Playing Up: So you want to get better eh?

Forged in the Fire of Competition

There’s a special kind of athlete who seeks challenge, not comfort. In youth lacrosse, that mindset shows up in the players chosen to play up, those who step into divisions with older, stronger, and more experienced athletes, knowing they might struggle before they shine. Playing up isn’t just about talent. It’s a test of composure, maturity, and the ability to stay confident when the game moves faster than ever before.

The Crucible of Growth

Playing up doesn’t simply sharpen skills, it forges mental steel. Younger players learn to handle setbacks, accept coaching at a higher standard, and find small wins inside tough moments. That environment becomes a crucible: mistakes are more visible, competition is relentless, and expectations rise overnight.

Those who withstand the heat develop what coaches often call emotional stability under pressure. A mix of humility, patience, and inner drive. They stop fearing mistakes and start chasing improvement. They learn to separate feedback from judgment. They learn that composure isn’t natural, it’s earned through hard reps in uncomfortable settings.

Three Levels of Lax, Three Fires

The pace and intensity of playing up change dramatically depending on the level of play. Each serves as its own accelerant for growth if the player can handle the pressure.

• A-Level (Club Teams): A safe first step into greater competition. Here, playing up builds confidence and curiosity. Younger players start realizing how much faster decisions need to come and how disciplined off-ball movement must be. Mistakes are frequent but often framed as learning moments.

• AA-Level (Elite Clubs): The competition tightens and self-doubt can creep in. Here, players experience emotional grind, every rep is scrutinized, every possession valuable. Those who adapt grow not just technically, but mentally. They learn self-control, preparation habits, and how to focus regardless of outcome.

• AAA-Level (National Programs): This is the furnace. Every player was the best on their home team. Playing up here strips away ego and exposes gaps that were never tested before. Younger athletes learn how to think fast, move decisively, and recover from mistakes instantly. Those who survive the fire don’t just get better, they transform.

Each level turns up the heat, and with it, the demand for mental stamina. Growth accelerates only if the player leans into the discomfort instead of retreating from it.

Mental Maturity: The Real Edge

Physical ability opens the door; mental maturity keeps it open. Playing up forces athletes to take ownership of their development. Coaches can guide, parents can support, but only the player can decide to show up with focus, even after tough games, long trips, and even jet lag.

That maturity, learning to embrace challenge, manage frustration, and stay hungry builds not just better athletes, but better leaders. It’s no coincidence that the players who grow most from playing up are often the ones who later lead teams, set standards, and mentor others.

The Lesson Inside the Fire

Growth at any level, be it A, AA, or AAA comes down to the same principle: pressure reveals potential. Playing up is a choice to face that pressure head-on, to walk into the fire and let it harden confidence, skill, and character.

Because when the ball hits the field at X and the whistle blows, it doesn’t matter how old you are, it matters how much fire you can handle, and how ready you are to keep leveling up.

- Coach Mike