Boys 2028 mess - considerations and solutions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually hope coaches of the said teams get wind of this and do something…. But we all know what will really happen.

Totally agree but I think it’s a pipe dream. At this point I’m hoping that one of the top highschool coaches starts a one off 28 team. I think it would be totally doable - there’s a tremendous amount of talent in the DMV and I haven’t met a single family that’s happy about their current situation. I figure a team of the top 20 players in the area would be competitive with any team in the country. As a highschool coach they probably have access to good fields over the summer and charge the families $5k a kid. That’s 100k for no more than 24 practices and 4 tournaments over the summer.

[Anonymous]

The fundamental problem is this: there are about 15-20 kids spread among the top three teams that have the skill and athleticism to play D1 level lacrosse. These kids don’t need to do anything to get recruited other than be seen and will have no trouble finding playing time. So the club system works for them. For the other 50 or 60 kids on these teams there is just a tremendous amount of luck in recruiting. The club system will provide some exposure and for a few kids in this group they will show out at the right time in front of the right coach, but there is a strong factor of luck in that. Things that enhance your chances are playing for one of the top private school teams (since that gives you some credibility with certain coaches) and having good grades so that’s not an issue. But still the club teams are basically a lottery ticket that might cash in terms of an offer (there’s obviously not much actual money in scholarships). Development has to be done outside this system and the best thing you can do is some combination of private workouts, lots of time in the weight room, and lots of time working on your game on your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fundamental problem is this: there are about 15-20 kids spread among the top three teams that have the skill and athleticism to play D1 level lacrosse. These kids don’t need to do anything to get recruited other than be seen and will have no trouble finding playing time. So the club system works for them. For the other 50 or 60 kids on these teams there is just a tremendous amount of luck in recruiting. The club system will provide some exposure and for a few kids in this group they will show out at the right time in front of the right coach, but there is a strong factor of luck in that. Things that enhance your chances are playing for one of the top private school teams (since that gives you some credibility with certain coaches) and having good grades so that’s not an issue. But still the club teams are basically a lottery ticket that might cash in terms of an offer (there’s obviously not much actual money in scholarships). Development has to be done outside this system and the best thing you can do is some combination of private workouts, lots of time in the weight room, and lots of time working on your game on your own.

Doesn’t that mean that True is the best option for the 50-60 kids you mentioned. It’s cheaper and playing time for those kids won’t be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The fundamental problem is this: there are about 15-20 kids spread among the top three teams that have the skill and athleticism to play D1 level lacrosse. These kids don’t need to do anything to get recruited other than be seen and will have no trouble finding playing time. So the club system works for them. For the other 50 or 60 kids on these teams there is just a tremendous amount of luck in recruiting. The club system will provide some exposure and for a few kids in this group they will show out at the right time in front of the right coach, but there is a strong factor of luck in that. Things that enhance your chances are playing for one of the top private school teams (since that gives you some credibility with certain coaches) and having good grades so that’s not an issue. But still the club teams are basically a lottery ticket that might cash in terms of an offer (there’s obviously not much actual money in scholarships). Development has to be done outside this system and the best thing you can do is some combination of private workouts, lots of time in the weight room, and lots of time working on your game on your own.

Doesn’t that mean that True is the best option for the 50-60 kids you mentioned. It’s cheaper and playing time for those kids won’t be a problem.

In terms of experience probably yes if True can work out the organization issues they often have. In terms of recruiting, probably still better to be on the other three teams come sophomore year even if they don’t do much to help.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I seriously doubt that there are any True coaches on this thread as all of the posters have readily admitted that True is a B team. BTW I think this is a great thread as I have a 28 on a top team and we are not happy with the team and don’t see anywhere to go.

Would you mind sharing which team and why you’re unhappy?
I have a 2028 who wants to look at options for summer tryouts and would be interested to know.

We’re on ML there is a ton of players, some serious favoritism issues, and some coaching issues. The problem is I know people with kids on the other teams and they are seeing the same things.

Particularly concerning is the lack of results at HOCO. I know the games themselves don’t mean anything but when your results are so far below your talent level you have to think it the coaching.

Older dads have told me there are only two question parents should ask about travel sports: is my son having fun and is he improving.

You hit the nail on the head! All sorts of favoritism toward certain kids from certain locations and/or future High Schools.

My kid is on one of the 3 teams spoken about earlier and he is enjoying his time on the field with his lacrosse friends.

Do you mind sharing which team, and aside from having friends on the team, what (if anything) is making it a good experience?

Every kid is going to have a different experience. The kids playing are probably enjoying it, and the ones riding the bench are not. Then the parents have their opinions ... I am guessing it is DCE or NL.

I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that). But if the club cannot provide adequate assurance that the player will get better and have a good chance at being recruited, it’s time to change teams.

You are really guaranteed nothing - particularly success (though you caveat it). What does adequate assurance mean? I'd argue that a portion of a player's development will have nothing to do with practice but just general athletic ability (you can improve on the margins but at the end of the day there are some kids that are just going to excel). Another portion of a player's development is what that kid does outside of practice. Doesn't necessarily mean private lessons but doing extra reps (see the Paul Rabil IG video posted somewhere on this page the other day). Lastly, a portion of it is plain noggin knowledge. There are just some kids that are going to have the sports IQ to understand the game and some kids that just won't - no matter how often the coach provides insight on what to do in situation X. Some kids no matter how many times they are told will do whatever they think is right in their own head. Those are all things that can't be addressed in your "guaranteed lacrosse success." It is also things you don't notice unless you are at practice.

Practices and playing in games are certainly part of the calculus in a player getting better. But, at the end of the day...development is really about the player itself. Is the player going out and hitting the wall every day and doing other things to improve. Practice is only going to cover a part of that development. It is outside of practice where a majority of development occurs. And said development is in relationship to other players. Your kid might be getting better but the kid in front of him might also be getting better.

If you think just paying some money to a travel lax team is going to equate to "guaranteed lacrosse success (however you define that)," then I'm sorry that's just not how sports work. Now, I realize there contributing factors like favoritism - welcome to the real world - and the like could impact your child's development but that is more reason to get to programs where your kid sees the field.

So I guess reading comprehension is not your thing. Just to be clear, I said it’s NOT reasonable to expect guaranteed lacrosse success.

My point (that somehow managed to evade you) is that club lacrosse is too much of an investment in time and money not to have at least some assurance that’s a club will help you achieve those goals.

When a team is vastly oversubscribed riddled with favoritism and the coach appears to be subpar you have to ask yourself is this a good investment in the future.

No. I read it accurately and it leads me to believe you've never really played high level competitive sports. You want a guarantee but dressed it up in different words. Your point boils down to this...I pay X dollars at a minimum I should get Y results. That's what you are stating. That just isn't realistic especially when it comes to sports. There are too many factors outside of a club's control to make any guarantees. ou should be looking at whether you kid is getting better as it relates to his own development. You have literally no control over how another player develops and whether that development means he's a starter over your kid. And, development doesn't just happen at practice (where you might spend 5-6 hours a week on drills, scrimmages, etc.). Real development occurs when you child goes out every day and hits the wall, runs, etc. during the other 160ish hours when your kid isn't at practice.

There are really only 2 things guaranteed in life...death and taxes. Your kid playing club lax ain't one of them.

And, as I said, if you are unhappy go somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

No college coach is wasting time watching a non competitive team play in a no name tournament.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

No college coach is wasting time watching a non competitive team play in a no name tournament.

I agree with this. College coaches can only be in so many places at one time. They are going to be at the big name tournaments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

No college coach is wasting time watching a non competitive team play in a no name tournament.

I agree with this. College coaches can only be in so many places at one time. They are going to be at the big name tournaments.

I get that. But the current situation at 28 is that you have the elite kids spread over three oversubscribed teams. This results in none of the teams being particularly competitive and a lot of boys who don’t see the field. From what you are saying that doesn’t work for anyone

[Anonymous]

It’s scary how clueless most of you are on this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

You seemed to misunderstand what clubs goals are. Clubs goals are to make money for their owners. A bunch of PE shops didn't invest in club sports (not just lax) for the fun of it. They are in it to make money. That overlaps with your individual player's goal with respect to exposure. Obviously, the more exposure means more kids that want to play for that club so there is some push and pull. But, don't confuse the fact that the clubs goals and your child's goals are not the same though there is some overlap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

No college coach is wasting time watching a non competitive team play in a no name tournament.

I agree with this. College coaches can only be in so many places at one time. They are going to be at the big name tournaments.

I get that. But the current situation at 28 is that you have the elite kids spread over three oversubscribed teams. This results in none of the teams being particularly competitive and a lot of boys who don’t see the field. From what you are saying that doesn’t work for anyone

But your suggestion is to spread out players over even more teams, further watering down the teams and making them less competitive. That makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly right. We don’t need another DMV team. The talent is already spread out and that is why the DMV teams suck. No way that if some HS coach started a new team, the 20 best players in the area would join it and leave their current teams.

I don’t understand your point. if The only value club teams have is exposure to thier players . It would seem to me that many small teams would do much better for the boys than three oversubscribe teams. That way, everyone star and bench player alike Get the kind of time they need to show coaches.

No college coach is wasting time watching a non competitive team play in a no name tournament.

I agree with this. College coaches can only be in so many places at one time. They are going to be at the big name tournaments.

I get that. But the current situation at 28 is that you have the elite kids spread over three oversubscribed teams. This results in none of the teams being particularly competitive and a lot of boys who don’t see the field. From what you are saying that doesn’t work for anyone

But your suggestion is to spread out players over even more teams, further watering down the teams and making them less competitive. That makes no sense.

I agree with this.

I guess if you want your kid to be on the field they will need to do some work on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I get what you’re saying, but we’re not making these huge investments in time and money for pure enjoyment. Of course you want your kids to be happy but to waste the huge amount of time that goes into travel lacrosse There needs to be more of an upside than just fun.

No, you're investing for your kid to develop and compete to the best of his ability. If that happens to mean D1, great. If not, he'll hopefully be more functional as an adult having learned lessons of the lacrosse fields. Good grief, just because you didn't get into Harvard, it doesn't mean your life is over.

As for OP, find the best club that will take him. If he has the stuff, they will find him. Some kids (like Connor Shellenberger) have the stuff at fifth grade. Others are "late bloomers," so he should stick with it. Indeed, one of the best lacrosse players in the past 20 years was a late bloomer, and judging by his brother's college basketball career, I am starting to think it runs in the family.

I cannot emphasize enough how much the athleticism (read: speed) matters. You can't coach speed, so don't worry about that part for your boy. In the interim, let him enjoy competing and support him by cheering him on.