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June 15, 2011
June 14, 2011
Grand Forks Area Skills Familiarization Clinic
The Grand Cities Lacrosse Club in Grand Forks will be offering skills familiarization clinics this July. Details on the clinics below.
Grand Cities Lacrosse Club
Skills Familiarization Clinic
Looking for players that will be in 6th – 12th grade in the fall of 2011
7 - two hour sessions
Tuesdays and Thursdays
7-28 July 2011
Clinic fee: $50
All sessions held at:
Lions Park
3211 17th Avenue South
Grand Forks, ND
Learn the skills to play lacrosse! Clinics will be lead by University of North Dakota Men’s Lacrosse Club members. Sometimes known as the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States and is taking root in the Upper Red River Valley. Get involved in the first youth lacrosse program in the Greater Grand Forks area!
For more information about the club or to register on-line for the familiarization clinic, please e-mail us at Grand.Cities.Lacrosse@gmail.com . You can also check out our Facebook page, search Grand Cities Lacrosse Club.
June 13, 2011
Final MBSLA Top 10
Final 2011 MBSLA Top 10 (regular season record in parentheses):
1. MontiQuois (10-2) - State title win gives them the #1 position in the final rankings
2. St. Louis Park (10-4) - Defending state champion plays big in playoffs, state runner-up and #2 in the rankings
3. Delano (12-0) - Undefeated regular season, tough loss to St. Louis Park in the final four when it counted, won 3rd place game against Orono
4. Orono (12-1) - Played great all season, tough 2 goal loss to MontiQuois in the final four
5. St. Paul (8-4) - Nice regular season but lost big to MontiQuois in the playoffs
6. Hudson (7-5) - Strong inaugural MBSLA season for Hudson, beat Brainerd big in the playoffs and then lost by only one to St. Louis Park, should make some noise next year
7. Duluth (7-2) - Received challenging opening round playoff seed but played tough against eventual state champion MontiQuois, playing with them step for step until later in the second half, strong group of seniors leaves, will require some rebuilding for next season
8. St. Cloud North (5-3) - Win in the playoffs against Sibley and loss to Orono, North posted a solid season in 2011 and should be the team to beat in the North in 2012
9. White Bear Lake (6-7) - Win over Shakopee in the playoffs and loss to Delano
10. Shattuck-St. Mary's (4-0) - Not able to participate in the playoffs, Shattuck-St. Mary's still beat state runner-up St. Louis Park 12-8 and didn't lose a game
Honorable Mention: Tartan (6-5), Hastings (5-7) and Brainerd (5-8)
Final MN Lax Hub Rankings:
| R | Team | Rec. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delano | 12-0 |
| 2 | Orono | 12-1 |
| 3 | MontiQuois | 11-2 |
| 4 | St. Louis P. | 13-4 |
| 5 | St. Paul | 8-4 |
Honorable Mention
| Hudson | 8-5 | |
| Duluth | 7-3 | |
| St. Cloud North | 5-3 | |
| White Bear Lake | 6-7 |
June 11, 2011
MontiQuois is 2011 MBSLA State Champion
 |
| MontiQuois' Thomas Bales works against St. Louis Park |
Junior attackman Cody Lamm and senior midfielder Evan Hesse each scored four goals for MontiQuois, which erupted for nine unanswered goals on its way to a 13-6 triumph over St. Louis Park.
The first quarter ended in a 3-3 tie, but the rest of the game – aside from the closing few minutes – belonged to MontiQuois.
Senior midfielder Evan Hesse scored with 5 minutes, 11 seconds left in the second quarter to put MontiQuois ahead 4-3, and the scoring outburst ended when Lamm scored with 9:23 left in the fourth quarter. Lamm’s goal put MontiQuois ahead 12-3 and all but put the game out of reach.
Delano defeated Orono 7-6 in the third place game. In the MSHSL boys state championship, Benilde-St. Margarets beat Eden Prairie 9-3 and in the girls MSHSL state championship game, Blake defeated Eden Prairie 11-9.
June 10, 2011
Duluth Drop-In Lacrosse League Starts Tuesday!
The Duluth Drop-In Lacrosse League (DDLL) is slated to begin next Tuesday night June 14. The league is pick-up game format and welcome to all adults and high school players interested in playing lacrosse. Experienced middle school players are also welcome to attend. Attempts will be made to match players of similar age in games. It is the hope of the league that enough younger players show up that separate games for younger players can be played. There is also the possibility of having younger players play on a different night, possibly Thursday night after the YMCA youth league games.
The goal will be to try to provide lacrosse opportunities in Duluth for middle school and high school players during their off-season, college players looking to play some fun, relaxed lacrosse, and adults who love the game and just want to play. The game format will be "no checking" with stick checking allowed. This will help accommodate varying age groups and ensure that the games remain more relaxed and fun with players working on their fundamental skills. Participants may see college players from UMD, Chargers varsity players, former high school and college players and bald "old men" trying to rekindle long lost lacrosse skills and passion. If you love to play lacrosse or you played at one time and you really want to dust off your old stick, come on out and join the DDLL on Tuesday nights this summer!
Dates: Every Tuesday night starting June 14 until August 2
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (or dark)
Location: Lowell Elementary School soccer field (located up the hill from Lowell Elementary School)
Open to: People who love lacrosse – adult and high school Level. Middle school players welcome (may play on a Thursday night if enough interest)
Format: Pick-up game format
Rules: No checking, only stick checking allowed, NFHS Rules apply, “call your own foul” format (only person being penalized may make the call, no arguing calls), players agree on other rules, two goalies required or use goal stops or tip goals on end
Equipment: Full equipment recommended, helmet and gloves required (all players must wear helmet and gloves, no exceptions), wear a reversible pinnie if possible
June 8, 2011
First Night of YMCA Youth Lacrosse Has Good Turnout
The Duluth YMCA Youth Lacrosse League, in its third season, is open to kids in grades 3 through 6. The league runs every Tuesday and Thursday night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. until August 2. The first two weeks will be instruction with games starting on the third week. All practices and games are held on the soccer field above Lowell Elementary School.Kids interested in playing can still sign up. Contact the YMCA or register online on the YMCA REGISTRATION PAGE It's not too late! Come on out and join the fun of youth lacrosse!
June 7, 2011
New Bulldog Youth Day Camp in Duluth this July
Historically, this camp has catered to a very high level high school lacrosse player and hasn't been available to younger, less-experienced players. Well, now it is! This 3 day camp is open to players in grades 4-8 and the cost is $100. The entry fee includes high level instruction and a camp jersey. This day camp will be a great opportunity for local northern Minnesota lacrosse players to receive some high level instruction and play lacrosse. Online registration is now available HERE Scroll down to the Bulldog Lacrosse Youth Camp @ UMD.
June 6, 2011
Duluth Chargers 7/8 Take 3rd Place in Champlin Tournament
 |
| Chargers D Eamon Mackinaw and M Zack Zierden |
Saturday morning the Chargers took the field against Centennial and used balanced scoring to come away with an 8-1 victory. In the second game of the day, the Chargers battled Wayzata to come away with a hard fought 3-2 win. After two games in the 80 degree heat, the Chargers came out for the 3rd game and battled St. Louis Park to a 5-5 tie to end the day with a 2-0-1 record and the #1 seed in pool B.
 |
| Treven Smalley and Nick Funk battling for a ground ball |
Congratulations to the Chargers 7/8 team and to all of the northern Minnesota teams on successful seasons.
June 5, 2011
Last Week in the MBSLA
One northern Minnesota team is still alive in the MBSLA tournament with St. Cloud North beating Sibley 5-3 on Saturday. St. Cloud North moves on to face #2 ranked Orono Monday night at 6:00 p.m. at Mounds View High School. The top 3 ranked MBSLA teams are all moving on after MontiQuois topped Duluth 8-3 last Tuesday, Orono beat Mankato 17-3 on Thursday and Delano dropped Grand Rapids 20-2 on Saturday. Also advancing are St. Paul who beat Tartan 10-6, St. Louis Park who topped Hastings 14-5, Hudson over Brainerd 13-4, and White Bear Lake over Shakopee 11-3.
In the JV tournament, Duluth has moved on and will be facing the winner of the West Conference championship between Orono and Becker. The winner of that game will move on to the championship game, while the loser will play for 3rd place.
In the JV tournament, Duluth has moved on and will be facing the winner of the West Conference championship between Orono and Becker. The winner of that game will move on to the championship game, while the loser will play for 3rd place.
June 2, 2011
June 1, 2011
MBSLA North Teams Lose in First Round; Chargers JV Win Exciting game against Grand Rapids
It has been a tough week so far for MBSLA North teams in the first round of the MBSLA playoffs.
On Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior Chargers drew a tough first round match-up against the #3 team in the state MontiQuois. The regular season loss to St. Cloud North hurt the Chargers playoff seeding with their first round match-up coming against the Western Conference. The MBSLA West, with the top three teams in the state (Delano, Orono, MontiQuois), presented a tough match-up for any team in the first round. With Duluth as the second seed in the North playing the third seed in the West, MontiQuois, the scene was set.
The Chargers came out fired up and ready to play. An early goal by Beau Hughes fired up the Charger faithful and it looked like the Chargers were ready to roll. In an ominous sign of things to come, the goal was nullified when the stick was deemed to be illegal. It was clear early on that the Chargers had the athletes to compete and win a game against a very good MontiQuois team. With the Chargers scoring the first goal, the first quarter ended with the score tied 1-1 and the Chargers looking like they had the momentum.
The Chargers defense played well throughout the game and goalie Tyler Olson made several nice saves to keep the game close. The story of the game turned out to be penalties and turnovers. Duluth-Superior simply couldn't overcome the lopsided number of penalties called against them during the game. In addition, it was clear that the offense was pressing trying to make something happen and there were too many turnovers while MontiQuois was more crisp with their passing on offense. MontiQuois controlled the ball not giving Duluth-Superior many opportunities on offense. In the end, two 4th quarter goals by Zach Thompson and Steven Halver cut the lead to three but it wasn't enough as MontiQuois responded with two goals of their own to take the 8-3 victory and end the Chargers season. The Chargers finished a successful season with a 7-3 record.
In the other MBSLA North game, Hudson topped Brainerd 14-4. Brainerd finishes a good season, which saw them play several of the state's top MBSLA team, with a 5-9 record.
Also on Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior JV team advanced to the second round of the MBSLA JV playoffs with an exciting 7-6 victory over Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids held the advantage for much of the evening playing with lots of heart and energy. Late in the game, Duluth scored to take a 1 goal lead. Grand Rapids responded to tie the game and then take a lead of their own. With the clock ticking down, Duluth scored to tie the game and send it into overtime. Duluth scored again late in the overtime period to take the win. With the win, Duluth advances to play Thursday night June 9 against an opponent to be determined.
On Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior Chargers drew a tough first round match-up against the #3 team in the state MontiQuois. The regular season loss to St. Cloud North hurt the Chargers playoff seeding with their first round match-up coming against the Western Conference. The MBSLA West, with the top three teams in the state (Delano, Orono, MontiQuois), presented a tough match-up for any team in the first round. With Duluth as the second seed in the North playing the third seed in the West, MontiQuois, the scene was set.
The Chargers came out fired up and ready to play. An early goal by Beau Hughes fired up the Charger faithful and it looked like the Chargers were ready to roll. In an ominous sign of things to come, the goal was nullified when the stick was deemed to be illegal. It was clear early on that the Chargers had the athletes to compete and win a game against a very good MontiQuois team. With the Chargers scoring the first goal, the first quarter ended with the score tied 1-1 and the Chargers looking like they had the momentum.
The Chargers defense played well throughout the game and goalie Tyler Olson made several nice saves to keep the game close. The story of the game turned out to be penalties and turnovers. Duluth-Superior simply couldn't overcome the lopsided number of penalties called against them during the game. In addition, it was clear that the offense was pressing trying to make something happen and there were too many turnovers while MontiQuois was more crisp with their passing on offense. MontiQuois controlled the ball not giving Duluth-Superior many opportunities on offense. In the end, two 4th quarter goals by Zach Thompson and Steven Halver cut the lead to three but it wasn't enough as MontiQuois responded with two goals of their own to take the 8-3 victory and end the Chargers season. The Chargers finished a successful season with a 7-3 record.
In the other MBSLA North game, Hudson topped Brainerd 14-4. Brainerd finishes a good season, which saw them play several of the state's top MBSLA team, with a 5-9 record.
Also on Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior JV team advanced to the second round of the MBSLA JV playoffs with an exciting 7-6 victory over Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids held the advantage for much of the evening playing with lots of heart and energy. Late in the game, Duluth scored to take a 1 goal lead. Grand Rapids responded to tie the game and then take a lead of their own. With the clock ticking down, Duluth scored to tie the game and send it into overtime. Duluth scored again late in the overtime period to take the win. With the win, Duluth advances to play Thursday night June 9 against an opponent to be determined.
May 30, 2011
Virginia Wins National Championship
 |
| Virginia's Colin Briggs scored 5 goals in the championship game |
Virginia won the NCAA Division I National Championship earlier today 9-7 over Maryland. The victory capped a roller coaster season which saw several players suspended including the Bratton twins who were suspended from the team indefinitely. Congratulations Virginia.
May 29, 2011
Offensive Tips for the Midfielder
A couple of weeks ago we offered some defensive tips for midfielders. This week, we have some offensive tips for midfielders.
Midfield Offense Tips
1. Endurance. Endurance is a midfielders best friend. As a middie you need to be the most well conditioned player on the field. How else are you going to make a big stop on D and than go to the O side and stick a corner?
In the off season, you should be running both long-distance and sprints every day.
Even if you aren't that great of a ball handler, if you have speed, then you have much of what you need.
2. Get GREAT at ground balls. The team that controls the ground ball game, wins the actual game. No matter what level of lacrosse you play in, there will always be ground balls to pick up.
Just remember to get low and scoop through the ball. Pound it into your head to NEVER rake the ball, and always scoop through the ball.
One more thing to remember with ground balls. Use two hands. One-hand ground balls are for showoffs that never get the job done. Use two hands, and be a reliable ground ball man.
3. Become a GREAT dodger. Don't dodge with the intention of always blowing by your defender. To score goals, midfielders only need to be able to execute a dodge that will enable them to get their hands free for a quality shot or pass. Getting your hands free for a shot (away from your defender and his stick) while in shooting range of the goal is the key to scoring goals.
When dodging from up top, midfielders can anticipate having to take a shot from a distance no closer than 8 yards away from the goal. This is because there is often a defender standing right in front of the goal, on the crease area, who is ready to slide and double team if the offensive player gets close to the goal. Offensive midfielders that get too close to the goal before shooting the ball will often find themselves in this double-team and unable to shoot or pass effectively (a common mistake with young players). As a result, midfielders should learn to shoot the ball relatively quickly out of their dodge. A midfielder that has the ball and is within 13 yards of the goal with his hands free should shoot the ball if he has a quality shot, rather than trying to run in for a closer shot (if there are other defenders blocking his path to the goal).
Execute all of your moves in a game at FULL SPEED (Practice your moves this way too). Learn to play lefty and righty equally as well. It does not matter how good you are at a dodge. If you make the move the same way every time, your defenseman will recognize this and you'll never get your hands free.
A player has a big advantage dodging from up top rather than behind the goal because they start their dodge while facing the goal, and therefore already have a shooting angle on the goal. For midfielders, a basic split dodge is the dodge that will most often help you get your hands free for a shot, because when done correctly, it creates the most space between you and your defender than other dodges. Midfielders should practice dodging and shooting drills designed to create separation from a defender within scoring range of the goal.
At the intermediate level, the split dodge is the primary dodge a midfielder should use. It is actually better to have midfielders concentrate on this dodge because it makes them go north-south. Too often at the youth level, midfielders try to go back and forth across the field as they slowly back their way to the goal. They either use a million face dodges or a million roll dodges and if they are lucky they get to the goal in a one-on-one situation. This is not an effective way to get to the goal in a game and it is not a dodge that any player would use at a more advanced level because he would get crushed.
Midfielders should be encouraged to make one hard move (a split dodge) and go to the goal. Midfielders should attack their defenders “top” or “outside” foot, make them change direction, and then go to the goal. Midfielders will make split dodges from up top or from the wing but should never dodge east-west. Getting to the goal or drawing a slide and passing is the main job for the midfielder on offense. It is that easy. A midfielder that understands this concept at an intermediate level will make them much better than their competition.
4. Become GREAT at shooting on the run. Since they are learning to make one hard move and go to the goal, midfielders must also learn to shoot on the run. This is something that takes a great deal of practice and repetition. During practice, focus about 90% of the time shooting on the run. That is really the shot you will use most of the time in a game. The ability to shoot well on the run rests on the skills of snapping the wrists over and twisting the upper body.
Try to be deceptive. Try to hide your stick behind your body until the last second. And, make sure to shoot with the proper technique. Remember to:
• Get your hands away from your body - Hands and elbows high and away from your body, hands 12 inches apart close to the bottom of your handle
• Snap your stick over the top with your wrists
• Turn your shoulders and hips and uncork like a golfer
• Drive with your front shoulder toward the goal
Some players find it more effective to bring their hands closer together when shooting on the run because it gives them more torque on their shot. Some players also find that jumping while shooting on the run gives them more power as it allows them to twist their body more as they are in the air. This is a very difficult skill to learn and is more suitable for stronger, more advanced players. If you are fading away from the goal or shooting off your back foot or not turning and shooting in stride, you’ll want to practice to break these bad habits right away. A young midfielder who can learn to shoot on the run effectively will have a very bright future as a lacrosse player.
5. Perfect your quick stick. Quick sticking can be the most lethal attribute that a middie can have. It is so difficult for the defender and the goalie to stop it, or to even see it coming.
It doesn't require a lot of power (or skill) to do. Just get out to a brick wall, and play wall ball.
It is very important that you learn how to quick stick with both hands. Doing this might make you the MVP of your team (at least for scoring and finishing).
6. Practice Time and Room shooting as well (midfielders have to be well-rounded). To learn to shoot with time and room from the outside, young midfielders should first try to catch the ball behind them. If the midfielder can learn to catch the ball with his arms extended, his hands away from his body, and his stick behind him, then this will set him up for a great outside shot.
As he catches the ball, the midfielder wants to push off his back foot and step with his front foot, take a small cradle, and let the ball go. Just having a quick shot at this level will catch goalies off guard.
Much like shooting on the run, catching and shooting with time and room is learned from a great deal of repetition. The more it is practiced, the greater the level of muscle-memory will come into play. Things to watch out for and avoid when practicing time and room shots are letting your hands get to close to your body, letting the head of your stick drop, using your arms instead of your wrists, stepping with the wrong foot, and attacking the ball when catching instead of receiving it behind you.
7. Learn how to play off the ball. Off ball play is an overlooked and important part of the midfielder's game. 60-70% of the goals scored are assisted by a teammate. To get these scoring opportunities however, you must know how to move without the ball.
Here are four tips to better off ball play:
• After throwing a pass, immediately cut to the goal for a return pass (give and go), Most defenseman relax after you give up the ball...make em pay.
• If the defenseman covering you goes to double or help a teammate, follow behind him and get in a passing lane.
• Always cut to the ball as hard and fast as you do when you dodge. You'll be surprised how open you get just by cutting 100%.
• Watch top level lacrosse and see how the middies and attackmen cut. Also watch and play basketball.
8. Perfect your Passing game. The key to being great at midfield is learning when and how to pass. Of course every player wants to be the one who scores the goal, but a player who can pass when necessary is worth more to the team. Make sure that your passes have purpose. You don’t want to move the ball just for the sake of passing. If the recipient is no better off to make a move or shot on goal, then the pass loses its value. After a pass, however, the midfielder should hustle down to the goal to grab a return pass if necessary. A midfielder should always be on the move to keep the defense on their toes.
For young midfielders, it's important to pass before you run into trouble, find one or two or three opposing players collapsing on you and then can't make a good pass or shoot. Midfielders need to see the field and pass to the open man before they draw the double or triple team. It's painful to watch young midfielders dodge to the goal directly into trouble while one or two of their teammates wait open for a pass. Learning to see the field and find the open man comes with experience.
9. Practice your face-off technique. Don't rely on the other guy all the time. Learn some moves and practice! Young midfielders should all practice face-offs. You may be called upon to face-off in a game and you should know how to do it and practice. If not practiced, it might be hard to discover who might be good at it as well. Face-off tips coming soon.
Midfield Offense Tips
1. Endurance. Endurance is a midfielders best friend. As a middie you need to be the most well conditioned player on the field. How else are you going to make a big stop on D and than go to the O side and stick a corner?
In the off season, you should be running both long-distance and sprints every day.
Even if you aren't that great of a ball handler, if you have speed, then you have much of what you need.
2. Get GREAT at ground balls. The team that controls the ground ball game, wins the actual game. No matter what level of lacrosse you play in, there will always be ground balls to pick up.
Just remember to get low and scoop through the ball. Pound it into your head to NEVER rake the ball, and always scoop through the ball.
One more thing to remember with ground balls. Use two hands. One-hand ground balls are for showoffs that never get the job done. Use two hands, and be a reliable ground ball man.
 |
| Kyle Harrison after a successful split dodge |
When dodging from up top, midfielders can anticipate having to take a shot from a distance no closer than 8 yards away from the goal. This is because there is often a defender standing right in front of the goal, on the crease area, who is ready to slide and double team if the offensive player gets close to the goal. Offensive midfielders that get too close to the goal before shooting the ball will often find themselves in this double-team and unable to shoot or pass effectively (a common mistake with young players). As a result, midfielders should learn to shoot the ball relatively quickly out of their dodge. A midfielder that has the ball and is within 13 yards of the goal with his hands free should shoot the ball if he has a quality shot, rather than trying to run in for a closer shot (if there are other defenders blocking his path to the goal).
Execute all of your moves in a game at FULL SPEED (Practice your moves this way too). Learn to play lefty and righty equally as well. It does not matter how good you are at a dodge. If you make the move the same way every time, your defenseman will recognize this and you'll never get your hands free.
A player has a big advantage dodging from up top rather than behind the goal because they start their dodge while facing the goal, and therefore already have a shooting angle on the goal. For midfielders, a basic split dodge is the dodge that will most often help you get your hands free for a shot, because when done correctly, it creates the most space between you and your defender than other dodges. Midfielders should practice dodging and shooting drills designed to create separation from a defender within scoring range of the goal.
At the intermediate level, the split dodge is the primary dodge a midfielder should use. It is actually better to have midfielders concentrate on this dodge because it makes them go north-south. Too often at the youth level, midfielders try to go back and forth across the field as they slowly back their way to the goal. They either use a million face dodges or a million roll dodges and if they are lucky they get to the goal in a one-on-one situation. This is not an effective way to get to the goal in a game and it is not a dodge that any player would use at a more advanced level because he would get crushed.
Midfielders should be encouraged to make one hard move (a split dodge) and go to the goal. Midfielders should attack their defenders “top” or “outside” foot, make them change direction, and then go to the goal. Midfielders will make split dodges from up top or from the wing but should never dodge east-west. Getting to the goal or drawing a slide and passing is the main job for the midfielder on offense. It is that easy. A midfielder that understands this concept at an intermediate level will make them much better than their competition.
Try to be deceptive. Try to hide your stick behind your body until the last second. And, make sure to shoot with the proper technique. Remember to:
• Get your hands away from your body - Hands and elbows high and away from your body, hands 12 inches apart close to the bottom of your handle
• Snap your stick over the top with your wrists
• Turn your shoulders and hips and uncork like a golfer
• Drive with your front shoulder toward the goal
Some players find it more effective to bring their hands closer together when shooting on the run because it gives them more torque on their shot. Some players also find that jumping while shooting on the run gives them more power as it allows them to twist their body more as they are in the air. This is a very difficult skill to learn and is more suitable for stronger, more advanced players. If you are fading away from the goal or shooting off your back foot or not turning and shooting in stride, you’ll want to practice to break these bad habits right away. A young midfielder who can learn to shoot on the run effectively will have a very bright future as a lacrosse player.
5. Perfect your quick stick. Quick sticking can be the most lethal attribute that a middie can have. It is so difficult for the defender and the goalie to stop it, or to even see it coming.
It doesn't require a lot of power (or skill) to do. Just get out to a brick wall, and play wall ball.
It is very important that you learn how to quick stick with both hands. Doing this might make you the MVP of your team (at least for scoring and finishing).
As he catches the ball, the midfielder wants to push off his back foot and step with his front foot, take a small cradle, and let the ball go. Just having a quick shot at this level will catch goalies off guard.
Much like shooting on the run, catching and shooting with time and room is learned from a great deal of repetition. The more it is practiced, the greater the level of muscle-memory will come into play. Things to watch out for and avoid when practicing time and room shots are letting your hands get to close to your body, letting the head of your stick drop, using your arms instead of your wrists, stepping with the wrong foot, and attacking the ball when catching instead of receiving it behind you.
7. Learn how to play off the ball. Off ball play is an overlooked and important part of the midfielder's game. 60-70% of the goals scored are assisted by a teammate. To get these scoring opportunities however, you must know how to move without the ball.
Here are four tips to better off ball play:
• After throwing a pass, immediately cut to the goal for a return pass (give and go), Most defenseman relax after you give up the ball...make em pay.
• If the defenseman covering you goes to double or help a teammate, follow behind him and get in a passing lane.
• Always cut to the ball as hard and fast as you do when you dodge. You'll be surprised how open you get just by cutting 100%.
• Watch top level lacrosse and see how the middies and attackmen cut. Also watch and play basketball.
8. Perfect your Passing game. The key to being great at midfield is learning when and how to pass. Of course every player wants to be the one who scores the goal, but a player who can pass when necessary is worth more to the team. Make sure that your passes have purpose. You don’t want to move the ball just for the sake of passing. If the recipient is no better off to make a move or shot on goal, then the pass loses its value. After a pass, however, the midfielder should hustle down to the goal to grab a return pass if necessary. A midfielder should always be on the move to keep the defense on their toes.
For young midfielders, it's important to pass before you run into trouble, find one or two or three opposing players collapsing on you and then can't make a good pass or shoot. Midfielders need to see the field and pass to the open man before they draw the double or triple team. It's painful to watch young midfielders dodge to the goal directly into trouble while one or two of their teammates wait open for a pass. Learning to see the field and find the open man comes with experience.
9. Practice your face-off technique. Don't rely on the other guy all the time. Learn some moves and practice! Young midfielders should all practice face-offs. You may be called upon to face-off in a game and you should know how to do it and practice. If not practiced, it might be hard to discover who might be good at it as well. Face-off tips coming soon.
May 28, 2011
May 27, 2011
St. Michael-Albertville Pushing to Make Lacrosse School Sanctioned Sport
Good article about the St. Michael-Albertville lacrosse teams effort to make lacrosse a school sanctioned sport there.
The club didn’t get the answer they were hoping for when school board members and the superintendents unanimously agreed that this could not be done for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, but the team walked away with more information on the process, a sense of optimism from the board and a timeline for bringing the option up again this fall...
...Churchill said that just having league status, even without the monetary benefits initially, would be a huge help for the teams. For instance, she said Don’s Bus Service currently will not contract with them for transportation to and from games since they are not an official sport. She also noted that this would give their sport the ability to use school facilities for practices and games as well as to make announcements in school if there are any changes or cancellations in the practice or game schedule...
...Cusick said that while they are already experiencing significant growth, one big factor to bringing about even faster growth is to sanction it as an official sport. He cited neighboring Buffalo, whose participation numbers doubled the year lacrosse became a Minnesota state high school league sport. Mark noted that the Elk River-Rogers-Zimmerman team has so many players that Rogers is now considering seceding into their own team.
“We know the numbers will double next year,” Cusick said, basing his assertions on what he has seen happen in other districts. “Kids absolutely love the sport. And you want to talk about opportunity? Eighty kids went out for freshman baseball this year and you only took 25. You turned away 60 kids, and that’s 60 potential players for us that we could be starting to develop. The numbers are there.”
Read the full article HERE
St. Michael-Albertville's Lacrosse Club Pleads Its Case to Become School Sanctioned Sport
Gaining in popularity all over the state, St. Michael-Albertville players are hoping the district can find the funds to support a growing sport.
Members of St. Michael-Albertville lacrosse teams put up their best effort recently to move boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to an official, school-sanctioned activity.
The club didn’t get the answer they were hoping for when school board members and the superintendents unanimously agreed that this could not be done for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, but the team walked away with more information on the process, a sense of optimism from the board and a timeline for bringing the option up again this fall...
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| STMA 7/8 grade team |
...Cusick said that while they are already experiencing significant growth, one big factor to bringing about even faster growth is to sanction it as an official sport. He cited neighboring Buffalo, whose participation numbers doubled the year lacrosse became a Minnesota state high school league sport. Mark noted that the Elk River-Rogers-Zimmerman team has so many players that Rogers is now considering seceding into their own team.
“We know the numbers will double next year,” Cusick said, basing his assertions on what he has seen happen in other districts. “Kids absolutely love the sport. And you want to talk about opportunity? Eighty kids went out for freshman baseball this year and you only took 25. You turned away 60 kids, and that’s 60 potential players for us that we could be starting to develop. The numbers are there.”
Read the full article HERE
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