WHAT TO EXPECT
Starting something new can feel unfamiliar at first. Here's what your player can expect as they learn the game, build skills and grow with FMLA.
YOUR FIRST PRACTICES
Your first few practices are all about getting comfortable with the stick, learning the basics and getting to know your teammates. It may take a little time for everything to feel natural, and that's completely normal. Coaches will introduce skills step by step and help new players learn as they go.
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and athletic shoes appropriate for the field. Cleats made for lacrosse, soccer or football are optional, but recommended.
Dress for the weather, and be ready to shed layers when temperatures are cool. Players who start practice cold often get warm and sweaty quickly.
Players will wear their practice pinnies to every practice and may reverse colors during the course of a practice, so wear a comfortable base layer underneath your pinnie.
Players should come ready to move, run and get a little dirty.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring your lacrosse stick, eye protection and mouth guard to every practice. Boys are required to wear a protective cup at all practices and games. Boys will need the rest of their protective equipment unless informed otherwise by a coach.
Pack plenty of water for your player. Try to use a bottle they can open themselves on the sideline, and consider a bottle with a long straw for players who wear helmets.
New players who don't have equipment yet can use FMLA loaner equipment for their first few weeks.
To check out the equipment needed for each team, click the button below.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Your first few practices will introduce the skills and movements that make lacrosse fun. Coaches will break things down step by step and give players plenty of opportunities to practice, so don't worry if everything doesn't click right away.
Players may work on stick skills, passing and catching, cradling, ground balls, shooting and footwork, along with learning where to be on the field and how to work with teammates. Practices also include drills and small-sided games that help players put those skills into action.
You don't need to know how to play before you arrive. Come ready to learn, try new things, work hard and have fun. It may take a few practices to feel comfortable with the stick and the flow of the game—and that's completely normal.
LACROSSE GROWS WITH YOUR PLAYER
Lacrosse changes as players grow. Younger players learn the game in developmentally appropriate formats, with the field, number of players and rules evolving as they get older. This allows players to build skills and understanding before moving into a more advanced version of the game.
Smaller Format
Younger players learn lacrosse in a smaller, simpler format with fewer players and a smaller playing area. The focus is on developing fundamental skills, learning how to work with teammates and getting comfortable with the game. Contact and checking are limited at younger ages, with rules designed to make the game appropriate for developing players.
More to Learn
As players get older, the field and number of players increase, and the game becomes more complex. Players continue building their stick skills while learning positioning, strategy and more advanced team play. The rules for contact and checking also develop with the age group, gradually introducing players to more advanced aspects of the game.
More Advanced Play
Older youth and high school players play a faster, more complex version of lacrosse with more players, more advanced tactics and a larger playing area. Contact and checking rules allow for more physical play as players progress, particularly in boys' lacrosse, while still emphasizing safe and legal play. The specific rules vary by age and by boys' or girls' lacrosse.
Want the details?
See the current youth rules and age-specific guidelines from USA Lacrosse.USA Lacrosse Rules & Field Diagrams
BOYS' LACROSSE & GIRLS' LACROSSE
Players use a lacrosse stick to catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball while working together to score and defend their goal.
BOYS' LACROSSE
Boys' lacrosse combines speed, skill, and strategy. Boys wear protective equipment because contact is part of the game at older age levels, with contact rules that vary by age.
GIRLS' LACROSSE
Girls' lacrosse is a skill-focused game built around passing, movement, positioning, and teamwork. It is not a full-contact sport at any age, with rules designed to limit physical contact.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Now that you know what to expect, come give lacrosse a try. FMLA offers Try Lacrosse opportunities throughout the year for new players.
