Why Get Certified as a Lacrosse Coach? Benefits for Your Career
1. Develop Your Coaching Skills
2. Expand Your Coaching Knowledge
3. Learn How to Run Safe, Effective Practices
4. Gain Credibility with Parents and Players
5. Meet League and Program Requirements
Want to Become a Lacrosse Coach?: Master Training and Certification for Youth and College in 5 Steps
Step 1: Play Lacrosse and Build Your Experience
Step 2: Earn a Relevant Undergraduate Degree
Step 3: Obtain Lacrosse Coaching Certifications
Step 4: Get First Aid and CPR Certified
Step 5: Apply for Lacrosse Coaching Jobs
Types of Lacrosse Coaching: Youth, High School, College, Club, Private
Youth Lacrosse Coaching
High School Lacrosse Coaching
College Lacrosse Coaching
Club Lacrosse Coaching
Private Lacrosse Coaching
Lacrosse Coach Education: Training Programs and Certifications
US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program
NFHS Lacrosse Coaching Certification
NCAA Coaching Academies
Positive Coaching Alliance Courses
Local Clinics
College Degree Programs
Observe and Volunteer
Getting Accredited: US Lacrosse and Other Governing Bodies
US Lacrosse
Positive Coaching Alliance
National Federation of State High School Associations
National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education
Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association
Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association
Finding a Mentor: Learn from Experienced Coaches
Successful Track Record
Strong Communication Skills
Emphasis on Teaching Lacrosse Fundamentals
Commitment to Player Development
Philosophy That Aligns with Your Goals
Willingness to Mentor and Provide Opportunity
Building Your Coaching Philosophy and Leadership Style
Reflect On Why You Coach
Consider Your Personality and Strengths
Observe Coaches You Admire
Prioritize The Player Experience
Define Your Coaching Purpose Statement
Commit To Learning and Reflection
Extend Your Philosophy To Your Staff
Designing Drills, Practices and Training Regimens
Match Drills to Skill Level
Emphasize Fundamentals
Work On Physical Fitness
Allow Enough Repetitions
Structure Full Practices
Promote Competition
Prevent Injuries
Plan For Long-Term Development
Recruiting Players and Managing a Roster
Define Your Recruiting Criteria
Develop a Recruiting Network
Communicate Your Program’s Unique Selling Points
Establish a Player Evaluation Process
Cast a Wide Net Initially
Determine Needs at Each Position
Focus Efforts on Top Targets As Signing Nears
Manage Recruiting Cycles and Timelines
Teaching Fundamentals: Stick Skills, Footwork, Positions
Stick Skills
Scooping Ground Balls
Passing and Catching
Shooting
Footwork and Agility
Face-offs
Goalie Basics
Developing Team Strategies, Plays and Game Plans
Evaluate Your Roster
Install a Base Offensive Scheme
Complement with Specialized Plays
Drill Possession Fundamentals
Teach Proactive Defense
Match Personnel and Formations
Leverage Statistics and Tendencies
Simplify the Game Plan
Motivating Your Team On and Off the Field
Set Clear Team Goals
Emphasize Team Over Individual
Make It a Competition
Get to Know Your Players
Let Leaders Lead
Praise Progress Publicly, Correct Privately
Share Inspiring Examples
Safety Training: Concussions, Injuries, and Equipment
Concussion Awareness
Proper Contact Levels
Tackling Technique
Field Conditions
Heat Precautions
Protective Gear Fitting
First Aid Preparedness
Managing Relationships: Parents, Players, and Staff
Communicate Regularly with Parents
Host Preseason Parent Meetings
Limit Parent Interference
Appoint Liaison Coaches
Develop Personal Connections with Athletes
Communicate Expectations Clearly to Players
Address Conflicts Quickly and Calmly
Foster Good Chemistry with Assistant Coaches
Handling Logistics: Travel, Gear, Budgets and Schedules
Plan Travel and Lodging for Away Games
Oversee Team Equipment and Uniforms
Manage Equipment Handout and Return
Supervise Logistics Staff
Create Detailed Practice Plans and Schedule
Build Game Day Timelines
Manage Program Budgets
Continuing Your Lacrosse Education: Conferences and Networking
Attend Coaching Clinics
