While competition is one ingredient in the overall process of athlete development, it should NOT be the predominant form used to train and develop youth athletes. In fact, its disproportionate use in most elite programs - displacing invaluable practice time - has proven to be a major factor limiting youth athlete engagement, participation and development.

Instead, research has shown that the use of small-sided games in most sports have a much bigger impact in overall enjoyment and development than traditional approaches that attempt to prematurely place 6-14 year old kids on large full-field surfaces. Beyond its training advantages, small-sided games are the preferable, logical and optimal choice when considering surface availability, type of event, frequency of event, event duration, and the number of athletes on each team competing at an event.

Small-sided games hold a distinct developmental, technical and even financial advantage compared to the structure of elite events. A basic, side-by-side comparison of key factors with estimates of costs and participation rates offers a glimpse into the disparities in efficiency and training effectiveness. Wins/losses are not reflected in the comparison since these outcomes have literally no relevance in athlete development or college recruitment.

The following table assumes elite teams typically travel to summer season events while small-sided teams are typically playing locally (<50 mile radius). The conclusions drawn from this illustration can be extrapolated to other sports. Consider the following:

FLYLax is a small-sided game concept that was initially developed as part of a pilot project to identify and determine the optimal training environment for competition-based activities. FLYLax is the recombinant version of field and box lacrosse designed to specifically improve the athleticism, skill and IQ of its participants regardless of age level (youth, adolescent, high school, college, adult), gender (Boy’s, Girl’s) and/or competency (beginner, intermediate advanced, professional).

Using a standard lacrosse field, the game is played within the fields boundaries in a variety of configurations based on age, stage, and skill development preferences and priorities.

FLYLax is primarily a passing game, so movement on- and off-ball is emphasized. Box-style principles are strongly encouraged. Specific skills such as passing/catching; rapid ball movement; two-man games; communication; and faking are considered requisite. Emphasis on dodging and single-player ball dominance is reduced by rule. 

The up-tempo style of play builds lacrosse game physical conditioning, speed, mobility, agility and strength. Competition is a featured aspect of FLYLax, but emphasis is on proper performance rather than win-at-all-costs philosophies. There are no championship brackets in publicly-held events. 

The fast-paced, short-duration game time does not require referees to officiate as players apply the rules, self-regulate, and productively resolve disputes, using fairness, character, honesty and integrity to settle all matters.

FLYLax is a non-contact activity designed to promote the principles of the sport in a safe and fun manner. The safety of all players is our priority. Rough, dangerous or out-of-control play not only disrupts the flow of play and interferes with learning, but also places players at significant risk for injury. 

All players are responsible for their behavior and equipment and will attest to their accountability to meet all required and allowable rules, guidelines, standards, and principles.

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner before, during, and immediately following each contest. Calm, patient and productive dialogue is expected at all times between players, parents and tournament officials.

We believe that the participation ethos should be built on a foundation of values, and that these values can be used to support the athlete as reflective learner and promote quality teaching, training and instruction. These are some of the values we promote and embrace: