Welcome to Elevate Academy, a groundbreaking program launching this winter in partnership with Life Time Athletic. Tailored for lacrosse players in grades 9-12, the academy is designed to help each athlete prepare for the upcoming spring lacrosse season, connect with a fantastic cohort of coaches and teammates, and build positive training habits they can carry across other sports and aspects of their lives. Each session includes a one-hour comprehensive weight room and speed work segment focused on strength, conditioning, mobility, speed, acceleration, deceleration, nutrition, and recovery, followed by 30 minutes of intensive wall-ball training and competition in the facility’s racquetball courts.

Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays - January 8 - February 29, 2024.  
Month 1: Jan. 8 - Feb. 1, 2024
Month 2: Feb. 5 - Feb. 29, 2024 
*Players are encouraged to participate in the full 8-week program but may opt-in/out of either month. 

Times: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.  

Location: Lifetime Fitness, St. Louis Park. Click here for directions. 

Format: One-hour weight-room / speed work session followed by 30 minutes of wall-ball training/competition hosted in the facility's racquetball courts. 

Eligibility: Open to lacrosse players in grades 8-12. 
*Training sessions are open to players of all skill levels, abilities, and genders. "Boys" and "Girls" refer to the style of lacrosse each athlete may play. 

Capacity: 30 athletes. 

Participation Fee: $185 per month. Includes a Lifetime Fitness membership valued at $169 per month. $70 per month for athletes who already have a Lifetime membership.

Need-based scholarships are available by request. Click here for more information. 
Registrations are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. See our refund policy if you need to cancel your registration. 

Enhanced Athletic Performance: Strength training builds muscle, improves overall athleticism, and increases the power behind shots and passes. This can significantly enhance a player's performance on the field.

Injury Prevention: Regular strength and conditioning exercises help develop stronger muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injuries commonly associated with the physical demands of lacrosse.

Improved Speed and Agility: Speed training enhances a player’s ability to accelerate, decelerate, and change directions quickly, which is essential in lacrosse for dodging opponents, chasing down loose balls, and transitioning between offense and defense.

Increased Endurance: Strength and speed training contribute to greater endurance, allowing players to maintain high-performance levels throughout the game without losing steam.

Better Coordination and Balance: These training programs often include exercises that improve coordination and balance, vital for maneuvering in tight spaces and maintaining control of the ball while under pressure.

Stick Handling Proficiency: Regular wall ball practice significantly improves stick handling skills. This repetitive exercise helps players become more comfortable and proficient with their stick, which is essential for catching, passing, cradling, and shooting.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Wall ball exercises enhance hand-eye coordination. The fast-paced nature of the drill, where players must continuously catch and throw the ball against the wall, trains the eyes and hands to work together more effectively, a crucial skill in lacrosse.

Quick Reaction Times: The speed at which the ball rebounds off the wall forces players to react quickly. This heightened reaction time is vital during lacrosse games, where rapid responses can make the difference in game-changing plays.

Ambidexterity: Wall ball routines encourage players to use both their dominant and non-dominant hands, promoting ambidexterity. Being able to skillfully use both hands is a significant advantage in lacrosse, making players more versatile and unpredictable.

Consistency and Rhythm in Play: Consistent wall ball training develops a rhythm and fluidity in a player’s game. This consistent practice helps in building muscle memory for various types of throws and catches, leading to more reliable and controlled performance during matches.

Boosted Confidence: Mastery of skills through dedicated training builds self-confidence. Players who are physically fit and skilled with their sticks tend to be more confident on the field.

Versatility on the Field: Players who are well-rounded in terms of strength, speed, and skills can adapt to various positions and situations on the field, making them more valuable to their teams.

Foundation for Advanced Techniques: As players develop, strength and conditioning provide the physical foundation needed to learn and execute more advanced lacrosse techniques and strategies.

Long-term Athletic Development: These training elements instill lifelong fitness habits, contributing to the overall health and athletic development of young players, extending beyond their lacrosse careers.