentoring junior players who struggle with homesickness or skill frustration at camp. Provide encouragement.
Collaborate creatively with your peers, not just coaches, in drills. Design competitions that bring out everyone’s best effort. Achieve more together.
Leading by example and pulling teammates together at camp will help you translate those habits to leading your school program someday. Develop skills proactively.
Have fun & make lifelong memories
While forming substantive connections, remember to have fun too. Bonds forged at camp through laughs and shared struggles often become lifelong friendships.
Savor inside jokes that leave everyone in stitches during meals and free time. Start silly camp traditions like spirit days or team handshakes.
Lean on one another through the exhaustion of two-a-days, homesickness or tough losses. Celebrate wins and personal records as a team.
Trade favorite camp stories that you’ll reminisce and bond over for years. Photo bombing, dorm antics and inspiring coaches will stick with you.
The bonds built enjoying camp with teammates create memories and relationships lasting far beyond summer. Cherish the friendships.
Lacrosse camp is the perfect place to make lifelong connections through serving as motivators, teachers and supporters for teammates. Embrace relationships that help each other achieve goals and have fun achieving them.
Learn from other campers – observe and ask questions of players with different skills/experience
Don’t limit your lacrosse learning at camp to just coaches – make a point to observe and engage with fellow campers as well. Players of all different skill levels and experience can teach you new things.
Watch how advanced players move without the ball, communicate on defense or handle live competition in scrimmages. Note their stickwork techniques, footwork patterns and on-field intensity. Ask them afterward how they developed those skills.
Take extra reps at faceoffs, goalie drills or other positions outside your comfort zone alongside specialists willing to provide tips. Seek their guidance in areas you want to improve.
Pick the brains of high lacrosse IQ upperclassmen about situational strategy, leadership habits and maintaining confidence against tough opponents. Apply their mental approach.
Younger or less experienced players can also provide perspective. Explain fundamentals to them to sharpen your own knowledge. Learn what challenges most frustrate them.
Fellow campers have a wealth of diverse lacrosse knowledge. Observe them intently and initiate conversations to expand your toolset.
Ask specific questions & listen actively
To glean the most from engagements with fellow campers, come prepared with thoughtful lacrosse questions catered to each player. Listen intently to their answers.
Ask about grips for increasing passing power, specific footwork on picks or how to sell shot fakes convincingly. Get into precise technique details.
Inquire about pre-game routines, in-season training habits, nutrition advice or leadership tactics. Discover best practices.
Listen fully without interrupting campers replying. Maintain eye contact and eliminate distractions. Paraphrase back key pointers to show comprehension. Take notes.
Thoughtful questions combined with engaged listening equals faster development. Absorb knowledge from the diverse expertise surrounding you.
Put advice into action through drill work
Immediately integrate fellow campers’ advice into your next drill reps to ingrain new techniques. Put their wisdom into tangible action.
If a defender recommends a certain footwork pattern defending picks, practice it extensively on your own and request their feedback. If a goalie explains how she tracks high shots, apply that visualization next drill.
Film your attempts executing tips from peers. Review the footage together and make adjustments. Use video to accelerate learning.
Partner up with campmates whose advice you’ve implemented and do co-training. Refine techniques through focused repetitions together.
The knowledge gained from peers is only impactful if used. Work it actively into muscle memory through rigorous collaborative drilling.
Observe positional specialists up close
Pay close attention to positional specialists at your camp like elite faceoff middies, lockdown defenders and scoring alpha dogs. Study the details that make them excel.
Note their pre-draw routine, stance, clamps, directional moves and recovery speed. Ask about their hand and wrist strength training. Adopt elements into your own game.
Watch how top defenders play textbook body position, communicate constantly and force opponents into weak areas. Inquire about their film study and pattern recognition tactics.
Analyze the diversified dodges, shot selection and field vision of top shooters. Discuss shooting mechanics and off-ball movement habits. Apply insights.
Studying positional play masters firsthand provides a blueprint for excelling in specific roles. Incorporate aspects of their approach into your personal style.
Exchange training ideas & build accountability
Swap training ideas and build ongoing accountability with motivated campmates to sustain skill development after camp concludes.
Trade practice drills, workout plans and equipment suggestions that have proven successful for you. Blend new ideas into your regimen.
Exchange contact info to check in regularly on progress as the season approaches. Share struggles transparently and strategize solutions.
Build camaraderie through friendly competition. Challenge one another repping new skills daily. Celebrate milestones together.
Connections made at camp can inspire you year-round. Mutual motivation from peers supplements the internal drive pushing you to improve.
Fully utilize the collective knowledge surrounding you at lacrosse camp. Absorb technical insights from players of all backgrounds and experience levels. Blend learned skills into your personal style.
Take a leadership role – volunteer for demonstrations and help younger/newer players
Beyond your personal development, summer camp presents great opportunities to build leadership skills by volunteering as a demonstrator and helping younger or less advanced teammates.
Raise your hand eagerly when coaches ask for players to model drills. Use the reps to fine-tune technique while also instructing others. Explain key coaching points that clicked for you.
During downtime, initiate small group sessions helping newer campers practice basics like scooping, cradling or Dodging. Provide encouragement and feedback. Foster their passion.
At meals, make an effort to engage shy or homesick players in conversation. Check in on campers struggling with skills. Provide mentorship.
Leading by example builds character and cement skills by teaching them. Positively influence others while bettering yourself.
Master skills enough to teach them
Before instructing others at camp, ensure your skills are solid enough to offer sound guidance. Master techniques through repetitive practice.
Spend solo time honing fundamentals like passing, catching and shooting until they become automatic. Drill more advanced tactics until you execute them consistently.
Film yourself performing skills and compare to elite modeling. Identify any subtle flaws and correct them. Isolate aspects still needing improvement.
Request feedback from coaches ensuring your form and mechanics are textbook before volunteering to demonstrate. You want your leadership to spread proper technique.
Mastering skills fully yourself first allows you to break down steps and provide nuanced coaching. Lead by example through rock-solid proficiency.
Communicate positively & patiently
When instructing less experienced teammates either individually or in groups, communicate with positivity and patience. Make lessons engaging.
Use encouraging language like “Great job!” and “Almost had it there!” Provide feedback sandwiched between praise. Highlight successes.
Celebrate small wins to keep teammates motivated through struggles. Emphasize the value of repetition and focus over results.
Explain concepts succinctly and rephrase drill instructions from multiple angles. Adjust your tone and terminology to ability levels.
Leading with compassion and meeting players at their current skill level will foster trusting relationships on and off the field.
Step up even in areas you find challenging
Don’t shy away from demonstrating or instructing campmates just because certain skills challenge you personally. Leadership means rising to the occasion.
If conditioning drills are difficult for you, still make sure to model optimal effort for younger players. Pushing your limits sets the right example.
Even if riding is a relative weakness, instruct new defenders on positioning by showing both proper and improper technique contrasted.
Demonstrating skills outside your wheelhouse makes you better by forcing mastery. And persisting through difficulties shows grit to teammates.
Step up confidently in all situations at camp, even if uncomfortable. You gain leadership experience while cementing skills.
Inspire teammates off the field too
Look for subtle yet impactful ways to provide leadership and encouragement to campmates off the field as well.
During downtime, engage shy or excluded players in conversation to make them feel welcomed and included.
Organize team bonding activities like campfires, game nights or group meals. Foster lasting memories and tighter team chemistry.
Start silly camp rituals that everyone associates positively with your leadership. Help shape that unique team culture.
Set an example balancing work ethic and focus during practices with letting loose and enjoying camp socially afterward.
Leadership opportunities abound at camp if you proactively seek them out. Guide teammates skillfully both on and off the field.
Learn patience, empathy & responsibility
Leading and instructing less experienced teammates builds patience, empathy and responsibility as you guide players through struggles.
Overcommunicate explanations while players repeatedly work to correct mistakes. Encourage them to stay focused on little achievements.
Listen to frustrations empathetically when skills don’t click right away for campers. Provide reassurance by sharing your own early development challenges.
Guide teammates responsibly by putting their long-term growth above quick results. Check in on their progress and satisfaction with your leadership style.
Rising to leadership opportunities at camp both empowers teammates and shapes your own character. Lift others up while improving yourself.
Rest and refuel – stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and eat right to stay healthy and energized
To get the most from intense lacrosse camp training, proper rest and nutrition is crucial. Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep and eat quality fuel to help skills development and prevent burnout.
Drink plenty of water before, during and after sessions to avoid dehydration. Keep a water bottle on hand at all times and sip frequently. Hydration boosts energy and concentration.
Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night minimum. Growth and recovery occurs while resting, allowing skills to sharpen through muscle memory consolidation.
Fuel up with balanced meals and snacks combining carbs for energy, protein for muscle repair and healthy fats. Refuel fully between sessions.
Caring for your body properly will keep you healthy, energized and primed to extract the most from the high-intensity camp environment.
Recover fully between practices
Be intentional about recovering fully between multiple intense practices each day at camp. Quick turnarounds make rest paramount.
Maximize down time by getting off your feet and avoiding direct sun exposure. Conserve physical and mental energy as much as possible.
Consume recovery-focused fuel like chocolate milk within 30 minutes post-practice to rehydrate and refuel depleted muscles.
Get in the cold tub or use ice packs to reduce inflammation in overworked muscles. Contrast shower to boost circulation.
Listen to your body and take necessary breaks as fatigue builds. Proactive rest will sustain high performance all summer.
Prioritize sleep quality and quantity
Make getting adequate high-quality sleep each night your top priority. This is when your body adapts and absorbs skills developed during training.
Aim for at least 8-10 hours nightly minimum. Turn off screens 60 minutes before bed for better sleep. Maximize both REM and deep sleep cycles.
Make your dorm room conducive to quality rest by blacking it out, keeping cool and using ear plugs or a sound machine.
Listen to your body and take power naps between sessions if needed. Catching up on sleep when traveling is also critical.
Skills improve through repetition in training, but actually integrate into memory during sound slumber. Optimize sleep at camp.
Stay well hydrated all day
Prevent dehydration by staying well hydrated all day, not just during practices. Proper fluid intake boosts performance and focus.
Drink 8-12 oz of water every 45-60 minutes starting immediately upon waking. Urine color should be light yellow, not dark.
Sip frequently during sessions and have a bottle handy at all times. Drink 16-24 oz after practices to rehydrate fully.
Include hydrating fruits and veggies like watermelon, grapes and cucumber with meals. Limit sugary or caffeinated drinks that dehydrate.
Dehydration, even mild, impairs concentration, coordination and endurance – critical for maximizing camp training. Hydrate properly.
Eat quality, nutrient-rich calories
Fuel your body with quality calories from lean protein, energizing carbs, healthy fats and micronutrients to thrive in the grueling camp environment.
Consume filling, nutrient-dense foods like eggs, nuts, yogurt, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, salmon and leafy greens.
Avoid empty calories from candy, chips, sodas and other junk food. Stay away from highly processed foods.
Time meals and snacks properly before, during and immediately after sessions. Follow workout nutrition best practices.
Nourishing your body with premium fuel optimizes energy levels and recovery necessary for skill development. Feed your engine right.
Listen to your body and take breaks
While pushing your limits at camp is beneficial, also listen closely to your body and take breaks as needed to prevent burnout.
If you feel worn down mentally or physically, sit out a drill, lower intensity or finish practice early. Better to miss one session than be out all week.
Communicate openly with coaches so they understand when you need modification. Don’t risk injury pushing excessively fatigued muscles.
Stay in tune with pains that should be addressed immediately versus muscle soreness that accompanies hard training.
Giving your body and mind intermittent breaks will sustain maximal performance over the duration of camp. Train intensely but intelligently while caring for your health.
Make it fun – bring a positive attitude; lacrosse camp should feel like a rewarding experience
While honing your skills is the priority, approaching lacrosse camp with an upbeat attitude and making it an enjoyable experience is key too. Bring positive energy and have fun pursuing your passion.
Come eager to learn, motivated to improve and excited to immerse yourself in the sport you love. Feed off the enthusiasm of coaches and fellow campers united by lacrosse.
Embrace the spirit of competition preparing for games and tournaments, then celebrate victories with teammates afterward. Enjoy pushing yourself.
Bond with new friends through shared struggles like exhausting workouts, homesickness or close losses. Experience character growth through adversity.
Stay loose and laugh often, both during drill work and in downtime. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Find humor in the daily grind.
Initiate new drills and competitions
Contribute to the fun, engaging camp environment by taking initiative to create new competitive drills and games yourself. Get creative.
Suggest fresh conditioning exercises like over-under sprints or wall ball relays. Design competitions within standard drills to raise intensity.
During scrimmages, propose new rules like bonuses for passes behind the back or penalties for missed shots. Invent ways to raise the stakes.
Organize activities during free time like trick shot contests, fastest shot challenges or lacrosse tennis. Win or lose, enjoy some friendly competition.
Introducing new competitive dimensions keeps practices exciting. Approach coaches with ideas to make drills more fun.
Focus on rewarding moments each day
Maintaining passion at camp comes down to focusing on the rewarding moments from each session rather than dwelling on frustrations.
After a grueling workout, celebrate sticking with it and overcoming the burn rather than lingering on the difficulty. Shift your focus to the payoff.
During a drill not going well, zero in on any subtle improvements so you feel progress rather than beat yourself up over poor performance.
If you lose a scrimmage, direct attention to individual and team achievements like goals scored or a positive quarter. Have selective memory.
Reframing challenges into rewarding achievements will sustain your spirits through camp’s peaks and valleys. Stay positive.
Unplug and change scenery during free time
Make the most of free time at camp by unplugging from technology and exploring new surroundings. Experience a change of scenery.
Take walks, read or play games to give your brain a break from constant lacrosse stimulation. Do activities unrelated to your sport.
Leave your normal routine behind and venture outside camp to nearby towns. Check out local attractions, shops and restaurants.
Unwind and de-stress through activities like swimming, yoga, hiking or fishing. Enjoy the simpler pleasures.
Balancing immersive lacrosse time with unstructured fun is nourishing. Discover new adventures that spark inspiration.
Make memories and inside jokes
Fostering fun memories and inside jokes with teammates also makes the camp experience more enjoyable long-term.
Document silly moments like photo bombing or dance parties on video to look back on later. Take candid pictures of team bonding moments.
Go all-out for spirit days with crazy costumes or face paint. Laugh hysterically at teammates’ ridiculous getups.
Get to know teammates on a deeper level during late night chats that lead to unforgettable stories. Create unique bonds.
The camaraderie and hilarious memories made enjoying camp will stick with you far beyond summer. Have a blast!
Approaching lacrosse camp with passion, gratitude and a lighthearted mindset ensures you’ll maximize development on the field while also making lifelong memories off it. Keep your spirits high and make it fun!
Soak it all in – be a sponge and absorb as much lacrosse knowledge as you can
Approach every moment at lacrosse camp with openness and awe, eager to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Maintain beginner’s mind, stay present and extract all you can.
Immerse yourself completely in the love of lacrosse radiating from coaches and fellow campers. Feed off their infectious energy and passion.
Listen intently during drills, locker room talks and one-on-one chats. Process coaches’ every word and absorb their wisdom.
Observe advanced techniques and game IQ displayed by star players. Analyze every detail leading to their mastery.
Catalog Camp is a transformational yet fleeting opportunity. Make each moment count by totally soaking it all in.
Take advantage of full access to coaches
Recognize the immense opportunity you have to pick the brains of knowledgeable coaches. Take full advantage of their undivided guidance.
Request feedback often in areas you want to grow. Ask targeted questions catered to your learning style until concepts click.
Treat downtime chats as precious chances to gain coaching gems. Inquire about drills, training tactics, leadership principles – whatever deepens your knowledge.
Position coaches as long-term mentors. Discuss continuing your development beyond camp. Exchange contact info and plan future check-ins.
The access to varsity-level instruction at camp is priceless yet fleeting. Absorb everything possible from coaches while you can.
Immerse yourself in lacrosse lifestyle and culture
Allow the immersive camp environment to reinvigorate your passion for the sport and love of the lifestyle.
Feed off the energy and camaraderie of being surrounded by fellow lacrosse fanatics morning to night. Feel part of something bigger than yourself.
Commit fully to the lacrosse grind each day. Let the game consume your mental and physical focus knowing it will pay dividends.
Envision your future self becoming a lacrosse standout. Use this experience to deepen your personal lacrosse identity and sense of belonging.
Camp provides total immersion in the sport’s culture. Let the lacrosse lifestyle breathe new life into your inner purpose.
Absorb game insights from star players
Take advantage of learning alongside elite players at camp. Absorb the game insights that make them excel.
Note advanced techniques they implement in drills like slick feeds, change of pace dodges and off-ball movement. Inquire afterward how they developed those skills.
Ask about their training regimens, recovery methods, nutritional habits and mental preparation tactics. Blend insights into your own routines.
Study film on accomplished campers to understand the nuances embedded in each maneuver executed masterfully. Strive to emulate their polish.
Surrounding yourself with greatness pushes your limits. Let high-level peers model the intangibles that breed success.
Catalog drills and coaching tips
Catalog each drill assigned by coaches throughout camp. Note the repetitions, focus points and targeted skills.
Record key coaching cues like hand positioning, footwork order or vision alignment so they stick better. Review daily.
Write down motivational quotes and mental performance tips coaches provide in locker room talks or individual chats.
Film instructor demonstrations and keep for reference. Revisit periodically after camp to refresh proper technique.
Meticulously documenting drills and tips makes knowledge last. Create a detailed camp guide to continue driving your development.
Stay focused and present each moment
Stay intently focused on each moment at hand rather than glancing ahead or mentally checking out. Be fully present.
During drills, eliminate distractions and concentrate solely on implementing coaching points to perfect your technique.
Engage coaches and teammates 100% when they speak. Process each word and visualize advice.
When fatigued, re-center your focus on little achievements like conquering each repetition. Keep your mind from wandering.
Maintaining focus maximizes learning and skill retention. Treasure each second at camp by investing yourself fully into it.
Approach lacrosse camp eager to squeeze every ounce of knowledge possible from coaches, teammates and the overall experience. Keep soaking it all in!
Keep improving after camp – continue working on new skills at home until they become second nature
Don’t let the skills and knowledge gained at lacrosse camp plateau once you return home. Design a training plan that translates camp lessons into year-round development.
Review camp notes and film regularly to refresh technique pointers before heading into fall ball. Revisit key coaching cues often.
Stick to conditioning, nutrition and recovery habits established at camp. They primed your body to perform at a higher level.
Keep sharpening new abilities through deliberate backyard practice. Don’t lose abilities you fought hard to build.
Let camp spark year-round improvement. But sustaining your acceleration requires diligent work at home.
Simulate camp training environment
Transform your backyard into a personalized training ground to match the high-repetition, high-intensity environment of camp.
Mimic the constant activity with circuits rotating you between shooting, passing and footwork stations. Minimize rest between stations.
Set up cones and design agility drills like the ones coaches led at camp. Film yourself to check form.
Invest in a rebounding net, bounce-back or weighted balls to get reps in alone. Focus on technique.
Surround yourself with the sights, sounds and feels of camp training for ongoing muscle memory development outside of camp.
Stick to camp nutrition and recovery habits
Stay rigorous about proper nutrition, hydration and rest habits formed at camp. Fueling and recovering correctly enables skill gains to compound.
Continue drinking 8-12 glasses of water daily and following lunch/dinner templates provided at camp. Don’t undo nutritional gains.
Keep up with strength training, yoga, foam rolling and other recovery tactics utilized at camp. They reduce injury risk.
Prioritize sleep consistency going to bed and waking at the same times. Get at least 8-10 hours nightly to support growth.
Your body transformed under camp’s training demands. Keep nurturing it the right way to keep performing at that elite level.
Integrate new skills into live competition
As you return to club competition, intentionally integrate skills developed at camp into live game play.
Focus on catching high velocity passes, shooting on the run, executing new dodges and other camp-focused techniques in traffic.
Concentrate on applying defensive footwork, positioning and communication covered extensively at camp.
Force yourself to perform unfamiliar moves like behind-the-back passes or split dodges at full speed against defenders.
Camp skills must transition onto the field against pressure to become second nature. Build confidence using them in games.
Review camp notes and film regularly
Revisiting camp notes, playbooks and film keeps technique pointers and concepts fresh as you continue improving.
Read over coaching tips, drill schematics and motivational quotes you documented at camp before or after backyard sessions.
Re-watch film of coaches demonstrating proper mechanics for reference. Mimic demonstrations.
Review videos of yourself executing new skills at camp. Celebrate progress and identify lingering flaws.
Periodic camp refresher sessions ensure skills stick. Reactivate the neural pathways sparked at camp.
Stay connected with coaches & teammates
Checking in periodically with camp coaches and teammates keeps you motivated improving on your own.
Text camp friends regularly about training highs and lows. Exchange new drill ideas. Friendly competition breeds accountability.
Send camp coaches video updates for critiques on form. Ask for advice tailoring training to your improvement areas.
Arrange meet-ups with local camp friends for scrimmages, film study and speed training. It beats solo practice.
Leverage the lacrosse relationships you built at camp to sustain inspiration pursuing excellence.
Maximize the skills transformation sparked at lacrosse camp by diligently refining techniques at home. Stay hungry to reach your potential!
Start planning for next summer – research the top camps and set new goals for your lacrosse progression
The best way to keep elevating your skills after this summer’s lacrosse camp is immediately starting to plan for next year’s. Research top programs and establish goals that push your progression.
Study up on premier camps known for accelerating specific skills like shooting, IQ or conditioning. Seek ones with proven success developing players like you.
Set tangible goals for growth between now and next summer like improving your splits, adding 20 pounds to lifts or mastering inverted dodges.
Visualize yourself one year from now exhibiting new abilities honed through another immersive camp experience. Let the vision motivate daily work.
Sustaining your long-term lacrosse trajectory requires always looking ahead to what’s next. Keep aiming higher.
Identify weaknesses to strengthen
Reflect objectively on your performance at this year’s camp to identify developmental areas to target next summer.
Review camp film to spot fundamental flaws still needing work like sloppy footwork, poor communication or limited off-hand skill.
Notice positional or situational struggles you experienced like riding, clearing under pressure or dodging from X.
Consult past coaches on aspects of your game needing improvement before playing at the next level. Address those deficiencies.
Picking out your biggest current weaknesses gives you a roadmap for growth leading up to next camp. Improve them with focused preparation.
Research camps renowned for excelling in areas you want to improve
Seek out camps next summer specifically renowned for boosting the exact skills or tactics you hope to refine.
If you want to lift your lacrosse IQ, attend a camp with classroom sessions dissecting offenses and defenses. For shooting, choose a camp boasting proven finishers among alums.
Read past camper testimonials on sites like TopLacrosseRecruits. Search for patterns of players like you raving about skill breakthroughs.
Reach out to former campers with similar goals on social media. Ask what they gained and why they recommend that program.
Selecting a camp tailored to your goals amplifies focused progress in those targeted areas. Do your research to find the ideal fit.
Set specific, measurable goals for development
Improvement starts by setting clear, measurable goals for your lacrosse development over the next year leading up to camp.
Choose 2-3 high-priority skills or tactical areas for improvement. Set numeric targets like improving your 40-yard dash by .3 seconds or scoring 75% on catches in traffic.
Establish strength and conditioning benchmarks to hit like squatting 1.5 times your body weight or shaving 4 seconds off your mile time.
Track quantitative measures like shot percentage, ground ball wins and successful clear rate throughout the offseason. Document steady progress.
Tangible goals provide direction and validate that your hard work is paying off. Let data guide your prep.
Envision your ideal future camp self
Mentally picture and feel yourself demonstrating new abilities at next year’s camp. Let this vision inspire your work.
Visualize fluidly executing advanced dodges and feeds in live action that eluded you before. See yourself effortlessly outrunning opponents in transition.
Imagine coaches and teammates looking on amazed at your development since last camp. Expect you’ll be the standout next time.
When training gets tough, reference this future vision to stay motivated. The tangible camp payoff will be worth it.
Imagining your ideal lacrosse self one year from now makes it start to feel inevitable. Let the vision pull you forward.
Building on your camp high starts by identifying what’s next and setting goals that expand your limits. Keep evolving as a player by always striving for more!