How hard to learn/play LAX in HS?

[Anonymous]

DS has been elite athlete in another sport for several years, but burned out and is now super interested in playing lacrosse for his high school team, JV level of course. How realistic is this? And are there clinics/clubs that work with HS/late comers to the sport in the DMV?

[Anonymous]

Has he played any
raquet sports? Can he pass and catch with a
stick yet? Is he just looking to be a defender? Defense might be his best option to even have a shot unless he has natural stick skills?

[Anonymous]

If he is athletic he will surpass the unathletic kids who have been in travel lax since they were 10.

[Anonymous]

I know an athlete who was a very good basketball player, and decided to try lacrosse. Picked up a stick for the first time Sophomore year. By the end of Junior season he was an impact player. By senior season, Captain. This was a VHSL 6A program that goes about .500 each season. Totally doable for a strong athlete with good work ethic.

Not doable at good privates in IAC or WCAC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has he played any
raquet sports? Can he pass and catch with a
stick yet? Is he just looking to be a defender? Defense might be his best option to even have a shot unless he has natural stick skills?

OP here. He's been working on throwing and catching playing wallball. appears to be getting pretty good at that. But otherwise, he's got zero experience. Thats why I was wondering about clinic opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he is athletic he will surpass the unathletic kids who have been in travel lax since they were 10.

This is probably true.

[Anonymous]

I know someone who started in HS and then went on to play at Duke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who started in HS and then went on to play at Duke.

You are making that up. Not that many local boys to play at Duke.

[Anonymous]

Doubt he's elite, going to public school and quitting. He might make the team because most schools need warm bodies. No chance a just starting player goes to Duke unless it's back in the 70's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS has been elite athlete in another sport for several years, but burned out and is now super interested in playing lacrosse for his high school team, JV level of course. How realistic is this? And are there clinics/clubs that work with HS/late comers to the sport in the DMV?

Depends. How big/fast is he? Which HS?

[Anonymous]

A sufficiently good athlete could start now and go to Duke. Basically any high level D1 recruited DB could play SSDM for Duke with a few months of practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS has been elite athlete in another sport for several years, but burned out and is now super interested in playing lacrosse for his high school team, JV level of course. How realistic is this? And are there clinics/clubs that work with HS/late comers to the sport in the DMV?

If your son's HS plays in the VEL league then have him sign up for that now. Starts in a week or two. There are fewer clinics in the Fall but St. James and Mabry Academy usually have fall programs. I would not worry about a club team yet. Get the basics down first - lots of wall ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A sufficiently good athlete could start now and go to Duke. Basically any high level D1 recruited DB could play SSDM for Duke with a few months of practice.

“Sufficiently good athlete” is doing a lot of work there.

[Anonymous]

He can play defense or be a defensive midfielder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has he played any
raquet sports? Can he pass and catch with a
stick yet? Is he just looking to be a defender? The defense might be his best option to even have a shot unless he has natural stick skills.

Elite hockey players who pick up lacrosse late catch up quickly, especially if they play defense. They are typically in good shape, very comfortable with physical play and checking, see the plays, and have good hands.