Youth lacrosse, all in one app.
Run your lacrosse team's schedule and scores, find a local lacrosse coach, or join a free pickup game nearby.
Lacrosse on AJN sports
Live scores for your lacrosse team
- Schedule, RSVPs and team messaging with parents
- Live scoring from the sideline
- Lock-screen score for families (iPhone app)
- Final-score recaps for every family
Soccer gets the full pitch board today. Lacrosse is next on our list.
Lacrosse team toolsFind a lacrosse coach
Example profile
Private and small-group sessions. Pay the coach directly.
Browse lacrosse coachesPlay this weekend
Example game
Free to join or host. Exact location shows after you join.
Find lacrosse pickupGame Day for lacrosse
Live score from the sideline
Schedule, RSVPs, messaging, live scoring from the sideline, the lock-screen score and final-score recaps.
Every score goes in from the sideline, and families follow along live.
Sample game: Mustangs U12 vs Lions
Why Lacrosse is Great for Kids
Lacrosse is America's fastest-growing sport — and for good reason. A game of speed, skill, and relentless athleticism, lacrosse combines the stick skills of hockey, the movement of basketball, and the field strategy of soccer into one of the most exciting and complete athletic experiences available to young athletes. Youth lacrosse coaching has become a cornerstone of athletic development from coast to coast, with participation growing over 1000% in the last two decades.
The technical skills of lacrosse — cradling, passing, catching, shooting, ground balls, and dodging — require precise coordination and dedicated coaching to develop correctly. Youth lacrosse coaching that focuses on proper stick mechanics, body positioning, and footwork from the earliest stages gives young players a foundation they build on throughout their careers. Left-handed stick skills, off-ball movement, and defensive footwork are particularly important areas where private coaching delivers outsized results.
Lacrosse for kids develops elite athleticism across the board. The non-stop movement of the game — players run 3-5 miles per game at the competitive level — builds cardiovascular endurance and explosive speed. The hand-eye coordination required to catch a 90 mph pass while running, the agility to dodge around a defender, and the upper-body strength for a powerful shot make lacrosse one of the most physically comprehensive sports available to young athletes.
Lacrosse is also one of the most scholarship-rich sports in college athletics, creating a compelling opportunity for serious young players who commit to quality youth lacrosse coaching early. With both men's and women's programs at hundreds of D-I, D-II, and D-III institutions, and the sport's continued national growth, lacrosse offers young athletes exceptional pathways to playing in college.
The Benefits of Youth Lacrosse Coaching
Skill Development
Structured coaching builds proper mechanics and muscle memory far faster than self-directed practice. Expert coaches identify and correct bad habits before they become permanent.
Confidence & Character
Sports teaches resilience, discipline, and how to handle both victory and defeat with grace. These life skills extend well beyond the field or court.
College & Scholarship Prep
Elite youth coaching opens doors to varsity teams, showcases, and college recruiters. Starting early with quality coaching gives athletes a measurable competitive edge.
Safety & Proper Technique
Experienced coaches can teach correct form from day one, helping reduce injury risk. Prevention-focused training keeps athletes healthy and on the field longer.
Levels of youth lacrosse
Beginner / Recreational Lacrosse
Ages 5–8Introduction to cradling, wall ball basics, and simple passing and catching in a fun, non-competitive environment. Box lacrosse and small-sided games help young players develop stick skills quickly.
Youth Club / Travel Lacrosse (8U-12U)
Ages 8–12Club and travel lacrosse programs dominate development at this age. Coaching quality, teammate caliber, and practice environment at top programs far exceed what recreational leagues offer.
Middle School Lacrosse (10U-14U)
Ages 10–14School lacrosse programs introduce formal rosters, position specialization, and the first experiences with game plans, defensive schemes, and offensive systems at a meaningful level.
High School JV / Varsity Lacrosse
Ages 13–18High school varsity lacrosse is a primary recruiting platform. State championships, regional rankings, and all-state recognition attract college coaches from programs across the country.
Elite / National Tournament / HOCO Events
Ages 14–18National tournaments like HOCO, Maverik Showtime, and TeamLax draw hundreds of college coaches. The top club programs competing at these events are the primary source of D-I lacrosse talent nationally.
Why Finding the Right Lacrosse Coach Changes Everything
The difference between a good athlete and a great one often comes down to coaching quality. A skilled lacrosse coach doesn't just teach drills — they build a complete athlete by addressing mechanics, mental strength, game IQ, and competitive confidence in ways that group practice simply cannot replicate.
Private lacrosse coaching creates a feedback loop that accelerates development dramatically. Coaches can spot subtle technique issues, personalize training progressions, and push each athlete to their individual ceiling. Youth athletes who train with dedicated coaches consistently outperform peers on tryout day and throughout their careers.
The mental game is equally important. Expert lacrosse coaches teach athletes how to handle pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and stay locked in during competition. These psychological skills translate directly to performance — and to life beyond the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Lacrosse Coaching
At what age should my child start lacrosse coaching?
Introductory lacrosse programs begin as young as age 5. Private youth lacrosse coaching focused on stick skills, dodging, and shooting mechanics becomes most valuable around ages 9-12 when competitive club lacrosse becomes the primary development environment.
How much does private lacrosse coaching cost?
Private lacrosse lessons typically run $50–$100 per session. Many coaches offer group training sessions with 2-4 players at lower per-player costs — excellent for wall ball drills, shooting practice, and 1v1 dodge work.
What position should my child play in lacrosse?
Early development is best served by playing multiple positions and developing all-around stick skills. Natural position selection typically develops around ages 12-14 based on athleticism, size, stick skills, and field awareness. Goalies are the most specialized position and often begin specializing earlier.
How important is private coaching versus club team practice for lacrosse?
Both are essential — but private coaching fills the gap that team practice can't. In team practice, coaches manage 15-25 players. Private sessions allow for individual focus on a specific player's weaknesses, personalized drill progressions, and one-on-one feedback that is impossible in group settings.
What equipment does my child need for lacrosse?
Boys' lacrosse requires a stick (head + shaft), helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, mouthguard, athletic cup, and cleats. Girls' lacrosse requires a stick, goggles, mouthguard, and cleats. Equipment costs range from $150–$400 for a full beginner setup.
Can lacrosse coaching lead to college scholarships?
Yes — lacrosse is one of the best sports for college scholarships. D-I men's programs offer up to 12.6 scholarships and D-I women's programs offer up to 12. With hundreds of D-I, D-II, D-III, and NAIA programs, the scholarship landscape is excellent. Recruiting contact from coaches begins as early as 8th grade for top prospects.
Can AJN sports run my lacrosse team's games?
Yes — lacrosse teams get the schedule, RSVPs, live scoring from the sideline, the lock-screen score in the iPhone app and final-score recaps. Soccer gets the full pitch board today, and lacrosse is next on our list.
Are lacrosse pickup games free?
Always. You only need a free family account.