Looking to improve your lacrosse skills this summer. Take advantage of these 15 camps across the US

Looking to improve your lacrosse skills this summer. Take advantage of these 15 camps across the US

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Learn from PLL pros at overnight camps in New Jersey

For top-notch instruction from professional lacrosse players, look no further than the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) overnight camps held in New Jersey. Coached by PLL stars like Paul Rabil, these intensive 4-5 day camps allow you to learn specialized techniques directly from the pros. Through extensive drills, scrimmages, and video analysis, you’ll gain game-changing insights into shooting, dodging, face-offs, and more from the best in the sport. The overnight format builds camaraderie and gives you more time to absorb the world-class training. If you want to reach the next level as a player, PLL overnight camps deliver an unparalleled lacrosse experience.

My brother attended one of these camps last summer in New Jersey and said it was a huge step up from other camps he’s done. The PLL coaches really take the time to break down high-level skills and strategies in a way he hadn’t experienced before. He came away with a greater understanding of how to control the ball in tight spaces, how to get separation from defenders, and how to make quick decisions during fast-paced play. His dodging and shooting in particular improved tremendously. The chance to learn directly from professional lacrosse athletes gave him motivation to continue honing his game. If you’re an advanced player looking to gain an edge, I highly recommend checking out these PLL overnight camps.

In addition to top-notch coaching, a big benefit of the overnight format is that it allows more time for drilling techniques, analyzing video, and building camaraderie with fellow campers. Rather than just cramming everything into a few hours each day, you’re immersed in lacrosse from morning until night. You can also scrimmage under the lights, which is an unforgettable experience. The friendships my brother built during late night dorm hangouts ended up motivating him even after camp ended. If you’re looking for an intensive and rewarding lacrosse experience, the overnight camps are a great option.

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.

Gain game sense by scrimmaging top players

Once you have the fundamental skills down, scrimmaging against top competition is one of the best ways to improve your overall game. Matching up against elite players reveals holes in your game that you can then work to address. The speed and intensity of scrimmages forces you to make quicker decisions and react in real-time. While drills are crucial for honing mechanics, scrimmaging tests your skills under pressure.

Last fall, I joined a club lacrosse team and our preseason scrimmages were an eye-opening experience. Despite feeling confident from summer training, I realized I had trouble maintaining possession of the ball against more physical defenders. I tended to panic and rush my passes under pressure. By scrimmaging against top high school players, I learned where I needed to improve before the season started. I worked on cradling with both hands to shield the ball. I also did footwork drills to move more elusively. The experience helped me identify and shore up weaknesses before they got exposed in games.

If you have the chance to scrimmage against top players, take advantage of it. Not only is it great preparation, but watching and learning from more experienced athletes will make you better. Pay attention to how talented players move without the ball, communicate on defense, and maintain composure in big moments. Scrimmaging elite competition will test your skills and accelerate your development as a player.

Use video analysis to identify areas for improvement

One of the best ways to fast track your development as a lacrosse player is to study video of yourself in action. Seeing what you look like on camera can help illuminate areas for improvement more clearly than coaches or teammates telling you what you’re doing wrong. When you can watch yourself scoop, pass, shoot, dodge and defend, you can pinpoint the mechanics that need refinement.

My lacrosse coach started filming our practices last season and reviewing footage with each player. At first, it was cringeworthy seeing myself on camera and realizing all the subtle mistakes I was making. But over time, being able to watch clips of myself in slow motion helped me self-correct issues with my shooting motion, footwork on defense, and weak side positioning. Things that felt vague when coaches described them to me clicked better for me visually on film. Video also captured cool plays I wanted to replicate.

If possible, ask your coaches to film drills and scrimmages during the season. Look for clips where you feel good about your technique. But also study moments where you mess up or get beat. Use the footage to isolate your biggest areas for refinement. The camera doesn’t lie – video analysis will highlight flaws in your game you may not even realize.

Learn specialized face-off and draw tactics

While most lacrosse camps focus on building all-around skills for field players, there are also camps tailored specifically for face-off specialists. Through advanced technique drills and repetition, these camps help you master the lightning-quick reflexes, grip strength, and positioning required to consistently win draws. Skilled face-off instructors break down critical details like early movement, countering moves, and stick mechanics that give you an edge in the circle.

My friend specialized in face-offs all through high school and attended an intensive draw camp the summer before college to take his skills to the next level. He came back with all kinds of new techniques for hand speed, body positioning, and counters that he learned training against top face-off athletes. His win rate jumped over 15% the next season. Since possessions off draws can make or break a lacrosse game, he said the specific focus on technique at draw camps give you skills that directly impact the game.

If you want to become a face-off specialist, attend specialty camps tailored for building these unique skills. Mastering draws requires honing subtle techniques that most general lacrosse camps don’t focus on. Work with coaches who understand the nuances that win possessions in the circle. You’ll gain insights that provide a real competitive advantage for your team.

As summer heats up, lacrosse players have tons of camp options for improving their game. Whether you need to develop fundamental skills as a beginner or want to gain elite skills from the pros, lacrosse camps are a fun and effective way to get ready for the season. Seek out camps that align with your experience level and training goals. Making smart summer training choices will help you maximize your potential on the field.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Goalie camps help you master the cage in Maryland

As they say, defense wins championships, and lacrosse goalies are the backbone of a stout defense. To become an elite netminder, attend specialty goalie camps held in lacrosse hotspots like Maryland. With instruction from top college and pro goalies, you’ll hone the quickness, positioning, clearing and communication skills needed to shut down high powered offenses. Through advanced drills and endless shooting reps, you’ll gain the confidence and technique to own the crease.

My cousin went to a couple goalie camps in Maryland growing up and said the intensive training was crucial for her development between the pipes. The coaches really emphasized mastering fundamentals like stick positioning, footwork and tracking the ball. She also got great instruction on effectively clearing the ball under pressure. Facing hundreds of shots a day from varying angles amplified her rebound control and anticipation. The specialized camps built her confidence and gave her an edge over less experienced goalies.

Because they play such a unique position, goalies benefit immensely from training camps tailored specifically for them. At field player camps, goalies often get overlooked and see way fewer shots. But at goalie camps, every drill and exercise is specialized for their needs. Don’t be intimidated about attending as a beginner either. The step-by-step progression starts with basics and builds up to advanced techniques. If you want to be a lacrosse goalie, goalie camp is a must.

Develop speed and agility with position-specific drills

To take your game to the highest level, implement position-specific speed and agility drills into your training routine. For example, attack players benefit from drills that require sharp changes of direction to help them shake defenders. Midfielders, on the other hand, need more straight line endurance combined with lateral speed for covering large areas of the field. Customizing your speed training for your position gives you the physical edge to excel.

During summer speed camps last year, my coach had the midfielders and attackmen do completely different regimens tailored for each position. As middies, we did lots of 300 yard sprints and cone drills requiring sudden stops and starts to mimic transitional play. Meanwhile, the attackmen did drills focused on lateral agility like ladder footwork and box jumps to improve their dodging. Though tiring, I could feel myself getting quicker at changing direction and sustaining speed up and down the field.

Don’t make the mistake of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to speed training. Work with your coaches to design regimens that strengthen the specific athletic attributes most vital for your position. Are you a close defender who needs to play lockdown D against dodgers? Then agility ladders and resistance training are key. As a face-off specialist, quick lateral slides and explosive starts are crucial. Catering your speed work for your role gives you that extra physical edge on the competition.

Improve shooting accuracy and power

Top scorers make it look effortless ripping shots into the back of the net. But in reality, developing pinpoint shooting accuracy and overpowering velocity requires hours of dedicated practice. During the off-season, commit time each week to honing your shooting form and mechanics. Isolate shooting weaknesses like low whip, follow through, or poor lift and do targeted drills. Challenge yourself by shooting on the run, from further distances, and under simulated pressure. Your wrist and forearm strength will build, and your precision will improve.

Last off-season I decided to spend an extra 30 minutes after practices working solely on my shooting. I focused on adding power by doing weighted lifts for my arms along with punching boxing drills to build forearm muscles. This helped increase my shot velocity. For accuracy, I did rapid fire shooting from different angles and distances, aiming for specific spots rather than just randomly firing at the cage. Challenging myself to hit precise targets made my shot placement much more consistent.

Don’t wait until preseason to begin tuning up your shot. Make shooting practice part of your regular training routine. Work on shooting on the move and under pressure to mimic game conditions. Record your sessions to monitor areas for improvement. Dialing in proper mechanics through repetition will transfer directly to more prolific goal scoring when it counts.

Level up your conditioning and athleticism

Playing lacrosse at a high level requires tremendous conditioning. You need both muscular endurance to keep powering through 60 minute games, along with anaerobic capacity for quick bursts of max effort. Tailoring your workouts to optimize energy systems vital for lacrosse will pay huge dividends. Mix sprint interval training, tempo runs, and low rest circuits to boost game-specific stamina.

Our team has a notoriously brutal summer conditioning circuit that has us puking trash cans. But it undeniably whips us into peak shape right before preseason starts. We’ll sprint suicide runs until we’re gassed. Then immediately transition into burpees, sled pushes, and pull-ups with minimal rest. The circuits simulate the constant transitions in a lacrosse game between sprinting, grappling, and explosiveness. My first year, I wasn’t prepared and got my butt kicked. Now I strategically train so that I can survive the gauntlet.

Don’t neglect conditioning in your off-season training. Follow programs that intermix anaerobic and aerobic challenges specific to lacrosse’s stop-and-go nature. Get comfortable pushing past exhaustion safely. Peak physical fitness ensures you can outwork and outlast opponents when the championship is on the line. Put in the work so your body is primed for game dominance.

Summer lacrosse camps provide immense opportunities to upgrade your skills, athleticism, and IQ as a player. Take advantage of the off-season to tailor your training and address weaknesses. Competition is fierce, so push yourself beyond your comfort zone. By maximizing these summer training months, you’ll see major results once next season arrives. Let the countdown begin!

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

New York offers beginner training for all positions

For new players looking to get started in lacrosse, New York offers tons of beginner camps perfect for learning fundamental skills. With knowledgeable coaches guiding you through the basics, you’ll gain confidence handling a stick, passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls. Camps like Docs Rockin Lax and Champ Camp provide a structured environment to pick up fundamentals. You’ll also make new friends passionate about lacrosse!

My younger sister was interested in playing lacrosse but was intimidated to start as a total beginner. She did a weeklong Docs Rockin Lax camp last summer and came away excited about the sport. The coaches took things step-by-step, first teaching basic stick skills before getting into passing drills. Grouping beginners together built her confidence. She especially had fun during scrimmages at the end of each day. The camp gave her the introduction she needed to pick up lacrosse.

So don’t be shy if you’ve never played before! Beginner camps provide the welcoming atmosphere and patient instruction you need to feel comfortable learning the sport. Focus on fundamentals like cradling, scooping, passing, and catching. As skills improve, the game becomes even more fun. Use summer camps to try lacrosse for the first time in a no-pressure environment.

Gain a competitive edge at advanced lacrosse camps

For experienced lacrosse players looking to reach the next level, advanced skills camps offer high-intensity training. You’ll learn cutting-edge techniques from top coaches and face top-flight competition. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone accelerates development faster than playing it safe. Walk away with new dodging moves, shooting prowess, and elite conditioning.

I attended a couple advanced Next Level camps last summer, and they took my game up a notch. The drills focused on skills I struggled with, like quickly transitioning from offense to defense. My shooting improved from learning new mechanical techniques. And the constant competition against other talented players showed me how much higher I could take my game. I returned to school a step quicker and more confident because of the challenges.

Don’t settle for easy when choosing camps. Seek out programs with high standards that will put your talent to the test. Be open to learning new unorthodox techniques that give you an edge. Push through moments of failure and frustration.Competing against and alongside the best accelerates growth. Take advantage of advanced camps to maximize your potential.

Bond with teammates at team camps

Beyond developing individual skills, team camps are great for building chemistry with teammates before the season. Battling together through grueling practices and chilling during meals and dorm downtime forges bonds. This camaraderie pays dividends when the games actually matter. You’ll trust each other more and have more fun during the season.

My high school team started a tradition of attending a team camp at Penn State each August. The camp put us through a bootcamp of shooting drills, transition exercises and full field scrimmages. We were exhausted by the final whistle each day. But grabbing dinner together in the dorms and hanging in our rooms brought us closer. Building those memories off the field helped us better gel as a unit when games started. We went on to have an undefeated season.

Make time for team bonding when choosing camps. On-field chemistry amplifies the skills gained from training. Think about doing activities outside of lacrosse as well, like paintball or ropes courses. Fostering friendship and trust between teammates leads to more success once the season starts. Team camps build bonds that pay off.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players have a huge variety of camp options for taking their game to new heights. Train with the pros, master goalie skills, gain edge speed for your position, and bond with your team. Make this off-season count by attending camps aligned with your biggest areas for improvement. Come fall, you’ll be confident and ready to dominate!

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Get a competitive edge at advanced lacrosse camps

For experienced lacrosse players looking to reach the next level, advanced skills camps offer high-intensity training. You’ll learn cutting-edge techniques from top coaches and face top-flight competition. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone accelerates development faster than playing it safe. Walk away with new dodging moves, shooting prowess, and elite conditioning.

I attended a couple advanced Next Level camps last summer, and they took my game up a notch. The drills focused on skills I struggled with, like quickly transitioning from offense to defense. My shooting improved from learning new mechanical techniques. And the constant competition against other talented players showed me how much higher I could take my game. I returned to school a step quicker and more confident because of the challenges.

Don’t settle for easy when choosing camps. Seek out programs with high standards that will put your talent to the test. Be open to learning new unorthodox techniques that give you an edge. Push through moments of failure and frustration. Competing against and alongside the best accelerates growth. Take advantage of advanced camps to maximize your potential.

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.

College recruiting camps showcase your talent

For high school players with college lacrosse aspirations, recruiting showcase camps are a must. These camps give you valuable exposure to college coaches looking for talent. You’ll get to demonstrate your skills in drills and scrimmages specifically designed to highlight strengths. While making an impression on recruiters, you’ll also improve against elite competition. Showcase camps can fast track recruiting.

My teammate attended a couple recruiting camps last summer and said it dramatically accelerated his recruiting timeline. He got seen by a dozen college coaches who were impressed with his performance. Within a month of camp ending, he already had five scholarship offers. He said the camps gave him confidence that he could compete at the next level based on feedback from the coaches. If playing in college is your goal, put these showcase camps on your summer schedule.

Bring your best effort and skill to recruiting camps. This is your chance to convert college coach interest into actual offers. Perform under pressure and take coaching instruction seriously. Maintain positivity even if feeling nervous. With hard work and skill, showcase camps can elevate your recruiting stock.

Summer training camps give all lacrosse players an edge in skill development and exposure. Challenge yourself to leave your comfort zone and you’ll see major results. Stay motivated through the hot summer months so you’re primed for next season. The work you put in now will pay big dividends down the road.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.

Develop speed and agility with position-specific drills

To take your game to the highest level, implement position-specific speed and agility drills into your training routine. For example, attack players benefit from drills that require sharp changes of direction to help them shake defenders. Midfielders, on the other hand, need more straight line endurance combined with lateral speed for covering large areas of the field. Customizing your speed training for your position gives you the physical edge to excel.

During summer speed camps last year, my coach had the midfielders and attackmen do completely different regimens tailored for each position. As middies, we did lots of 300 yard sprints and cone drills requiring sudden stops and starts to mimic transitional play. Meanwhile, the attackmen did drills focused on lateral agility like ladder footwork and box jumps to improve their dodging. Though tiring, I could feel myself getting quicker at changing direction and sustaining speed up and down the field.

Don’t make the mistake of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to speed training. Work with your coaches to design regimens that strengthen the specific athletic attributes most vital for your position. Are you a close defender who needs to play lockdown D against dodgers? Then agility ladders and resistance training are key. As a face-off specialist, quick lateral slides and explosive starts are crucial. Catering your speed work for your role gives you that extra physical edge on the competition.

Master dodging techniques to beat defenders

In lacrosse, the ability to effectively dodge defenders is critical for generating offense. Mastering moves like the split dodge, roll dodge, and face dodge gives you more tools for beating your man and creating scoring chances. Repetition ingrains dodging fundamentals while creativity keeps defenders guessing. Work on dodging every angle to become a nightmare matchup.

Each week during offseason training I make time to practice dodging techniques, especially ones outside my comfort zone. I’ll work on dodging lefty even though I’m right handed. Or I’ll practice dodging from X even though I normally play attack. Trying unnatural dodges improves my dexterity and problem-solving. My goal is to have limitless moves to beat any defender. Stepping outside the box in training expands my dodging arsenal.

Don’t fall into just practicing the same basic dodges over and over. Challenge yourself by dodging at speed against passive defenders. Dodge different angles and both left and right handed. React to simulated checks and contact. A deep dodging repertoire makes you impossible to predict. Defenders can never get comfortable.

This offseason, commit to expanding your dodging skillset. Creativity and unpredictability will make you an offensive weapon. Master both finesse and power moves. With refined dodging skills, you’ll embarrass defenders and find the back of the net more consistently.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Develop speed and agility with position-specific drills

To take your game to the highest level, implement position-specific speed and agility drills into your training routine. For example, attack players benefit from drills that require sharp changes of direction to help them shake defenders. Midfielders, on the other hand, need more straight line endurance combined with lateral speed for covering large areas of the field. Customizing your speed training for your position gives you the physical edge to excel.

During summer speed camps last year, my coach had the midfielders and attackmen do completely different regimens tailored for each position. As middies, we did lots of 300 yard sprints and cone drills requiring sudden stops and starts to mimic transitional play. Meanwhile, the attackmen did drills focused on lateral agility like ladder footwork and box jumps to improve their dodging. Though tiring, I could feel myself getting quicker at changing direction and sustaining speed up and down the field.

Don’t make the mistake of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to speed training. Work with your coaches to design regimens that strengthen the specific athletic attributes most vital for your position. Are you a close defender who needs to play lockdown D against dodgers? Then agility ladders and resistance training are key. As a face-off specialist, quick lateral slides and explosive starts are crucial. Catering your speed work for your role gives you that extra physical edge on the competition.

Improve shooting accuracy and power

Top scorers make it look effortless ripping shots into the back of the net. But in reality, developing pinpoint shooting accuracy and overpowering velocity requires hours of dedicated practice. During the off-season, commit time each week to honing your shooting form and mechanics. Isolate shooting weaknesses like low whip, follow through, or poor lift and do targeted drills. Challenge yourself by shooting on the run, from further distances, and under simulated pressure. Your wrist and forearm strength will build, and your precision will improve.

Last off-season I decided to spend an extra 30 minutes after practices working solely on my shooting. I focused on adding power by doing weighted lifts for my arms along with punching boxing drills to build forearm muscles. This helped increase my shot velocity. For accuracy, I did rapid fire shooting from different angles and distances, aiming for specific spots rather than just randomly firing at the cage. Challenging myself to hit precise targets made my shot placement much more consistent.

Don’t wait until preseason to begin tuning up your shot. Make shooting practice part of your regular training routine. Work on shooting on the move and under pressure to mimic game conditions. Record your sessions to monitor areas for improvement. Dialing in proper mechanics through repetition will transfer directly to more prolific goal scoring when it counts.

Learn specialized face-off and draw tactics

While most lacrosse camps focus on building all-around skills for field players, there are also camps tailored specifically for face-off specialists. Through advanced technique drills and repetition, these camps help you master the lightning-quick reflexes, grip strength, and positioning required to consistently win draws. Skilled face-off instructors break down critical details like early movement, countering moves, and stick mechanics that give you an edge in the circle.

My friend specialized in face-offs all through high school and attended an intensive draw camp the summer before college to take his skills to the next level. He came back with all kinds of new techniques for hand speed, body positioning, and counters that he learned training against top face-off athletes. His win rate jumped over 15% the next season. Since possessions off draws can make or break a lacrosse game, he said the specific focus on technique at draw camps give you skills that directly impact the game.

If you want to become a face-off specialist, attend specialty camps tailored for building these unique skills. Mastering draws requires honing subtle techniques that most general lacrosse camps don’t focus on. Work with coaches who understand the nuances that win possessions in the circle. You’ll gain insights that provide a real competitive advantage for your team.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Gain game sense by scrimmaging top players

Once you have the fundamental skills down, scrimmaging against top competition is one of the best ways to improve your overall game. Matching up against elite players reveals holes in your game that you can then work to address. The speed and intensity of scrimmages forces you to make quicker decisions and react in real-time. While drills are crucial for honing mechanics, scrimmaging tests your skills under pressure.

Last fall, I joined a club lacrosse team and our preseason scrimmages were an eye-opening experience. Despite feeling confident from summer training, I realized I had trouble maintaining possession of the ball against more physical defenders. I tended to panic and rush my passes under pressure. By scrimmaging against top high school players, I learned where I needed to improve before the season started. I worked on cradling with both hands to shield the ball. I also did footwork drills to move more elusively. The experience helped me identify and shore up weaknesses before they got exposed in games.

If you have the chance to scrimmage against top players, take advantage of it. Not only is it great preparation, but watching and learning from more experienced athletes will make you better. Pay attention to how talented players move without the ball, communicate on defense, and maintain composure in big moments. Scrimmaging elite competition will test your skills and accelerate your development as a player.

Use video analysis to identify areas for improvement

One of the best ways to fast track your development as a lacrosse player is to study video of yourself in action. Seeing what you look like on camera can help illuminate areas for improvement more clearly than coaches or teammates telling you what you’re doing wrong. When you can watch yourself scoop, pass, shoot, dodge and defend, you can pinpoint the mechanics that need refinement.

My lacrosse coach started filming our practices last season and reviewing footage with each player. At first, it was cringeworthy seeing myself on camera and realizing all the subtle mistakes I was making. But over time, being able to watch clips of myself in slow motion helped me self-correct issues with my shooting motion, footwork on defense, and weak side positioning. Things that felt vague when coaches described them to me clicked better for me visually on film. Video also captured cool plays I wanted to replicate.

If possible, ask your coaches to film drills and scrimmages during the season. Look for clips where you feel good about your technique. But also study moments where you mess up or get beat. Use the footage to isolate your biggest areas for refinement. The camera doesn’t lie – video analysis will highlight flaws in your game you may not even realize.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

Some of my best summer memories are from lacrosse camps, especially the fun we had off the field. Between grueling sessions, we would chill out together blasting music and doing goofy dances. We motivated each other through difficult drills knowing we’d get to hang out after. I became close friends with many of my fellow campers. The camaraderie and laughs helped make the intensive training enjoyable. I walked away a better player, but more importantly I had an amazing time growing the sport I loved.

Immerse yourself fully at camp this summer. Push your skills out of your comfort zone. But also cut loose and build bonds during downtime. If you focus on enjoying the lacrosse journey along with improving, your passion for the game will continue to grow. Have the time of your life!

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

College recruiting camps showcase your talent

For high school players with college lacrosse aspirations, recruiting showcase camps are a must. These camps give you valuable exposure to college coaches looking for talent. You’ll get to demonstrate your skills in drills and scrimmages specifically designed to highlight strengths. While making an impression on recruiters, you’ll also improve against elite competition. Showcase camps can fast track recruiting.

My teammate attended a couple recruiting camps last summer and said it dramatically accelerated his recruiting timeline. He got seen by a dozen college coaches who were impressed with his performance. Within a month of camp ending, he already had five scholarship offers. He said the camps gave him confidence that he could compete at the next level based on feedback from the coaches. If playing in college is your goal, put these showcase camps on your summer schedule.

Bring your best effort and skill to recruiting camps. This is your chance to convert college coach interest into actual offers. Perform under pressure and take coaching instruction seriously. Maintain positivity even if feeling nervous. With hard work and skill, showcase camps can elevate your recruiting stock.

Improve shooting accuracy and power

Top scorers make it look effortless ripping shots into the back of the net. But in reality, developing pinpoint shooting accuracy and overpowering velocity requires hours of dedicated practice. During the off-season, commit time each week to honing your shooting form and mechanics. Isolate shooting weaknesses like low whip, follow through, or poor lift and do targeted drills. Challenge yourself by shooting on the run, from further distances, and under simulated pressure. Your wrist and forearm strength will build, and your precision will improve.

Last off-season I decided to spend an extra 30 minutes after practices working solely on my shooting. I focused on adding power by doing weighted lifts for my arms along with punching boxing drills to build forearm muscles. This helped increase my shot velocity. For accuracy, I did rapid fire shooting from different angles and distances, aiming for specific spots rather than just randomly firing at the cage. Challenging myself to hit precise targets made my shot placement much more consistent.

Don’t wait until preseason to begin tuning up your shot. Make shooting practice part of your regular training routine. Work on shooting on the move and under pressure to mimic game conditions. Record your sessions to monitor areas for improvement. Dialing in proper mechanics through repetition will transfer directly to more prolific goal scoring when it counts.

Bond with teammates at team camps

Beyond developing individual skills, team camps are great for building chemistry with teammates before the season. Battling together through grueling practices and chilling during meals and dorm downtime forges bonds. This camaraderie pays dividends when the games actually matter. You’ll trust each other more and have more fun during the season.

My high school team started a tradition of attending a team camp at Penn State each August. The camp put us through a bootcamp of shooting drills, transition exercises and full field scrimmages. We were exhausted by the final whistle each day. But grabbing dinner together in the dorms and hanging in our rooms brought us closer. Building those memories off the field helped us better gel as a unit when games started. We went on to have an undefeated season.

Make time for team bonding when choosing camps. On-field chemistry amplifies the skills gained from training. Think about doing activities outside of lacrosse as well, like paintball or ropes courses. Fostering friendship and trust between teammates leads to more success once the season starts. Team camps build bonds that pay off.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Improve shooting accuracy and power

Top scorers make it look effortless ripping shots into the back of the net. But in reality, developing pinpoint shooting accuracy and overpowering velocity requires hours of dedicated practice. During the off-season, commit time each week to honing your shooting form and mechanics. Isolate shooting weaknesses like low whip, follow through, or poor lift and do targeted drills. Challenge yourself by shooting on the run, from further distances, and under simulated pressure. Your wrist and forearm strength will build, and your precision will improve.

Last off-season I decided to spend an extra 30 minutes after practices working solely on my shooting. I focused on adding power by doing weighted lifts for my arms along with punching boxing drills to build forearm muscles. This helped increase my shot velocity. For accuracy, I did rapid fire shooting from different angles and distances, aiming for specific spots rather than just randomly firing at the cage. Challenging myself to hit precise targets made my shot placement much more consistent.

Don’t wait until preseason to begin tuning up your shot. Make shooting practice part of your regular training routine. Work on shooting on the move and under pressure to mimic game conditions. Record your sessions to monitor areas for improvement. Dialing in proper mechanics through repetition will transfer directly to more prolific goal scoring when it counts.

Level up your conditioning and athleticism

Playing lacrosse at a high level requires tremendous conditioning. You need both muscular endurance to keep powering through 60 minute games, along with anaerobic capacity for quick bursts of max effort. Tailoring your workouts to optimize energy systems vital for lacrosse will pay huge dividends. Mix sprint interval training, tempo runs, and low rest circuits to boost game-specific stamina.

Our team has a notoriously brutal summer conditioning circuit that has us puking trash cans. But it undeniably whips us into peak shape right before preseason starts. We’ll sprint suicide runs until we’re gassed. Then immediately transition into burpees, sled pushes, and pull-ups with minimal rest. The circuits simulate the constant transitions in a lacrosse game between sprinting, grappling, and explosiveness. My first year, I wasn’t prepared and got my butt kicked. Now I strategically train so that I can survive the gauntlet.

Don’t neglect conditioning in your off-season training. Follow programs that intermix anaerobic and aerobic challenges specific to lacrosse’s stop-and-go nature. Get comfortable pushing past exhaustion safely. Peak physical fitness ensures you can outwork and outlast opponents when the championship is on the line. Put in the work so your body is primed for game dominance.

Master dodging techniques to beat defenders

In lacrosse, the ability to effectively dodge defenders is critical for generating offense. Mastering moves like the split dodge, roll dodge, and face dodge gives you more tools for beating your man and creating scoring chances. Repetition ingrains dodging fundamentals while creativity keeps defenders guessing. Work on dodging every angle to become a nightmare matchup.

Each week during offseason training I make time to practice dodging techniques, especially ones outside my comfort zone. I’ll work on dodging lefty even though I’m right handed. Or I’ll practice dodging from X even though I normally play attack. Trying unnatural dodges improves my dexterity and problem-solving. My goal is to have limitless moves to beat any defender. Stepping outside the box in training expands my dodging arsenal.

Don’t fall into just practicing the same basic dodges over and over. Challenge yourself by dodging at speed against passive defenders. Dodge different angles and both left and right handed. React to simulated checks and contact. A deep dodging repertoire makes you impossible to predict. Defenders can never get comfortable.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Master dodging techniques to beat defenders

In lacrosse, the ability to effectively dodge defenders is critical for generating offense. Mastering moves like the split dodge, roll dodge, and face dodge gives you more tools for beating your man and creating scoring chances. Repetition ingrains dodging fundamentals while creativity keeps defenders guessing. Work on dodging every angle to become a nightmare matchup.

Each week during offseason training I make time to practice dodging techniques, especially ones outside my comfort zone. I’ll work on dodging lefty even though I’m right handed. Or I’ll practice dodging from X even though I normally play attack. Trying unnatural dodges improves my dexterity and problem-solving. My goal is to have limitless moves to beat any defender. Stepping outside the box in training expands my dodging arsenal.

Don’t fall into just practicing the same basic dodges over and over. Challenge yourself by dodging at speed against passive defenders. Dodge different angles and both left and right handed. React to simulated checks and contact. A deep dodging repertoire makes you impossible to predict. Defenders can never get comfortable.

Level up your conditioning and athleticism

Playing lacrosse at a high level requires tremendous conditioning. You need both muscular endurance to keep powering through 60 minute games, along with anaerobic capacity for quick bursts of max effort. Tailoring your workouts to optimize energy systems vital for lacrosse will pay huge dividends. Mix sprint interval training, tempo runs, and low rest circuits to boost game-specific stamina.

Our team has a notoriously brutal summer conditioning circuit that has us puking trash cans. But it undeniably whips us into peak shape right before preseason starts. We’ll sprint suicide runs until we’re gassed. Then immediately transition into burpees, sled pushes, and pull-ups with minimal rest. The circuits simulate the constant transitions in a lacrosse game between sprinting, grappling, and explosiveness. My first year, I wasn’t prepared and got my butt kicked. Now I strategically train so that I can survive the gauntlet.

Don’t neglect conditioning in your off-season training. Follow programs that intermix anaerobic and aerobic challenges specific to lacrosse’s stop-and-go nature. Get comfortable pushing past exhaustion safely. Peak physical fitness ensures you can outwork and outlast opponents when the championship is on the line. Put in the work so your body is primed for game dominance.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

Some of my best summer memories are from lacrosse camps, especially the fun we had off the field. Between grueling sessions, we would chill out together blasting music and doing goofy dances. We motivated each other through difficult drills knowing we’d get to hang out after. I became close friends with many of my fellow campers. The camaraderie and laughs helped make the intensive training enjoyable. I walked away a better player, but more importantly I had an amazing time growing the sport I loved.

Immerse yourself fully at camp this summer. Push your skills out of your comfort zone. But also cut loose and build bonds during downtime. If you focus on enjoying the lacrosse journey along with improving, your passion for the game will continue to grow. Have the time of your life!

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Level up your conditioning and athleticism

Playing lacrosse at a high level requires tremendous conditioning. You need both muscular endurance to keep powering through 60 minute games, along with anaerobic capacity for quick bursts of max effort. Tailoring your workouts to optimize energy systems vital for lacrosse will pay huge dividends. Mix sprint interval training, tempo runs, and low rest circuits to boost game-specific stamina.

Our team has a notoriously brutal summer conditioning circuit that has us puking trash cans. But it undeniably whips us into peak shape right before preseason starts. We’ll sprint suicide runs until we’re gassed. Then immediately transition into burpees, sled pushes, and pull-ups with minimal rest. The circuits simulate the constant transitions in a lacrosse game between sprinting, grappling, and explosiveness. My first year, I wasn’t prepared and got my butt kicked. Now I strategically train so that I can survive the gauntlet.

Don’t neglect conditioning in your off-season training. Follow programs that intermix anaerobic and aerobic challenges specific to lacrosse’s stop-and-go nature. Get comfortable pushing past exhaustion safely. Peak physical fitness ensures you can outwork and outlast opponents when the championship is on the line. Put in the work so your body is primed for game dominance.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

Some of my best summer memories are from lacrosse camps, especially the fun we had off the field. Between grueling sessions, we would chill out together blasting music and doing goofy dances. We motivated each other through difficult drills knowing we’d get to hang out after. I became close friends with many of my fellow campers. The camaraderie and laughs helped make the intensive training enjoyable. I walked away a better player, but more importantly I had an amazing time growing the sport I loved.

Immerse yourself fully at camp this summer. Push your skills out of your comfort zone. But also cut loose and build bonds during downtime. If you focus on enjoying the lacrosse journey along with improving, your passion for the game will continue to grow. Have the time of your life!

Learn specialized face-off and draw tactics

While most lacrosse camps focus on building all-around skills for field players, there are also camps tailored specifically for face-off specialists. Through advanced technique drills and repetition, these camps help you master the lightning-quick reflexes, grip strength, and positioning required to consistently win draws. Skilled face-off instructors break down critical details like early movement, countering moves, and stick mechanics that give you an edge in the circle.

My friend specialized in face-offs all through high school and attended an intensive draw camp the summer before college to take his skills to the next level. He came back with all kinds of new techniques for hand speed, body positioning, and counters that he learned training against top face-off athletes. His win rate jumped over 15% the next season. Since possessions off draws can make or break a lacrosse game, he said the specific focus on technique at draw camps give you skills that directly impact the game.

If you want to become a face-off specialist, attend specialty camps tailored for building these unique skills. Mastering draws requires honing subtle techniques that most general lacrosse camps don’t focus on. Work with coaches who understand the nuances that win possessions in the circle. You’ll gain insights that provide a real competitive advantage for your team.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Use video analysis to identify areas for improvement

One of the best ways to fast track your development as a lacrosse player is to study video of yourself in action. Seeing what you look like on camera can help illuminate areas for improvement more clearly than coaches or teammates telling you what you’re doing wrong. When you can watch yourself scoop, pass, shoot, dodge and defend, you can pinpoint the mechanics that need refinement.

My lacrosse coach started filming our practices last season and reviewing footage with each player. At first, it was cringeworthy seeing myself on camera and realizing all the subtle mistakes I was making. But over time, being able to watch clips of myself in slow motion helped me self-correct issues with my shooting motion, footwork on defense, and weak side positioning. Things that felt vague when coaches described them to me clicked better for me visually on film. Video also captured cool plays I wanted to replicate.

If possible, ask your coaches to film drills and scrimmages during the season. Look for clips where you feel good about your technique. But also study moments where you mess up or get beat. Use the footage to isolate your biggest areas for refinement. The camera doesn’t lie – video analysis will highlight flaws in your game you may not even realize.

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Learn specialized face-off and draw tactics

While most lacrosse camps focus on building all-around skills for field players, there are also camps tailored specifically for face-off specialists. Through advanced technique drills and repetition, these camps help you master the lightning-quick reflexes, grip strength, and positioning required to consistently win draws. Skilled face-off instructors break down critical details like early movement, countering moves, and stick mechanics that give you an edge in the circle.

My friend specialized in face-offs all through high school and attended an intensive draw camp the summer before college to take his skills to the next level. He came back with all kinds of new techniques for hand speed, body positioning, and counters that he learned training against top face-off athletes. His win rate jumped over 15% the next season. Since possessions off draws can make or break a lacrosse game, he said the specific focus on technique at draw camps give you skills that directly impact the game.

If you want to become a face-off specialist, attend specialty camps tailored for building these unique skills. Mastering draws requires honing subtle techniques that most general lacrosse camps don’t focus on. Work with coaches who understand the nuances that win possessions in the circle. You’ll gain insights that provide a real competitive advantage for your team.

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Bond with teammates at team camps

Beyond developing individual skills, team camps are great for building chemistry with teammates before the season. Battling together through grueling practices and chilling during meals and dorm downtime forges bonds. This camaraderie pays dividends when the games actually matter. You’ll trust each other more and have more fun during the season.

My high school team started a tradition of attending a team camp at Penn State each August. The camp put us through a bootcamp of shooting drills, transition exercises and full field scrimmages. We were exhausted by the final whistle each day. But grabbing dinner together in the dorms and hanging in our rooms brought us closer. Building those memories off the field helped us better gel as a unit when games started. We went on to have an undefeated season.

Make time for team bonding when choosing camps. On-field chemistry amplifies the skills gained from training. Think about doing activities outside of lacrosse as well, like paintball or ropes courses. Fostering friendship and trust between teammates leads to more success once the season starts. Team camps build bonds that pay off.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

Some of my best summer memories are from lacrosse camps, especially the fun we had off the field. Between grueling sessions, we would chill out together blasting music and doing goofy dances. We motivated each other through difficult drills knowing we’d get to hang out after. I became close friends with many of my fellow campers. The camaraderie and laughs helped make the intensive training enjoyable. I walked away a better player, but more importantly I had an amazing time growing the sport I loved.

Immerse yourself fully at camp this summer. Push your skills out of your comfort zone. But also cut loose and build bonds during downtime. If you focus on enjoying the lacrosse journey along with improving, your passion for the game will continue to grow. Have the time of your life!

As summer approaches, lacrosse players across the country are gearing up for another season on the field. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player hoping to take your game to the next level, lacrosse camps are a great way to develop new skills and get in shape for the upcoming season.

Have fun while taking your game to the next level

Most importantly, be sure to have fun at lacrosse camps this summer! Enjoy bonding with new teammates and pushing yourself to improve. Don’t get discouraged if struggling to pick up new skills at first. Stay positive and keep focusing on growth. Participate in camp traditions and cheer on your fellow campers during competitions. Embrace the challenges while making lifelong memories. The connections and joy you find will fuel your passion for elevating your game.

Some of my best summer memories are from lacrosse camps, especially the fun we had off the field. Between grueling sessions, we would chill out together blasting music and doing goofy dances. We motivated each other through difficult drills knowing we’d get to hang out after. I became close friends with many of my fellow campers. The camaraderie and laughs helped make the intensive training enjoyable. I walked away a better player, but more importantly I had an amazing time growing the sport I loved.

Immerse yourself fully at camp this summer. Push your skills out of your comfort zone. But also cut loose and build bonds during downtime. If you focus on enjoying the lacrosse journey along with improving, your passion for the game will continue to grow. Have the time of your life!

Perfect passing and catching skills at lacrosse clinics

While elite level camps can be great for experienced players, there are also options out there for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals. Lacrosse clinics offered by local clubs and youth programs are perfect for introducing the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Focusing on the basics like passing, catching, cradling, and scooping ground balls, these 2-3 day clinics teach skills in a step-by-step way. With small coach-to-player ratios, you get the individual attention needed to build confidence with a stick in your hands.

I helped coach a beginner lacrosse clinic for middle school students last year, and it was extremely rewarding to see the kids improve each day. We started by having them get accustomed to holding the stick properly and then began tossing the ball back and forth in lines. It was tricky at first, with lots of dropped passes and fumbled scoops. But after practicing different catching techniques and scooping drills, their skills improved immensely in just a few sessions. By the end, it was amazing to see how much more confident the kids were. Starting with the fundamentals allowed them to gain the base skills needed to continue growing as lacrosse players.

Clinics are also a great way to try out lacrosse if you’ve never played before. Having patient coaches guide you through the basics helps demystify the sport. You’ll gain the confidence to keep progressing in the sport after attending just a few sessions. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never picked up a stick! Clinics provide the welcoming, structured environment you need to feel comfortable as a beginner.