Ready to Dominate on the Lacrosse Field this Summer. Learn the 15 Secrets to Succeeding at Sierra Canyon’s Elite Lacrosse Camp

Ready to Dominate on the Lacrosse Field this Summer. Learn the 15 Secrets to Succeeding at Sierra Canyon’s Elite Lacrosse Camp

Proper Equipment – Don’t Show Up Unprepared

The summer sun beats down as you step onto the field for your first day at Sierra Canyon’s prestigious lacrosse camp. You’re thrilled for an action-packed week sharpening your skills alongside the nation’s top high school lacrosse athletes. But as you glance around at the other players’ gear, a sinking feeling sets in. You forgot half your equipment at home! Now you’ll have to make do with subpar loaners that could hinder your performance all week.

Don’t let this happen to you! Proper lacrosse equipment is essential for safety, comfort, and success on the field. Here are 15 must-have items to pack for Sierra Canyon so you can dominate from day one.

1. Helmet

A helmet is your first line of defense against injury. Ensure yours fits snugly with the brim one finger width above your eyebrows. Bring your own if possible, since loaner helmets may not protect as well. Certification from NOCSAE, HECC or CE proves it meets safety standards.

2. Stick

Your stick is an extension of your arm on the field. Take time testing different sticks to find the right length, weight, and head style for your position and playing style. Then break it in before camp with wall ball practice to develop stick skills.

3. Gloves

Gloves protect your hands while enhancing control of your stick. Palm padding and extended cuffs help. Make sure a snug fit still allows flexibility. Goalies need thick padding to absorb ball impact.

4. Arm Guards

Prevent painful arm welts by wearing padded arm guards. Lightweight, breathable guards allow free movement while protecting your wrist to elbow. Goalies need extra forearm and thumb protection.

5. Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads cushion body checks and defend your collarbone and chest. For speed, choose lightweight pads with high-impact foam and ventilation. Make sure straps keep them from shifting during play.

6. Cleats

Only rubber molded cleats can grip Sierra Canyon’s turf fields. Opt for a comfortable, broken-in pair offering ankle support and traction. Don’t forget your socks! Cotton blends absorb sweat to keep feet dry.

7. Protective Cup

A protective cup is a must for male players. Look for a lightweight, breathable design shaped to let you move naturally. Double up with compression shorts to keep it from shifting during sprints and dodges.

8. Mouthguard

Protect your teeth and face from a stick or ball with a snug mouthguard. Custom-fit offers the best protection and speaking ability. Boil and bite at least adapts to your mouth. Attach it to your helmet so you don’t misplace it.

9. Practice Jersey

Mesh practice jerseys allow air circulation to release sweat and heat. Bring at least two so you can swap a sweat-soaked shirt for a fresh one between drills. Having both light and dark colors helps coaches track positional play.

10. Water Bottle

Lacrosse requires constant hydration. Bring a large water bottle to refill on the sidelines. Hands-free designs allow easy drinking during play. Adding electrolyte mixes can replace salts lost while sweating.

11. Eyewear Strap

If you wear glasses or goggles, bring a strap to keep them on during competition. Annoying adjustments waste time and focus. Strap anchors to your helmet, minimizing movement and glare while protecting your eyes.

12. Athletic Tape

Have athletic tape on hand to quickly tape up blisters, handle tears, or support minor sprains. It sticks to damp skin better than bandages. Self-adhering wraps add compression support without needing tape.

13. Backup Gear

Camp action continues despite setbacks, so pack backup gear like an extra pair of gloves, shoelaces, or jersey in case the original gets too wet, ripped, or lost. This saves time racing to the pro shop for replacements.

14. Healthy Snacks

Fuel up between sessions with easy-to-eat, energizing snacks like trail mix, protein bars, banana chips or dried fruit. These boost stamina and keep your blood sugar stable. Granola is tasty but messy on the sidelines.

15. Sunscreen

Protect your skin from intense sun exposure during hours of outdoor drills and scrimmages. Choose sweatproof SPF 30 or higher and reapply often. Lip balm, sunglasses and a cap also help when off the field.

Attending an elite lacrosse camp like Sierra Canyon’s is the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t waste a minute sidelined because you forgot essential gear. Pack smart so you can focus on skills, make friends, and become the MVP you know you can be!

Conditioning Drills – Get in Shape Fast

You made it! After months of anticipation, you’re finally checked in at Sierra Canyon for their legendary lacrosse camp. As you head out for your first conditioning workout, you feel that nervous flutter wondering if you’re ready for the intense drills ahead. Don’t sweat it! With the right conditioning plan, you’ll be in peak shape in no time.

Lacrosse demands a combo of strength, stamina, agility and explosiveness. Here are 15 killer conditioning drills to get you conditioned fast so you can bring your A-game from day one.

1. Suicides

This old school drill builds endurance and foot speed. Sprint from sideline to sideline, back and forth, touching the line each time. Start with 5 reps, building up to 10 as your conditioning improves.

2. High Knees

Drive your knees high and pump your arms for this running warm-up. Focus on a quick turnover, driving knees to waist level. Sets of 100 meters build leg strength and hip flexibility.

3. Jump Squats

Lower into a squat, then explode up into the air. Land softly, squat and repeat. Sets of 10-15 build lower body power for sprinting down the field.

4. Lateral Shuffle

Slide side to side as quickly as you can with knees bent, staying low. Keep your center of gravity centered for agility. Do 2-3 sets of 30-40 yards.

5. Bear Crawls

Get into a push-up position. Keep your hips low as you step forward with your right hand and right foot. Repeat on the left side. Go as far as you can for 1-2 sets.

6. Side Planks

Support your body on one elbow and the sides of your feet, lifting your hips and core. Hold for 30-60 seconds per side to build core stability for dodging checks.

7. Wall Balls

Holding your stick, assume an athletic stance a few feet from a wall. Quickly pass the ball against the wall and catch the rebound. Repeat with rapid-fire reaction time.

8. Circle Drills

Set up cones or markers in a large circle. Sprint around the circle, weaving through the cones. Complete 2-3 circles, then reverse direction. Builds coordination.

9. Broad Jumps

From standing, jump out as far as you can, landing with soft knees. Jump back to your starting position. Repeat 10 times for explosive leg power.

10. Core Planks

Get into high plank position, resting on your forearms and toes. Keep your body in a straight line, engaging your core. Hold for 30-60 seconds, 2-3 sets.

11. Line Jumps

Jump forward and backward, side to side, and diagonally across a line. Keep it speedy! 2-3 minutes will elevate your heart rate and improve agility.

12. Resistance Sprints

Use resistance bands or a parachute for added intensity while sprinting. Drive hard against the resistance for stronger acceleration.

13. Stick Transfer Drills

Improve hand-eye coordination by quickly transferring your stick from hand to hand around your head, waist and legs. Do for 30 seconds.

14. Push-ups/Burpees

Knock out max reps of push-ups and burpees to build upper body strength. Mix it up- try wide grip or triangle push ups.

15. Yoga

Cool down with yoga stretches for improved mobility and injury prevention. Hold Downward Dog, Pigeon Pose and Triangle Pose for 30 seconds each.

You signed up to push yourself to new heights, so put in the work pre-camp to show up prepared. Complete these drills 3-5 times per week and you’ll stand out from day one. Sierra Canyon’s elite coaching and competition will take your game to the next level- as long as your body is ready to play hard!

Stick Skills – Master Cradling, Scooping, Passing

You’ve got your sights set on Sierra Canyon lacrosse camp this summer to sharpen your game. Your conditioning is on point, gear is packed. But as you picture those high-level drills and scrimmages, some self-doubt creeps in. Are your stick skills good enough to hang with the best of the best? Time to put in the reps!

Superior stick skills separate the pros from the joes in lacrosse. Here are 15 drills to master cradling, scooping, passing and catching so you can dominate the competition this summer.

1. Figure 8s

Rotate your stick in a continuous figure 8 motion around your arms, waist and legs. Start slow, then speed up to improve hand-eye coordination for cradling on the run.

2. 1-Handed Cradling

Cradle the ball in the pocket with one hand, focusing on keeping the ball centered with subtle wrist motions. Alternate hands for equal dexterity.

3. Dodge Pass

Simulate dodging a defender by pasoing the ball from your right to left hand around your back. Work on selling the fakeout before the transition.

4. Behind the Back

Improve hand quickness and coordination by whipping the ball behind your back then recatching. Vary the direction for an added challenge.

5. Pocket Power Slides

Practice sliding the ball up and down the pocket to hone control. Release just enough to keep it in the sweet spot without falling out.

6. Quick Stick

Take rapid-fire passes against a wall and immediately redirect the ball back. Focus on quick reflexes through your stick.

7. The Pendulum

Let the ball hang in your net. Swing your stick smoothly side to side like a pendulum, controlling the ball at the bottom of each swing.

8. Toss and Catch

Grip the ball in your stick and toss it straight up with a quick snap. As it falls, smoothly catch and cradle it again. Increase height.

9. Ground Ball Drill

Roll balls on the ground and practice scooping in fluid motions. Don’t just pounce- keep your feet moving as you bend at the knees.

10. Agility Cones

Set up a series of cones and weave through cradling the ball. Change direction and vary speeds for game-like stick control.

11. Split Dodge

Approach a partner like defending them, then suddenly split left or right to practice evasion moves with the ball.

12. Box Passing

Practice accuracy by passing back and forth with a partner moving clockwise in a box shape. Lead your pass so they don’t break stride.

13. Domination

Challenge a friend to a 1-on-1 keep away battle. Use swift cradling, dodges and body positioning to control the ball.

14. Rapid Fire

Test hand speed by hammering the ball off a wall and catching it on the rapid rebound. See how many clean catches you can make consecutively.

15. Trick Shots

Show off your skills with behind-the-back catches, hidden ball tricks and accurate sidearm passes. Creativity builds confidence!

They say practice makes perfect…or at least pretty darn good. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to sharpening these fundamental stick skills so they become second nature. Before you know it, cradling and passing will be instinctual, freeing your mind to focus on strategic play. Show up at Sierra Canyon with your A-game and get ready to wow the crowds!

Shooting Techniques – Score More Goals

You’ve put in the work on conditioning, stick skills and strategy. Now it’s time to capitalize on all that preparation and put the ball in the back of the net! Heading to Sierra Canyon’s elite lacrosse camp this summer is your chance to take your shooting to the next level.

Accuracy, power and quickness are key shooting skills. Here are 15 drills to dial in your technique so you’ll be a scoring machine on the field.

1. Step and Shoot

Focus on footwork by taking a step toward the goal before each shot. Keep your upper body coiled and drive power from your legs.

2. Penny Drill

Place a penny on the ground and practice hitting it from 10 yards out. Improves aiming for small targets like corners.

3. Quick Stick

Take rapid passes from a partner and immediately shoot on goal. Work on releasing quickly before the defense arrives.

4. Behind the Back

Add some flair by winding up behind your back then bringing your stick across your body to shoot. Great for dodging defenders.

5. Circling Shot

Approach the crease at an angle, then turn 360 degrees and shoot in one fluid motion. Practice from both directions.

6. Pump Fake

Keep the goalie guessing by simulating a shot then pulling back your stick for the real attempt. Sell it by snapping your wrists.

7. Albany Drill

Name the 6 zones of the goal, then call out a zone and shoot there on command. Improves placement accuracy.

8. Triangle Shooting

Form a triangle with cones and take shots at each one. Vary distance and angle for diverse looks.

9. Off-hand Shooting

Strengthen weak-hand skills by shooting only with your off hand. Keeps defenders on their toes.

10. Dodge and Shoot

Combine skills by dodging a partner, then taking a shot on goal. Simulates shooting under pressure.

11. Sidearm Delivery

Practice overhand, 3/4 and sidearm shooting techniques. Sidearm is great for tight angles.

12. Goal-line Extended

Take shots while running laterally across the goal mouth to mirror scenarios where the keeper overpursues.

13. Ball-out Shooting

Throw a ball against the wall, let it rebound, then catch and shoot in one motion. Enhances reflexes.

14. Deep Arc Shot

Shoot overhand with a deep windup for max power. Bend your elbow and follow through.

15. Rapid Fire

Shoot repeatedly on goal as fast as possible. Challenge yourself to beat your shot frequency record.

Sharpening your shooting technique is crucial, but remember- the best shooters stay relaxed. Don’t overthink it. Trust your body mechanics and preparation. Attacking the goal with confidence and instinct will ensure you’re a top scorer at Sierra Canyon this summer!

Dodging Moves – Beat Defenders 1-on-1

You love that feeling when it’s just you, the ball, and a lone defender between you and the goal. The crowd holds their breath as you gear up for the 1-on-1 showdown. Make this a summer to remember at Sierra Canyon lacrosse camp by mastering your dodging arsenal.

Dodging is about more than just speed. Perfect timing, change of pace, fakes and footwork separate the highlights from the has-beens. Here are 15 drills to sharpen your skills so no defender can shut you down.

1. Face Dodge

Head straight at your opponent, then explosively roll off a shoulder and blow by. Vary your escape route to keep them guessing.

2. Split Dodge

Speed toward a defender, then suddenly split to one side for the fake-out. Practice both left and right.

3. Roll Dodge

Sell an inside drive before spinning outside and accelerating around your man. Pivoting foot placement is key.

4. Swim Dodge

Swing the stick overhead as if shooting high, then swim it underneath quickly changing levels for the dodge.

5. Rocker Step

Step across your body, rock your weight onto that foot, then explode back the opposite way past your marker.

6. Dead Leg Dodge

Hesitate like you’re stopping to let them fly by, then accelerate into the open space.

7. Quick Stick

Master quick ball transfers from right to left hand around the back to keep possession on dodges.

8. Dump and Chase

Feed a teammate, then sprint around your defender chasing the return pass.

9. Behind the Back

Protect the ball and create space by swinging it behind your back as you dodge.

10. Hurdle Dodge

Jump completely over a stick-check attempt, maintain balance and attack the goal.

11. Juju Dodge

Fake one way, quickly crossover the other way, then crossover again, leaving defenders in the dust.

12. Question Mark

Sell hard to the outside, then plant and cut inside across their body in a question mark path.

13. Superman Dodge

Arch your back and drive your hands away like Superman to create space for a roll dodge.

14. Flip Dodge

Flip the stick to your off hand behind your back for a surprise dodge the other way.

15. Slide and Bounce

Slam the ball down as you slide past, change levels and jump back for the ground ball.

Defenders will be grasping at air all camp long if you polish these dodging moves. But don’t forget creativity and unpredictability are your best assets. Try inventing your own signature shake and bake highlight moves too!

Defensive Footwork – Stay In Front of Attackers

You’re fired up for Sierra Canyon lacrosse camp, ready to hone your skills against top competition. But the ball flips to the other end and suddenly you’re on defense facing their fastest attacker. Can your footwork keep pace? Don’t let them blow by!

Mastering defensive footwork takes dedication, but the reward is shutting down your opponent. Here are 15 drills to drill so your feet are as quick as your stick.

1. Mirror Drill

Face a partner and mirror their every move, staying in front at all times. React quickly to cuts in any direction.

2. Zig-Zag

Set up cones in a zig-zag pattern. Slide side to side through the route as fast as possible while staying low.

3. Ladder Drill

Improve coordination by doing footwork patterns like hopscotch through a ladder on the ground.

4. Box Drill

Face a partner in an athletic stance while shuffling in a box shape: forward, backpedal, side and backpedal again.

5. Closeouts

Sprint forward then stop on command and immediately backpedal, simulating closing out on a shooter.

6. T Push-ups

In push-up position, quickly push off one hand at a time and rotate your torso side-to-side.

7. Defensive Slides

Practice sliding across the goal mouth to provide help defense from various angles.

8. Agility Ladder

Improve coordination by doing in-and-outs and crossovers quickly through the rungs.

9. Backpedal Circle

Keep your hips low and feet active circling a partner who tests you with stick fakes and sudden changes.

10. Angle of Approach

Focus on taking proper angles when closing out on a dodging ballcarrier.

11. Crossover Step

Use lateral crossover steps to maintain defensive positioning while mirroring their offense.

12. Defensive Lead

Don’t let attackers dictate! Practice taking away their options by leading with an active stick.

13.Reactive Shuffle

Shuffle left and right by reacting to visual cues from your trainer.

14. Sprint Cycles

Quickly sprint forward and backpedal for repeated cycles. Push your speed while maintaining control.

15. Two-Line Footfire

Keeping your feet moving, shuffle side-to-side then front-to-back between two lines.

Your footwork sets the foundation for your defensive game. Commit to sharpening these fundamental mechanics and you’ll shut down the opposition consistently at Sierra Canyon. Go get those ground balls!

Goalie Training – Reaction Saves and Clears

Blasting shots ring out around you. Sweat drips down your facemask. It’s up to you as the last line of defense. Heading to Sierra Canyon for elite lacrosse camp this summer? Step up your goalie game for highlight reel saves!

Mastering positioning, angles and technique makes unbeatable netminders. Here are 15 drills to help perfect your reactions for saves and clearing the ball downfield.

1. Step Out Reaction Saves

Take 3 quick steps diagonally forward when shots are released to reduce angles. React quickly!

2. Behind-the-Back Saves

Whip your stick behind your back to make saves on balls shot behind you. Develop awareness.

3. Rapid Fire Saves

Face repeated rapid-fire shots from close range. Stay focused while moving explosively side-to-side.

4. Low Shot Saves

Practice dropping into the butterfly stance to save low skips and bounces.

5. Clear Progression Drill

Start with quick clears to yourself, then add distance, accuracy and finally defense pressure.

6. Zone Clears

Place targets around the crease to practice clearing to all zones quickly off saves.

7. Dead Ball vs. Live Ball

Alternate dead ball and live ball clears to get comfortable under varying types of pressure.

8. Clear Obstacle Course

Set up cones as “defenders” and practice accurate clears while evading contact.

9. Over the Shoulder Saves

Make saves reaching back over your shoulder and quickly transition into clears.

10. Behind-the-Head Saves

Stretch your hand-eye coordination by snagging high shots behind your head in the crease.

11. Clear Communication

Practice loud, clear communication with defenders signaling who takes the clear.

12. Bouncing Ball Saves

Field bad hops off the turf and stay sharp tracing unpredictable bounces.

13. Agility Ladder

Improve lateral quickness for saves by doing in-and-outs through a ladder.

14. Clear Through Checks

Have a partner apply ride pressure while you clear to simulate game intensity.

15. Clear Accuracy

Run clear drills focusing on hitting teammates perfectly in-stride upfield.

Apply these drills to build confidence making clutch saves and outlet passes at Sierra Canyon. Goalies who master clearing ignite their team’s dangerous transition game. Have a legendary camp!

Faceoffs – Gain Possession off the Draw

The ref blows the whistle signaling time to battle for the ball. You approach the ‘X’, crouch down across from your opponent, then explode upwards as the ball launches in the air. Gain the edge in possessions this summer at Sierra Canyon lacrosse camp by mastering your faceoff skills.

Controlling faceoffs requires timing, tenacity and technique. Here are 15 tips to help you dominate the draw.

1. Quick Hands

Focus on fast reaction time. The first to clamp down often wins possession off the draw.

2. Body Positioning

Low center of gravity with hands wide outside your knees maximizes power and balance.

3. Grips

Experiment with grip placements to find the optimal hand position for grabbing fast.

4. Box Out

Use your legs and rear to box out your opponent from the ball after the draw.

5. Plunger Technique

Visualize plunging your crosse down through the ball to direct possession your way.

6. Chip and Chase

If you can’t control off the draw, “chip” it towards teammates to chase possession.

7. Quick Stick Draw

Draw directly back to an offensive teammate for a quick-strike goal attempt.

8. Wings

Use wing midfielders to box out your opponent if they gain possession first.

9. Draw Moves

Perfect the swim move, clamp and spin moves to gain an advantage off the whistle.

10. Draw To Space

Don’t just draw backward. Draw towards open space for easier scooping.

11. Countermoves

Study opponents’ draw moves to determine effective counter techniques.

12. Draw Through Contact

Draw through their stick check to fight for 50/50 balls after the draw.

13. Draw On The Run

Jump the whistle by initiating your draw move as the ref raises the ball.

14. Draw Communication

Develop verbal and non-verbal cues with wings and midfielders for draws.

15. Left Hand Draws

Practice draws lefty if you’re righty and vice versa. Being a dual threat is an asset.

Owning faceoffs leads directly to increased scoring opportunities. Keep drilling this vital technique so you give your team an edge in possessions at elite Sierra Canyon competitions this summer!

Fast Breaks – Transition from Defense to Offense

A wave of momentum is surging your way after a clutch save. It’s time to push tempo on the fast break! Heading to Sierra Canyon for elite lacrosse this summer? Unleash your team’s transition game with quick outlet passes to blow by scrambling defenders.

Executing explosive fast breaks takes timing, vision and speed. Here are 15 tips to convert defense into instant offense.

1. Look Ahead

Goalies start the break by identifying open teammates upfield while clearing.

2. Lead the Outlet

Pass ahead of streaking teammates so they catch in-stride without slowing down.

3. Release Angle

Come back towards the goal at an angle for the outlet pass to gain momentum upfield.

4. Clear Communication

Yell “Break” and designate player numbers clearly so teammates anticipate roles.

5. Pick Out Numbers

Spotting jersey numbers helps recognition for quick outlet passing.

6. Third Man

Trailer fills late as third option if initial breakout is covered.

7. Misdirection

Use back picks, cuts and criss-crosses to misdirect recovering defenders.

8. Push the Pace

Sprint upfield at top speed forcing opponents into hurried retreat.

9. Advance Passing

Move the ball with precision via crisp, timed passing combinations.

10. Shot on the Run

Practice firing accurate outlet passes to shoot immediately in transition.

11. Two-Man Game

Simple give-and-goes are effective against unsettled defenses.

12. Change of Direction

Stop and start suddenly to lose trailing defenders.

13. Inside Look

On recoveries, first look inside for quick hitters before pushing in transition.

14. Secondary Fast Break

Push tempo before defense fully recovers by advancing with urgency.

15. Release Valve

Trailers give outlet options if initial break is thwarted.

Practice these techniques so your team has fast break execution on lock this summer. Elusive transition play leads directly to easy scores at Sierra Canyon’s elite lacrosse camp!

Riding/Clearing – Apply Pressure and Move the Ball

That satisfying slap sounds out as you jar the ball loose with an aggressive check. Quick, scoop it up before they recover! Heading to Sierra Canyon for elite lacrosse this summer? Hone your riding and clearing game to gain possessions.

Disrupting clears and securing ground balls wins games. Here are 15 tips to help ride opponents and clear confidently downfield.

1. Approach Angle

Close down passing lanes by taking proper angles to intercept clear attempts.

2. Deny Inside

Don’t allow easy feeds to the middle. Force them wide.

3. Check Stick Side

Ride high on their hands to deny clean catches and disrupt passing.

4. Check Gloves

Repeated hacking at their gloves forces loss of control and fumbles.

5. Bait and Release

Feint overplaying one side to bait a pass, then pounce on the release.

6. Goal-Line Double

Go two-on-one below goal line to trap ball carriers.

7. Gap Control

Stay tight on their hands but don’t overpursue. Maintain a slight gap.

8. Clear Through Contact

Absorb checks while shielding your stick for clean clears.

9. Clearing Lanes

Recognize slides and back picks opening space upfield.

10. Get Outside Leverage

Force them to clear one side by taking away cradling lanes across their body.

11. Wing Support

Use wings as outlets if you get trapped on the sideline.

12. Shoulder Dip

Sell high, dip a shoulder, then blow by a defender’s outside hip.

13. Leave the Stud!

Don’t overhelp and leave dangerous weapons open.

14. Ball Placement

Protect your stick by carrying the ball away from checks.

15. Scooping Through

Drive your stick through ground balls to maintain possession.

Apply constant pressure to disrupt opponent flow at Sierra Canyon this summer. Owning ground balls and forcing turnovers generates possessions your team needs to rise to the top!

Offensive Sets – Execute in the Half Field

It’s a tight game and you need a goal. Hustle back to the huddle for a quick play call to exploit the defense. Are you ready to run crisp offensive sets against elite competition at Sierra Canyon this summer? Master half-field execution to rise to the occasion in crunch time.

Having set plays gives your offense direction. Here are 15 tips to sharpen your half-field offense.

1. Dive Pick

Use a dive pick near the crease to open up your athletic dodger for a feed inside.

2. Invert

Invert dodgers below goal line opens cutters on the strong side.

3. Two-Man Game

Simple pick-and-roll action creates 2-on-1 advantages to exploit.

4. 1-4-1 Motion

Continuous 1-on-1 dodging from the wings and front keeps the defense shifting.

5. 3-3 Overload

Form 3 lines across midfield with 3 attack up top to isolate 1-on-1 matchups.

6. Double Pick

Set double picks on the point guard’s defender to spring the crease scorer.

7. Zone O

Get shooters open for skip passes and inverse around 2-3 against zone defenses.

8. Box Set

Set up box formation for balanced spacing and interchangeable cutting and dodging.

9. Flare Pick

Flare the pick out high instead of down low to create a long skip pass.

10. Back Screens

Screen your man’s defender from behind to create a layup down the alley.

11. Ball Reversal

Swing quickly cross-field to keep the zone shifting and expose openings.

12. Give-and-Go

Simple give-and-go cuts to create a 2-on-1 from up top.

13. Triangle cuts

Cut around two teammates screening your man to come open for feeds.

14. Slash Cut

Plant hard and cut straight to the crease looking for quick-stick feeds.

15. Pick-the-Picker

Screen your teammate’s defender after setting the initial pick.

Installing a few go-to half-field sets makes you hard to defend in crucial moments. Perfect crisp execution at Sierra Canyon camp this summer to become a true offensive weapon!

Defensive Strategies – Slides, Checks, and Communication

The opponent’s offense pushes upfield, racing toward your goal. Get locked in and ready to shut them down! Heading to Sierra Canyon for elite lacrosse this summer? Sharpen your defensive schemes to stifle even the most potent attacks.

Executing disruptive defensive strategies gives your team a competitive edge. Here are 15 tips to help master slides, checks, and communication.

1. Redouble

Provide immediate double-team help when your teammate calls “redouble!”

2. Backside Rotation

Rotate your backside defense up to cover dangerous cutters.

3. M2M Denial

Use man-to-man principles denying inside leverage and vision to your matchup.

4. Zone Slides

Make quick, controlled slides across seams filling gaps in zone defenses.

5. Gap Checks

Time extended checks perfectly as dodgers expose their stick across passing lanes.

6. Body Positioning

Shield ground balls and passing lanes by winning body position.

7. Clog the Pipe

Funnel play outside by clogging up the middle of the field.

8. Jump to Ball

Leave your man to aggressively trap overmatched ball carriers.

9. Adjacent Checks

Harass the adjacent attackman when you’re beaten to disrupt the feed.

10. Defensive Calls

Communicate checks, slides, and cutters clearly so teammates can react instantly.

11. Triangle Scheme

Form shifting defensive triangles around the crease for support against dodgers.

12. Matchups

Leverage defender strengths/weaknesses by matching speed on speed.

13. Pressure Out

Force play to the sideline and end line keeping it in front of you.

14. Switching

Smoothly switch marks during picks and rotations.

15. Overload Zone

Slide a shorty to create a temporary double team.

Defense wins championships! Apply these strategies against elite competition at Sierra Canyon to shut down high-powered offenses and give your team a chance to win it all!

Extra Man Offense – Capitalize on Penalties

The ref’s flag flies and the other team is suddenly a man down. Time to capitalize! Heading to Sierra Canyon’s elite lacrosse camp this summer? Hone your extra man offense to punish penalties and take control of tight games.

Mastering 6-on-5 play requires precision passing, timing and spacing. Here are 15 tips to sharpen your man-up unit.

1. Invert Behind

Invert below goal line to draw defenders down and open cutters up top.

2. Rotating Pick

Set a rotating pick across the top forcing defenders to constantly switch.

3. Overload Strong Side

Shift 4 players to one side forcing the defense to slide and open seams.

4. Two-Man Game

Screen for a dodger off a quick pick-and-roll to create a 2-on-1 bonus.

5. Perimeter Passing

Rapid ball movement from X to X stretches defenders sideline to sideline.

6. Inside-Out

Feed the crease quickly off an inside catch to take advantage of close-range shots.

7. Triangle Cuts

Use criss-crossing triangle cuts through the defense searching for backdoors.

8. Misdirection

Use fake cutter action to misdirect attention from the ball side.

9. Give-and-Go

Execute quick give-and-go cuts from behind the cage to create 2-on-1s inside.

10. Zone O

Spread the zone out and move the ball quickly to exploit seams and overloads.

11. Step-Down Pick

Set a step-down pick on the crease defender to generate high-percentage shots.

12. Rotations

Crisp off-ball rotations keep defenders shifting and exposed.

13. Invert Crease

Draw the point defender down by inverting a big attackman on the crease.

14. Two-Pass Rules

Require two passes before allowing a shot to move defenders.

15. Clear Space

Clear out space for a designated shooter if the shot clock winds down.

Perfecting precise extra man offense is crucial against elite teams. Capitalize on penalties and take control of tight games at Sierra Canyon lacrosse camp this summer!

Man Down Defense – Play a Man Short

A teammate heads to the penalty box and now your defense is suddenly a man down. Time to hunker down! Attending Sierra Canyon’s elite lacrosse camp this summer? Hone your man-down defensive schemes to survive penalties.

Playing a man short tests your positioning, communication and determination. Here are 15 tips for thriving when shorthanded.

1. Pack It In

Condense your defense in front of the net to take away high percentage shots.

2. Matchups

Put your best defenders on their most dangerous weapons.

3. Hydration Check

Grab water quickly and catch your breath during the stoppage.

4. Crease Slides

Provide early crease support against dodgers.

5. Gap Control

Stay tight on ball carriers but keep vision on cutters in your zone.

6. Red Zone Lockdown

Absolutely deny feeds and passes to the crease area.

7. Dictate Outside

Force dodgers to drive towards the sideline and end line.

8. Limit Inside Rolls

Don’t let cutters slip free into the heart of your defense.

9. Goalie Directs

Let your goalie call out cutters and approaching dodgers.

10. Swarm

Double team any penetration into the interior gaps of your defense.

11. Turnovers as Bonus

Be content preventing goals rather than forcing risky takeaways.

12. Stall Tactics

Milk the clock once you gain possession.

13. Rotate Fresher Legs

Substitute short sticks to stay rested and quick.

14. Stand Your Ground

Hold positioning inside despite ball fakes and jab steps.

15. Clear Efficiency

Value every possession. Avoid sloppy clears when you do create turnovers.

Playing man-down tests your guts against elite attackers. Mastering these techniques prepares your defense to survive and even thrive during the long penalty kills at Sierra Canyon this summer!

Lacrosse IQ – Make Smart Decisions Under Pressure

The final minutes are ticking down in a hard-fought lacrosse game. It’s crunch time – can you keep your composure? Heading to Sierra Canyon’s elite camp this summer? Hone your lacrosse IQ to make smart plays when it matters most.

Mastering on-field decision-making requires focus, field vision and instincts. Here are 15 tips to help you shine under pressure.

1. Manage the Clock

Make smart time and situation-based decisions as the game winds down.

2. Field Awareness

Keep your head on a swivel scanning the full field before acting.

3. Think Two Plays Ahead

Anticipate how the current play will set up your next move.

4. Filter Coaching

Listen to your coaches, but filter advice through the lens of on-field conditions.

5. Play the Angles

Attack and defend smartly based on positioning, speed and proximity.

6. Minimize Risk

Avoid unnecessary passes or checks that could lead to turnovers.

7. Exploit Mismatches

Recognize and attack favorable one-on-one matchups.

8. Deception

Sell fakes before making your true intentions known.

9. Don’t Force It

Exercise patience for high-percentage plays instead of forcing low-odds shots.

10. Play as a Team

Make decisions that put team success above your individual stats.

11. QuickCalculations

Rapidly process risk/reward ratios before choosing shots, passes or checks.

12. Learn from Mistakes

Grow your lacrosse IQ by analyzing errors and adjusting accordingly.

13. Handle Emotions

Stay poised and don’t let frustration undermine your decision-making.

14. Trust Your Training

Have confidence in your fundamentals to make smart instinctual plays.

15. Simplify in Chaos

Slow the pace down mentally to make the best choice when all hell breaks loose.

Honing your lacrosse IQ prepares you to thrive during crunch time at Sierra Canyon. Mastery of smart situational play separates champions from mere participants!