Need your opinion on Lacrosse Question

[wish2fish]

I figure we have a diverse crowd here and a lot of guys from up east so I hope you could possibly help me with this question.

Two years ago we started Warriors Lacrosse Club in Northern Ky with a 5th/6th grade team and 7th/8th grade team. Now that we have got things going we are are starting to produce players for the High School level. One local school has a club team (not a sanctioned high school sport in Kentucky) but the rest of the kids didn't have anywhere to play so we have decided to extend the Warrior Club team to the JV level with the 8 kids that had no team and started looking for other players. In all likelihood they wouldn't be very skilled players as most of them won't pick up a stick till February.

The question I have is: Is there a problem using high school seniors on a JV team?:huh:

 

[ghuskin]

Wish2Fish,

I don't really see a problem from, due to the lack of skills these new player would have. You may have a problem from their attitude (H.S. Seniors tend to have a sense that they are entitled to Varsity).

That said, if the kids understand that because they are learning the sport, and have less skills/understanding of the game, that they should start out at the JV level. JV should not be looked at as a negative, but as a positive. they get to learn/develop against those with similar skills.

I think it would be discouraging to learn a new sport and competing against others that are more accomplished.

My son just started Lacrosse this year. He is 8, his first year eligible, and is in the "freshman" league for 2nd and 3rd graders. JV and Varsity are the next levels from there. They go mostly by grade, but also consider the skill levels of the kids. So there are some kids who are old enough for varsity, but play at the JV level because it is their first year and need to develop the appropriate skills.

Good luck!

Gregg

 

[billandamy]

I played all through HS and college, and still pick the sticks up once in a while. Basically have been playing for years.

Lacrosse was very popular on LI growing up. You played ice hockey or lacrosse or both (I did both).

Where you are, you may not have the luxury of having a pool of kids to pick from, and this usually means combining teams. I have no experience with mixing up ages like that in lacrosse, but in reality, I have found this makes the weaker players better, and the stronger players get a dose of confidence helping the younger/weaker players. It is a good time to instill in the older players a sense of teamwork and leadership.

Since what you have is a "club team", you will have to make due.

If you need any coaching tips or drills, let me know.