One Week Until Lacrosse Season: Knocking the Rust Off

Here we are, one week away from the official start of lacrosse conditioning. The gear is still buried in the corner of the garage, there’s probably a moldy mouthguard lurking in someone’s bag, and your kid’s cardio? Let’s just say it’s been on sabbatical since last season. Conditioning is about to kick off, and it’s time to knock off the rust—figuratively, literally, and hilariously.

The Annual Reality Check: “Oh, You Meant Now?”

Ah, conditioning. The one word that strikes fear into the hearts of players and parents alike. For months, my kid has been insisting, “I’ve got this, Mom. I’m totally ready.” And yet, here we are. Sticks untouched. Running shoes MIA. And a diet that seems to consist solely of Takis and Gatorade.

Next week, reality will hit like a rogue lacrosse ball. Wind sprints, burpees, and drills will remind every player just how not ready they are. Cue the dramatic groans of sore muscles and the inevitable, “Why did I even sign up for this again?”

Gym Time: Where Dreams and Excuses Collide

The gym will be their new battlefield. It’s the place where players relearn the fine art of cardio and where muscle memory (or lack thereof) makes its grand reappearance. The first session is always a spectacle.

Coaches will demand intensity. Players will counter with half-hearted efforts and questionable squats that scream, “I haven’t stretched since summer.” There will be one kid who crushes it like they’ve been training all offseason (we don’t like that kid), and another who looks like they might actually die during planks (we are that kid).

By the end of day one, everyone will be waddling out like a herd of sore-legged penguins.

Parental Perks: Spectator Comedy

As parents, we don’t have to endure the burpees or box jumps, but we get the best seats in the house for the drama. Watching your kid’s face as they realize conditioning isn’t just “playing around with a lacrosse stick” is worth every penny of the registration fee.

You’ll hear phrases like:

• “This is torture!”
• “Do we really need to do another lap?”
• “I can’t feel my legs. Is that normal?”

And my personal favorite: “Mom, you don’t get it. This is HARD.”

Oh, honey. Watching you try to remember how to dodge a cone without tripping is hilarious.

The Rust is Real: Getting Back in Shape

Conditioning isn’t just about fitness; it’s about waking up muscles that forgot they existed. By week’s end, the phrase “no pain, no gain” will feel like a personal attack. And that’s just for the parents—because let’s face it, we’re not exactly in peak yelling shape after the offseason either.

The drills start slow: ladder runs, wall ball, and agility exercises. But soon enough, the coaches crank up the heat. There’s something poetic about watching a group of teens collapse dramatically after a single sprint while simultaneously arguing over who’s “carrying the team.”

Pro tip: Stock up on Epsom salts and Advil now. The whining about sore quads and “lacrosse elbow” is coming, and you’ll need to be ready.

The Comeback: Progress in Action

By midweek, the rust starts to shake off. The kids stop tripping over their own feet (mostly). Their passes become slightly less wild, and the running stops, looking like an awkward shuffle. There’s progress, and it’s glorious.

Even their attitudes start to shift. Gone are the dramatic complaints, replaced with a quiet determination. They may still whine about wind sprints, but deep down, they’re starting to remember why they love this game.

For parents, it’s a joy to watch—partly because we’re secretly thrilled it’s them doing the work and not us.

Conditioning Confessions: The Hidden Truths

Let’s be real: conditioning isn’t just for the players. It’s our warm-up too. We’ve been out of practice ourselves, and next week is the start of a long haul:

• Sideline yelling: We need to rebuild our vocal stamina for phrases like “Wheels!” and “Get it to X!”
• Carpool logistics: Remembering who needs a ride and when is practically an Olympic sport.
• Snack game: This week is your chance to refine your Costco snack strategy. Pro tip: granola bars are key, but don’t forget the fruit snacks.

This is our preseason, too. And let’s face it, we could all use a little rust-shaking.

The Heart of It All: Why Conditioning Matters

As much as I joke about the chaos and the complaints, conditioning week sets the tone for the season. It’s where kids relearn the discipline, resilience, and grit that lacrosse demands. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about teamwork, mental toughness, and the sheer will to push through.

So, when my kid stumbles through the door next week, sweaty and sore and begging for extra carbs, I’ll roll my eyes and smile. Because underneath the grumbling, I’ll see the spark. They’re finding their footing again, shaking off the rust, and gearing up for something great.

One Week to Go: Bring It On

Next week, the madness begins. Conditioning isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation for everything that follows. It’s the start of another season of chaos, car rides, and sideline camaraderie.

And honestly? I can’t wait. Because even as I joke about the rust and the whining, there’s no better feeling than watching your kid dig deep, rise to the challenge, and fall back in love with the game.

Let’s go, lacrosse families—time to knock the rust off. 🥍