Can't grasp the "mental" concept...

[TBAN1418]

So I pretty much live this game, Im out there playing wallball for generally an hour or more a day, I lift, I run, and it's all for lax. But when I look back at my numbers, there terrible. I've played 2 seasons of indoor, 1 season of outdoor, and im in a season of Box right now. Out of all that stuff, i've scored 1 goal, maybe taken 5 shots, maybe got a few assists in there, for that first season of indoor all I played was D and I sat on the bench a lot so I didn't get a lot of time in, but the second season of indoor i played attack, and my one goal was pretty much luck. in outdoor i played middie and hardly did anything.

But what I can't figure out is it's like, im not bad at this game, really, my stick handling is better then all of my friends, im stronger then most of my friends, I got a fast shot, and I can pass and catch pretty good. But what I started to do is, after a game of Box, I write down in a notebook what I did that game and what I did wrong. In this last game I had the ball twice, (the teams were stacked pretty bad against us, but still, twice!?!). I feel like when I get the ball it's all a blur, the first time I got the ball, I ran sorta of towards the crease and then I just flipped it to some kid who was open. The other time I don't even remember what happened. I talked to our goalie too, he says I don't cut enough. So yeah it's really starting to piss me off the fact that I spend so much time training for no improvement :crazy: any advice?

[CnSLax3]

Maybe when you get the ball you should just back up to the restraining line or just away from the crease so the D doesn't play so tight on you and think about what your about to do, unless you play on the crease attack then you really don't have much time to think. Just slow it down alittle.

[stegmakk]

See if someone can tape the games...watch yourself on tape...it really does open your eyes to what you are doing right/wrong in comparison to what is going on in the rest of the game...

[busdriver44]

try asking people who watch your game, like a good friend on the team or somin what you do wrong. I know a lot of people who think they're doing something right but aren't, and when they see video of themselves theya re like wow, what was i doing. Try to cut and pop out of the box when working it around, because most good defensemen won't guard you out there. Keep practicing, so when your time goes, you'll be ready. I've seen what happens to you happen to a lot of people, but i really don't know anything else to say to help you.

[centlax21]

ok well it seems like you just need to calm down. Just calm down. Watch everything develop, just move around get comfortable. You seem like your stressing out too much. I used to do that kinda where i got nervous when i got the ball, really its no big deal just go with it. im mostly a dodge and shoot kind of person so i like to iso, thats what i have worked on. Just keep moving and try to get your teamates to move also that opens space up. And remember if you dont shoot you cant score, just look at the net and fire. If the goalie saves it well good for him. you just need your hands free to shoot. fire away dont be discouraged, it just takes time.

[cool beans]

shoot more. but don't be a ball hog. make cuts and stuff

[TRELAX]

welcome to a concept called game sense. the only way to get it is through experience. keep playing, it comes VERY and painfully slow.

[pantherLax]

Hey im the same with you. I practice the most on the team and everyone knows i have one of the better stick skills on the team and work the hardest on my own time. I was captain this year (it was everyones 2nd year, including me). I started every game and played well enough to start, but i wasnt happy with my performance because i messed up too much and was expecting to lead the team in scoring and play the best on the team. But i didnt, and a kid who doesnt practice lead the team. Made me mad but is a motivation for me

[Jmalins23]

thats how i was for a few years, i got nervous with the ball and didnt do much with it but finally it clicked, and i was suddenly dominating on JV last year i was really comfortable with the ball in my stick, i lead the team in points playing x, so stick with it and just play as much as you can and work as hard as you can and im sure you will see the benefits soond

[smooth87]

Maybe take a day or two off just to clear your head. Just relax and you'll be fine.

[atacklax]

Think what you're going to do before you get the ball, but still be ready to adapt to new situations. Analyze the defense and what's happening before you try anything. And just try small three man games with friends. They'll help you learn how to stay focused.

[Hunter]

Game sense will come with time but what I really think you need to do just have fun and play some lax. It seems like you're being a little too serious and arent having enough fun playing. I used to be the same way, I was super serious about my game and was obsessed with being the best on the team. Guessed what happened? My stats went way down and I was playing horrible. I was stressing myself out and wasnt having ANY fun. I started to notice that I was more iritable and was gererally stressed out all the time. I got to a point where I decided to do just play lacrosse and stop thinking so much. I was still practicing a lot and was still dedicated to the game but was more lighthearted about it. Once I started to chill out and have fun my stats increased dramatically, I had more shots on goal in one game then I had three games! I was having fun and scoring 3+ goals a game and was recognizing the holes in the defense and was reading the defense a lot better. So my advice to you is to relax and have some fun playing lacrosse.... its just a game afterall!

[Riot]

When you get the ball hold onto it for awhile. Meaning, don't pass right away. Look around for your best option.

[mmlaxplaya17]

Take more shots. I averaged 5 shots a game and was 4th on my team for goals 1st in assists and 1st runner up for MVP and I do everything you do except lift. The best advice I have for you is let the game come to you dont go to the game. When you get the the ball dont immedatly look to do something. Slow it down if you have to. and if you must walk. look at your options then exicute.