Wilmington Youth Lacrosse Association
U9 Level Registration Information

U9 Game/Practice Update

2008 Practice and Scrimmage schedule will be posted by March 29, 2008.

U9 Developmental Program

Designed for K, 1st, & 2nd grade children with the goal of teaching the fundamentals of the sport while striving to maximize player enthusiasm and a love for the sport. The U9 program will be "low-key", emphasizing fun.

The U9's will practice 1 or 2 times per week for 1 to 1½ hours. Practices will be structured primarily in a "station format" with all kids receiving equal instruction. Any games will be "small ball". The benefit of this format is that it will maximize the number of "touches" that each player has with the ball, thereby improving skill development.

Even though the MBYLL does not recognize a U9 program at this time in our area, many of the surrounding communities all start with a U9 level. Therefore, we may be able to either travel to surrounding towns, or invite towns to Wilmington for informal games.

What is "small ball"?

Small ball means that the kids will play on a smaller field (approximately 60 x 35yds) than the regulation fields of 110 x 60yds. This sized field is more appropriate for the younger player's lungs and the size of the legs. Regardless of the age of the player, small ball is the best way for kids to improve their lacrosse skills. We want to promote catching and throwing and movement; not wind sprints without the ball! On a smaller field, players are closer together, which promotes shorter passes, which in turn promotes easier catches, and thereby facilitates more quality play and enjoyment. With smaller rosters, kids will get many opportunities to be on the field and thereby get the quality game touches that help develop their skills, but more importantly their self-esteem. Small ball will produce big results.

Required Equipment

See our equipment page. CLICK HERE

Northwest U9 Rules

1. These will be updated soon.
   

U9 FAQS

1. It makes sense to shorten the field and make the goals closer together. What do you think we should do about a crease?

   Don't bother with a crease - just tell the kids to stay away from the goal when they are on offense.  Good Idea.  We did use 1/4'' PVC pipe on our turf, worked OK.  56' or PVC in a circle is the diameter of a crease.
   

2. I like your approach in games with the coached taking an active role.   I got the impression that for those comments that we might not have officials for U9. Was that your intent or did I just get the wrong impression. 

   No Officials, coaches control the game.

3. Your comment on the face-off: GLE line? 

   The Modified Field's GLE, restraining line.
   
   Do you mean they should be behind the restraining line?   Yes

4. With "no contact" I assume you mean both no Body contact and no Stick contact? Is this correct? If so, then we need to teach only body positioning on defense. If there is any body or stick checking, I assume we blow the whistle and give it to the team that was contacted? If this is the case, should we not have any fouls and penalties? 

   You will find that there is limited contact, really nothing violent. The biggest problem is when the kids get hit with the ball in the legs or unpadded area.  We allow the kids to check the stick when they could by breaking their wrist.  You will see when a kid is going to tomahawk-chop someone.  We awarded the team the ball and/or a fast break.