Author: Enoch C. Williams

So you’re a new player and you might be having trouble figuring out what position to play. Whichever spot on the field you choose should depend on three factors: All of these play a role in determining what position is the best fit for you. We’ll take a look, position by position, at what skill sets go with each spot to help players have an easier time choosing which position is best for them. Goalie While this position can be intimidating to a new player (for reasons of getting pelted with a solid rubber ball), it is actually a pretty…

The ability to shoot accurately and powerfully with time and room is a weapon that every offensive player should possess. The keys to shooting effectively are proper footwork and upper-body technique. The motion is very similar to a baseball pitcher throwing out of the windup – a large step into the shot and the dominant throwing hand coming over the top of the shoulder. Let’s take a look at proper technique for time and room shooting. Where You Will be Open Chances for time and room shots occur when an offensive player beats his man on the way to the…

The ability to consistently finish from in close is what separates average offensive players from great ones. Being so close to the goal with the ball in your stick requires a lot of concentration and pinpoint accuracy from the shooter. Stick protection and deception are crucial elements to finishing from in close. Let’s take a look at different techniques you will need, and ways to finish effectively. Stick Protection The first and most important aspect of finishing around the cage is protecting your stick. You will not even get close to the goal if you can’t keep the ball safe in your pocket on…

Winning lacrosse games is a lot like being in a relationship. The big, flashy plays look nice and may be what people remember. In the end, however, it’s the small stuff that is the foundation for a winning game or lasting relationship. In relationships, people remember the Hawaiian vacation or the diamond ring. But what truly forms a healthy, lasting relationship is when both parties are committed to doing the small stuff that happens on a daily basis. Lacrosse is the same way. If a team isn’t committed to practicing hard, picking up ground balls, playing hard defense, and just…

Tired legs don’t make for much success at tryouts. It’s usually really obvious right from the start which guys on a team have prepared for a season – and which guys haven’t. Being in good shape is critical for a player to reach his goals. Use these simple methods for getting ready for the season and you’ll be good to go: Getting in Shape Lots of teams have what’s called a “Hell Week” at the beginning of a season, and depending on whether or not a player is in good physical shape, this week can be either heaven or hell…

The offseason is normally the time when a player makes the biggest strides in his game. The importance of picking up that stick and being active during the dog days of summer or the coldest stretches of winter is crucial. Going to camps and exposing yourself to top coaches, and taking the time by yourself to step up your game pays huge dividends come springtime. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some smart, practical ways to help you notice improvement in your game: Hit the Wall Every player has heard this from the day they started playing…

With 10 players working together at once on the field, there are many elements crucial to the success of a team. Different positions require different types of players and different approaches to the game. At the end of each section below, we’ll give an example of a player in the MLL who exemplifies each particular role, while trying to stay true to all the positions and players on the field. Here are 10 things that a team needs if it wants to achieve great things on the field… 1. A field general in goal The goalie must be the vocal…

Often times in youth level lacrosse, the slower or slightly overweight players wind up in goal. This is usually because the player doesn’t want to do much running or just wasn’t given a choice by his teammates or coaches. At the elite levels, though, the best goalies tend to be very athletic and surprisingly quick. By that time, they have also overcome the fear of getting hit by a 90-mile-per-hour shot and realize that those who stand between the pipes get the most playing time. Despite the fact that the shots get harder as the level of play increases, the…

In terms of using their sticks, defensemen and long stick midfielders (LSM) have different requirements and needs than short-stick players. They have to be able to deliver checks, but their sticks need to stay intact and avoid bending while enduring constant pressure and brutal pounding. Since defensemen don’t handle the ball as much as other players, the pocket on the stick is less important than the structural integrity. LSM’s, however, do handle the ball and may want to get a head more suited for an offensive player. There are many different variations, and this guide explores the best way to…

In order for a lacrosse team to be successful, every player on the team needs to work together. Contributing to the team means interacting cohesively with teammates and being a positive influence on those around you. Players who fail to fit in or get along with teammates will quickly discover that their place on the team is not very secure. Suffice to say they shouldn’t expect much playing time either. Playing a team sport means athletes need to be able to interact with teammates in a positive way, both on and off the field. Great teams normally have talented players,…