There are currently 30+ very happy 2020 families (mix of holdbacks and on age)and a bunch of top college coaches who couldn't possibly care less about that statement as they now sit back and enjoy a lacrosse free Aug. The good news is that there is still time for you to stop making excuses for your little Johnny and get him to pick up the stick more, train harder etc etc. After all, it is you holdback critics who say "good players always play up". If that's so true then your boy should have just completed a great summer and secured himself a roster spot at his dream school as he competed and stood out, (as he always has) against a mix of older talented players..
Unfortunately holding back your child does work for decent to good players. Holding these decent players back turns the player into a much better player. It gives him an advantage others same age and skill dont get as these non holdbacks will have to play against older players or same age always at youth level. It only makes sense?? playing down gets you an advantage. And if you are already a Very good player, holding you back turns you into a superstar against younger children. Pretty Simple!
Is it Right?? Most dont think so? But it is stupid to think it doesnt work for most kids. Especially against the same talent and younger. The true athletics on age will still be superior as time goes along. But lacrosse doesnt always get tons of superior true athletic as many go to other money sports.
I think the situation of holding your child back will get more and more of these kids as time goes on. Private school parents will be ramping up more holdbacks and once Public Schools catch on to this scheme ???? I dont even think ER getting a later date in HS will stop the flow as it seems the holdback/prefirst/reclass era of lacrosse is here to stay.
