FAQ - Our Team Thoughts
Here are some thoughts from Mike,
Becoming an elite lacrosse player takes dedication and hard work. Here are some steps to help you achieve that goal:
"Start Early: Begin playing lacrosse at a young age to develop fundamental skills and a deep understanding of the game.
Learn the Basics: Master essential skills like passing, catching, shooting, and cradling. Work on both your dominant and non-dominant hand.
Join a Team: Join a local lacrosse team or club to gain experience and compete regularly. Playing with others will help you improve your skills and game sense. If you don't have a local team available, play other spors along with learning the basics of lacrosse while waiting for an opportunity.
Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice both on and off the field. This includes wall ball drills, shooting practice, and conditioning exercises.
Study the Game: Watch professional lacrosse matches to learn from the best players. Analyze their techniques and strategies.
Work on Fitness: Lacrosse requires endurance, speed, and strength. Focus on improving your physical fitness through workouts and conditioning.
Seek Coaching: Find a knowledgeable lacrosse coach who can provide personalized guidance and help you refine your skills.
Play Year-Round: Consider playing lacrosse year-round, including participating in summer leagues and offseason tournaments.
Mental Toughness: Develop mental toughness to handle pressure situations and maintain focus during games.
Attend Camps and Clinics: Attend lacrosse camps and clinics to receive specialized training and exposure to different coaching styles.
Set Goals: Establish both short-term and long-term goals for your lacrosse career. This will give you direction and motivation.
Showcase Your Talent: Participate in showcase events and tournaments to get noticed by college recruiters if you have aspirations to play at the collegiate level.
Balance Academics: If you can't get on the field due to academics, duh. Maintain good academic standing, as many elite lacrosse programs require student-athletes to excel in the classroom.
Stay Healthy: Take care of your body through proper nutrition, rest, and injury prevention to ensure you can perform at your best.
Be Persistent: Elite-level play takes time, so stay committed, and don't get discouraged by setbacks.
Remember that becoming an elite lacrosse player is a journey that requires dedication and perseverance. Continuous improvement and a passion for the game will be your keys to success."
Here are some thoughts from Mike on the overall importance of a selecting a quailty lacrosse program for your student/players development.
"The quality of a youth lacrosse coach is incredibly important in the development of a young lacrosse player for several reasons:
1. Skill Development: A good coach can teach fundamental skills effectively, which is crucial for a player's growth. They can break down complex techniques into manageable parts, providing clear instruction and constructive feedback.
- Similar to an elementary school teacher. They are able to breakdown the needed and correct ways instead of starting with bad habits.
2. Game Understanding: Coaches with a deep understanding of lacrosse can help players grasp the strategic aspects of the game. This includes offensive and defensive tactics, game situations, and situational awareness.
- Even having players that might not have the same or similar lacrosse IQ, a quality coach can help develop that IQ. Empowering the developing player.
3. Motivation and Inspiration: A skilled coach can inspire players to work hard and continually improve. They instill a love for the sport, boost confidence, and set high expectations, pushing players to reach their full potential.
4. Safety and Injury Prevention: Coaches with proper training can teach players how to play safely, including proper techniques for checking and avoiding injury. They should also be aware of concussion protocols and other safety measures.
5. Sportsmanship and Character Development: A good coach emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and character development. They teach players about fair play, respect for opponents, and the importance of discipline and integrity both on and off the field.
6. Individualized Attention: Quality coaches recognize that each player is unique. They provide individualized coaching to address a player's strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs, helping them develop in a way that suits their abilities.
7. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in coaching. A good coach can convey information and expectations clearly, fostering a positive learning environment.
8. Mentorship and Support: Coaches often serve as mentors and role models. They can offer guidance, encouragement, and emotional support to help young athletes navigate the challenges of sports and life.
9. Progression and Long-Term Development: A good coach thinks about the long-term development of a player, not just short-term wins. They create development plans that help players progress from youth to higher levels of competition, if desired.
10. Creating a Positive Environment: A quality coach fosters a positive and inclusive team atmosphere. This helps players enjoy the sport, build lasting friendships, and stay motivated.
In summary, a youth lacrosse coach plays a significant role in the holistic development of young players. They impact not only the player's technical skills but also their character, sportsmanship, and love for the game. As a result, the quality of the coach is a critical factor in a player's growth and enjoyment in the sport."
PART 2 of youth lacrosse programs for development, Mike thought of, "Even having players that might not have the same or similar lacrosse IQ, a quality coach can help develop that IQ. Empowering the developing player."
"A quality lacrosse coach can play a crucial role in developing a player's lacrosse IQ, regardless of the initial level of understanding. Here's how:
Individualized Instruction: A good coach recognizes that players have different levels of lacrosse knowledge. They can provide tailored instruction to bridge the gap between players with varying lacrosse IQs. This may involve one-on-one coaching or providing extra resources for those who need it.
Game Awareness: Coaches can teach players to "read" the game, understand strategies, and anticipate what's going to happen on the field. Through film study, drills, and in-game coaching, players can improve their awareness and decision-making.
Mentoring and Learning Environment: Coaches create an environment where players are encouraged to ask questions and learn from their mistakes. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Game Situations and Scenarios: Coaches can simulate different game situations in practice, helping players understand when and how to apply their knowledge. This can involve practicing man-down or man-up scenarios, fast breaks, or clearing situations, for example.
Use of Technology: Utilizing video analysis and other technology, coaches can break down game footage to help players understand the game better. This visual feedback can be invaluable for developing lacrosse IQ.
Encouraging Game Study: Coaches can encourage players to watch lacrosse games at different levels, which can be an excellent way to learn about strategies, tactics, and the nuances of the game.
Empowerment: A good coach empowers players by giving them responsibility on the field. They might allow players to call plays, make decisions, and lead, which can enhance their understanding of the game.
Regular Feedback: Consistent feedback and discussions about lacrosse IQ during and after games can help players understand where they need to improve and how to do so.
In summary, a quality coach can empower players with varying lacrosse IQ levels to develop their understanding of the game. They do so by creating a learning-focused and inclusive environment and by providing the necessary guidance, resources, and feedback. This not only helps players become more knowledgeable but also boosts their confidence and performance on the field."
PART 3: How important is the selection quailty of youth lacrosse programs for development? In further writing on this topic, Mike broke down PART 1 a little more answering the further question, "so, a good lacrosse program with well experienced coaches at the youth level are like first round draft pics of elementary school teacher?"
"Yes, the role of a lacrosse coach in developing players is similar to that of an elementary school teacher in several ways, particularly when it comes to teaching and reinforcing fundamental skills and concepts. Here are some commonalities between the two roles:
Building a Strong Foundation: Coaches and teachers understand the importance of building a strong foundation. Starting with proper techniques and principles is crucial in both lacrosse and education to ensure long-term success.
Preventing Bad Habits: Coaches and teachers work to prevent bad habits from forming. In lacrosse, this means teaching players the correct way to perform skills to avoid developing poor techniques. In education, it involves correcting mistakes and misconceptions early to prevent them from becoming ingrained.
Progressive Learning: Both roles involve a progressive learning approach. Players and students start with the basics and gradually build their knowledge and skills over time, with each new lesson building on the previous one.
Individualized Support: Coaches and teachers recognize that each individual is unique. They provide individualized support to help each player or student progress at their own pace and address their specific needs.
Effective Communication: Coaches and teachers need effective communication skills to convey information clearly and engage their players or students in the learning process.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Both coaches and teachers aim to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where individuals feel motivated to learn, take risks, and improve.
Reinforcement and Practice: Repetition and practice are essential in both roles. Players need to repeatedly practice their skills in lacrosse, just as students need to practice what they learn in the classroom.
Mentoring and Support: Coaches and teachers often serve as mentors and sources of support, providing guidance and encouragement to help individuals succeed in their respective fields.
While the subjects and activities may be different, the principles of effective teaching and coaching share many similarities. In both cases, the goal is to facilitate learning, skill development, and personal growth in the individuals they work with."