Realistic Goal Setting Ahead of Your Summer Lacrosse Camp

The countdown to your summer lacrosse camp experience has begun. Are you just hoping to have fun, or are you strategically preparing to maximize your development? The difference between players who make significant improvements and those who merely participate often comes down to one crucial factor: intentional goal setting.

At GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps, we’ve seen that players who arrive with clear, well-defined goals consistently get more out of their time with us. Here’s your comprehensive guide to setting meaningful goals that will transform your camp experience from merely fun to genuinely transformative.

How to Set Goals Before Summer Lacrosse Camp

Start With An Honest Self-Assessment

Before establishing goals, take stock of where you currently stand:

Technical Assessment:

• Which stick skills need the most refinement?
• What shooting techniques feel uncomfortable?
• How consistent is your dominant vs. non-dominant hand performance?
• Which defensive or offensive moves do you hesitate to attempt?

Physical Assessment:

• How does your conditioning compare to other players who play your position?
• Which physical attributes (speed, endurance, strength) limit your performance?
• What injuries or physical limitations need addressing?

Mental Assessment:

• How do you respond to coaching feedback?
• What game situations cause hesitation or anxiety?
• How quickly do you bounce back from mistakes?

This baseline understanding prevents you from setting arbitrary goals that don’t align with your actual needs.

Create a Three-Tier Goal Framework

Effective camp goals follow a structured hierarchy:

1. Process Goals (Daily Focus)

• Complete 50 wall ball repetitions with your non-dominant hand before breakfast
• Ask coaches specific questions after each session
• Record three key things you learned in a notebook each evening
• Volunteer first for demonstration opportunities

2. Performance Goals (Measurable Improvements)

• Increase shooting accuracy by 15% from specific field positions
• Reduce ground ball recovery time by 0.5 seconds
• Execute three successful split dodges in scrimmage situations
• Demonstrate proper defensive footwork in 1v1 scenarios

3. Outcome Goals (End Results)

• Earn recognition in a specific skill category
• Receive positive evaluation on previously weak techniques
• Build relationships with two coaches for future mentorship
• Develop enough confidence to implement new skills immediately in the fall season

This (or some version of it) can keep you focused on daily actions while maintaining sight of larger objectives.

Implementation Strategies for Camp Success

Turn your goals into reality with these tactical approaches:

Pre-Camp Preparation:

• Share your goals with your current coach for feedback
• Practice specific skills you want to improve at camp
• Research the coaching staff to identify specialist coaches
• Prepare questions related to your development areas

During Camp:

• Use a simple numeric rating system (1-5) to track daily progress
• Schedule 5-minute evening reviews to assess the day’s development
• Identify specific drills where you can focus on your target areas
• Seek specific feedback related to your established goals

After Camp:

• Create a 30-day plan to reinforce new skills
• Record demonstrations of improved techniques for future reference
• Set new baseline measurements for continued improvement

Remember that improvement isn’t always linear—breakthroughs often come after periods of apparent plateaus.

Ready to transform your summer lacrosse camp from just another activity into a defining developmental experience? Our expert coaches are ready to help you improve your lax game at one of our 2025 GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps this summer. Find a location near you and sign up today!