Lacrosse Jazz

Lacrosse and jazz band music may seem worlds apart—one a dynamic team sport, the other a creative musical art form—but when you look closely, they share surprising parallels with the leadership and teamwork themes Max De Pree highlights in his book, Leadership Jazz.

Shared Themes Between Lacrosse and Jazz

• Improvisation and Adaptability
  In lacrosse, players must read the game, react to opponents’ moves, and improvise plays in real time. Similarly, jazz musicians improvise solos, responding to each other and the moment. Both require quick thinking, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes.

• Teamwork and Trust
  Lacrosse teams rely on trust, communication, and knowing each other’s strengths. In jazz bands, musicians listen intently, support each other’s solos, and blend their sounds. Both environments thrive when individuals are empowered and respected within the group.

• Celebrating Individuality and Collaboration
  In lacrosse, players bring unique skills and styles that, when combined, create a stronger team. Jazz musicians each have their own voice but come together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. Leaders in both settings recognize and encourage these individual contributions.

• Rhythm and Flow
  Lacrosse has its own rhythm—passes, dodges, and shots that create a flowing game. Jazz is defined by its syncopated rhythms and the ebb and flow of musical dialogue. Both require a deep sense of timing and the ability to move as one unit.

• Leadership as Art
  Like a jazz band leader, a lacrosse captain must inspire, lead by example, and sometimes step back to let others shine. Leadership is about setting the tone, supporting creativity, and making sure everyone feels valued.

Other Parallels

• Cultural Expression
  Both lacrosse and jazz have deep cultural roots and have evolved as forms of expression for their communities.

• Growth Through Challenge
  Both activities challenge participants to grow—musicians and athletes alike develop through practice, feedback, and overcoming obstacles.

Conclusion

Lacrosse, like jazz, is a living art form where individual talent and group harmony create something extraordinary. The leadership lessons from Leadership Jazz—trust, adaptability, and celebrating each member’s unique voice—apply just as powerfully on the lacrosse field as they do in the jazz band. Both require leaders who can orchestrate the group’s energy, foster creativity, and keep everyone in sync, making the experience rewarding for all involved.

• Coach Mike