Programs/Teams
Elite Level
Players that choose to compete at the Elite level display and embrace a set of characteristics that are consistent with the focus, emphasis, and requirements of Elite lacrosse including:
- making a priority commitment to lacrosse, usually over other competitive sports, or at least have balanced their priority commitment to lacrosse with another sport, if a multi-sport athlete;
- having a strong stated interest in playing collegiate-level lacrosse;
- having demonstrated a willingness to invest the time and effort necessary to achieve their stated competitive goals and objectives.
Each player selected to play for a Tampa Bay Fire Elite team receives the following benefits:
- Expert position-specific and team level coaching;
- Expert performance testing, tracking, and reporting;
- Expert sports psychology/mental conditioning training and support;
- Expert recruitment preparation support;
- Participation at 7-9 tournaments;
- Participation at 30-40 practices;
- Uniform which includes a reversible, shorts, and a shooter shirt;
- Annual subscription to Inside Lacrosse;
| Team | Grade | Fundamental Skills | Position Skills | Transition/Situations | Recruiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Rising 4th and Rising 5th | Basic principles associated with catching, throwing and shooting; | Introduction of positions, roles and attributes of each, and basic skills associated with each position | Basic termionology related to fundamental game components | N/A |
| White | Rising 5th, Rising 6th, and Rising 7th | Intensive coverage of basic catching, passing, and shooting skills. | Key moves and techniques associated with each position presented and drilled. | Exposure to basic transitional skills and elements including basic rides and clears. | Awareness of recruitment as a long-term objective and it's role in the academic decision process. |
| Red | Rising 7th, Rising 8th, and Rising 9th | Increased emphasis of basic skills with attention on game application. | Knowledge of position moves and techniques with a demonstrated ability to apply in game situations. | Basic knowledge of all components of transitional play. | Introduction to the relationship beteween competition, commitment to athletic accomplishment, and educational goals and aspirations. |
| Silver | Rising 8th, Rising Freshman, Rising Sophomores | Basic skills at upper limits of age group with focus on precision. Application in game situations consistently effective. | Use of positional moves and techniques in game situations support effective offensive and defensive schemes. | Ability to capitalize on situations and transitions using skills and knowledge. | Beginning to formulate recruitment plan, identification of educational goals, and initiation of communication with college coaches. |
| Gold | Rising Sophomores, Rising Juniors, and Rising Seniors | Mastery of basic skills. | Use of positional techniques for competitive advantage. | Controls flow of game through application of skills in all situations and transitions. | Active execution of recruitment plan, exploration of alternatives and options, and use of decision-making tools to finalize college objectives. |
Select Level
Players that choose to compete at the Select level display a commitment level that is consistent with the requirements of playing select lacrosse including:
- enjoying lacrosse but have other competing athletic and social interests;
- having a strong interest in playing high school lacrosse but not necessarily beyond at the next level (i.e. collegiate);
- having demonstrated a willingness to participate in pratice and games but also places strong boundaries on their lacrosse participation.
Each player selected to play for a Tampa Bay Fire Select team receives the following benefits:
- Expert position-specific and team level coaching;
- Participation at 2 tournaments;
- Local games;
- Participation at 20 practices;
- Uniform which includes a reversible and pair of shorts.
