To run high school lacrosse tryouts well, plan an organized, fair and transparent process. Before tryouts, confirm school requirements such as physicals, eligibility and paperwork, and explain the schedule, evaluation criteria and roster decisions to players and families. During tryouts, which usually last two to three sessions, run stations that test stick skills with both hands, ground balls, speed and agility, one-on-one dodging and defending, small-sided games for lacrosse IQ, and a separate goalie session. Use multiple evaluators and a consistent scoring sheet, such as a 1 to 5 scale. Afterward, communicate decisions privately and respectfully, and offer every player feedback and next steps. A well-run tryout builds trust in your program, even among players who do not make the team.
Why tryout structure matters
Tryouts can be stressful for players and families, and they shape how people view your program. A disorganized or unclear process can create frustration, accusations of favoritism and conflict with parents. A structured process, with clear criteria and consistent evaluations, helps coaches make better decisions and makes those decisions easier to explain. It also gives players a fair chance to show what they can do.
Before tryouts
Preparation starts weeks before the first session. Check your school’s and athletic association’s rules on tryouts, cuts, eligibility, physicals and required forms. Many schools require a current physical and signed paperwork before a student can participate. Hold an information meeting or send a written overview explaining the dates, times, what to bring, the evaluation criteria, how many players you expect to keep, how teams such as varsity and junior varsity are selected and when decisions will be shared. Arrange enough evaluators, often assistant coaches or trusted outside coaches, and prepare scoring sheets, equipment, pinnies with numbers and a field layout for stations.
Sample tryout plan
| Station | Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Warm-up and wall ball | Stick skills with both hands |
| Ground balls | Effort, technique, competitiveness |
| Speed and agility | Athleticism and conditioning |
| Passing and catching on the move | Stick skills under game-like conditions |
| One-on-ones | Dodging and defending |
| Small-sided games | Lacrosse IQ, communication, decision-making |
| Goalie session | Saves, positioning, clearing |
Designing the stations
Each station should evaluate something specific. Stick skill stations, such as partner passing, wall ball and catching on the move, show how comfortable players are with both hands. Ground ball drills reveal effort and technique. Speed and agility tests, such as short sprints and change-of-direction drills, show athleticism. One-on-one drills let you see dodging, defending and competitiveness. Small-sided games, such as three-on-three or four-on-four, show how players read the game, communicate and make decisions. Goalies need their own session focused on saves, positioning, communication and outlet passes, since their skills are different from field players.
Scoring and evaluation
Use a simple, consistent scoring scale, such as 1 to 5, for each category. Give evaluators clear descriptions of what each score means so ratings are consistent. Assign more than one evaluator to each station when possible, and rotate evaluators so every player is seen by several people. Numbered pinnies help evaluators identify players quickly. Combine scores with observations about attitude, coachability and effort, which often matter as much as skill. After each session, meet with your staff to compare notes and discuss players on the bubble.
How to run tryouts step by step
- Confirm requirements. Check physicals, eligibility and paperwork for every player.
- Communicate the plan. Share dates, criteria and decision timelines in advance.
- Prepare evaluators and materials. Scoring sheets, pinnies, cones, balls and goals.
- Warm up properly. Start each session with a dynamic warm-up.
- Run stations. Rotate groups through skill, athleticism and game stations.
- Play small-sided games. Evaluate lacrosse IQ in game situations.
- Hold staff meetings. Review scores and discuss difficult decisions.
- Communicate decisions. Share results privately and respectfully.
- Offer feedback. Give every player areas to improve and next steps.
Building a balanced roster
Tryouts are not only about picking the highest-scoring players. A successful team needs balance across positions: attackers who can finish and feed, midfielders who can run both ways, defenders with good footwork and communication, a face-off option, and at least one or two goalies. Consider how players fit together and what your team needs. A player with slightly lower scores but a key skill, such as winning face-offs or playing long-stick midfield, may be more valuable than an extra player at a crowded position. Think about roster size too, since too many players can limit playing time and development, while too few can leave the team short when injuries happen.
Evaluating attitude and coachability
Skills can be taught, but attitude and work ethic are harder to change. During tryouts, watch how players respond to instruction, whether they hustle between drills, how they treat teammates and how they react to mistakes. Players who listen, apply feedback quickly and compete hard often improve the fastest during the season. Some coaches add a short interview or questionnaire to learn about players’ goals and commitments. Include these observations in your evaluations alongside skill scores.
Varsity and junior varsity decisions
Many high school programs field both varsity and junior varsity teams. Decide in advance how you will place players, considering skill, age, development needs and playing time. Younger players may benefit more from significant minutes on junior varsity than limited time on varsity. Explain placement decisions clearly to players and families, and describe how players can move between teams during the season based on progress. Consistent criteria help families understand that placement is about development, not favoritism.
Communicating decisions
How you share tryout results matters as much as the decisions themselves. Many coaches prefer private communication, such as individual meetings, phone calls or personal messages, rather than posting a list in public. Explain decisions honestly and kindly, focusing on specific areas for growth. For players who are cut, suggest ways to keep developing, such as club teams, camps, wall ball routines or other programs, and let them know if they can try out again next year. Be ready for questions from parents, and follow your school’s policies on communication.
Health and safety
Tryouts often happen early in the season, when players may not be fully conditioned. Include a proper warm-up, provide water breaks, watch for heat and weather conditions and have an emergency action plan with access to an athletic trainer when possible. Make sure all players wear required protective equipment. Health note: this article is general information, not medical advice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Unclear criteria that leave players guessing.
- Only one evaluator, which increases bias.
- Skipping small-sided games and missing lacrosse IQ.
- Posting cuts publicly without personal communication.
- Ignoring goalies or evaluating them like field players.
- Not checking eligibility and paperwork.
- Favoritism toward returning players or connected families.
Frequently asked questions
How long should high school lacrosse tryouts last?
Usually two to three sessions, which gives players more than one chance to show their abilities.
What do coaches look for at lacrosse tryouts?
Stick skills with both hands, athleticism, lacrosse IQ, effort, attitude and coachability.
How should lacrosse cuts be communicated?
Privately and respectfully, with honest feedback and suggestions for how the player can keep improving.
