WHAT MAKES A GOOD LACROSSE PLAYER GREAT?
by Coach Thomas Neil Zacoi
While you were playing in a tournament or a high school game, did you ever wonder if there was a
college coach or scout in the stands? Did you question what they were looking for in a recruit? Many
have heard the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” so you better
play to the whistle and keep these qualities in mind!
Have you ever wondered what separates “good” players from “great” players? I’ve spent years studying
female lacrosse players, and now more women’s games are televised on ESPNU than ever before!
In addition to the following, the striking difference between the super star and the week-end
warrior is that the former does all the “little things” consistently well! What do I mean by that?
Here, let me explain.
You have undoubtedly heard professional sports commentators use the word “intangibles.”
They are referring to the “imperceptible details” that are part of an athletes’ makeup. In women’s
lacrosse these include, but are not limited to, the following list (in order of importance):
SPEED:
Nothing beats speed! No attribute an athlete possesses can ever substitute for speed. You are
either blessed with it, enhance what you have (read the speed article on this website), or fall by
the wayside. In women’s lacrosse, it also helps to be able to run deceptively, dodge opponents
with ease and keep your stamina up throughout the game!
STICK SKILLS:
You could have all of the attributes listed in this article, but if you can’t reliably pass, catch, and pick
up the ball while in motion, it will be difficult to play this game at a high level! You may be blessed
with hand/eye coordination, but the honest truth is that all of the top performers, regardless of
profession (from artists to zoo keepers and everything in between), practice their craft everyday! As
a lacrosse player, nothing pays greater dividends than the time you spend on the wall.
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OFF-BALL MOVEMENT:
Isn’t it funny how some lacrosse players seem to be at the right place at the right time? It is just
happenstance or is it possible that they know what their doing? Elite players instinctively know
where best to position themselves when they don’t have the ball. They either make themselves
available for the ball carrier or they set a legal pick. They also love playing defense!
ATTITUDE:
The most successful players in the world are supremely optimistic and passionate about their
sport and all aspects of life for that matter! They are always positive, take pride in what they do
and never give up! One of the least talked about benefits of having a never-say-die attitude is
that it will help keep you physically and mentally focused throughout the game and at practice,
too. Setting a good example of attitude will also help keep your teammates remain enthusiastic
and focused. Attitude, work ethic, and communication skills are among the most important
characteristics coaches look for when choosing captains!
WORK ETHIC:
Elite athletes are rarely satisfied with their game and continually practice to refine their skills. They
are hard workers and hold themselves to a high standard. Their body language during the game
is alert; they play to the whistle and are usually exhausted when the game is over, but they loved
every minute of it!
COMMUNICATION:
This one attribute alone can help you get noticed almost as fast as all the others combined! Unlike
most stick sports where the ball is usually in front of you, lacrosse players often lose sight of it.
Therefore, if you want to make your “dream team” and reach your highest potential as a player, you
must communicate with your teammates and coaches throughout the game (and at practice)!
CREATIVITY
Great players can seemingly make something out of nothing! They have the innate ability to
recognize situations and capitalize on them.
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COACHABLE:
The best athletes in the world are “students of the game.” They treasure learning new techniques
and making up their own, too. They are cooperative, come early to practice and games, and are
the last ones to leave!
There are many other traits that could be added to this list, but if you feel that you have most
of these, you are already on the road to playing this game at a high level. With the sense of
accomplishment comes a pleasure that most people never experience!
Mental will is a muscle that needs exercised just like all the muscles of the body.
– Lynn Jennings
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