YOUTH TEAMS
YELLOW JACKETS NORTH
YJN YOUTH INTRODUCTION & KEY AREAS
Our youth lacrosse program, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every player, regardless of background or skill level, feels welcomed and valued. Our skilled coaches are adept at tailoring drills and coaching methods to suit the age and developmental stage of each player, ensuring that younger players receive clear, age-appropriate instruction and ample time to master fundamental skills. We prioritize providing specific, constructive feedback that emphasizes effort and improvement rather than solely focusing on outcomes. By concentrating on these key areas (see below), our program effectively supports the growth and enjoyment of young players while cultivating a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
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Skill Development
Fundamentals: We emphasize basic skills such as passing, catching, shooting, and defensive techniques. The coaches tailor drills to the players' age and skill levels.
Positioning: We teach players about different positions and responsibilities on the field to help them understand the game better.
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Physical Fitness
Conditioning: We incorporate age-appropriate conditioning exercises to improve endurance, speed, and agility through our drills.
Injury Prevention: We focus on stretching and strength-building exercises to help prevent injuries and promote overall fitness.
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Player Enjoyment
Fun: Our practices are designed to foster a love for the sport.
Motivation: Our coaches use positive reinforcement to build players’ confidence and keep them motivated to improve and participate.
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Teamwork and Sportsmanship
Collaboration: We encourage teamwork through drills, practices, and games. We want players to work together and communicate effectively.
Respect: Through our coaching style we teach the importance of respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials.
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Game Understanding
Rules and Strategy: Through our practices and games we educate players about lacrosse rules and basic game strategies, including offensive and defensive plays.
Game Situations: We use scrimmages and game-like scenarios during practice to help players apply their skills in real-game situations.
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Long Term Development
Progression: We design our youth program in lockstep with our middle school and high school programs. We plan for long-term player development by gradually increasing the complexity of skills and strategies as players grow older and more skilled.
Pathways: We offer opportunities for players to advance to higher levels of play, within our program.
2nd/3rd: Will have an opportunity to play in 4 a 4-week session that follows our program's curriculum.
OUR PROGRAMS CURRICULUM
Our program offers students in grades K - 5 a unique chance to engage in off-season lacrosse with a focus on fun and development rather than pressure. We aim to cultivate fundamental skills and teach the team dynamics of the game in a supportive environment. By prioritizing a gradual and enjoyable approach, we believe we can foster a long-term passion for lacrosse, helping each player build key skills, form lasting friendships, and develop a love for the sport. Unlike other programs, our emphasis on a lacrosse-forward environment ensures that athletes grow at their own pace while enjoying the game.
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Lacrosse skills should be introduced in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate, and simple enough to grasp. At this stage, the focus is on basic motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and fundamental lacrosse techniques. Here’s a breakdown of essential lacrosse skills for this age group:
Stick Handling
Cradling
Objective: Teach players how to hold and move the stick while maintaining control of the ball.Stick Grip
Objective: Ensure players understand how to hold the stick properly.
Passing and Catching
Passing
Objective: Introduce basic passing techniques using both hands.Catching
Objective: Help players develop the ability to catch a moving ball.
Ball Control and Ground Ball
Objective: Teach basic ball control and movement with the stick.
Objective: Introduce the technique for picking up ground balls.
Basic Movement and Coordination
Running and Dodging
Objective: Improve players' movement skills and agility.
Defensive Skills
Objective: Introduce defensive footwork and stick positioning.
Team Play
Objective: Introduce basic concepts of teamwork and positioning.
Fun and Games
Skill-Based Games
Objective: Reinforce skills through playful and engaging activities.
PROGRAMS OFFERED:
Fall
K-1 will have an opportunity to play in 4-week sessions
Winter
K- 1 will have an opportunity to sign up for 5 weeks sessions.
Summer
K-1 will have an opportunity to sign up for Fun in the Sun, a summer program that starts in June and goes to early July.
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For this age group, lacrosse skills are built on the fundamentals introduced in earlier grades, with an emphasis on more refined techniques, tactical understanding, and game-play strategies. At this level, players are ready to sharpen their skills and build upon their fundamental skills.
Advanced Stick Handling
Cradling
Objective: Improve control and consistency while moving at various speeds.Stick Skills
Objective: Enhance the ability to use the stick effectively in different situations.
Passing and Catching
Passing
Objective: Develop accuracy and strength in passing.Catching
Objective: Improve catching skills with movement and under pressure.
Ball Control and Ground Balls
Objective: Enhance ball control while moving.
Ground Balls
Objective: Master the technique for picking up ground balls.
Defensive Skills
Checking
Objective: Introduce basic checking techniques and defensive positioning.Positioning
Objective: Solidify basic defensive positioning and movement and introduce “defensive help”
Offensive Skills
Shooting
Objective: Improve shooting accuracy and technique.
Team Concepts
Team Play and Strategy
Objective: Develop a basic understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.
Game Play
Scrimmages
Objective: Apply skills in a game-like setting.
PROGRAMS OFFERED:
Fall
2-3 will have an opportunity to play in 4-week sessions
Winter
2-3 will have an opportunity to sign up for 5-week sessions. We have 2 5-week sessions.
Summer
2-3 will have an opportunity to sign up for summer practices and 7v7 local scrimmages.
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In this age group, skills are more advanced, with a focus on refining techniques, understanding tactical concepts, and playing in more structured game scenarios. At this stage, players should be able to handle more complex drills and strategies while continuing to develop their fundamental skills.
Advanced Stick Handling
Cradling
Objective: Improve control while moving at different speeds and under pressure. Players should be comfortable playing with both hands.Stick Skills
Objective: Master advanced stick handling techniques, the stick should feel like an extension of them. A wallball routine should be established.
Passing and Catching
Passing
Objective: Refine passing accuracy and strength with both hands.Catching
Objective: Enhance catching skills in dynamic situations.
Offensive Skills
Shooting
Objective: Improve shooting technique and accuracy, shooting with a purposeDodging
Objective: Develop dodging techniques to evade defenders.
Defensive Skills
Checking
Objective: Refine checking techniques and defensive skills.Defensive Positioning
Objective: Enhance understanding of defensive positioning and movement.
Ground Balls and Face-offs
Ground Balls
Objective: Master the technique for scooping and controlling ground balls.Draws
Objective: Introduce basic draw techniques.
Team Concepts and Strategy
Offensive Plays
Objective: Teach basic offensive strategies and plays. Understanding a basic motion.Defensive Plays
Objective: Develop an understanding of defensive strategies. Understanding team defense.
Game Play
Scrimmages
Objective: Apply skills and strategies in a game-like environment.
PROGRAMS OFFERED:
Fall
6 fall practices
2-3 local tournaments
Winter
10 winter practices
Opportunity for specialty clinics
Summer
10-12 summer practices
3-4 tournaments