new players/parents

Here’s Where to Start

Tierrasanta Youth Lacrosse Club is a multifaceted youth and high school sports organization based out of Tierrasanta Community in San Diego, California. Throughout the year, TSYL provides a variety of programs and events for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels.

Given the fluidity of lacrosse, we believe that “on-field” success is derived from high energy and positivity. These two attributes are at the core of our coaching philosophy. 

Our priority in every program is to provide a positive and enriching player experience.  
We believe that this comes from participating in a well-structured and engaging learning environment. 

Every portion for our programs has a purpose aimed towards player development. With age appropriate curriculum, our staff looks to develop not only proper fundamentals and “lacrosse IQ”, but a passion for the sport. 

Tell us about you!

Thank you for taking an interest in the South Bay Lacrosse Club! If you are looking to learn more about our programs, please take a few minutes to fill out our “New Player Questionnaire” located to the right. This will help us gather important information to best fit your new player into our organization.


5 Steps To Get Started

1) US LACROSSE MEMBERSHIP

US Lacrosse is the national governing body of lacrosse. One of their primary purposes is to provide insurance for lacrosse programs throughout the country. Before participating in ANY TSYL program (whether it is a practice, training, games, etc.) you must first register to become a US Lacrosse member. It is mandatory for all players, coaches, and volunteers that their membership span the length of our program and/or season. If you do not provide your US Lacrosse Membership Number before the start of our program(s), you will not be allowed to participate. Visit US Lacrosse at http://www.usalacrosse.com, for registration and information, or click the “Join Today” button below.


2) LACROSSE STICK

How to Measure a Lacrosse Stick

When purchasing a lacrosse shaft, the manufacturer will measure the length of the shaft. These will be the same lengths as listed in the above image. However, most leagues and tournaments will set their rules on stick lengths based off of the length of the entire stick. This includes the length of the shaft and the head combined. The head is typically 10 inches long.

In lacrosse, there are generally three different stick sizes used to enhance the player’s ability to succeed. Without the head installed, men’s shafts are typically one of three lengths; 30″ for the attack and midfield positions, 60″ for defense, and 40″ for goalies.

Attack / Midfield Stick Length
The attack and midfield stick, or the shortie, is the classic lacrosse stick length. It is short enough to control with ease, but long enough to bring the power when shooting.

Adult: 30 inch long shaft
High school and college lacrosse players will need an attack lacrosse shaft that is 30 inches long and have a combined length of 40”- 42” inches long with the head. Attackman and midfielders use short sticks in order to make it easier to stick handle, pick up ground balls, and for better ball security.

Youth: 26-30 inch long shaft
Youth attackman and midfielders are allowed by rule to cut the shaft to a minimum length of 26 inches. Once they add the head to the shaft, the combined length will be within the youth regulation size of 36” to 42” long. It’s a judgment call when deciding shaft length for young lacrosse players.

However, when it’s time for the player to grow, it is possible that the player will become dependent on a small shaft and have trouble adjusting to a larger size. Even though it is allowed to cut down the shaft at the youth level, it is not recommended if the player is gifted with size at a young age. Think about what is best for the long-term development of the player and consult your coach before altering the size of the shaft.

Defense Stick Length
Defensive sticks or d-poles are the great equalizer on the lacrosse field. The longer length allows defenders to keep up with offensive players and take the ball away.

Adult: 42-60 inch long shaft
There is a variety of opinions about the length of which defensemen should have their defense shafts. As specified by rule, defensemen can have a stick length anywhere between 52” to 72” long. Typically the total combined length of the long pole should be the same height as the player. If the player is 5’10, then his lacrosse shaft should measure 60 inches with the addition of a 10 inch head that combines for a total of 70 inches.

Lacrosse sticks come in different shapes and sizes depending on the age and position of the player.
One of the best ways to figure out the right stick for you is to visit a store location for in-person advice. We have a well informed staff who can help you make the right decision on which stick is best for you. You can also shop lacrosse sticks and lacrosse shafts online on lacrossemonkey.com.


3) Necessary PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

LOCAL RETAILERS:

HELPFUL HINTS

Some super sales at some of the best places to find lacrosse equipment


Boys & Girls Lacrosse Personal Equipment List

Boys Check List:
1. Helmet (suggestions below) plus mouthpiece. 
a. For K – 4th grade: Cascade models “CS” or “CS-R”
b. For 5th grade – High School: Cascade model “CPV-R, CPX-R, S”
**Mens Goalies required to wear Chin Guards**
2. Shoulder pads
3. Elbow pads
4. Gloves
5. Protective Cup
**Goalies are required to wear a Protective Girdle**
6. Proper footwear: 
a. Field Lacrosse: Lacrosse Football or Cross Training Cleats 
b.Box Lacrosse: Basketball shoes
Girls Check List:
1. Women’s Lacrosse Goggles plus mouthpiece
2. Women’s Stick
3. Lacrosse Football or Cross Training Cleats
**Women’s Goalies wear the same Chin Guard, Chest and Girdle Protection as Men’s Goalies**

4) SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SESSION

We encourage our new players to book a private session with one of our coaches prior to participating in one of our programs. This will allow our coach to give your player his/her full attention and focus on the basics; cradling, passing, catching, and shooting. This will give your player a fundamental foundation to build upon at practice. Click our “Private Training” button under the “Training” tab for more information. 

5) Be A Volunteer!

Parent volunteers are an invaluable resource, especially for community youth sport organizations, and parent involvement benefits young athletes in many ways, from improved self-esteem to better performance. Every parent will be required to volunteer at least two games.
Positions include:

  • Assistant Coaching
  • Scorekeeping
  • Timekeeping
  • Spotter/Airhorn
  • Stat Book Keeper
  • Team Photographer / Social Media

A Quick Guide to Lacrosse Basics

The PDF to the right is a simple breakdown of the basics of lacrosse. Although it won’t make you an expert, it will certainly give you a head start on the sidelines of your first game. 

Mom’s Guide to Men’s Lacrosse (PDF)


Quick Background of Lacrosse

History of Lacrosse in 60 secs
How to Play Women’s Lacrosse (Playlist)
Basics of Field Lacrosse
Basics of Box Lacrosse


Find the right program for your young player!

Find a full list of our upcoming introductory programs!