The below information provides color to each of the age groups within the CMRC Boys Lacrosse Rec Program. 

One thing I would say very strongly, there are a TON of kids playing college and pro lacrosse that didn’t pick up a stick until high school.  The learning curve of this game is different for everyone.  We can’t forget that. 

So, keep in mind, kids not only grow at their own pace, this game will click for them at their own pace.  That will come from the hard work they put in…as well as some luck from nature too as we all know.  Enjoy this journey….and let’s make it fun!

Descriptions

  • Stick and gloves only. Don’t really even need gloves but good to get use to wearing them.
  • We will again this year offer a skill-oriented clinic for ages 3-4. The focus of soft stick will be an introduction to the game of the lacrosse.
  • We will create a very lively and fun environment for the kids as they begin to learn this great game. We will look to have these sessions on Saturday Mornings.
  • Skill Focus – We will be very elementary. How to hold a stick, how to cradle, how to throw. Catching may not be in the cards….to avoid injuries etc. and just REALLY hard to teach this age.
  • 6-7-year old’s. This is full equipment.
  • We will play in house games and may offer a travel team to 1st graders if there is demand as there are other rec councils in the area that may field 1st grade clinic teams.
  • At this age we find there are a number of different skill levels. First timers…..to boys who have played 2 or 3 years. At this age group we will again spend a lot of time working on the very basics of the game. Scooping, throwing, and catching.
  • Teams will be broken up and made EVEN by skill level. We will play in-house games worst case with the number of teams we have but may also take part in local travel league with some other local Rec. Councils. Personally, don’t see the benefit of playing other rec councils at this age when we can play ourselves….ELIMINATES travel. Will discuss with coaches/parents of this age group as season approaches.
  • We will not focus as mush on positioning and defense. At this age it is just too advanced….but where it can be taught it will be. But we will stay very elementary and high level at this age when it comes to some of that detail.
  • Skill Focus – The goal is to create a solid baseline – throwing, catching, scooping – to be ready for the Tyker level. We will introduce positions on the field as a secondary element of the curriculum. We need to be able to throw and catch before we know where we need to be on the field, so tons of various stick work and “partner” type drills.
  • This is where it begins to really come together. This age group is full travel. Competition picks up as skill level tiers begin.
  • You will start to notice the age/size difference at this level and a big part of why teams are divided on skill level.
  • We will compete in the MYLA Leagues – Club as well as the other skill levels (B and/or C).
  • All of which will be decided coming out of evaluations and overall skill level of the teams. We will slot the teams in the most appropriate level – to be competitive and get better not to win.
  • We will most likely be having a 29/30 combined “Club Team”. Based on the numbers in this age group we may have up to 3 maybe 4 teams.
  • Skill Focus – Picking up from Clinic….we will continue to impress upon the stick skill fundamentals – scooping, throwing, catching. We will begin to introduce more complex drills to increase our skill set. We will also begin to focus more on position specific skills – Defense/Goalie/Face Offs. Again, at a high level as the most important skill set to master will remain stick skills.
  • Competition begins to really elevate at this level. Skill levels start to pop…..and expand. Game IQ starts to really kick in.
  • Full travel…and every level is on “full field”. The game gets a little faster and bigger.
  • We will compete in the MYLA Leagues – Club as well as the other skill levels (B and/or C). At the discretion of the parents/coach’s teams may also play in other “Club Leagues”.
  • All of which will be decided coming out of evaluations and overall skill level of the teams. We will slot the teams in the most appropriate level – to be competitive and get better not to win.
  • Skill Focus – Compounding where we left off from Tyker….the fundamentals are a continual focus. The use of both hands becomes higher focus, and position focused training/drills picks up greatly. Increased complexity across all drills will look to continue to improve on stick skill fundamentals.
  • Skill separation becomes clearer at this age level.
  • Stick skills are starting to really sharpen…strength and speed starts to separate the more advanced athletes.
  • Combination of stick skills and athleticism is what separates players.
  • Game IQ starts to hit the next level…..introduction of more lacrosse acumen.
  • We will compete in the MYLA Leagues – Club as well as the other skill levels (B and/or C). At the discretion of the parents/coach’s teams may also play in other “Club Leagues”.
  • All of which will be decided coming out of evaluations and overall skill level of the teams. We will slot the teams in the most appropriate level – to be competitive and get better not to win.
  • Skill Focus – At this age you are still learning and growing fundamentals…but starting to refine as well. Complexity of the drills and offensive sets really takes a big step. Game IQ needs to come up at this age level too, so we will focus on that in this age group. As well as a continual focus on position specific drills and more game type setting oriented practices.
  • The speed and skill set at the highest Club Levels at this age group is like Fresh/Soph or JV level lacrosse.
  • Lack of high-level fundamentals will be exploited at this level, particularly at the highest Club Skill levels.
  • Game IQ for the highest skilled players is at the HS level and beyond and will separate the best from the average.
  • We will compete in the MYLA Leagues – Club as well as the other skill levels (B and/or C). At the discretion of the parents/coach’s teams may also play in other “Club Leagues”.
  • All of which will be decided coming out of evaluations and overall skill level of the teams. We will slot the teams in the most appropriate level – to be competitive and get better not to win.
  • Skill Focus – These are the final years to prepare for HS, and some of the best HS lacrosse leagues in the country. Conditioning comes into play as strength and speed are vital. Refinement of the fundamentals will continue and playing faster will also be a focus. Offensive and Defensive sets will hit a high level of complexity as well as game IQ. Drills will reach a high level of intensity, complexity, and speed to simulate HS level where possible.