Lacrosse Camp: Fun with Fundamentals

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Nine-year-old Connor Rice is constantly on the move.

The Manasota Monsters U11 midfielder barely stops moving his feet long enough to fire off a shot to a teammate before racing back across the field.

It’s been called the fastest game on two feet; and for the past four years, Connor has been learning how to use his speed to his advantage, so that he can become the best lacrosse player he can be.

“I like that it’s a sport where you don’t stop moving your feet, and you can just have fun with it,” Connor said.
Fellow Manasota Monster M.J. McMahon agreed.

“I absolutely love it,” M.J. said. “It instantly became my favorite sport. I love how fast it is. You never stop running, and you’re always having fun.”

Looking to see what it takes to be a top-notch lacrosse player, Connor and M.J. spent four days last week participating in the LB3 Lacrosse Camp June 18 to June 21, at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.

Seventy local boys in grades kindergarten through 12th participated in the camp, which was hosted by major-league lacrosse players Liam Banks, founder and president of the LB3 Lacrosse Club, and John Galloway, who is an assistant coach at Duke University.

“I heard it was a great camp, and I wanted to see Liam Banks,” Connor said. “I know he’s a really great lacrosse player, and I wanted to learn from him.”

“I went to his other clinics and he taught me a lot in one hour, so I thought I would be able to learn so much and it would help me become such a better lacrosse player,” M.J. said.

During the LB3 Lacrosse Camp, players learned the basic skills and fundamentals of lacrosse through individual, small group and team drills.

Instructors also stressed the importance of character, sportsmanship and respect for the game.

“We really focus on the fundamentals — nothing too complex,” Galloway said. “We’ve been really surprised by the talent level. Florida, Texas, and California are really growing (in terms of) lacrosse.

“Our camp is new to the area,” Galloway said. “We try to go into non-hotbed areas and hopefully grow the sport. It’s all about building great character and showing them things they can work on throughout the year to get better.”

Coaches for the Lakewood Ranch Lightning and the Manasota Monsters decided to bring the LB3 Lacrosse Camp to the East County after Banks previously held two, free one-and-a-half-hour clinics for the players.

“I hope they absorb and take in what these kids are teaching them,” Lakewood Ranch Lightning President Jason Morales said. “It’s great for them to hear it from actual lacrosse players. The kids have just been in awe.”