How to Choose the Right Lacrosse Stick for Your Child

As a Little League coach, one of the most important and sometimes challenging aspects of your role is managing playing time and positions fairly. Every player on your team deserves the opportunity to develop their skills, contribute to the team's success, and have a positive experience. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this crucial aspect of coaching. Establish clear expectations: At the beginning of the season, communicate your philosophy on playing time and positions to players and parents. Make it clear that every player will have the opportunity to play and that positions may rotate to allow players to develop a variety of skills. Create a rotation system: Develop a system for rotating players through different positions and ensuring equal playing time. This can be as simple as creating a spreadsheet or using online tools like BenchCoach or TeamSnap to help you track playing time and positions. Focus on player development: Emphasize the importance of skill development and learning over winning. Encourage players to try new positions and focus on improving their overall game, rather than just specializing in one area. When you emphasize effort over results, you develop confident, resilient ball players who learn to "control what they can control" vs. investing their self-esteem in the outcomes that are often dependent on a variety of uncontrollable factors. Be transparent: Communicate your decisions regarding playing time and positions to players and parents. If a player is not getting as much playing time as they would like, have an honest conversation with them about what they can work on to earn more opportunities. Adapt to game situations: While it's important to have a fair rotation system, be prepared to make adjustments based on game situations. If a close game requires a specific skill set, you may need to deviate from your planned rotation to give your team the best chance of success. Involve players in decision-making: As players get older and more experienced, consider involving them in decision-making processes. Ask for their input on position assignments and encourage them to take ownership of their roles on the team. Recognize effort and improvement: Celebrate players who demonstrate a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and improvement, regardless of their skill level or playing time. This helps create a supportive team culture where every player feels valued. By implementing these strategies and utilizing the resources provided, you can create a fair and positive experience for all your players. Remember, the goal is to develop not only skilled athletes but also confident and well-rounded individuals who enjoy the game and value teamwork. Resources: Little League's "Tee Ball Tips: Rotating Positions": https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/tee-ball-tips-rotating-positions/ Positive Coaching Alliance's "Playing Time: The Elephant in the Room": https://devzone.positivecoach.org/resource/article/playing-time-elephant-room BenchCoach: https://benchcoachapp.com/ TeamSnap: https://www.teamsnap.com/

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, exciting sport that combines elements of soccer, basketball, and hockey. If your child is new to the sport, understanding the basic rules is essential for enjoying the game and supporting your young player. This article will provide an overview of the fundamental rules of lacrosse. Objective The primary objective in lacrosse is to score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal using a lacrosse stick. Players and Positions A lacrosse team typically consists of 10 players on the field at a time (boys' lacrosse) or 12 players (girls' lacrosse). The positions include: Attackers: Responsible for scoring goals. Midfielders: Play both offense and defense, transitioning the ball between the two ends of the field. Defenders: Responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring. Goalie: Defends the goal and prevents the opposing team from scoring. Field Layout A lacrosse field is typically 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. It is divided into two halves by a midfield line, with each team defending one end of the field. The goals are located at opposite ends of the field, inside the "crease," a circular area where only the goalie is allowed. Game Duration A regulation lacrosse game consists of four quarters, with the length varying by level of play: Youth: 8-minute quarters High School: 12-minute quarters College: 15-minute quarters Face-offs Each quarter begins with a face-off at the midfield line. Two players compete for possession of the ball by placing their sticks on the ground and trying to gain control of the ball when the referee blows the whistle. Checking Lacrosse allows for limited physical contact, known as checking. Players can use their sticks or bodies to dislodge the ball from an opponent's stick or to prevent them from gaining possession. However, there are strict rules governing the level and location of contact to ensure player safety. Fouls and Penalties Fouls in lacrosse result in a change of possession or a penalty. Common fouls include: Slashing: Striking an opponent with the stick. Tripping: Using the stick or body to trip an opponent. Cross-checking: Hitting an opponent with the shaft of the stick between the hands. Illegal body checking: Making contact from behind, above the shoulders, or below the waist. Penalties can result in a player being removed from the game for a specific duration, giving the opposing team a "man-up" advantage. Key Differences Between Boys' and Girls' Lacrosse While the basic objectives and field layout are similar, there are some key differences between boys' and girls' lacrosse: Boys' lacrosse allows more physical contact and requires additional protective equipment. Girls' lacrosse prohibits body checking and has stricter rules regarding stick contact. Girls' lacrosse teams have 12 players on the field, while boys' teams have 10. Understanding these basic rules will help you follow the game and support your child as they learn and grow in the sport of lacrosse. As your child progresses, they will develop a deeper understanding of the nuances and strategies involved in the game.

If your child is interested in playing lacrosse, you may be wondering what equipment they will need to get started. Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires specific gear to ensure player safety and performance. Here's a breakdown of the essential equipment your child will need to play lacrosse. Lacrosse Stick The lacrosse stick is the most fundamental piece of equipment in the sport. It consists of a head and a shaft. The head is the plastic or mesh part at the top of the stick used to catch, carry, and throw the ball. The shaft is the long, metal or composite pole that the head is attached to. When choosing a lacrosse stick for your child, consider their age, size, and position. Youth sticks are typically shorter and have smaller heads to accommodate smaller hands. Offensive players generally prefer shorter sticks for better control, while defensive players often use longer sticks to help with blocking and checking. Helmet A helmet is mandatory for all lacrosse players. It protects the head, face, and eyes from impact and injury. Lacrosse helmets are specifically designed for the sport and include a hard shell, facemask, and chin strap. Make sure to choose a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably on your child's head. Mouthguard Mouthguards are required for all lacrosse players to protect their teeth, gums, and jaw from impact. There are various types of mouthguards available, including stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Choose a mouthguard that fits well and allows your child to breathe and speak easily. Gloves Lacrosse gloves protect the hands and wrists from slashes and checks. They are padded and offer flexibility for gripping the stick. Gloves come in various sizes, so make sure to choose a pair that fits your child's hands comfortably. Shoulder and Elbow Pads Shoulder and elbow pads provide protection from checks and impacts. They are typically required for boys' lacrosse but are optional for girls' lacrosse. Pads should fit snugly and allow for a full range of motion. Cleats Lacrosse is played on grass or turf fields, so cleats are necessary for traction and stability. Lacrosse cleats are similar to soccer or football cleats, with studs or spikes on the bottom. Choose a pair that fits well and provides adequate support for your child's feet. Protective Cup (Boys) Boys' lacrosse requires players to wear a protective cup to guard against impact to the groin area. Cups are typically worn in a supportive undergarment or compression shorts. Goggles (Girls) In girls' lacrosse, players are required to wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from sticks and balls. Goggles should fit securely and provide clear visibility. When purchasing lacrosse equipment for your child, it's essential to prioritize safety, comfort, and proper fit. Consider buying from reputable sporting goods stores or lacrosse specialty shops, and don't hesitate to ask for assistance in selecting the right gear for your child's needs. With the right equipment, your child will be well-prepared to enjoy the exciting and rewarding sport of lacrosse.

When it comes to youth baseball, selecting the appropriate catcher's gear size is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of young players. Ill-fitting gear can hinder a catcher's performance and increase the risk of injury. This article will guide you through the process of determining the right gear size for youth catchers and provide resources to help you make an informed decision. Factors to Consider Age and physical development Height and weight Skill level and playing experience Measuring for Catcher's Gear To ensure the best fit, it's crucial to take accurate measurements of the player. Here's how to measure for each piece of catcher's gear: Chest Protector Measure the circumference of the chest at its widest point. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer's sizing chart. Leg Guards Measure the distance from the center of the knee to the top of the ankle. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer's sizing chart. Catcher's Mitt Measure the distance from the base of the palm to the tip of the index finger. For youth players, catcher's mitts typically range from 29.5 to 32 inches. Catcher's Helmet Measure the circumference of the head just above the eyebrows and ears. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer's sizing chart. Helmet sizes are typically expressed in inches or hat sizes (e.g., 6 3/4, 7, 7 1/8). Trying on Gear Whenever possible, have the youth catcher try on the gear before purchasing. This allows you to assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments. When trying on gear, ensure that: The chest protector covers the heart and sternum adequately. Leg guards allow for comfortable movement and flexibility. The catcher's mitt feels snug but not too tight. By considering factors such as age, physical development, and taking accurate measurements, you can ensure that your youth catcher has properly fitting gear. Always refer to manufacturer sizing charts and, when possible, try on gear before making a purchase. With the right fit, your young catcher will be well-protected and comfortable behind the plate.