The Art of Coaching Youth Lacrosse

10/31/2024 12:50 PM

Coaching youth lacrosse is as much about teaching skills as it is about building a love for the game. Youth players are stepping into a sport that demands patience, especially with passing and catching, which are undeniably challenging in the beginning. One of the top reasons young athletes end up walking away from lacrosse is the frustration they feel when they can't pass or catch successfully. For a coach, this is where creativity and enthusiasm come into play—practices need to be engaging beyond just stick skills.

A great way to sidestep that early frustration is to incorporate fun, fast-paced minigames that allow kids to get comfortable with handling a stick while keeping them entertained. Youth lacrosse drills like "Relay Races" and "Keep Away" aren't just enjoyable—they build essential skills without the intense focus on technical passing and catching that might discourage young players. Relay races can add a competitive spirit while improving movement and stick control. Keep Away, meanwhile, teaches players how to protect the ball and make quick decisions without being hyper-focused on catching perfect passes. Activities like these can help athletes enjoy the game early on while still absorbing the basics.

At this stage, energy is everything. The coach's attitude and excitement are contagious. High energy and constant encouragement can turn what would feel like a repetitive drill into a highlight of the week. Coaches need to be creative, adding variety to every practice so that no one feels like they're just there for endless passing drills. When a young athlete enjoys their time on the field, it changes their entire experience with the sport—they're more likely to want to return to practice, improve their skills, and ultimately stick with lacrosse for years to come.

We often hear that players struggle because "they can't pass and catch," but that shouldn't be the roadblock to a good practice. A solid youth coach will use every tool at their disposal to make learning the basics feel like part of a game. Even if the passing isn't there yet, building in fun activities with high energy allows kids to develop their love for the sport and gradually improve their skills. Keeping kids excited about learning goes hand-in-hand with skill-building, and a coach's dedication to variety and creativity in practice will help young players build both their confidence and lacrosse IQ.

Ultimately, coaching youth lacrosse is about creating an experience that's as fun as it is formative. Passing and catching might take time to master, but by creating a positive environment with plenty of variety and encouragement, coaches can ensure players feel challenged and valued, not frustrated. When young athletes love the game, they're more likely to stick with it, laying down the foundations of skill and passion that will carry them through their entire lacrosse journey.