Play them UP !

Since 2005 I have dedicated my time to Club Lacrosse and "off season" training. I have been fortunate enough to travel around the USA to all types of tournaments. Today they come in all types of formats. I like to take a minute to inform newer people to the options with my take on them.

1. Tune- Up - These events are usually early in a season, kind of a preseason event. The are normally one day and feature a scrimmage atmosphere. Some of these events have no scores being kept, and some may even allow coaches are to be on the field to train players during games. They are also used for final roster placement and player evaluations in many cases. Coaches get to see what the have prior to a season beginning.These are usually low cost and the kids can play just to play and have fun. There are no brackets or palyoffs.

coach B Grade - A

2. Round Robin - These are events that run one or two days and feature a guaranteed number of games vs local, regional and in some cases national teams. Coaches chose a bracket (U19, HS A, JV A, etc.) and get 3-5 games vs. teams in there division. Coaches can play up in tougher divisions or choose the division they feel best suits there talent level. There are no playoffs, consolation or championships. The down side is when programs move teams "down" and play in divisions that feature inexperienced teams. Sometimes on purpose.

coach B Grade - B

3. Championship format - These feature divisions, brackets and playoffs. Teams will receive a guaranteed number of games in pool play the be seeded for playoffs day two. Criteria for seeding can be won/loss record, goal differential, goals for, head to head results, etc. The winners normally get a tee shirt, medal or trophy. Its a double-edged sword. Winning means you advance and finals are competitive and fun. The down side is  a few coaches will play down in lower divisions , add ineligible players or not play lesser skilled players in the quest to win the hardware. Some events feature bids to national events to winners

coach B grade - C

4. Team Showcase format - These feature players signing up as individuals to attend a tournament on a college campus. Kids may attend a first day individual camp to meet coaches, attend clinics or scrimmages and be evaluated. They are normally coached by collegiate coaches who work closely with their players. Some events allow club teams to come as a group and are scouted by numerous coaches. Either way, kids get to be on campus, stay in dorms and get looks.

The downside is sometimes schools send GA's or Assistants to coach instead of the HC. 

coach B Grade - B-

I hope this helps clarify the travel club options. My advise is to research events when you can as much as possible before committing. Many events today are all about creating revenue for themselves, not developing players. My clubs have attended all of the above formats. I like to keep younger teams closer to home to reduce travel and costs for families. We expand the choices with older kids adding out of state or championship events. We create a separate elite team for showcases and recruiting events.

In closing, if your travel team is crushing every opponent at events, you are probably in the wrong division. Winning a tee shirt by defeating a team 16-1 teaches kids nothing. Putting a sixteen year old on a U15 team is cheating and not OK. "the other teams are doing it" is not and excuse. I would much rather go 0-5 event with hard fought losses vs. great teams over a 5-0 championship with a 45-5 goal differential. "Playing Up" develops skill, exposes us to the next level and teaches kids the importance of playing their best. Hammering inexperienced teams teaches nothing, does not aid in the developments of players. 

Players who belong to clubs who consistently play down year after year eventually end up on the programs oldest team (U19, HS A, etc.) and in almost every case are not prepared or skilled enough to continue their success.

If you need more information, drop me an email at 313lax@gmail.com