We say this lots of times here, but it’s worth saying again — great lacrosse teams are made during the season, but great lacrosse players are made in the offseason. However, that doesn’t mean your child should be spending every waking moment on the field trying to improve their skills.
They’re only kids once, and it’s important for them to strike some kind of balance in their lives when it’s not lacrosse season. Should there be some lacrosse work if they’re interested in taking their game to the next level? Well, of course! We suggest finding a GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp nearby that will allow them to not only get better on the field, but to also accomplish it in a fun and positive environment.
Outside of that, it may actually be more beneficial for competitive athletes to play sports other than their “top” one. Doing so allows them to get a mental break from the daily grind any sport can have on an athlete. Playing a different sport forces an athlete to think in a different way, which can translate to other athletic endeavors because they can see things from a different angle and be a little more creative. Plus, the chances of an athlete burning out are much lower if they get a chance to do other things.
Which sports could be a good fit for lax players looking to stay active while also taking a break? Here are five to consider.
Basketball
Similar to lacrosse, there are plenty of transferable skills for lax players who also hit the basketball courts. There’s a ton of footwork and explosiveness that comes on both ends of the court, especially when talking about playing defense. Basketball’s defensive slides, quick direction changes, and spatial awareness make it one of the most lacrosse-compatible sports available — the defensive positioning mirrors that of a close defender, while the offensive cutting patterns simulate offensive lacrosse movements.
Soccer
There are some similarities between lacrosse and soccer, making it not too surprising that a number of lax players would gravitate toward it. The conditioning and endurance work are there while also being able to maintain or even improve upon explosiveness and foot speed based on the natural ebb-and-flow of the sport itself. Soccer’s continuous movement and field spacing concepts also directly transfer to lacrosse’s transition game.
Cross Country
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that lacrosse involves a ton of running. A great way to build up your endurance during the offseason would be signing up and participating in cross country, which is basically just a series of 5K races. Partaking in this activity will help lax players keep up late in games when every minute counts, but don’t forget to do some weightlifting and sprint work on the side in order to maintain whatever explosiveness you’ve gained in recent months.
Golf
When talking about getting an actual break from a physical perspective, golf would be a good way to rest those weary muscles after a long season on the lax field while still honing certain parts of your game. There are lots of similarities between a successful lax shot and a golf swing, which includes core strength, quick wrists, and hand-eye coordination.
Box Lacrosse
While technically still lacrosse, the indoor version offers real advantages during the traditional field lacrosse offseason. The confined space forces quicker decisions and tighter stick skills in a controlled environment. It accelerates shooting accuracy, develops quick-twitch reaction time, and keeps sport-specific movements sharp year-round — all while keeping things fresh with a different format of the game you already love.
The key to an effective offseason isn’t just staying active — it involves participating in activities that deliberately complement your lax development while giving your mind and body a chance to recharge. By strategically incorporating one or more of these sports into your routine, you’ll return to the field with improved skills and fresh enthusiasm for the game. Are you looking to take your lax game to the next level this summer? Our expert coaches are ready to help — find a location near you and sign up today!
Ready to take your lax game to the next level this summer? Find a GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp near you and register today!
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