Are you ready for lacrosse season? The time of year when competition, camaraderie, and excitement all come together in a thrilling package.
Whether you're just starting or have been playing the sport your entire life, understanding when is lacrosse season can be immensely helpful.
We'll delve into everything from what to expect throughout a typical lacrosse season to ways to get your body and mind prepared for the intense challenges ahead.
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When Does the Lacrosse Season Start? All You Need to Know
Lacrosse season starts at various periods during the year since the sport is enjoyed by various lacrosse players, including:
- youth players,
- high school student-athletes,
- college lacrosse teams,
- professional lacrosse players.
So, in the information below, find when precisely your lacrosse season starts.
1. When does the lacrosse high school season start?
The high school lacrosse season may vary from state to state. However, in most districts, the high school lacrosse season is a spring season, beginning in March and extending to May or June. However, the durations also depend on the structure of the playoffs.
Although the field lacrosse season can start in late February for select high school players, this is the exception, not the rule. Practices tend to start before playoffs. Therefore, high school teams can expect weekend or weekly games to increase the performance of the layers.
If your high school team is looking to play lacrosse this academic year, check with your local high school on their start dates. It's never too early to begin preparing for what promises to be a thrilling season of lacrosse fun!
2. When does the youth lacrosse season start?
Youth lacrosse season typically starts in late winter or early spring, depending on the area. Generally, teams start training anywhere from March to April for pre-season games, with official gameplay usually beginning sometime in April and lasting until June.
Recruiting for teams usually closes a few weeks prior so that coaches can adequately prepare new players for the start of the season. After June, the season typically breaks for summer months before restarting again in August, when it's time for fall lacrosse season.
The fall season takes place in September and October for youth lacrosse players from the second to the eighth grade. The youth playing lacrosse can have fun, work on fundamentals, and polish their game before the winter season starts.
In addition, various coaches help teams play better and improve their skill level and overall performance when they plan to play in the winter season.
3. When does the college lacrosse season start?
College lacrosse season typically runs from late winter to early spring - at the beginning of February. The exact start of the season is determined by the individual conferences, with some beginning as soon as late January. The rules apply to both men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse.
Depending on an individual team's schedule, the college lacrosse regular season may run through March and into April. They can have conference tournaments, usually in April and May, culminating in the NCAA Division I National Championship on the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June.
That being said, college lacrosse coaches and teams start official preparation for their upcoming seasons months earlier, holding team practices and scrimmages throughout the fall, using them to build chemistry and get players ready for a long but hopefully rewarding season.
4. When does the NCAA Lacrosse season start?
The NCAA Lacrosse season begins in February and lasts until June. During this time, teams compete to reach the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship.
The selection process for NCAA post-season play consists of conference matchups, regional rankings, and championship competitions. Teams are ranked based on their performance during the regular season, which leads to the possibility of a wild card game for top teams that don't finish first in their conferences. Club teams play about thirteen regular games per season and compete for an invitation to the National Championship weekend.
In addition, the post-season conference tournaments take place every Division I season in late April. The conference tournament is designed to provide an opportunity for the top teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association to prove their skills against their respective conference rival. As a result, the college lacrosse winners earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.
The seeds usually reflect the top two or three teams from each conference, with often-contested matchups occurring throughout the tournament. Each team seeks to claim bragging rights and gain momentum in the postseason.
5. When does the Premier Lacrosse League start?
The Premier Lacrosse League - PLL is a professional men's lacrosse outdoor league. The lacrosse season takes place in early June and extends until the end of August. The playoffs and championship are played in September, covering the fall season.
6. When does the National Lacrosse League start?
The National Lacrosse League is the main representative body of box lacrosse. Box lacrosse regular season games start in the winter season from December to April. Then, the playoffs and championship take place in May and June.
7. When is the lacrosse season over?
The regular season of lacrosse sports is typically over near the end of spring. The college lacrosse season finishes on Memorial Day Weekend, when the final four championship games are played at the end of May.
In addition, high school and youth lacrosse seasons usually finish their play at the end of May or early June. The Premier Lacrosse League's lacrosse seasons end in September. Finally, the National Lacrosse League's club teams finish their regular season games in June. This being sad, lacrosse is mainly a spring sport.
Practice Tips to Prepare for the Next Lacrosse Season
Here are some of the best tips to prepare for the next championship and tournaments.
1. Play tips
With the new lacrosse season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to brush up on your skills and drills for success.
Before hopping into the competition, make sure to practice preferred moves like stick-handling, shooting, dodging, and transitioning.
Focusing on skill development and team-building activities such as passing, communication, and offensive/defensive strategies is also important. Make sure to add some conditioning drills to build physical and mental endurance.
Taking the extra time in preseason practice makes a huge difference come game time! With an effective plan of attack and plenty of effort, you'll be ready to take on any opponent come game day.
2. Gear tips
Preparing for the new lacrosse season can be daunting, especially if you're looking to replace gear.
One of the essential tips to follow when it comes to outfitting your team with new gear is to ensure that you purchase items that fit comfortably and securely. The last thing you want is your players' gear to be too loose or tight, which could lead to discomfort and even potential injuries.
Secondly, don't forget about making sure that each player has the necessary protection; padding and helmets can prevent serious incidents from occurring during play.
Finally, remember that broken or damaged gear should always be replaced rather than mended since makeshift repairs usually do not hold up well under intense play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lacrosse in winter or summer?
Lacrosse is both in winter and summer.
Winter is an off-season for field lacrosse players, but they can switch to box lacrosse to gain more strength and keep up with the game. The box lacrosse season is December-April.
Summer lacrosse takes place during the summer months, and teams play the sport at the camps and showcases. However, winning or losing matches is not as vital as in the spring season.
Is lacrosse a spring or fall sport?
Lacrosse is a spring sport, yet it offers optimal laid-back Fall Ball Clinics.
How many games are in a season of lacrosse?
Lacrosse teams play thirteen regular season games, including conference matches.
How to get ready for lacrosse season?
To prepare for lacrosse seasons, you can work on:
- Your agility and practice jumping drills
- Running drills
- Resistance and strength drills
- Find a partner to switch between squat and running workouts with a resistance band around your waist.
- Work on sideway movements and sprints with other players
- Practice your endurance and strength up by throwing in a long-distance run a couple of times per week
Is professional lacrosse played all year round?
Yes, you can play lacrosse all year round, based on the type, schedule, playoffs, and championship taking place each season.
For instance, you will play field lacrosse from February to May or June and box lacrosse from December to May or June.
Each lacrosse type follows different rules, so ensure you examine them to know how and when to play in advance.
Summary
With Spring Lacrosse most common, it's important also to note that depending on climate locations and players' commitment, one can extend into summer or winter leagues as well.
This sport can provide lasting memories and positive overall health benefits for its players.
So whether on sand beaches or packed astroturf fields, let's all pick up a stick and jump in the game!
