Watching Lacrosse Film: A Three-Question Worksheet

Film study is more useful with one clear question than with an attempt to analyze every player at once. Begin by identifying the game format; a universal eight-players-per-side assumption is inaccurate.

Choose a suitable clip

Use a legally available game recording or team footage with the appropriate permission. Respect the program’s privacy rules and avoid reposting clips of young players without authorization. A short sequence can be enough for a discussion.

Ask three questions

1. Where was the ball, and which options were visible to the player?

2. What did teammates do to support or defend the next action?

3. What changed after the decision, and what might the player try next time?

Pause before the action and describe the options without using hindsight to ridicule a mistake. The aim is understanding, not proving that a child should have seen everything in real time.

Keep notes specific

Record the timestamp, one observation and one question for the coach. Use the correct format’s roles, restarts and restrictions. Official rules and field diagrams help resolve those details.

Bring it back to practice

Ask which observation matters for the team’s current instruction. The positions guide and transition practice overview offer starting context. A manageable viewing habit can support learning without turning every game recording into another compulsory assignment.