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If you’ve spent time around youth lacrosse, you might have noticed a quiet shift in how families and players approach the sport. The traditional path from recreational leagues to club teams and then travel squads no longer meets the needs of many players. Families want more than just game time; they want coaching that truly understands and develops their child’s unique skills. This growing demand for personalized coaching is reshaping youth lacrosse, and services like burnedb

Every athlete’s journey is unique. As a parent, guardian, or coach, you want to see your player grow not just in skill but in confidence and joy on the field. Over the years, I have worn many hats — from assistant NCAA lacrosse coach to youth pastor, drug and alcohol counselor, and nonprofit leader. Each role taught me something valuable about supporting people through challenges and growth. Today, I bring all those lessons together in what I call the Lacrosse Concierge appro

Lacrosse players and programs often focus on training hard, but many miss a key part of development: understanding the different ways to improve performance. At burnedbyLax, we recognize that every player, parent, and program has unique needs. That’s why we offer three distinct services that work together: coaching, consulting, and diagnostics. Each service targets a specific area, and combined, they create a complete system for growth. This post explains how coaching, consul

Mental toughness often separates good lacrosse players from great ones. While physical skills like stick handling and speed are essential, the ability to stay focused, composed, and resilient under pressure defines success on the field. Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches in college football history, offers coaching principles that apply perfectly to lacrosse. His approach to mental toughness can help players improve their game and handle challenges both on and off

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport that tests players in many ways. Yet, the difference between good players and great ones often comes down to mental toughness. Nick Saban, a legendary football coach known for his relentless focus and discipline, offers lessons that apply perfectly to lacrosse. His approach teaches players how to build resilience, stay disciplined, and control their mindset under pressure. This post explores how lacrosse players can develop

We often get caught up in the excitement of wins, rankings, and highlight reels. The crowd cheers for spectacular goals and quick stats. Yet, this focus on flashy moments can hide a bigger problem: the loss of fundamental skills. Basketball faced this challenge years ago, and lacrosse is now heading down the same path. What Basketball Taught Us About Development AAU basketball became popular for giving young players more exposure and competition. But the problem was not the t

Culture shapes every aspect of a team or program. It influences daily routines, decision-making, and long-term success. Yet culture is not fixed. It evolves through three clear stages, each affecting the group’s health and future in different ways. Understanding these stages helps teams protect what makes them strong and avoid pitfalls that can lead to decline. Discipline Lays the Foundation Every successful team culture begins with discipline. This stage is about more than j

Every community has them: the loud voices that fill the room but rarely add value. In sports, workplaces, or family gatherings, these individuals often pull energy down instead of lifting it up. Known as Karens, Kens, and Critics, or more broadly as culture vampires, they can drain momentum and cloud progress. Yet, they are not enemies but signals—opportunities to focus on what truly matters: building, creating, and leading by example. A lacrosse player practicing stick handl

Picking the right lacrosse head shape can change how you play the game. The shape affects your ball control, checking power, and overall performance. Whether you are an attacker, midfielder, or defender, understanding the differences in head shapes helps you find the best fit for your style and position. Narrow U-Shape Heads for Attack Players Attack players need precision and quick stick skills. The narrow U-shape head, with sidewalls about 3 inches apart and mostly parallel

Athletes who have played football understand the demands of the sport: toughness, speed, and quick feet. Yet, football also carries a high risk of injury due to heavy contact and frequent collisions. For those who want to stay competitive and enjoy team sports without the same level of physical risk, lacrosse offers a compelling alternative. It keeps the intensity and fast pace but reduces the chances of serious injury, making it an excellent choice for former football player

Starting lacrosse can be exciting, but the gear you pick plays a bigger role than many realize. A cheap stick from a box store or a poorly strung head might seem like a quick fix, but for beginners, it often slows progress and encourages bad habits. The right stick, especially one with a properly strung pocket, helps new players develop clean mechanics and build confidence from the start. A lacrosse stick with a properly strung pocket on turf Why Equipment Quality Matters for

Young lacrosse goalies face a unique challenge. They must stand strong in front of fast-moving shots, often feeling the sting of the ball hitting their bodies. This experience can be intimidating, especially for kids just starting out. Comfort and protection are not just about physical safety—they build confidence and encourage young players to stick with the position and the sport. The Importance of Comfort for Young Goalies Lacrosse goalies need gear that allows them to mov

Every sports jersey tells a story. The name on the front represents the team, the collective effort, and the shared goal. But the name on the back carries a different meaning. It reflects the individual’s roots, the people who shaped them, and the values they carry onto the field. This subtle detail sparks debate among coaches and players alike. Some prefer jerseys without names on the back to emphasize the team over the individual. Others see the name as a quiet tribute to f