New to Lacrosse - Please advise

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have a 7-year-old boy who is interested in trying lacrosse. My husband I are unfamiliar with the sport. We live in Silver Spring (inside beltway). Are there any good programs there? Any advice for getting him started?

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Check out the Little Scoopers program at the St James

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check out the Little Scoopers program at the St James

They live in silver spring, the other side of the beltway.

BLC is probably your closest option.

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring Warriors

[Anonymous]

https://www.bethesdalacrosse.org/boys-rec

[Anonymous]

I’ve coached and had three of my kids play lacrosse here are my five easy steps to lacrosse competency.

1. Get a stick and gloves from a lax specialty store. Work with the staff to get the stick strung right and gloves that fit well. All the gear you can order online or get second hand (you will probably meet families who are happy to give you an old helmet).

2. This fall and winter have your son attend a clinic or two (Besthda Lacrosse club (BLC) runs a bunch of clinics but there are tons out there).

3. (This is the most important step) starting in the fall spend 15-30 minutes a day playing catch and practicing ground balls. If you don’t know how to throw and catch with a stick use a baseball mitt. If you do this it is likely that you kid will be the best player on the field in his first season.

4. In the late winter register for the local rec team. Prioritize fun and winning over competition at the highest level in the first year. It’s a huge plus if you can find a team with friends and nice families.

5. If he’s enjoyed his first season contact one of the better travel teams (I recommend BLC or next level for you but there are lots of clubs) and tryout for the team.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

3. (This is the most important step) starting in the fall spend 15-30 minutes a day playing catch and practicing ground balls. If you don’t know how to throw and catch with a stick use a baseball mitt. If you do this it is likely that you kid will be the best player on the field in his first season.

These are great advice. The only thing I would add is you don't have to wait until the fall to practice catching, passing, and scooping ground balls. Since most kids this age are still learning to catch and pass, scooping ground balls is probably the most impactful skill to develop first.

Get a Swax Lax ball to practice passing and catching, it's soft and doesn't roll as much.

[Anonymous]

In addition to practices and playing on a rec team, another way to build his interest is to watch some high school and college games. We're very lucky as there are many great men's and women's programs at all levels in the area. Unfortunately, lacrosse is played in the spring, so you have to wait until next year.

The Professional Lacrosse League has games during the summer so you can catch them on ESPN or attend a game in Baltimore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Silver Spring Warriors

+1 https://www.sslax.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silver Spring Warriors

+1 https://www.sslax.org/

Do they have a girl's team?

[Anonymous]

OP - Thank you so much for all the advice. Very much appreciated!