Girls Program Overview

Saucon Valley Lacrosse Club fosters the development of each player’s lacrosse skills, knowledge of the game, and overall physical fitness.  Our program accepts beginners and new players at all grade levels.  Many of our successful players came from other sports and tried lacrosse during their elementary or middle school years!

The following are the general guidelines and expectations for each level of play.

PreK/K - our Saucon Little Laxers is a co-ed version of lacrosse that utilizes modified equipment, modified rules and is designed for youth to achieve quick success executing the basics skills of lacrosse (cradling, ground balls, passing, catching and shooting) using a soft-stick lacrosse stick.  This is a great way to "try it out" and see if your child enjoys the sport, without investing in equipment required at the older levels.  The rules of soft-stick lacrosse and the modified equipment also make it a version of the sport that does not require protective equipment to learn and enjoy.

1st/2nd Grade – Our 1/2 program serves as an introduction to girls lacrosse.  Participant equipment required: sneakers/cleats, certified protective eyewear, mouthpiece and a stick. Eyewear and a stick may be provided as loaners, if available.  1/2 coaches focus on teaching the basics of the game (e.g. throwing, catching, basic rules of the game, etc.) in a fun and positive clinic environment. Informal “play days” are scheduled against league programs to introduce game play, however, skills development is a focus at this level.  Games are played on modified, smaller field, with 7 field players, an open goal, and 20-minute running halves.  All players see equal opportunities during games and practices.

3rd/4th Grade – Our 3rd/4th program focuses on learning and skills development.  Instruction at this level continues to emphasize basic lacrosse skills and how to play various positions and games are played on a modified, smaller field with the introduction of a goalkeeper.  If more than one team is needed, teams at this level will be “balanced” where players are assigned to teams to make all teams similar in terms of skill and competitiveness.  Play time during practices and games are equal and all players are given the opportunity to try any position during the course of the season, if desired.  7 field players plus a goalie play at a time in approximately 8-10 games per season.  There is also a season end league tournament.  At this level, girls are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible to improve skills.

5th/6th Grade – At the 5th/6th grade level, the game becomes more competitive and teams play on a full, regulation-size field with 11 field players and a goalkeeper.  There will be approximately 8-10 scheduled games plus a season end tournament.  Instruction continues to reinforce basic lacrosse skills as well as strategy, plays and positions.  All players may get the opportunity to try different positions throughout the course of the year dependent on player desire, ability and team need.  At this level girls are expected to attend practices as possible to improve skills.

7th/8th Grade – the 7/8 grade level is a critical time for players to fine-tune their skills and obtain maximum knowledge of the game in order to prepare for competitive high school programs.  At this level, players will generally settle into a certain position(s), however, it is encouraged to try different positions throughout the course of the year as needed or desired.  Playing time at this level is a function of attendance at practice, ability, and effort.  By this level, it is expected players will be committed to the lacrosse season.  There will be approximately 10-12 scheduled games plus season end tournament.