There’s nothing worse than riding the bench at a clutch moment in the game. For every athlete who has vowed not to sit on the sidelines anymore, our nine tips outline a game plan for earning more playing time on the lacrosse field.
Arrive Early to Practice
Even if it’s just 15 minutes, arriving early displays a strong commitment to your team. Athletes use this time to warm up, practice lacrosse drills on their own or to mentally prepare for practice. This is also a great opportunity to build relationships with your coaches and teammates.
Coaches and teammates quickly notice the extra effort and improvement of those players who regularly arrive to practice early.
Be Teachable
Teachable lacrosse players earn more playing time, because they never lose the ability to take direction from the coaching staff. With a positive attitude in place, they listen and learn from constructive criticism to take their game to the next level.
Players who are teachable also tend to be coachable. They trust the expertise of their coaches and take direction well on the field. These athletes are able to quickly implement new strategies and improve their skillsets.
Athletes who are hungry for playing time should ask their coach after practice what else they could work on to improve their skills.
Study the Game
To play lacrosse well, young athletes must become students of the game who know each and every nuance. By paying attention in lacrosse practices, during games and while watching videos, aspiring lacrosse stars gain a better understanding of a complex game.
Many of the best players are those who have watched a lot of lacrosse and have taken the time to learn all they can about the sport. If you want to play more, start watching and learning from the game’s greats.
Those who study the technique of players that play their position can learn better ways of approaching their next game. At the same time, they can also learn a lot from mistakes made on the field.
Extra Practice Earns More Playing Time
Practice is not only a team activity. Players who devote the time to developing their skills on a day-in and day-out basis are more likely to earn more playing time than the rest of their teammates.
In addition to team practices, many athletes find that extra shooting practice and working on other lacrosse drills on their own time can be extremely beneficial.
Players should look for opportunities to work on their game when they’re not required to be at practice. This extra work ethic is sure to get noticed by the coaching staff.
From wall ball to wind sprints, players who push their own limits outside of practice have a better chance of impressing their coaching staff.
Give it Your All in Practice
In a sport as fast-paced as lacrosse, half-speed gets you nowhere. For this reason, it pays to practice as hard as you play.
Players who go all out, 100% of the time, in practice send a message to their coaches that they’re serious about the game. They’re also showing that they want to earn more playing time.
Part of giving it your all is being a good teammate. Players who are always hustling, encouraging their teammates and working to make everyone better show that they’re unselfish leaders.
Players who give it their all at every practice, set themselves apart from complacent teammates. When it comes time to make the roster, extra effort might be the difference-maker in the coach’s mind.
Coaches Love Team Players
Lacrosse teams, which field 10 athletes at a time, always have a need for team players. If a team already has a top goal scorer or a takeaway defender, there might be an open spot for a feeder or a long-stick midfielder. Since team collaboration is the key to lacrosse, an effective strategy for gaining more playing time is to be known as a team player.
Being a team player is more than just playing well with others. It’s also about being coachable, working hard in practice and being a good role model for younger athletes.
Players who are viewed as team leaders by the coaching staff are more likely to see the field, regardless of their position.
Stick with the Winners
Every team has its fair share of positive and negative influences. It’s easy to lose momentum amidst the distractions on the sidelines. Sticking with the winners inside and outside of practice offers a better chance of developing skills and earning playing time in the future.
Players can find positive influences by looking to teammates, coaches and mentors who always have their head in the game. These are the people who have their priorities straight and know what it takes to be successful.
On the other hand, players should avoid negative influences at all costs. These are the people who are always looking to start drama, celebrate their own successes and tear others down.
Staying positive is a choice. When players surround themselves with other positive influences, they’re more likely to develop the right mindset for success.
Don’t Miss Practice
Successful lacrosse players realize early that there are few good reasons to miss a practice. If possible, they schedule outside activities, such as doctor’s appointments and tutoring session, around practices.
Players who frequently miss practice send a message to their coaches that they don’t take the sport, or their teammates, seriously. They’re also more likely to fall behind in terms of skill development.
It’s important for players to communicate with their coaches if they have to miss a practice. By letting the coach know ahead of time, players can avoid the perception that they’re flakes or slackers.
If a player has to miss practice, they can still stay sharp by watching game film and working on their individual skills.
Remain Patient
Earning a coveted spot on a roster doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort. Patience is key, because rising from second string to first string may require significant improvement. Athletes can remain positive and patient by taking pride in small improvements along the way.
Lacrosse players who are disciplined enough to approach every practice as an opportunity for improvement rarely have complaints about their playing time.
