Can we all agree for a minute that Long Island Lax takes itself way too seriously? I have a 9 year old girl who cannot make any of these teams (she is a fine player, not a star by any means, but she more than holds her own on her PAL summer lacrosse team), but she's willing to learn. She goes to these two hour tryouts where there are 80 kids for 25-30 spots and has no chance.
At this age, lacrosse should be focused on opportunity and learning to love the game, unlike all of these organizations who get off on the exclusivity of their programs. It's really embarrassing when you take a step back and look at it. Be better.
Its tough especially at this age, if you don't have lax parents.
The one thing I would say, though, is to focus on speed, strength and athleticism. In 3-6th grade, the kids with the best stick skills stand out. Once you get to 8th or 9th grade, the most athletic kids stand out.
I can name dozens of kids who were stars at 3rd-6th grade, but get passed and ultimately cut/demoted in late middle school to kid who are better athletes and have put in the work in the weight room, speed training, etc.
