Blaine Youth Lacrosse โ Boys Program Hub
Welcome to the standalone Blaine Youth Lacrosse Boys Module โ integrated directly into the LACROSSE READY coaching system. Designed to empower Blaine coaches, parents, and players with age-specific developmental pathways, comprehensive practice sessions, skill rubrics, and the dedicated Boys Lacrosse IQ System.
๐ง Boys Lacrosse IQ
Interactive guide covering field spots, faceoff mechanics, penalty/EMO setups, clearing strategies, 2-3-1 motion offense, and defensive slide rotations.
Open Lacrosse IQ Guide โ๐ Session Plans & Practice Builder
Access 120 progressive sessions crafted for boys lacrosse across 6 volume levels. Customize and build practice plans tailored to your team's age.
Open Plan Builder โ๐ Player Assessment & Tracker
Track player progress across 3 season checkpoints with 1โ5 rubrics for stick skills, spatial awareness, defensive footwork, and shooting mechanics.
Open Player Tracker โBlaine Youth Lacrosse Age Pathways
U8 โ U14 progressionBlaine Youth Lacrosse follows a progressive, age-appropriate developmental framework. Every age band focuses on athletic foundation, technical mastery, and tactical intelligence.
U8 Program (Discover Stage)
Fundamentals, Fun, High Touches & Maximum Participation
- Focus on two-handed cradling, ground balls ("scoop and kiss"), and short-range passing.
- No body contact or stick checking allowed โ safe, fun, game-play environment.
- Equal playing time across all positions so every player learns field awareness.
- 100% fun-first environment โ build a love for the game.
U10 Program (Train Stage)
Core Skills, 1v1 Dodging, Off-Ball Movement & Teamwork
- Introduce legal stick checks (poke check & glove check) with proper controlled footwork.
- Basic position roles: Attack, Midfield, Defense, Goalie.
- Pass requirement options (e.g., 2 passes before shot) to encourage unselfish teamwork.
- Faceoffs with wing mechanics and ground-ball fast break concepts.
U12 Program (Compete Stage)
Tactical Offense/Defense, Transition, Positioning & Faceoff Strategy
- Motion Offense basics (2-3-1 setup, pass and cut, shallow clears).
- Defensive slide package: On-ball posture, 1st slide ("Hot") and 2nd slide ("Cold").
- Clearing strategies (L-Clear, goalie outlet passes) and rides after goal/turnover.
- Controlled body contact, positioning, and long-pole development (LSM/D-poles).
U14 / U15 Program (Elevate Stage)
High School Readiness, EMO / Man-Down, Advanced Sets & Specialty Roles
- Advanced offensive packages: 1-4-1, 2-3-1, Two-Man Game / Pick & Roll, Crease Cuts.
- Extra Man Offense (EMO 6v5) and Man-Down Defense (Box-and-One, Diamond).
- Full clearing variations (Over-the-top, Gilman, Sideline) and 10-Man Ride pressure.
- Specialty skill refinement: FOGO (Faceoff Get Off), LSM (Long Stick Mid), Goalie leadership.
Becoming "Lacrosse Savvy"
Custom Guidance for Coaches, Parents & PlayersTo build a championship culture at Blaine Youth Lacrosse, everyone in the program plays a key role. Select your persona below to view targeted tips and guidelines.
Practice Plan Structuring
Follow the 5-block shape: dynamic warm-up โ technical skill โ applied small-sided drill โ full-field work or scrimmage โ cool-down and reflection. The Plan Builder sets the minutes for you, sized to the time you actually have.
Line Management & Equal Reps
Keep drill lines to no more than 3โ4 players. Use multi-station setups to maximize active touch-time and minimize waiting time.
Safety & Equipment Checks
Ensure all boys gear (helmet with NOCSAE seal, mouthguard attached, chest protector certified to the NOCSAE ND200 standard, gloves, elbow pads) fits correctly before stepping on the turf. ND200 exists to reduce the risk of commotio cordis โ a blunt-impact cardiac event โ so a correct, certified fit matters more than how it looks.
Positive Coaching & Communication
Use the 3:1 praise-to-correction ratio. Give clear, actionable coaching points (e.g. "Bottom hand on the butt-cap" instead of "Don't hold the stick wrong").
Understanding Boys Lacrosse Rules
Boys lacrosse allows body contact (U12+) and stick checking. Learn the difference between legal checks (poke check, lift check) and penalties (slashing, tripping, cross-checking).
Supporting Skills at Home
15 minutes of wall ball 3x per week builds stick skills faster than any practice. Encourage your player to throw and catch with both dominant and non-dominant hands.
Required Gear Checklist
Helmet, mouthguard (non-clear), NOCSAE SEI certified chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, protective cup, cleats, and legal boys stick.
Sideline Etiquette
Cheer for effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Allow the coaches to direct game play from the sideline so players remain focused on the field.
The Daily Wall Ball Workout
50 Right hand, 50 Left hand, 25 Catch Right / Switch / Throw Left, 25 Ground Ball scoops against the wall. Do this 3x a week!
Field IQ & Spatial Awareness
Never stand in one spot on offense. Always create spacing (12โ15 yards apart), move after passing, and keep your stick up in the triple-threat position.
Defensive Fundamentals
Defense starts with footwork! Stay in an athletic stance, breakdown your steps, keep your body between the dodger and the goal, and call out "I got ball!" or "I'm Hot!"
Sportsmanship & Leadership
Respect officials, teammates, and opponents. First on the field, last off the field. Be a leader by picking up ground balls with two hands and sprinting on every shift.
Elevate Practice Plans with Boys Lacrosse IQ
Empower Blaine players and parents with full tactical knowledge: field anatomy, faceoff strategy, clearing/rides, penalty setups (EMO/Man-Down), and defensive slide rotations.
This module is assigned to enrolled programs
The Blaine Boys Hub is not part of the public catalog โ access is granted to specific accounts. If your program is enrolled, sign in with the account that was given access. Otherwise, ask your program administrator to assign it to you.
Assigned by your program administrator. If you believe you should already have access, confirm you are signed in with the right account.