As coaches transition into their summer lacrosse teams, here’s just a refresher as to how to maximize the effectiveness of your practices. Coaches need to keep in mind several factors such as the timing of the practice, how long and the skill level of the players. Let’s face it, practice in the heat is tough; tough on the coaches and especially tough on the players. Don’t forget to add lots of water breaks into the plan. Practicing later in the day…say @ 6pm makes sense w/ the heat but it’s also the time of day when players’ focus isn’t always there. Therefore increase the number of drills rather than doing only a few for a long period of time.
A great practice plan for youth lacrosse can be found at Kudda.
Coaches should start w/ some basic stretching, either static or a series of continuous warm-ups as demonstrated here.

They should then focus on stickwork drills…maybe 2-3 variations. See all of the variations of stick work drills up at Kudda. Players should then get into some groundballs and then into some transitions including 3v2 and then 4v3. Coaches should then have the players work on positional work, practicing drills and skills that are relevant to their position. Here is when they would be working 1v1 or 2v2.
Next coaches should work on their 6v6, or 7v7 for the girls, settled ½ field and then move to a full field scrimmage. It’s very important that you plan on scrimmaging every practice. You can always work/add into the full field scrimmage your clears and rides.
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A quick reminder for coaches: If the players aren’t “getting it” after 5 minutes- they’re not going to get it after 20 minutes, don’t keep at it…simply move onto the next part of your practice.

Here is a recommended time for each of the areas w/in a 2 hour practice.
Warmup 10 min
Stickwork 15 min
Ground Balls 10 min
Transition 15 min
Position 10 min
Settled ½ field 15 min
Full field 20 min
Special..EMO, Shooting 15 min