State of the State Part 4: The Future

I’ve already covered the perception (probably correct) that level of play in the state is down at the high school level, why that might be the case, and even touched on some rules that are exacerbating the issue. The final part of the State of the State series will touch on possible fixes going forward, and what the future of the game will look like.

Growth

The growth of the game may be part of the reason we’re seeing a dip in play (as inexperienced players are more common) in the short term, but going forward, it’s a good thing. The players that are inexperienced now will bring the game to their younger siblings, community members, etc., helping them discover the game at a younger age, and eventually become skilled players at the high school level.

It can be a painful process to see a dip in the level of play, but it’s worth it for the long-term payoff. Without the growing pains, the level won’t reach even higher levels in the future.

Coaching

Another thing that’s positive about an increase in available players, even if they aren’t great players? More available coaches in the future. Outside of hotbed areas, that’s been one aspect holding the game back. Coaches who have played the game, or at the very east are devoted to improving their players and elevating the game, will help the young players reach new heights.

Youth teams with a parent coaching (only because there’s nobody else available, not because of any devotion to the game) help expose youngsters to lacrosse, but not to the fundamentals and tactics that will help develop them into better players down the road. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better to have somebody coaching youth teams, but those who are familiar with the game and what it takes to succeed make for better young players in the long run.

On that note, any parent who happens into a coaching gig owes it to himself and to his kids and kids’ team to do everything possible to learn the game and the right way to teach it. There are plenty of instructional books available, so read up.

The College Game

I touched on this in a previous installment of the series, but the growth of the college game in the State of Michigan should be a huge boost to the level of high school play. As young players realize that there may be opportunities to continue after high school, they’re more likely to work as hard as possible to improve their game and earn one of those opportunities.

The camps, coaching clinics, and even the players themselves (as potential youth coaches) that go along with college programs in the state will be of benefit as well. It’s part of the painful process, but growth in itself begets more growth.

The growth in programs at the Division-1, Division-3, and even MCLA levels – not only in Michigan, but across the midwest – will help grow the game at the high school level, ultimately increasing level of play.

Those Pesky Rules

So, will the MHSAA rules continue to impede growth of the game? Hopefully, some of those that do more harm (destroying opportunities) than good (uh… leveling a playing field, I guess?) will be re-thought by the state’s high school governing body.