Are you making these three mistakes?
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of being human, but making the big mistakes at the wrong time can be the difference between being in the lineup or being on the bench.
What are some of the biggest mistakes high school lacrosse coaches see players make?
Read and don’t repeat.
Related: 5 Tips to Be a Better Lacrosse Player | Podcasts |
Trying to Do Too Much
I get it. You have the ball and in your mind you see the ball sailing past the goalie and the coaches eyes going wide with excitement. Yes! You made the team or got the scholarship offer. It might happen that way, but you could also shatter a windshield with a shot 10 feet wide of the net and cause coaches to roll their eyes.
“Trying to do too much. Trying to show the coach they score goals,” Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach, Calif.) head coach Tom DeMaio said. “We’re not counting goals in tryouts. We want kids who are not turning the ball over.”
“It’s a natural thing for anyone to be nervous during a tryout but don’t let those feelings overwhelm you,” Cranbrook School (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) head coach Mat Wilson said. “Coaches want athletes who thrive under pressure.”
Being Afraid
You don’t want to make a mistake and ruin your chances of making the team, but being afraid of making mistakes can be just as bad.
“Being afraid of making mistakes and afraid of failure is a big mistake I see kids make,” St. Paul’s (Brooklandville, Md.) head coach Rick Brocato said. “Also, the LaxBro mentally. Players who are not willing to grind it out and respect the game.”
“I love to see younger players who are able to put “mistakes” behind them,” Wilson said. “Coaches love kids who play as fast as they can and understand that mistakes will happen. Go out there and make a play!”
Doing It All Alone
Remember you’re not the only one out there trying to make the team. It is a team after all. Get your teammates involved, make the extra pass, go after the ground ball in traffic. Listen to the coach and try to implement the things he’s telling you to do.
“Pressing too much. Some players are trying to do it all themselves, trying to make a play when it’s not there,” Medfield head coach John Isaf said. “We want guys who are team oriented. Play hard and have a great attitude.”