We don’t talk about mindset enough.
We focus so much on the physical training and skill development with lacrosse, but what about mindset?
There are many lacrosse athletes who can benefit from improving their mindset to be transformational players.
We know that a strong mindset is essential for a lacrosse player’s success.
But how do you improve your mindset?
Aggressiveness, grittiness, and confidence can transcend your approach to the game, helping you compete at your best, especially under pressure.
Here are some mindset approaches and specific tactics to go from good to great.
BUILD AGGRESSIVENESS
Some may not like the term “aggressive.” But aggressiveness in lacrosse isn’t about recklessness or over the top. The way we will define being more aggressive is about controlled intensity and taking purposeful action. Action that produces a result. Take more control in how you play and play with some swagger.
Strategies to Build Aggressiveness
- Win the Ground Ball Battle: Practice attacking ground balls with full effort in drills. Always approach the ball with a “first-to-the-ball” mentality. And get the ball. I call this “first opportunity ground balls.” Win that battle!
- Play Fearlessly: Train to embrace physical contact. Incorporate small-sided, competitive drills where body positioning and stick checks are emphasized.
- Visualize Success: How often do you spend time visualizing? Probably not enough. In my experience, we do not spend enough time on visualizations. Before games or practices, picture yourself winning matchups, stripping opponents of the ball, or dominating in 1v1 situations. See the outcome – before it happens.
- Compete (in Every Drill): Treat every drill like it’s a game. Push yourself to beat your teammates to loose balls, finish under pressure, and win the 1v1 battles. Always compete.
DEVELOP GRITTINESS
Grit is the ability to stay focused and resilient through adversity. It’s being scrappy and feisty to win the battles on the field. In lacrosse, it’s what drives you to push harder – even when you’re tired, losing, or facing a skilled opponent.
Strategies to Build Grittiness
- Train for “Toughness”: Add conditioning drills like shuttle runs, short sprints, and change of direction sprints to simulate the demands of a lacrosse game. Finish every rep, even when fatigued. Conditioning builds toughness and resilience.
- Set Micro Goals: Focus on winning small moments in a game or practice:
- Win a draw
- Make a defensive stop
- Take the shot (when given the opportunity)
- Win the damn ground ball!
- Learn to Embrace Discomfort: Push yourself out of your comfort zone in training. Compete against stronger or faster teammates to develop resilience. Compete when you are tired. Do things that push you – and KEEP GOING.
- Celebrate Hustle Plays! Take pride in the gritty aspects of lacrosse:
- diving for loose balls
- running down an opponent
- recovering quickly after a mistake (mental mastery)
BUILD UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE
Confidence comes from preparation, self-belief, and past successes. A confident player trusts their abilities and makes decisive moves without hesitation.
Strategies to Build Confidence
- Focus on Preparation: I can tell you that confidence grows significantly when you know you’ve put in the work. Stay consistent with your training, from wall ball to shooting reps, so you trust your skills during games. Put in the work and your confidence will skyrocket.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace doubts with positive internal dialogue like:
- “I’m the fastest player on the field”
- “I can win this 1v1”
- “I am prepared totally prepared”
- “I got this”
- “No one will out-hustle me”
- Reflect on Your Successes: Keep a journal and make notes of your best plays, games, or practices. Track what you do by journaling. When you’re feeling doubt, revisit those notes and remind yourself of what you’re capable of achieving.
- Take Risks in Practice: Experiment with moves like new dodges, creative shots, or passing execution during practice to build confidence in your skills for game-day execution. Practice is where magic happens.
- Believe – in Yourself: Even if you feel nervous, act confident. “Nerves” are normal and natural. I still get nervous before games, but it’s a good thing. Stand tall, make eye contact, and play with purpose. Play up to your standard and believe in what you can do. Over time, this behavior becomes second nature.
MENTAL TRAINING: IDEAS AND TACTICS
Controlled Chaos (GB) Drill: Set up a quick ground ball drill with multiple players. Whistle blows, and everyone competes aggressively for the ball. Play continues until possession is secure, move the ball once and drill is done. Never forget the importance of simple, fundamental ground ball drills like this at any level.
Pressure Scenarios: Simulate high-stress, high-pressure situations, like shooting with a defender closing in or defending a 2v1 fast break. Build confidence by executing under pressure.
“Gritty” Conditioning: Complete a challenging series of conditioning exercises (e.g., 100-yard sprints, bear crawls, or burpees). Conditioning exercises build toughness.
Visualization Practice: Spend 5 minutes daily visualizing yourself playing with aggression, grit, and confidence. See yourself winning ground balls, making clutch plays, and leading your team with your hustle and effort. Athletes just don’t do this simple routine enough.
1v1 “Hustle” Games: Play quick 1v1 games to goal from multiple attack points. Push yourself to dominate, whether as an attacker or defender. 1v1’s to focus on grit, hustle, and effort. They work.
MINDSET OF A CHAMPION
The best lacrosse players don’t just rely on their physical talent, they also develop an unbeatable mindset. Read The Champions’s Mind by Dr. Jim Afremow to immerse yourself into the winning athlete’s mindset – you’ll be glad you did.
Be relentless and never stop competing, no matter the score or circumstance.
Play for your team and channel your aggression and grit into plays that help your team succeed at another level.
And learn from mistakes. Mistakes are a part of the process. Embrace that and use every misstep as a stepping stone for your growth.
WHY THIS MATTERS
When you recognize the importance of your mental game, you’ll not only become a stronger and more dominant lacrosse player but also a more resilient and confident athlete.
Your performance and results will literally go to another level by acting on things we’ve covered here.
Step on the field with the mindset that you’re unstoppable, and that’s how you’ll play.
You have to believe it.
It’s your move.
Like this?
Help spread the word about Disruptive Lacrosse.
Share on social media or send this to a friend.
Find me on Instagram (@DisruptiveLacrosse)
Have a question or topic you want to learn more about?
Find out how to work with me.
