Lacrosse training: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What lacrosse training is

Lacrosse training teaches cradling, passing, shooting and defense, with drills tailored to position and level. Players book it before a season, when they want to sharpen a stick skill, or when a specific position like goalie or defender needs focused work.

Signs you need it

  • The player drops the ball when cradling at speed or under pressure
  • Passes are caught late or go to the wrong hand of a teammate
  • Shots are high or wide, or the player cannot shoot off the other hand
  • The player struggles to defend a faster attacker or keep a slide
  • The player wants to make a travel or high school team and needs position-specific skills

What the pro does

  • Watches the player cradle, pass and shoot to find the skill that costs the most
  • Works on cradling and ball protection with drills that get harder over time
  • Teaches passing and catching with both hands, with targets and a set number of reps
  • Trains shooting technique and accuracy, including off-hand shots
  • Covers defensive stance, slides and stick checks for the player's position

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Individual or small group training versus a team session
  • The player's position, since attackers, midfielders, defenders and goalies train differently
  • Session length and the number of sessions in a block
  • Field location and whether field time is included
  • Whether the trainer provides sticks, balls, goals and pads
  • Whether the training includes goalie work, which needs special equipment

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of sessions, session length and start date
  • Field location and whether field time is included
  • Whether sticks, balls, goals and pads are provided
  • Group size and whether the session is individual
  • Make-up policy for weather and field closures

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What do you check first when you watch my child cradle, pass and shoot?
  • Do you train players for the position they play, and how do you adjust the drills?
  • Will you give the player drills to do alone with a wall and a ball?
  • How do you teach defense, slides and stick checks without a lot of contact?
  • What protective equipment do you require, such as helmet, gloves and mouth guard?
  • Do you hold a coaching certificate, and how long have you coached this age group?
  • How will we track progress over the next month?

Red flags

  • Runs checking or contact drills with no focus on protective equipment
  • Promises a college roster spot or a scholarship
  • Uses the same drills for every position, including goalies
  • Changes a shooting or stick technique in one session without explaining why

What you can do yourself

A player can practice cradling while walking, wall ball for passing and catching, and shooting at a target on a wall or net. Working on the off hand builds balance. Hire a trainer when a stick skill keeps breaking down, when the player is working on a new position, or when a tryout is coming up.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to train lacrosse players. Ask whether the trainer holds a coaching certificate and whether the field or facility requires proof of insurance. If the trainer works with children, ask for proof of a background check. Check with your state or local licensing agency only if a facility has rules that apply to your sessions.

Lacrosse training questions

Is training useful for a player who is new to lacrosse?

Yes. Beginners benefit from learning how to hold the stick, cradle and catch before game speed comes in. A trainer can start with the basics and add drills as the player improves.

Should my child train as an attacker or a defender?

A good trainer will test both before deciding. Many young players benefit from basic work at every position first, then focus on the position they play most.

Does the trainer need a background check?

If the trainer works with children, ask for proof of a background check before the first session. Many clubs and leagues require one.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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