There are no secrets to becoming a good varsity lacrosse player. The following ten points are what we believe to be a solid approach to the game. They will help you develop your personal potential and our TEAM potential. Understand and master these points and you will be on your way to being a good lacrosse player -- how good depends on YOU.
1. TOP PHYSICAL CONDITION
This is a phase of lacrosse in which every player can excel. It comes through hard work and dedication--there are no shortcuts. In the off-season, we recommend weight training to develop strength. In addition, you should supplement the lifting with running--distance running for endurance and sprints for power and speed. Remember: no one can get you in top condition but YOURSELF. Top condition is the result of a combination of factors: hard WORK, adequate REST, proper DIET, and good personal health habits. Be ready to play 48 minutes at top speed.
2. SPEED/FUNDAMENTALS
The fast runner may have an advantage, but nearly every player can develop a change of pace--"playing speed" -- or quickness.
a) Learn to be quick on your feet through proper fundamentals on offense and defense, as well as exercises which specialize in foot speed (e.g. jumping rope, agilities, plyometrics).
b) Develop quick hands for passing, catching, and shooting -- be a "quick stick." Wall drills will help you develop quick hands.
c) Think quickly: Know our plays, anticipate what may happen. Visualize every scenario on the field prior to games and practices. Lacrosse is a game of momentary openings; be ready to make the right move.
d) Practice all fundamentals at top speed. Run, pass, catch, and shoot at top speed. This is the way we play the game.
3. FREEDOM OF STYLE
Sound fundamentals of passing, catching, shooting, dodging, cutting, checking, etc., are the foundations of becoming a good lacrosse player. Our offenses and defenses allow freedom ofr individual styles of play, and we encourage you to try what seems natural to you. Know the possibilities and variances of our offensive and defensive schemes and develop confidence in yourself to beat your opponent. Utilize the strong aspects of your game. Use practices to develop your skills.
4. DISCIPLINE
a) Self-Discipline: You are responsible for your own actions. Control your temper on the field -- penalties cost us goals. The game is tough enough with 10 players on the field -- let's not play with 8 or 9. Know the rules and play within their framework.
b) Team Discipline: Respect the decisions of the coaches and captains. Most important, respect and support each other . Battle the opposition, not ourselves.
c) Give no lip service. Let your actions and performance on the field speak for you. Win or lose, leave no regrets on the playing field. Give lacrosse 100 percent at practice and in a game.
5. TEAMWORK
We are a team with collective goals and ambitions. Therefore, we must support each other at all times! For at least three months out of the year, with are a tight family, and this bond transcends the playing field. Work hard for your teammates. Our mantra is, "The team is first, my teammates are second, and I am third."
6. MENTAL PREPARATION
Be prepared for any situation that could arise in a game. Mentally put yourself in various game scenarios -- a 1-on-1 situation, riding, fast break, etc. -- and go through the scene in your mind. Visual yourself succeeding. Perform this regularly, especially before every game. When faced with the situation in a game, you will have already done it.
7. SPORTSMANSHIP
Behave like a gentleman on and off the field. The use of profanity demonstrates a loss of composure and will not be tolerated. Be mindful of the words of Knute Rockne: "If I should win, let me act humbly, with my faith and my honor held high; if I should lose, let me stand by the side and cheer as the winner rides by.
8. ACADEMIC PERSEVERANCE
The diligent, enthusiastic student is also a hard-working, energetic lacrosse player. If you are lazy in the classroom, that will carry over to the playing field. We want only those players who are willing to make a commitment and effort to their academics, as well as their athletics.
9. HONESTY
Be honest with your teammates, coaches, teachers, and above all, yourself. Ask yourself if you are giving 100 percent. Take no shortcuts. You are the judge of your individual effort. To thine own self be true.
10. PRIDE
For a lacrosse player to succeed, you must have pride in yourself and in your team, on and off the field. Be a credit to yourself, your teammates, and Jordan, which you represent.
*** List borrowed from Coach Lester. Head Coach of the St. Albans School in Washington DC.