Prep season is an important time for high school lacrosse players aiming to take their game to the next level. College scouts look for athletes who combine skill, athleticism, strong academics, and a relentless work ethic. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you stand out during this during prep season.
Sharpen Your Skills
Master the Fundamentals:
College scouts pay close attention to on-field abilities. Dedicate extra time each week to hone your stick handling, shooting accuracy, and defensive techniques. Focused drills will help build confidence and skill.
Practice with Purpose:
Invest in quality training equipment that refines your abilities. For example, the Warrior Lacrosse Goal Corner Targets 2.0 - One Pair is perfect for working on your shooting accuracy. These targets let you practice hitting the upper corners of the goal, ensuring you’re ready to serve up top-shelf shots when it counts.
Build a Strong Physical Foundation
Conditioning is Key:
Lacrosse demands speed, strength, and agility. Develop a balanced fitness routine that includes strength training, cardio, and agility drills. Improved physical fitness will keep you competitive through long tournaments and practices.
Improve Your Agility:
Agility training can make a significant difference in your performance. Equip your workouts with drills using products like the Nike Training Cones - 10-Pack and the Nike Agility Web. The cones help set up dynamic drills while the agility web connects to form a challenging, multi-directional training network, ideal for building quick direction changes and balance.
Develop Your Academic and Athletic Profile
Maintain Strong Academics:
College lacrosse programs value well-rounded student-athletes. Keeping your grades high shows coaches that you’re disciplined and ready for the academic challenges of college life.
Showcase Versatility:
Make sure your recruitment file highlights both athletic achievements and academic credentials. A balanced profile reassures scouts that you’re prepared for life on and off the field.
Create an Eye-Catching Highlight Reel
Keep It Short and Impactful:
A well-edited highlight reel, ideally under five minutes, is one of the most effective tools to get noticed. Focus on showcasing your best plays, from offensive maneuvers to defensive stops and transition moments that underscore your versatility.
Distribute Your Highlights:
Upload your reel to recruiting platforms like Hudl and share it directly with college coaches. A professional highlight reel not only illustrates your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to the recruitment process.
Attend Camps and Showcases
Get On the Field:
Lacrosse camps and showcases are excellent opportunities to perform in front of college recruiters. They also provide a chance to learn from top-level coaches in competitive game situations.
Network with Coaches:
Use these events to introduce yourself and ask insightful questions. Being proactive and making connections can create lasting impressions that boost your recruitment prospects.
Communicate Directly with College Coaches
Take Initiative:
Don’t wait for scouts to find you, reach out directly. Send short emails that include your highlight reel, statistics, and a brief personal introduction. Clearly explain what sets you apart and why you’re interested in their program.
Follow Up Professionally:
If you don’t receive an immediate response, a polite follow-up can reinforce your genuine interest and commitment.
Stay Persistent and Positive
Embrace the Journey:
The recruitment process can be competitive and occasionally discouraging. Rejection is a natural part of the journey, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Commit to Continuous Improvement:
Every practice, game, and communication with coaches is a chance to grow. Your persistence and dedication will set you apart from the rest.
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By refining your skills, building a strong athletic and academic profile, creating a standout highlight reel, and taking initiative to communicate with coaches, you maximize your recruitment potential.
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