6 Concepts I've learned as the lacrosse coach of 3rd grade boys.
Here are a few lacrosse tips that coaches can use to teach their young players the game of lacrosse..
- Lines drills shall be no longer than 3 players to a line.
Kids have the attention spans of flies. Coach has but a short window to keep them occupied, focus and mind on lacrosse. Don't make do nothing for very long. The more reps players have, the more attention they will have on practice.
- Conditioning is the hallmark of strong lacrosse teams
Being forced to do sprints is the worst aspect of lacrosse. As a former player, coach should already know that. When coach is babysitting youngings, there is no reason why sprints should not be made fun. When sprinting is made into a game, coach will get the most of of his or her players. Players that have good conditioning skills make for a happy coach.
- Number your lacrosse balls
It becomes obvious very fast, that when dealing with young players...coach will have lost many lacrosse balls. One way to prevent the severe loss of casualities is to number lacrosse balls. Coach can get real creative with ball hunts at the end of practice. Its a safe and cost effective strategy in preventing ball loss
- Learn something new
As a coach it is your job to seek new information. Absorb, learn and seek new information that can help you as a coach to better instruct and teach your players. There are many great resources available via the web to learn. Seek more experinced coaches and don't be afraid to pick their minds. Ask them qustion. As the coach it is your job to mold the minds of your players.
- Never let players sit idle
For this you need to have a few drills pre-planned customized by positions. There is little you can do when you shift attention to focus on an indiviudal for too long...and like a rouge virus, distracted players create anitcs and shenangians that can infect your entire squad. For this, don't enter such a situtation empty handed. It is not good and can destroy practice.
- Fundamentals are critical and a must
When you are dealing with young lacrosse players in 2, 3 and 4th grades, the most important aspects are the learning and mastering the basics. Sccoping is of utmost importance - boxing out, roll away, pass. Passing, catching, fast breaks and clears.
