How to prepare for lacrosse season

Before the season starts

A little planning makes the first weeks of lacrosse much smoother. Start by finding out the basics from your league or club: when practices and games happen, where to go, what gear is required, how to register, and who to contact with questions. Rules and schedules vary a lot by league and age group, so do not assume.

• Complete registration and any forms the league asks for, including any medical or permission forms.
• Confirm which gear you must provide and which the club lends. See the youth lacrosse equipment checklist.
• Ask which rule set your child's team plays under (boys'/men's or girls'/women's; some young programs mix players and use modified rules), because the gear and contact rules differ.
• Learn the basic vocabulary with lacrosse terms for new parents.

Build basic skills at home

Lacrosse is a stick skill game, and a little practice goes a long way. Ten or fifteen minutes a few days a week is plenty for a beginner.

• Catching and throwing: start with a parent, sibling or friend, or throw against a wall (wall ball). Learn both right-handed and left-handed.
• Cradling: practice walking and jogging with the ball in the pocket.
• Scooping ground balls: bend the knees, keep the head low and scoop through the ball.
• Running and agility: lacrosse involves a lot of running, stopping and changing direction.

Keep it fun. A child who enjoys the stick will want to practice more.

The first practice

1. Arrive a little early so your child can find the team, meet the coach and settle in.
2. Pack gear, water and a snack the night before. Label everything.
3. Expect warm-ups, stick drills and some small-sided games. Coaches usually aim for fun and basics at first.
4. Let your child try things on their own. It is fine to be nervous or to make mistakes.
5. After practice, ask what was fun, not only what went right.

If there are tryouts or evaluations

Some clubs hold tryouts or skill evaluations, especially as players get older. Ask what to expect, bring all required gear, and remind your child that effort, listening and teamwork matter at least as much as skill. Many younger leagues place every child on a team and do not hold tryouts, so ask your league.

A simple game-day routine

• Eat a balanced meal a few hours before and drink water throughout the day.
• Check the bag: stick, protective gear, mouthguard, water, towel and jersey.
• Arrive early enough for a calm warm-up.
• On the sideline, cheer for both effort and good plays. Leave coaching to the coaches and officiating to the referees.
• Afterward, thank the coaches and officials and talk about what was fun.

Staying healthy and safe

General habits help keep players safe. Make sure they warm up and cool down, drink water, wear all the required protective gear and make sure it fits, and play by the rules. Take breaks in heat and rest when they need it. Let your child tell the coach if something hurts, and never push a player to play through pain.

This guide is general information and not medical advice. If your child has any health concerns, or if you are unsure about readiness for contact sports, ask a doctor. If an injury happens, tell the coach and follow the advice of a medical professional before returning to play. Ask your coach what your league does about injuries and head-impact safety.

Quick pre-season checklist

• Registration and forms done, and the schedule saved on your calendar.
• Gear checked for fit and condition, and everything labeled with your child's name.
• A ride plan for practices and games, including a backup.
• A water bottle, a healthy snack and sun protection packed.
• A short chat with your child about goals: have fun, try hard, and be a good teammate.

The big picture

Lacrosse is a growing sport with a friendly community, and most families find it easy to join. Focus on fun, effort and friendship. Understanding the rules helps, and the lacrosse guides page collects everything in one place.