Division I Lacrosse

7 Tips To Become a Better Lacrosse Player

By Leighton Yenor|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on February 15, 2022)

I played lacrosse for Northwestern University. As a college athlete, I know how important it is to improve in high school so that you get recruited, and then to continue improving in college. Here are 7 tips that can help you improve as a lacrosse player.

1. Adapt your mindset to believe that running is never a punishment (even when it is.)

Lacrosse is an extremely fast-paced sport, and a typical game involves anywhere between 3-7 miles of running, depending on your position and skill level.
The more you run, and the more comfortable you are performing while tired, which will make you a better player and more enjoyable teammate.
Running in practice shouldn't be seen as a punishment, but as an opportunity to improve.

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2. Do wall-ball, or stick work for at least 10 minutes a day.

Having good stick work is the best way to stand out on the field.
Committing time every day shows that you are dedicated and willing to work hard for your results.
It's easy to squeeze ten minutes into your schedule, and it adds up over time.

3. Work on your non-dominant hand more than your dominant hand.

The best players use both hands equally. Think of yourself as a point guard: do they only ever dribble with one hand, or do they use both?
Being skilled with both hands will set you apart early on and will continue to do so as the skill levels change.
If you are just as talented as another recruit, but only one of you can play with two hands, the coach will choose that one.

4. Don't be afraid to get creative and step out of your comfort zone.

If you find yourself asking “will I ever use this in a game?” you are going about it wrong. If you are getting more comfortable with your stick and handling the ball, that is all that matters.
You never know what kind of situation you will be in, and the more you practice, the better suited you'll be to come up big for your team.
Trying new skills will set you apart from other players and teach you how to compete outside of your comfort zone.

5. Accept the fact that it is a physical game. You will have some bumps and bruises.

This isn't practice, so much as a mentality. You need to be prepared for what might come – in a game or practice – so that you can shake it off and not take it personally.

6. Work on your wrist strength, especially if you take the draw.

Having strong wrists allows you to do more with your stick and frees you from doing the norm.
Strengthening your wrists will also help to prevent injury.

7. Watch other sports and try to incorporate those skills into your game.

Basketball players with the pick and roll, pick and pop, give and go
How runningbacks find the open hole and juke their way through the defense
The crow hop that baseball players use when throwing long balls
Slap shots in hockey
Penalty shots in soccer
All sports are connected, and the more you understand and can incorporate into your own play, the better lacrosse player and athlete you will become