History and Impact of the MCLA and WCLA: Growing College Lacrosse Across the Nation
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) and Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) govern men’s and women’s collegiate club lacrosse in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1997, both organizations provide structured competition for schools without NCAA programs, fostering the sport’s growth in underrepresented regions.
The Spring Day in ’91 That Sparked My Lacrosse Obsession
Step back into the spring of 1991, when lacrosse was still shrouded in mystery, and long before the days of social media. This article is a nostalgic ride through a time when rival teams were distant legends, and a bus ride to Maryland became a pilgrimage to the sport’s Holy Land. Discover the moment lacrosse transformed from a casual hobby into an all-consuming passion. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to fall in love with the game in the days of AC/DC, mythical players, and legendary bruises, this story is for you. Dive in and relive the magic!
The Multi-Sport Myth: Why Lacrosse Recruiting Demands Specialization
College lacrosse coaches claim to value multi-sport athletes, but the reality forces players to specialize in lacrosse year-round to meet recruiting demands. The system’s emphasis on constant showcases and tournaments leaves little room for athletes to pursue other sports. This contradiction limits athletes’ experiences, as the recruiting landscape prioritizes specialization over true athletic versatility, making it difficult to be well-rounded both on and off the field.
Introducing Men’s Lacrosse Abroad: Challenges and Triumphs in a Foreign Land
Introducing men’s lacrosse to a new country comes with challenges like limited gear and unfamiliarity with the sport. However, through perseverance and passion, players learn the fundamentals, bringing the heart of lacrosse to life despite the obstacles.
Closed vs. Open Lacrosse Practices: Pros and Cons for High School Teams
Deciding between closed and open lacrosse practices at the high school level involves weighing focus and strategic privacy against transparency and community engagement. Closed practices provide fewer distractions and protect game plans, while open practices foster support and parental involvement. Finding the right balance depends on your team’s needs and program goals.
Sports That Make the Perfect Transition to Lacrosse and Why
Discover which sports provide the best foundation for excelling in lacrosse and why they make the transition so smooth. Find out how skills from soccer, basketball, hockey, and more can give you an edge on the lacrosse field!
Should US Lacrosse Regulate Off-Season Club Teams?
Should US Lacrosse regulate off-season travel teams to ensure fairness and safety while making the sport more accessible, or should these teams retain their independence to encourage flexibility and innovation? A balanced approach could be the key to resolving these issues.
Do simple better
In lacrosse, it’s not about the flashy goals or viral moments. True greatness comes from doing the simple things so well that they become second nature—the grit, the grind, the basics done to perfection.
The Evolution of Club Lacrosse: Passion vs. Profit
The focus of club lacrosse has shifted from nurturing all players to prioritizing elite athletes, driven by the potential for profit. This change often undermines the true spirit of coaching, excludes beginners, and threatens the inclusive growth of the sport.
Lacrosse in Colombia: Embracing a New Passion in a Land of Resilienc
In this reflection, Joe Juter shares his experience of introducing and nurturing lacrosse in Colombia, starting from 2012, witnessing its growth in Medellin and Pereira. Through highs and lows, he describes how the sport has brought communities together and embraced Colombia’s vibrant culture, highlighting the resilience and passion of its people.
Collision Course: The Big Hit Debate in Men’s Lacrosse
Lacrosse’s big hits spark a fierce debate. Modern rules push for safety, cracking down on dangerous checks to prevent injuries. Some see this as essential for player health, while purists argue it’s watering down the game’s raw essence. Balancing these views is the challenge, ensuring the sport remains both thrilling and safe.
Empowering Women’s Lacrosse: The Impact of 6v6 Format
The 6v6 format in women’s lacrosse is excellent because it lowers the barrier to entry by requiring fewer players and smaller fields, making it easier to start teams in new areas. It provides more individual attention from coaches and more touches on the ball for players, accelerating skill development. Additionally, the fast-paced and high-scoring nature of 6v6 keeps both players and spectators engaged, fostering greater interest and growth in the sport.
The Benefits of 6v6 Lacrosse: A Game Changer for New Regions
The 6v6 format in men’s lacrosse makes the sport more accessible and exciting, especially in areas where it’s not traditionally played. With smaller fields, lower costs, and simpler logistics, it’s easier to start and grow. The fast-paced action engages fans and helps players develop essential skills, preparing them for traditional 10v10 play. This format builds a strong foundation and community interest, paving the way for the expansion and sustainability of men’s lacrosse.
Parents and Coaches Youth
All of us as coaches, have to deal with parents but there are certain types that make all of us crazy.
Strategies for improving stick skills and ball control in lacrosse
There are a number of strategies that you can use to improve your stick skills and ball control in lacrosse. By practicing regularly, focusing on proper grip and hand placement, working on your footwork and body positioning, and developing your passing and catching skills, you can become a more effective and efficient player. In addition, by developing your lacrosse IQ, you can better understand the nuances of the game and make better decisions on the field.
Half time plan
At halftime, a lacrosse coach should assess the team's performance objectively, identifying both strengths and areas that need improvement. They should communicate constructive feedback, emphasizing key adjustments to strategy, player positioning, and tactics. Motivating and inspiring the team for a strong second-half effort is crucial, fostering a positive mindset and reinforcing the importance of teamwork and execution.
Ambiguity Regarding Concussions Takes the Physicality Out of Lacrosse
Many people talk about how contact is being taken out of the game. This is directly related to the concussion debate.
Managing Lacrosse Parents
We chose to coach lacrosse out of a love for the game, a chance to compete and an opportunity to be a mentor. It would be great to step into a situation where we could just coach and focus on what we care about, however coaching also involves an administrative and political element.
Winning lacrosse games does not matter
I created this to give to parents before the season begins. I found that it helped give perspective on what our goals are for the season and demonstrated my values.
5 benefits of playing box lacrosse for a field lacrosse players
Playing box lacrosse can provide numerous benefits for field lacrosse players, including improved stick skills, enhanced physical fitness, greater confidence and aggressiveness, exposure to different styles of play, and improved teamwork and communication. By playing box lacrosse, field lacrosse players can become more well-rounded athletes and enhance their overall performance on the field. Let's go over 5 points in greater detail.