Your Ultimate Summer Survival Guide for Lacrosse

1. There Are No Olympics. Watch Lacrosse.

Let’s be real: there’s no Olympic lacrosse (yet), so if you watched synchronized diving instead of the NCAA Finals or PLL games, we need to talk. Watch the pros. Watch the college kids. Watch the guy on YouTube who strings sticks with one hand and a blindfold. Just watch lacrosse. You’ll learn more from having watched a NCAA College playoff game instead of TikTok lacrosse trick shots.

2. Stay in Shape. Don’t Get Fat.

I said what I said. Summer is not the time to become a walking snow cone. You don’t need to train like you’re entering the CrossFit Games, but if your cardio plan is “walk to the fridge,” we’ve got a problem. Run. Lift. Swim. Do yoga. Chase your dog. Just move. Because if you show up to fall ball for lacrosse or any sport looking like a couch cushion, your coach will notice—and so will your shorts.

3. Hit the Wall. No, Seriously.

I said stay in shape before this because if you’re wheezing after 10 reps of wall ball, you’re doing it wrong. But yes—hit the wall. Every day. Left hand, right hand, quick sticks, behind-the-back, eyes closed (okay maybe not that last one). Wall Ball never lies, never cheats, and always tells you when your fundamentals are trash. The wall or rebounder is your best friend, especially if you have no friends. But if you have no friends, let's talk for real.

4. Embrace the Heat

Summer can get hot. Really hot. But don’t let the heat stop you. Hydrate. Wear light clothing. Find shade when you need it. The sun can be your enemy, but it can also be your ally if you respect it. Use sunscreen. You want to be able to show off your skills, not your sunburn.

5. Set Goals for Yourself

What do you want to achieve this summer? Set specific, measurable goals. Maybe it’s improving your shooting accuracy or mastering a new dodge. Write them down. Keep track of your progress. Goals give you something to strive for and keep you motivated.

6. Play Pick-Up Games

Find a local field and gather some friends for pick-up games. Playing without the pressure of a formal game can help you relax and enjoy the sport. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your skills in a fun environment. You never know who you might meet or what new techniques you might learn.

7. Watch Lacrosse Highlights

In addition to watching full games, check out highlight reels. They can be a great source of inspiration. Pay attention to the techniques used by the pros. Try to incorporate some of those moves into your practice sessions.

8. Teach Others

If you have younger players in your community, take some time to teach them. Share your knowledge and skills. This not only helps them grow but also reinforces your own understanding of the game. Teaching is a powerful way to learn.

Final Thoughts:

Summer is your time to get better without the pressure of games. So enjoy it, but don’t waste it. Watch the game. Move your body. Hit the wall. And if you’re feeling really ambitious—teach a younger player something. That’s how we grow the game. Now go outside. It's 105? Uhm. Okay, I'll rewrite this later.

And remember, stay committed to your training. The effort you put in now will pay off when the season starts again.