Season Structure
Spring: TeamsLacrosse is a Spring sport. Team play for all levels will be from March-May.
Co-ed Blue Team Practice 1x per week + Local Scrimmage Girls Orange Team: Practice 2x per week + Local Scrimmage Girls Black Team: Practice 2x per week + Travel Game on Weekend (El Segundo/Glendale) |
Fall: AcademiesBlue:
La Cañada Elementary Comm. Center La Cañada Flintridge Westridge School (Girls Only) Orange Academy Skills: 2x per week @ LCHS |
Summer: Camps + AcademiesGirls Orange Level: Academy Skills 2x Per week @ LCHS
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Sequenced and tiered Programs
As the fastest growing sport in the world, Lacrosse has the added challenge of having to meet players at many different levels of experience and age. There is a high degree of unique and detailed motor skill involved in achieving the basics. These aren't difficult movements, they're just new. It often takes kids up to two years to integrate these movements into their toolbox. Once they do, it becomes a whole new sport.
Our tiered program system is designed to meet players where they're at in this process without rushing them. So often, new players are tossed into the mix and forced to learn the basics at a pace that doesn't allow for the attention they need. This leads to bad habits that are incredibly difficult to break.
Think about it like a karate program, you wouldn't throw a beginner into a black belt class. There is a sequenced system that requires certain bench marks before moving on. This system is designed with age in mind but is flexible based on overall experience.
Our tiered program system is designed to meet players where they're at in this process without rushing them. So often, new players are tossed into the mix and forced to learn the basics at a pace that doesn't allow for the attention they need. This leads to bad habits that are incredibly difficult to break.
Think about it like a karate program, you wouldn't throw a beginner into a black belt class. There is a sequenced system that requires certain bench marks before moving on. This system is designed with age in mind but is flexible based on overall experience.
Beginner Tier
Blue Level |
Green Level |
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Girls + Boys
Ages: K-6th Grade Skill Focus: Grip, Scoop, Throw, Defend Ribbon Requirement: All welcome, blue ribbon earned through participation Blue Ribbon programs are designed to simply and effectively introduce the basics of the sport by getting a stick in your hand and sparking FUN. We encourage our younger players to stay at the blue ribbon level for several programs. Earn a blue ribbon each time you participate in a program with positive energy. |
Girls Only
Ages: 5th-8th Grade Skill Focus: Jumpstart for beginners: Grip, Scoop, Throw, Defend, Dodge Skill Requirement: Coachability and eagerness to learn quickly These are quick clinic programs to get older beginners or motivated younger players ready to jump into the Orange Level. Show up ready to learn fast! Earn your Green Ribbon upon completion of program and demonstration of coachability. |
Intermediate Tier
Orange Level
Girls Only
Ages: 5th-8th Grade
Skill Focus: Cradle, Dodge, Catch
Skill Requirement: 2 Blue Ribbons, Green Ribbon , or equivalent experience
Orange level programs are designed to make sure those that are still in the beginning phases are learning individual skills properly. The focus of these programs is to allow for high reps and smaller coach to player ratios. Games are local at this level are typically short field. A smaller game field allows for more game speed experience and touches on the ball. Players are encouraged to earn two or more Orange ribbons before attempting to move to Black.
Ages: 5th-8th Grade
Skill Focus: Cradle, Dodge, Catch
Skill Requirement: 2 Blue Ribbons, Green Ribbon , or equivalent experience
Orange level programs are designed to make sure those that are still in the beginning phases are learning individual skills properly. The focus of these programs is to allow for high reps and smaller coach to player ratios. Games are local at this level are typically short field. A smaller game field allows for more game speed experience and touches on the ball. Players are encouraged to earn two or more Orange ribbons before attempting to move to Black.
Black Level
Girls Only
Ages: 6th-8th Grade
Skill Focus: Field Concepts and Developing Lacrosse IQ
Skill Requirement: 2 or more Orange Ribbons and must pass the Black Level Test: Catching/Throwing on the move, basic Dodges/Ladders, Cradling
Black level program is our higher level program that aims to gear up our girls for more competitive team play. Those that are participating in this program should have the goal of playing at a higher level in the future (high school, college). Focus will be on field concepts such as man up/down situations, draws, picks, feeding, team defense (zone and man), ride, and clears.
**Players must test into this program by demonstrating that they have soundly developed fundamentals. This is not an elite program or tryout team, it simply requires you meet a specific benchmark in skill development/speed as drills require players to move at a higher pace. Everyone who meets this benchmark will be admitted to the program **
Ages: 6th-8th Grade
Skill Focus: Field Concepts and Developing Lacrosse IQ
Skill Requirement: 2 or more Orange Ribbons and must pass the Black Level Test: Catching/Throwing on the move, basic Dodges/Ladders, Cradling
Black level program is our higher level program that aims to gear up our girls for more competitive team play. Those that are participating in this program should have the goal of playing at a higher level in the future (high school, college). Focus will be on field concepts such as man up/down situations, draws, picks, feeding, team defense (zone and man), ride, and clears.
**Players must test into this program by demonstrating that they have soundly developed fundamentals. This is not an elite program or tryout team, it simply requires you meet a specific benchmark in skill development/speed as drills require players to move at a higher pace. Everyone who meets this benchmark will be admitted to the program **