Boys' Divisions
K & 1st Grade
Walking Helmets
Our smallest age group consists of players in kindergarten through 1st grade. Players are introduced to early fundamentals of catching, throwing, ground balls, cradling, shooting, defensive positioning, and offensive dodges. The majority of practices include repetitive, competitive drills that lead up to “small-sided” games that occur throughout the season. No formal or drafted teams are formed at this age.
The Walking Helmet division is approximately 40 players during any given season.
2nd & 3rd Grade
Bantam
This division consists of players in the 2nd and 3rd grades. These players continue on with early fundamentals (see above) at a more accelerated level. Game IQ is introduced, and we rotate players to all positions (goalie, defense, midfield, and attack). Defensively, boys are taught to stick check and play body position, but body contact is not allowed at this age. While Bantam practices primarily reinforce skills, gameplay is also elevated with team formation on a modified field (60 yards long by 35 yards wide per USA Lacrosse standards). Teams consist of seven players (including the goalie) on the field at one time.
The Bantam division typically consists of six teams with approximately 12 players per team.
4th & 5th Grade
Lightning
Our largest group in members, this division consists of players in the 4th and 5th grades. These players are reinforced with fundamentals and Game IQ, along with more advanced skill sets. Additional strategy and nuances of team play are introduced. Here, full-body contact is introduced. Teams are drafted, with games played on a full-length lacrosse field. The format is 10 vs 10 lacrosse with substitutes.
The Lightning division typically consists of six teams with approximately 20 players per team.
6th & 7th Grade
Junior
This division consists of players in the 6th and 7th grades. Its focus continues with the Lightning format (see above) but at a more accelerated level, while introducing more advanced Game IQ and nuanced play. Like Lightning, the format continues as 10 vs 10 lacrosse with substitutes.
The Junior division typically consists of four teams with approximately 20 players per team.
8th Grade
Senior
Our Senior division is comprised of 8th graders only, both experienced and new to the sport. Every team practices for an hour to work on skills, drills, and related LAX IQ each week before games are played, which are roughly one hour.
Senior teams are composed of approximately 20 players per team. The Senior division is only open in the fall season due to the many Atlanta-area middle schools that offer lacrosse teams during spring (and the commitment of time required).
Fall Sixes Format
Get ready for an exhilarating fall season as our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders venture into the fast-paced world of sixes lacrosse. This modified version of the game takes the already thrilling and intense nature of traditional lacrosse and amplifies it to new heights. With a condensed field and fewer players per team, you'll always be fully immersed in the action. Sixes lacrosse is the perfect platform to develop your skills, enhance your lacrosse IQ, and refine your reflexes and decision-making abilities. Prepare to unleash your creativity, elevate your game, and immerse yourself in the high-energy and action-packed realm of sixes lacrosse. Let the games begin!
Spring
| Grade | Division | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| K & 1st Grade | Walking Helmets | $265.00 |
| 2nd & 3rd Grade | Bantam | $385.00 |
| 4th & 5th Grade | Lightning | $385.00 |
| 6th & 7th Grade | Junior | $385.00 |
Fall
| Grade | Division | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| K & 1st Grade | Walking Helmets | $265.00 |
| 2nd & 3rd Grade | Bantam | $385.00 |
| Lightning | 4th & 5th Grade | $385.00 |
| 6th & 7th Grade | Junior | $385.00 |
| 8th Grade | Senior | $385.00 |
Required Equipment
Players absolutely must have: a helmet, a stick, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, cleats, tethered (attachable) mouth guard, jock/cup and LOTS OF WATER at each practice.
The single most important piece of equipment you will buy is your player’s stick because the pocket (the stringing within its head) is integral to all the fundamentals for success. This includes catching, throwing, cradling and ground balls. How the ball is held and released by the pocket ensures consistency, and it’s this consistency that helps players get better faster.
Recommended Stick Purchase
5-9 year olds:
The Warrior Warp Junior. This is a manufactured stick (shaft with head) with an excellent pre-measured beginner pocket of specially made mesh.
Another recommended option for this age range: The StringKing Junior.
Please Note: Every manufacturer (Brine, STX, ECD, etc.) makes entry level sticks. But their pre-made pockets tend to be unusable (no flexibility or depth of pocket, for example).
All stick shafts come in the same size. At the start of each season, your coach will customize the length of your player’s stick (that is, cut it down with a hacksaw at the field) to ensure the proper length for your player’s size.
10 year olds+:
It is highly recommended to have your player’s head custom strung (the “Surge” way: mid to low pocket with little to no whip) at Play It Again Sports Buckhead. Other good custom head options can be found online (Universal Lacrosse, Lacrosse Unlimited, Lacrosse Monkey, SportsStop.com).
Our recommendations for Gear purchase:
Play It Again Sports Buckhead offers new and used gear, with the ability to save overall. Just mention the Surge and you’ll receive 10% off your order. The aforementioned online sources (for heads) are also smart for gear. Dicks Sporting Goods now also carries a wide array of gear (particularly Warrior products)…but is not recommended for custom head stringing.
Recommended Gear Purchase
Play It Again Sports Buckhead offers new and used gear, with the ability to save overall. Just mention the Surge and you’ll receive 10% off your order. The aforementioned online sources (for heads) are also smart for gear. Dicks Sporting Goods now also carries a wide array of gear (particularly Warrior products)…but is not recommended for custom head stringing.
Rental Equipment
As a courtesy to newer players, you may rent gear. For $85 (and a $350 deposit check (not cashed unless gear is not returned)) you will receive a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads and gloves. You will need to provide your own tethered (attachable) mouth guard, cleats with ankle support, jock and stick – which are also required.
You will need to return the gear, cleaned in the ways we outline, at the end of season. Emails from TeamSnap provide reminders at that time.
To Rent: Select the Rental Equipment option on the Programs tab as you register. Should you not see this option, it means we’ve reached our max on rentals for your division. However, look for TeamSnap emails regarding Rental Day to alert you on when you can show up to see if we might have gear left once all rentals have been picked up. We usually do!