For lacrosse coaches, the summer months can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, players get a much-needed break from the grind of the season. On the other, that downtime can lead to a drop in motivation, fitness, and stick skills. But with a strategic approach—and the right lacrosse gear—summer can become one of the most productive periods in your team's development.
Here’s how to keep your athletes engaged, improving, and excited all summer long—without burning them out.
Create a Summer Skills Challenge
Set up a weekly or monthly challenge that players can complete on their own time. It might be a wall ball streak, a shooting accuracy drill, or a conditioning goal. Give it structure, keep it competitive, and encourage them to log their progress.
Break it down by position, too. Lacrosse goalies can focus on reaction time and footwork, while attackers work on quick-stick finishing. Midfielders? Agility and endurance. Make it feel personalized.
Equip your athletes with the right lacrosse gear to complete these drills. A solid wall ball setup, a reliable goal with targets, and a few dozen lacrosse balls can make all the difference. You’ll find everything they need at SportStop.com.
Recommend the Right Lacrosse Gear for Off-Season Training
Summer play calls for lighter, breathable gear built for the heat. Coaches can help players train more effectively just by recommending the right equipment for the weather and the work.
Key categories for summer gear:
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Lightweight practice gloves that still offer protection
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Ventilated helmets and cooling apparel to stay safe in the sun
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Training aids like cones, ladders, and resistance gear to encourage speed and agility work
Make it easy for parents and players to gear up. Direct them to SportStop.com for off-season lacrosse gear that performs in the heat and lasts through every rep.
Encourage Summer Lacrosse League Play & Club Team Involvement
One of the best ways to keep players engaged is to get them on the field. Whether it’s a local club lacrosse team, travel tournament series, or casual pickup league, playing in the summer keeps stick skills sharp.
Coaches can help by connecting players with summer programs that match their goals. Some may want exposure for recruiting, while others just need more field time and fun. Either way, competition is key.
Remind your team that summer lacrosse still requires the required lacrosse equipment—including properly fitted gloves, helmets, shoulder pads, and cleats.
Check in With Your Lacrosse Players Individually
Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with your athletes one-on-one. Ask them about their goals, struggles, and how they’re staying motivated. These check-ins go a long way in building trust and keeping players focused.
Launch a Virtual Film Club or Playbook Study Group
Tactical development often takes a back seat during the season, but summer is a great time to grow your team’s lacrosse IQ. Organize a simple “film club” where you break down game clips once a week and highlight key concepts.
This works especially well for high school players eyeing college recruitment. Help them understand slide packages, transition sets, or man-up formations. You can even assign them to scout their own game film and bring questions.
Remind Them Why It Matters
Offseason work is what separates good teams from great ones. Remind your players that the lacrosse season is won in the summer—not just during spring games. The extra reps, the early morning sprints, the hours on the rebounder—they all add up.
Frame summer as a chance to invest in themselves. Better fitness, smarter decisions, sharper hands. And yes, better gear. When athletes feel progress, they stay engaged.
Lead the Charge, Coach
Your players will follow your energy. If you frame summer as a time to grow—not just rest—they’ll rise to the challenge. Whether it’s with structured challenges, skill work, summer league, or new lacrosse gear, you can help them build momentum before preseason even begins.
Keep them connected. Keep them equipped. Keep them inspired.
Need help getting your team outfitted for the off-season? Shop SportStop.com for training gear, summer-ready lacrosse equipment, and everything your players need to stay locked in. We've got the gear. You've got the game plan. Let’s make summer count.
