5th and 6th Grade lacrosse team focuses on developing intermediate skills, introducing more advanced game concepts, and fostering a deeper understanding of teamwork and strategy. Players are more competitive at this level, but the emphasis remains on growth and enjoyment of the sport.

Team Overview

• Ages: Typically 10–12 years old (5th and 6th grade).
• Focus: Refining skills, learning advanced techniques, and understanding positional play while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.
• Format: Games are typically 10v10 (boys) or 12v12 (girls) on a full-sized or slightly modified field with standard rules adjusted for youth play.

Key Goals

1. Skill Refinement: Improving passing, catching, shooting accuracy, cradling under pressure, and ground ball skills. Players also start learning dodging, defensive stick checks, and shooting on the run.
2. Game Concepts: Teaching advanced game strategies such as setting picks, cutting, transition play, basic offensive and defensive sets, and man-down or man-up situations.
3. Teamwork & Communication: Emphasizing the importance of working together, supporting teammates, and effective communication on the field.
4. Sportsmanship: Continuing to instill respect for the game, officials, coaches, and opponents while fostering leadership and accountability.

Equipment

• Sticks: Regulation sticks for boys and girls, adjusted for age and position.
• Protective Gear: Helmet, chest protector, mouthguard and Goalies wear additional protective equipment.
• Balls: Standard lacrosse balls.

Practices & Games

• Practices focus on skill-building drills, team concepts, and conditioning, with an emphasis on game-like scenarios.
• Games are more competitive, and players are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned while still prioritizing development over winning.
• Some teams participate in local or regional tournaments to gain more game experience.

This program builds confidence and prepares players for middle school lacrosse while enhancing their technical skills, strategic thinking, and passion for the game.