New Players
Find our recommendations for everything you needed to get started in lacrosse. Scottsdale United caters to players in grades 1-8 and of all skill levels, including those who have never played lacrosse before.
Is my son too young to start?
We have k-8th graders in our program. If you are K or 1st, then the best place to start is either through our clinics, or through one of our seasons. K-1st graders learn skillsā¦skills that will allow them to play games and compete as they get older. We use fun games during their āpracticeā time to make it fun, create competition, and teach the basic skill needed to compete in the game of lacrosse.
Is my son too old to start?
We get this question from parents with kids as young as 10, but mostly middle schoolers. Ā The answer is, there have been plenty of professional lacrosse players who have won their league’s MVP, that have started in 7th grade or after. Ā So no, its never too late to get started. Ā
What athletic attributes are seen in successful lacrosse players?
First and foremost, you need to be an active athlete, that loves to run! This sport is about constant movement. If your athlete doesn’t like to run…this is not the sport for him. Lacrosse, like hockey, is a physical sport, so athletes should be unafraid of contact. Rules are designed to limit contact at the younger ages, but there is some contact at all age levels. Lastly, due to the speed and number of decisions that need to be made during play, having a HIGH IQ makes for a great lacrosse player. All of these attributes can be learned with time and reps!
Where do we Start?
Our free clinics are great for getting introduced to lacrosse. We typically offer these camps in the fall, winter, and spring just prior to our 6 week leagues. These 1hr clinics are a great way to see what skills are needed to develop and play lacrosse. If you are ready to dive into a 6-8 week program, then register for one of our local leagues. Leagues are run in the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer.
What if I am ready for the next step after a clinic?
Register for one for one of our local leagues. Players focus on development 1x per week, while competing in local games weekly. Coaches divide players by skill level and create teams (like pickup) weekly. This is their opportunity to use what they have learned in a fun, fast environment designed to increase stick skills and IQ quickly. As players improve their skills, coaches will move them into more competitive games to continue to challenge the athlete.
What Equipment is needed?
Players are required to have protective equipment, including helmet, chest protector, elbow pads, and gloves. If you are a hockey players, your hockey gear can be worn. United does have some loaner equipment to provide, but sizes and pieces are limited. Contact scottsdaleunitedlc@gmail.com K-1ST Learn to Play programs DO NOT REQUIRE EQUIPMENT. Players are learning skills to help them compete in games.
Should I sign my son up for your Competitive team, if he hasnāt played before?
No. If he is an amazing athlete who picks up the sport quickly, we will find opportunities for him to compete against the better players in our local leagues. Next step would be for coaches to allow him to practice with the competitive team, and eventually with a coaches recommendation, allow him to play on our In-State travel team.
What Equipment Do I Need
K-1st graders donāt need any. Our practices are non contactā¦so no need to invest in gear just yet. We even have loaner sticks to use. For all players playing in our IN HOUSE or IN-STATE TRAVEL teams, full equipment is needed. Helmet, gloves, elbow pads, chest protector, stick.
How do we find out what is happening next?
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