Youth lacrosse should balance development with competition, ensuring all players enjoy equal opportunities to play and grow in recreational leagues, while progressively introducing competitive elements as they approach high school to deepen the talent pool and strengthen the sport's foundation. This approach nurtures a lifelong love for the game and prepares players for higher levels of play, ensuring the sport continues to flourish in the community.

Are smartphones enhancing or hindering the focus and performance of lacrosse players during crucial games and practices? Click here to explore the insightful discussions among coaches and players about the impact of mobile devices on the traditional dynamics of lacrosse, and how teams across the nation are tackling this modern challenge to preserve the integrity of the game.

A heartfelt toast to the spouses of lacrosse coaches—the unsung heroes who endure our thousand-yard stares into the abyss of man-up strategies, the sacred rituals of restringing sticks that don’t need restringing, and the all-consuming obsession that pulls us away, even when we’re right beside you. It’s not neglect, it’s love—love for a game that’s been in our bones since the first time we cradled a stick, and though we may disappear into it, we always come back to you… eventually, probably.

Lacrosse was once a seasonal obsession, balanced with other sports, summer jobs, and life experiences. Today, it’s an all-consuming pursuit, with year-round training, club teams, and elite showcases defining the path for young athletes. Are we producing better players, or just burning them out? Do kids still love the game, or has it become just another checkbox on the road to college recruitment? This reflection on lacrosse then and now asks the ultimate question: Have we lost something valuable in the relentless drive for specialization?

Great coaches aren't defined by their playing resume but by their ability to adapt, learn, and inspire growth in their players. Success comes from embracing new ideas—no matter where they come from—and proving your worth through results, not ego.

Deciding between closed and open lacrosse practices at the high school level involves weighing focus and strategic privacy against transparency and community engagement. Closed practices provide fewer distractions and protect game plans, while open practices foster support and parental involvement. Finding the right balance depends on your team’s needs and program goals.

Discover which sports provide the best foundation for excelling in lacrosse and why they make the transition so smooth. Find out how skills from soccer, basketball, hockey, and more can give you an edge on the lacrosse field!