Kelly Burke’s reason for getting started as a youth lacrosse coach is not unique. You can blame it on the kids.
Last spring, shortly after her family moved to Alabama, Burke’s youngest daughter, age 10, joined the local league, Mountain Brook Lacrosse. Naturally, the team needed coaching help, and as a transplanted Marylander who had played the game in high school, Burke volunteered.
But she had never been on the sidelines or coached kids, even though she had an older daughter who also played.
A quick online tutorial last spring via USA Lacrosse’s Coach Development Program helped give her a primer on the basics and strengthen her knowledge base. She jumped right into the first season, albeit with a little bit of trepidation.
“So much has changed since I played with a wooden stick back in high school,” Burke said. “It was intimidating, but the online training was very motivational.”
Fortunately, the season proved to be a success, and Burke and her daughter are now gearing up for year two.
“She loved it. I loved it,” Burke said. “We’re both excited for the new season.”
As part of her preparation for season two, Burke signed up for last week’s USA Lacrosse in-person coaching clinic in Birmingham. She was not disappointed.
“This training was exceptionally well-done. It was hands-on and fun,” Burke said. “Going through the drills (also known as “games” in USA Lacrosse’s vernacular) was very helpful. It was a lot of practical stuff.”
USA Lacrosse’s Level 1 clinic, such as the one in Birmingham, is designed to introduce participants to the responsibilities and philosophies of coaching and how to create an athlete-centered environment. The curriculum is designed to benefit all coaches, regardless of experience, and to provide them with tools to teach lacrosse effectively to players of all ages.
“I learned great strategies for teaching without telling,” Burke said. “One of my other takeaways was to just let the kids play. As a coach, we don’t have to manage and control every second of the practice.”
Clinics are three hours in length and cost $50. There are no prerequisites for the Level 1 clinic, with all skill levels welcome. Previous lacrosse playing experience is not required.
“I think this training gives new coaches confidence and seasoned coaches a fresh perspective on what motivates their players,” Burke said. “It’s absolutely worth it, whether you’ve been coaching one year or 10 years. I am so thankful that I had this training opportunity.”
USA Lacrosse members attending LaxCon in Baltimore, Jan. 14-16, can take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the hands-on clinics at the event. Both Level 1 and Level 2 clinics are being offered.
To learn more, please visit usalacrosse.com/coach-development-clinics.
