Skill Development for U13:

As a youth program we are looking to introduce the game of lacrosse with a philosophy of teaching skills through positive reinforcement while introducing fun and engaging games and drills.

  1. The player has been taught the basic skills of:
  • Throwing on both strong and weak side
  • Catching on both strong and weak side
  • Scooping (ground balls)
  • Controlled Cradling on both strong and weak side.
  • Shooting
  • Open field cradle
  • Dodging
  • Draw
  • Defensive footwork and body positioning
  • Practices should include drills that help teach and promote the development of these skills.
  1. The player has basic understanding of all the positions on the field:
  • There are 12 players on the field playing Attack, Midfield and Defense. Each player should understand the job of Attack, Midfield and Defense
  • The players shouldknow where to line up on the field at the face-off when the coach assigns the player to a position.
  1. The player understands the basic rules of the game:
  • No covering the ball on a scoop.
  • To stop when the whistle blows
  • Out of bound rules
  • Crease violations
  • The significance of the restraining line
  • The significance of the 8 meter arc.
  • The shooting space rule
  • Not to stay in the 8 meter arc unless defending a player (3 second rule)
  • They must attempt 3 passes before shooting.
  • There is no stick checking at this level.
  • They should also understand the 7 inch bubble around the opponent’s head for which their stick cannot penetrate.
  1. The player has an understanding how to play defense:
  • Marking their opponent
  • Staying goal side of their opponent
  • The players at this level should be introduced to the idea of picking up a free player on defense.
  • Intercepting an opponents pass
  • Communicating with other defenders on free positions in the 8 meter
  1. On attack, the player has an understanding of:
  • Cutting to a free space without their defender so they can make it easier to get the ball.
  • Not to stand in the 8 meter if they do not have the ball.
  • They should also be taught how to shoot from a free position as well as on the run.
  1. The player has learned good sportsmanship. The players are expected to be courteous to the officials, their coaches and other players.
  1. The player has learned to work with their team-mates and they have been encouraged to pass to the open player even if the other player doesn’t always catch the ball.
  1. At this level the girls should become more proficient in the basic drills than at the U-11 level and you can introduce slightly more complex drills than that at the U-l3 level.
  1. Vocabulary: Draw, groundball/scoop, weak side, strong side, 8 meter, crease, center circle, boundaries, shooting, passing, marking, 7inch bubble, goal side, free space, covering the ball, scooping through, cradle, restraining line, shooting space, dodging (roll dodge, face dodge), 3 second rule.
  1. Most of all it should be fun!

Each player is different and brings their unique strengths and weaknesses to this game. It is not easy to succeed in teaching every player everything listed above, rather it is a goal. You can remind parents that it is difficult to prepare the girls properly for games if they don’t come to practice on a regular basis.

Game Coaching at the U13 Level:

  • U13 coaches are not allowed to be on the field coaching during a game.
  • Teams play 12v12 on a full field.
  • Girls at the U113 level should try playing each position on the field at least once during the season. At this level the coach should start assessing each player’s fitness level and speed to determine the best position for them. For example, if someone doesn’t have good endurance or speed, having them play in the midfield a lot might allow the player to have a successful experience.
  • Please involve the parents if they offer to help. They can help with substitutions or timing or dealing with disgruntled, sick/injured, whining players on the sideline. It is also good for parents to see the effort that goes into game day tasks.

Game organization

  • I usually have a roster with the substitutions for each position prepared before the game. The form I use it as the end of this document .You should know which players will be at the game ahead of time so you can have a roster ready to go on game day. I usually give the team 1 team goal and I have each area of the field (Attack, Midfield, Defense) a goal.
  • You can devise a substitution format that you feel is best for your team. But it is important to give players an even amount of time based on their desire and fitness level. This isn’t easy because the substitutions can only be made on the fly (during play) or after a goal is scored.
  • I try to remind each player about their goal before they enter the game. Each player will have 2 goals, the team goal and the goal for the area they are playing. Feel free to develop your own goal system.
  • I have a parent timing andletting me know when 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes have gone by in the half so I know when to substitute players.
  • While one coach coaches the players who are on the field, the other coach can coach the players on the sidelines who will be coming on to the field.

Practices:

  • Practices usually have duration of an hour to an hour and half.
  • The players should always start practice with a light jog and stretching. This can be accomplished via a short game or drill following by stretching. Variety keeps the girls fresh and interested.
  • Coaches should prepare a practice plan. There is a sample practice plan at the end of the document. Your practice plan can include more detail as you need it.
  • Practices should move a long, don’t spend too long on one drill. Throw in some games or relay races to make things fun!!
  • Players should always have their goggles and mouth guards. They should not participate in practice or games without them. Injuries have occurred just throwing the ball around before practice. Players are not allowed to wear jewelry during games.
  • I try to incorporate some team building activities such as visualization, circle time and name games

Game Roster template:

Game Roster

Position / Group 1 / Group 2
Attack 1
Closest to goal / Write in players name here / Write in players name here
Attack 2
Attack 3
Attack Wing
(Midfield)
Attack Wing
(Midfield)
Defense Wing
(Midfield)
Defense Wing
(Midfield)
Center
(Midfield)
Defense 3
Defense 2
Defense 1
Closest to goal
Goal

Out for the Game: List players who aren’t going to be at the game that day

Team Goals:Example: Ground balls, communication

Attack Notes: Example: Cutting through the 8 meter Arc (don’t stand). Cutting to the free space

Midfield Notes: Example: Watch the restraining line, force players to the weak side, and look for the open player

Defense Notes:Mark your player, stay goal side.

Sample Practice Plan:

5:30- light jog/plyometrics

5:45 - Capture the flag lacrosse style

6:10 – Circle throwing catching

6:10-6:11 - water break – literally give them 1 minute for a water break

6:11 -5 Star include shooting

6:30 – Water break

6:31 – Scrimmage

7:50 Stretch – you can also use this time to talk to the girls about team issues

Note: These times are approximations and are meant as a guild. You will get better with times as you go along.