Coaching Youth Lacrosse
Throughout my Sophomore, Junior, and Senior seasons of school lacrosse I found the opportunity to coach some younger players and share my years of expertise with a new generation. The youth program that I volunteer to coach for is the Lincoln Cardinals Boys Youth Lacrosse Club. I currently mentor incoming players at the 1st & 2nd grade levels.
Being one of the head coaches at this level, I help direct practices of up to 30 players. I also coach games against other schools, make substitutions so everyone gets playing time, and stay alert so all players have fun and stay safe.
We have fun competing in games, playing in practices, and taking our skills to the next level. I sometimes jump into a drill to give the players an opponent to scrimmage against.
At this age level, I am helping the team learn and start to refine their basic skills: passing, catching, shooting, scooping (ground balls), and communication. During both practices and games I emphasize the importance of working alongside teammates, talking with each other, and positioning around the field.
The team takes games very seriously, but having fun is the main focus. During practices in between drills we like to play some fun games, like sharks & minnows or long distance shooting. We also play scrimmages for the last twenty minutes of practices to build stronger team bonds and prepare for games.
I’m glad to be continuing my coaching through my Senior year lacrosse season. I can’t wait to see how my players’ skills develop and how they grow into better teammates and people.