Level Up Your Stickwork Game: Focus on Speed and Fitness, Be EPIC!
Too often, I see high school and college players mindlessly checking off their stickwork drills or packets for the day, simply going through the motion against a wall. Uninspired, dispassionate, and honestly not getting ANY better!
As a coach with 4x National Championships and numerous league titles under my belt, I am here to tell you that approaching stickwork with anything less than an EPIC effort is not a championship mindset or work ethic! At every level of lacrosse, stickwork is so much more than going through the motions - it's about finding that deep-rooted motivation to improve and stirring up some serious commitment and passion for mastering the game!
Here's how I use the acronym EPIC to approach stickwork with my teams and clients:
Energetic: Simple in name but complex in practice. Picture hand sprints. Stickwork should train your hands for lightning speed, just like you do with your legs. The goal, you ask? Faster, sharper, smoother hands that are more confident than your competition's, period.
Purposeful Footwork: Bring your fancy footwork into the mix. Box that ball back and forth, making those feet move like in a game. Mimic getting out of a double team like a champ. Muscle memory helps your hands and feet work in killer tandem. Don't just stand there! Stickwork in rapid motion is crucial to not getting crushed by your competition.
Intensity: Intense stickwork is supposed to get your heart pumping, and you should break a sweat. Treat stickwork like a high-intensity workout that lasts for at least 20 minutes. Trust me, when you're in overtime, and everyone else is fading, you'll thank yourself for doing intense work.
Commitment and passion: Stickwork is all about committing to goals, challenging yourself, and unleashing your athletic creativity. Lacrosse is an absolute blast, which is why we're all hooked on it. So, take a moment to remember your passion and why you first started. Now, let's have some serious fun!
EPIC Stickwork = Confidence
As all championship coaches will tell you, building killer stick skills breeds confidence. And trust me, when things aren't going well on the field, confidence will become your secret weapon.
After coaching for over 30 years, I've learned one thing: confidence is your go-to move in all aspects of your game. And the best part? It's entirely in your control. So, let's amp up that stickwork game to EPIC levels and own your game like never before!
Written by Amy Patton, who has 30+ years of coaching experience, multiple DI & DIII National Championships, and NESCAC & Ivy League trophies. Contact amy@amypattoninc.com or visit AmyPattonInc.com for any questions. Follow @amypattoninc for more tips.
Written by Amy Patton, who has 30+ years of coaching experience, multiple DI & DIII National Championships, and NESCAC & Ivy League trophies. AmyPattonInc.com
If you need help with the recruiting process, contact amy@amypattoninc.com to see how her 30+ years of coaching and consulting experience could help you today! Follow @amypattoninc for more tips.
