Age Pathways
USA Lacrosse ADM stages · LTAD-informed windowsEvery player develops at their own pace — biological maturity matters more than birth year. These six pathways map the session library to age bands using USA Lacrosse's Athlete Development Model (Discover → Train → Compete → Elevate) and Long-Term Athlete Development windows. The bands apply to both sides of the game — girls typically reach peak height velocity at 11–13 and boys at 13–15, so plan strength and stamina work around your group's actual maturity.
8U — Discover
Fun first — Visek FUN factors, try-hard + belonging dominate. Stations maximize touches.
10U — Discover/Train
Skill-hungry years (8-11): maximum skill reps. Multi-sport encouraged.
12U — Train
Learn to Train stage (girls 8-11/12): refine sport-specific skills, keep it fun.
14U — Train
Growth-spurt awareness: adapt loads, monitor maturity (PHV), flexible with early/late maturers.
16U — Train/Compete
Strength window post-PHV (girls). High-intensity training with recovery discipline.
18U — Compete/Elevate
Train to Compete (girls 15-21): year-round, position-specific, integrated support.
💡 Development-science notes
- Skill-hungry years (8–11): the highest-rep skill windows for girls — maximize touches before the growth spurt.
- Speed windows (6–8 and 11–13): quickness develops fastest here; keep sprint work short, frequent and fresh.
- Strength (post-PHV / menarche): maximal-strength gains respond best once athletes are past peak height velocity — before that, prioritize movement quality, bodyweight strength and technique. Adapt loads and monitor growth every ~3 months.
- Multi-sport: early specialization raises injury and burnout risk. This plan builds lacrosse skill within a balanced athletic foundation.
- Fun first (FUN MAPS): trying hard, belonging and positive coaching predict retention more than winning — design every session for those.